Henry, who quit his post with Wales in February, will take up an 18-month contract on 1 June.

His role will be to provide coaching support and assistance to age-group sides and run coaching clinics for coaches.

"I've had a great time in Wales - it's been an incredible experience," Henry told BBC Sport Online.

"There have been marvellous moments and a few not so great moments which have left a few scars.

"But now I think it's time to go home."

ARFU chief executive David White said Henry had been in discussions with his former union about the creation of the tailor-made role.

"To have confirmation he is back on board has delighted everyone.

"It will be tremendous to have a coach of Graham's expertise and experience available to act as a resource for coaches of all age groups."

In addition to his coaching role, Henry will identify talent for the Auckland Rugby Academy and offer technical support to the Auckland National Provincial Championship side.

"Graham has experience that covers all areas of coaching and he can relate to the challenges coaches constantly face at various stages of their career," White said.

Henry had been told by the New Zealand Rugby Union that he would have to wait at least 12 months before he could take a high-profile coaching role in his native country.

The former Auckland Blues and Auckland provincial coach left New Zealand in 1998 to take up the job with Wales.