Highlanders assistant Tony Brown will take over from departing head coach Jamie Joseph next season for the reigning Super Rugby champions.
Brown, who has worked as assistant coach to Joseph since 2014, will be joined by fellow former All Blacks Scott McLeod and current Sunwolves head coach Mark Hammett as assistants.
A former coach of Otago and Japanese club the Panasonic Knights, Brown will return to Japan in 2018 to take up a role with the Japanese national team.
Joseph, who coached the Highlanders to a maiden Super Rugby title win in 2015, was earlier this year named head coach of Japan.
McLeod and Hammett have both signed through to 2019.
Brown said he was excited at the opportunity in front of him.
"I wasn't sure the timing was right for me, but having spoken to people inside and outside the organisation, I know now that this is too good an opportunity to pass up," he said.
McLeod has been assistant coach since 2013, and while his current contract ends this season, said he was happy to recommit to 2019.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from working with the current group of players and coaches, and with some fresh challenges for the club on the horizon, the best option was to recommit to the Highlanders."
Hammett coached the Hurricanes in 2013 and 2014 before taking up a similar role with Cardiff Blues the following season.
He became the first coach of the Japanese Super Rugby expansion club the Sunwolves this year.
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