George Riley, interim chief executive officer of Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi for almost a year, has been permanently appointed to the role.
He replaces Teresa Tepania-Ashton, who resigned in December last year after being chief executive since 2004.
Mr Riley's appointment follows an external recruitment process which attractedcandidates from throughout the country, with interest from Ngapuhi people based overseas. Three short-listed candidates were interviewed by a runanga board sub-committee.
Runanga chairman Raniera (Sonny) Tau said the board congratulated Mr Riley on his appointment.
"George's outstanding qualities are his tikanga, his strong understanding of the runanga, the challenges it faces and his vision for the future," Mr Tau said.
"During his almost one year as interim CEO, George has particularly impressed with his management and people skills, and his ability to deliver the board's key objectives."
Mr Riley, 51, is the fifth son of eight children of Akinihi Iriingaroa [nee Te Nana] and James Riley. His hapu are Ngati Kuta, Ngati Rahiri and Ngati Kawa and his iwi is Ngapuhi, with links to Ngati Wai and Te Rarawa.
He attended Russell Primary School, Hato Petera College, Epsom Secondary Teachers College and Massey University, graduating in 1989 with a bachelor of science degree majoring in mathematical physics.
He was an assistant in science, mathematics and physics at Hato Petera College in 1984, Kaipara College 1985-87 and Kaitaia College 1988-1999. His wife, Jan Riley, is assistant principal at Kaitaia College. Their daughter Jenna is teaching mathematics at Avondale College and their 16-year-old son Matt is a Year 11 student at Kaitaia College.
Mr Riley worked as a fisheries surveillance officer stationed at Kaitaia from 2000-05, when he joined the runanga as iwi relationship manager for Muriwhenua, later moving to hapu development, matauranga and natural resource manager and policy analysis.
