FIFA probably have a quota and required someone from Oceania on the technical panel for the World Cup.
They were unlikely to appoint someone from the Solomons or Vanuatu.
Having said that, if it's the "Technical Study Group" being referred to, similar to this one at the last Confederations Cup, it's a small group.
But FIFA seem to go for geographical spread because that Confeds Cup TSG had members from Sudan, Hong Kong and El Salvador as well as France, Brazil and Spain:
http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/organisation/technical-study-group/index.html
Still, a really prestigious gig. With that on his CV, he could start calling himself "Dr Herbert" and spend the rest of his life talking at international coaching seminars etc. Would surely help him gain work around the globe anyway. Nowhere for him to go in NZ really (coaching ASB Premiership not likely to interest Ricki any more).