Tainui executive board chairman Tukoroirangi Morgan is confident plans to restructure the tribe's operations will go ahead next year, despite a High Court ruling blocking the move.
Justice Paul Heath on Wednesday ruled that the 193-member Waikato-Tainui parliament, Te Kauhanganui, holds the mandate to make such decisions, not the executive body Te Arataura.
Mr Morgan is disappointed by the judge's decision, but described it as a procedural ruling.
He expects support for the change will be forthcoming once the advantages of the restructuring plans are outlined to the tribal parliament early in the new year.
Mr Morgan said the proposed structure would streamline the operations and see the creation of a tumu whakarae - a chief executive who would have control of Tainui's social, cultural and economic arms.
Te Kauhanganui parliamentary chairman Tom Roa, who initiated the court action, said the delay is what was wanted and he is pleased the judge has upheld the mana of Te Kauhanganui.
