A starring role for Maurice Williamson

Two years ago at the National Party conference in Christchurch, MP Maurice Williamson confirmed his rebel status and set in train disciplinary procedures by likening his party to the Titanic.

"I'm yelling: Will somebody tell the orchestra to shut up. Will everybody get up on deck and man the lifeboats."

Yesterday, firmly afloat at the Wellington conference, he confirmed his status as officially rehabilitated, entertaining the 500 delegates with his hallmark humour and technological skills during a presentation on roading. He made a pointed reference to the "stunning" work of former leader Bill English in the area of education - tantamount to offering him an olive branch.

Mr English's leadership had been ailing at the Christchurch conference and it never recovered. Although Mr Williamson has long since been back from the brink of expulsion, relations with Mr English's allies in caucus have been strained.

Former president Michelle Boag, whom Mr Williamson publicly condemned for the party's 2002 election disaster, made an appearance in a glittering silver suit at Friday night's cocktail party.

There were no olive branches for her from the former rebel MP. He paid a glowing tribute to the work of replacement president Judy Kirk and general manager Steven Joyce.