Mr Ellison (53), of Karitane, was reappointed as the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront) representative for Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki by the runanga's appointment committee, and continued as runanga chairman.
Katharina Ruckstuhl was appointed Tront alternate representative.
Mr Ellison has served as an alternate or Tront representative since 2001 and as runanga chairman for nearly 20 years.
"Some people may see this as a conflict of interest, wearing the two hats. I don't see it that way," he said.
While the role as runanga representative required him to attend monthly tribal council meetings to discuss the direction of Ngai Tahu, his role as chairman was a more community-minded role, he said.
Mr Ellison said he would like to see the runanga increase its membership from 700, by "reaching out" to the estimated 10,000 people affiliated to Puketeraki.
