A spokesperson for the Kohanga movement is adamant the right candidate for its chief executive position will not be put off by recent history.
The national trust board is in talks with its supporters about governance, a matter pressed by the Crown.
The movement is currently advertising for a new chief executive to replace interim leader, Angus Hartley, who stepped in after the controversial departure of Titoki Black in 2013.
Spokesperson Derek Fox said anyone who was passionate about Te Reo and being part of a Maori movement would apply.
He said Kohanga Reo, like the 28th Maori Battalion, have been organisations that stand out, and define Maori to stand up and be counted.
Mr Fox said it was looking for someone who was fluent in Te Reo, a strategic thinker, and perhaps knows how the Kohanga works.
Applications for the role close today.