Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai is the new leader of the Waikato-Tainui Parliament, Te Kauhanganui.
Ms Moana-Tuwhangai, who is of Ngaati Hikairo and Ngaati Apakura hapu, said she was humbled by the support received from Te Kauhanganui marae representatives, who endorsed her appointment.
Her first priority would be to ensure Te Kauhanganui met its key priorities and that the long-term blueprint for tribal developments, Whakatupuranga 2050, was realised, she said.
Ms Moana-Tuwhangai holds a number of governance positions, including being a member of the Maritime Authority and the Waikato Institute of Technology board, as well as being a director of New Zealand Rugby League's upper central zone board.
Former Te Kauhanganui chair Tania Martin was voted out of office last November.
