Carter, who led the County to promotion from Division Two of the County Championship in 2000 and has more recently been New Zealand's assistant coach, replaces Dave Nosworthy who has left to take charge of the Lions in South Africa's domestic first-class competition.

Nosworthy led the side to the State Championship in 2007-08 having already helped them win the State Shield and Twenty20 competitions in 2005-06.

Lee Germon, the Canterbury Cricket chief executive, said Carter's international experience would be good for the developing team.

He said: "Bob will contribute enormously to the State Canterbury Wizards and Canterbury Cricket and is the ideal person to continue the great work Dave Nosworthy has done.

Carter is equally enthusiastic about his chance to work with the state side again.

"Christchurch is my family's home and I am passionate about seeing Canterbury at the forefront of cricket in New Zealand," he said.

"I have a strong desire and drive to coach at the international level and know that succeeding with Canterbury will help me to achieve this goal."