Tukoroirangi Morgan expects competition when he campaigns to become chair of the Waikato-Tainui parliament - Te Kauhanganui.
The person who previously held that position, Tania Martin, has told Te Manu Korihi that she has walked away from the job - following calls by King Tuheitia for her to step down.
On Wednesday the King appointed Tukoroirangi Morgan as his representative on the tribal executive Te Arataura.
Nearly a year ago, Mr Morgan left his job as chair of Te Arataura after a long-running power struggle and a row over election results.
He briefly took a job with the Crown as a claims negotiator, but has now replaced business leader Greg Millar as the king's representative.
Mr Morgan says he'll seek election to become head of the parliament next February - and people will have their say.