Ngati Porou has launched a fresh search for a new chief executive.
It first advertised the position last September, but the process came under fire from a grouping of six marae.
Te Aitanga a Hauiti said the tribe was considering hiring candidates who are not Maori and not from Ngati Porou.
In protest, people representing the marae pulled their support for the annual Pa Wars - a major sports event held in January in Tolaga Bay.
A new search for a candidate led by a different recruitment firm is now underway.
Ngati Porou chair Apirana Mahuika says candidates from the first round of recruitment didn't fit the bill.
He says the right person needs to have a good mix of both cultural and commercial skills.
The position of chief executive is vacant following the departure of Victor Walker, who was on a two-year secondment from Te Puni Kokiri.
Te Runanganui is currently run by interim CEO Allan Jensen, who is also the chief financial officer.
Ngati Porou Development Trust to be launched
Meanwhile, Mr Mahuika says the iwi is preparing to launch a new organisation to look after and deliver the basics to its people.
He says the Ngati Porou Development Trust will deal with health, housing, education, social services and justice.
An expansion of health services will be part of the trust, which he says will bring immense benefits to descendants from Gisborne to north of Hicks Bay.
Mr Mahuika says the Ngati Porou Development Trust, whose creation follows a restructuring of its tribal offices, will be launched in June.
