Ngati Kahungunu has moved fast to appoint a new chief executive to its commercial arm to temporarily replace Meka Whaitiri.
Ms Whaitiri won the Ikaroa-Rawhiti parliamentary seat in a by-election at the end of last month.
The interim job of CEO has gone to the tribe's fisheries and environment director, Adele Whyte.
Ngati Kahungunu chair Ngahiwi Tomoana says Dr Whyte brings brains, a passion for the environment and a willingness to fulfil the aspirations of tribal members.
He says she's the fourth woman to lead the organisation.
