Destiny Church co-founder Hannah Tamaki has failed in her bid to become the national president of the Maori Women's Welfare League.
Kataraina O'Brien was elected to the role on Saturday.
Ms O'Brien is a member of the Matua League Branch in Tauranga, and has been with the league since 1967.
Some members were against Mrs Tamaki's nomination because Destiny Church puts religious beliefs first whereas the league is known to be non-sectarian.
She had taken legal action in July after her name was left off the ballot. The High Court subsequently ruled that her name should be re-added.
Mrs Tamaki told TVNZ she accepts the outcome.
New president Kataraina O'Brien spent about 30 years teaching at secondary schools including Hato Petera and Auckland Girls' Grammar.
Ms O'Brien says she wants to achieve working together for the betterment of Maori in all issues including health, education and social issues.
She says she plans to achieve those goals through an existing league programme where members deliver help to Maori families in need.
Ms O'Brien says her Matua branch was delighted at her election, though still very protective as it thought it was sending her "down to the lion's den".
