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Te Rūnanga o Ngāpuhi has tapped the head of its health arm to be interim chief executive for the wider body.
The promotion of Te Ropu Poa follows the resignation of Lynette Toki as new chair Mere Mangu puts her mark on the organisation.
She says it’s an honour to be called on to serve her people.
There are some pressing issues facing the iwi, particularly with the drought and water restrictions affecting the north which have led to a spike in the number of kuia and kaumatua and pepi being admitted to emergency care with gastrointestinal problems.
The rūnanga has facilitated getting water from Māori-owned Lake Omapere added to the Kaikohe water supply.
"I feel privileged and honoured that Māori can offer solutions or contribute to solutions for the community and not only Māori," she says.
Ms Poa says in her previous hauora role she saw health as not just about medical conditions but about issues like housing and whānau empowerment.
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