Arihia Bennett is the new chief executive of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
Ms Bennett is currently the kaiarahi or CEO of He Oranga Pounamu, the tribe's health and social services arms.
Before that she was the regional manager in Te Waipounamu for Barnardos; she has also held a string of other senior roles.
Ms Bennett is a descendant of the South Island tribe and Ngati Porou.
The kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) of Ngai Tahu, Mark Solomon, is welcoming her to the job, and is thanking interim chief executive Mike Sang for his work - particularly during the post-quake recovery period.
