He replaces Lesley Hooper, who retires on 29 September after nine years with Catholic Social Services.

Olivier comes from the Diocese of Palmerston North, where he is currently Principal of St Peters College, a position he has held for eighteen years.

He was previously principal of Upper Hutt College, and before that deputy rector of St Patrick' College, Silverstream.

Olivier is chairman of the Pathways Executive Group of the Talent Central Trust Pathways Group.

This group was set up to co-ordinate the transition of students into employment in the Manawatu.

In his letter, announcing the appointment, Cardinal John Dew said "Dave is well versed in Catholic social teaching and lives it in his life.'

Dew described Olivier as an exceptional leader and manager, active in the Church and in the wider community.

His also is well versed in tikanga Maori and te reo Maori.

Supplied Letter from Cardinal Dew.

Bishop Oscar Sarlinga of Zarate-Campana diocese announced his resignation on Sunday.

This came after an administrative takeover of his diocese, ordered by Francis in January 2014.

The "fraternal mission" was led by the Pontiff's successor in Buenos Aires, Cardinal Mario Poli.

According to a report on the Crux website, it is widely believed in Argentina that Bishop Sarlinga was named to the diocese just outside Buenos Aires in 2006 against the wishes of the future pope.

Reports from the time claim then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio requested a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI to express his objections to the appointment without his input.

Francis and Bishop Sarlinga have a history of clashes, often over financial matters.

In 2011, then-Cardinal Bergoglio criticised the bishop for spending more than US $1 million for an apartment to be used by an organisation he patronizes on the Avenida del Libertador, a high-end street in Buenos Aires.

Bishop Sarlinga now faces allegations that he has misappropriated funds and mistreated his clergy, among other issues.

Vatican confirmation of his decision to step down came two days after he made the announcement in Argentina.

The bishop said that he had requested from Pope Francis "a special time to pray."

He emphasised his "closeness and dialogue" with Francis.

Bishop Sarlinga will be replaced by Bishop Pedro María Laxague in Zarate-Campana.

Sources

• Crux Now
• Image: Alerta