Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
As Chief Executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Arihia Bennett leads a whanau of more than 78,000 iwi members, including their near-$2b worth of assets.
She's been in the role for 11 years, overseeing all of Ngai Tahu's operations, including farming, seafood, tourism and investment.
She has also served as Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commissioner, been on the board of Barnardos NZ and the Christchurch Women's Refuge (now known as Aviva).
She is a current member of the Global Women's Network and the Tuahiwi Māori Women's Welfare League.
In 2008, she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and the community.
Arihia Bennett is a social worker by profession, from a whanau steeped in community service.
She talks to Susie Ferguson about her leadership style, her vision for Ngāi Tahu and her love of vintage clothes.
