An urban Maori authority says it will appeal if it loses a legal case over the loss of a valuable welfare contract.
Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust in west Auckland took the Ministry of Social Development to the High Court after its $1.4 million Family Start social services agreement was axed.
Both parties are waiting for a judge to deliver his decision from a judicial review that finished on Tuesday.
Waipareira Trust chief executive John Tamihere says if they win the case, there will be more pressure on government departments to support Maori organisations.
Mr Tamihere believes the Crown's relationship with Maori providers would strengthen with greater support and collaboration and says the providers would no longer be treated as just another commercial partner.
