Light replaces Jon Turnbull, who is leaving to take up a new role with the NSW Institute of Sport in Sydney next month.

"Jon has played an instrumental role over the past five years and was pivotal in supporting the success of the New Zealand team at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games including the gold medal winning performance of Adam Hall," read a PNZ statement.

Light has previous experience of Paralympic Games, having provided support to the gold medal winning New Zealand wheelchair rugby team at Athens 2004, and has extensive knowledge of the Parasport high performance programme thanks to his position at Snow Sports NZ.

"The task of producing high performing athletes in Parasport continues to become increasingly challenging with Paralympics New Zealand charged to deliver two gold medals at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games and the Chef de Mission will play a vital role in supporting the team to achieve this goal," PNZ chief executive Fiona Allan said.

"Ashleywill build on the great foundations already put in place by Jon and will create and lead a high performance team environment which is inspirational and provides the opportunity for all athletes to thrive and succeed."

New Zealand sent a field of two athletes to Vancouver 2010 - alpine skiers Peter Williams and Hall, who won the nation's sole medal of those Winter Paralympics.

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