Northland's successful stay of execution from the Air New Zealand Cup has resulted in calls for the Taniwha to sign Sonny Bill Williams to prove their seriousness about rugby in the area.

Northland and Tasman successfully fought a recommendation to axe them from next year's championship although both unions have to fulfil several crucial conditions to confirm their status.

But things are clearly in party mode up north in the wake of the NZRU decision to offer them a lifeline.

Outspoken Northland MP Shane Jones, who campaigned for Northland's survival in the top tier of New Zealand provincial rugby, is calling on Iwi leaders to contribute to bringing Sonny Bill Williams from France to play for the Taniwha.

"This decision to retain Northland in the premier competition strips away any doubts of the New Zealand Rugby Union's commitments to grass roots rugby," Jones said.

"But we must do more than survive. I look forward to meeting the various Iwi leaders to test whether they will be willing to contribute to meet the costs of signing of Sonny Bill Williams and bringing him home.

"A boost of this nature builds on the momentum and he would be ideal because he has to play somewhere if he is going to be an All Black. He would be the marquee player to attract crowds and rugby role model for all our young players."

That will be easier said than done for a union clearly struggling in many areas, not least financially. Williams is on a mega-rich contract with the Toulon club after running out on the Sydney league scene this year.

It all sounds like big talk in election year from Jones.

But Jones said the NZRU backdown on axing Northland was a victory for the future of the game in the region and for Maori.

"It s a victory for the flax-roots of Northland rugby because when they are strong the game will flourish continually," he said.

"The NZRU have given us an overdue wake-up call. Businesses, families, runanga and councils must now work and contribute to the economic viability of Northland rugby.

"Our Maori rugby representatives went out on a limb for Northland rugby. It is important that Northland Maori leadership now step up to the plate and help nurture and help fund our great game for all whanau."

He said he expected the decision to inspire Northland to a great victory against the Manawatu Turbos at Okara Park on Sunday.