The Invercargill and Blenheim offices were tipped to close in a restructuring plan first raised two years ago.
Under the proposal, staff in the South Island were to be centralised mainly in Christchurch and Dunedin.
Nationally, staff numbers were expected to reduce from 366 full-time equivalents to about 290.
Last Friday, Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Michelle Hippolite announced a ''simpler, flatter and more flexible structure'' from November 3 which would retain regional networks under a new leadership model.
Some staff would have to reapply for new-look positions, she said, and whether any staff would lose their jobs would not be known for six to eight weeks.
The organisation has more than 50 vacancies which were not filled while the restructuring review was under way.
Mr Tirikatane said he had had an email on Friday from Ms Hippolite confirming the Invercargill office would stay and its one staff position would be retained''It is good news. I am delighted TPK has decided it is not going to follow through on its earlier plans.
''A continued Government presence in Southland will allow the face-to-face contact Maori people appreciate.''
In June, Mr Tirikatene organised a petition protesting the closure which was signed by more than 300 people. Local runanga also wrote to TPK opposing the proposal.
