Waikato-Tainui has confirmed controversial former top cop Clint Rickards has been passed over for the role of chief executive of its board.
The job has instead gone to civil servant Parekawhiaa McLean who is currently on the board of Mighty River Power.
There had been high interest in the position and the board had deliberated long and hard, Waikato-Tainui Te Arataura chair Tukoroirangi Morgan said.
Fifty four candidates were considered.
"As could be imagined for an appointment of this magnitude and importance to the future of this tribe, Te Arataura went through an extremely rigorous selection process, requiring both shortlisted candidates to present to the board," Mr Morgan said.
Ms McLean has worked in the ministries of Maori Development, Women's Affairs and Environment, the State Services Commission and Te Puni Kokiri.
Mr Rickards is a serving member on Tainui's tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, and represents the Kawhia marae Mokai Kainga.
Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas yesterday described the shortlisting of Mr Rickards as hurtful.
In 2004, Ms Nicholas alleged Mr Rickards had unwanted group sex with her when she was a teenager, sparking a rape case which effectively ended his police career.
Mr Rickards, an assistant commissioner when the allegation became public, was acquitted.
Tainui has more than 50,000 registered members and assets worth around $500 million.
Former chief executive Hemi Rau was sacked for allegedly leaking information to the news media.
NZPA