The High Court has found that a meeting arranged by a small group within the New Zealand Māori Council in February was not lawful and decisions made at that meeting are void.
Sir Edward Taihākurei Durie, the current chair of the council, says this clears any doubts about his appointment in the latest April elections.
He says it confirms the majority commitment to the council and its constitution, and pulls the rug from under those who have tried to take over the council by unlawful means.
But he says the health debate that it caused doesn't detract from the council's unity and commitment to promote good policy for Māori people.