The Foreign Affairs Minister has confirmed former MP Dame Annette King's appointment as High Commissioner to Australia.

Winston Peters says Dame Annette needs no introduction - given her 30 years' service as an MP.

He says she'll be tasked with keeping our Transtasman connections and bond strong.

Peters says her appointment is notable because she is a former politician on a diplomatic posting.

But he says she is an exception, noting all other appointments this year have been career diplomats.

Dame Annette will start her duties at the end of the year.