Ben Bateman has been appointed as the new ceo of Ngāi Tahu for a three-year term.

Bateman had been serving as interim CEO for the past seven months following the departure of former CEO Arihia Bennett.

Ngāi Tahu director Justin Tipa said Bateman, who hails from the West Coast and has deep connections with his Ngāi Tahu whakapapa, was well-suited to lead the organisation through the next stage of its evolution.

“Ben is an experienced executive and transformational leader with strong relationships across Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, and our Papatipu Rūnanga,” Tipa said.

“He has served in governance and executive leadership roles within both Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tahu Holdings for over a decade.”

Bateman’s career also includes roles outside of Ngāi Tahu, having worked as a lawyer and senior leader in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and with the New Zealand Defence Force.

“As we look ahead to the next chapter of our post-settlement journey, Ben’s leadership will help us build a better future for our mokopuna,” Tipa said.