Wellington, April 17 NZPA - Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro leaves the job at the end of this month.

Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett has appointed child care and protection expert John Angus for six months until a permanent appointment was made.

Ms Bennett said Dr Cindy Kiro had shown commitment to children and young people in her over more than five years in the position.

"Dr Kiro has been a strong advocate for the rights of children, and she has left a lasting impression. I congratulate her on her achievements," she said.

Dr Kiro was the first woman, first Maori and youngest Children's Commissioner to date when appointed in 2003.

During her term Dr Kiro was outspoken about child abuse, her anti-smacking stance, bullying and sometimes raised the ire of National MPs for her views.

Mr Angus was previously a front-line social worker and senior public servant.

He recently worked on the review of the Children Young Persons and their Families Act 1989, and led inter-departmental work on preventing child abuse and neglect for the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families.

"Mr Angus has high integrity and immense respect within the sector for the policy research and academic work he has done on child care and protection over many years," Ms Bennett said.

He takes on the role on May 2.

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