Kim Dotcom dropped into Parliament, as John Banks was absent from it, and he took a parting shot at the Prime Minister for his continued support for the Act leader.

Claire Trevett says John Key's actions show that there are at least two ostriches in New Zealand: him and Act leader John Banks.

Kim Dotcom said today he was hurt by John Banks denying he knew him after they had a clear friendship, and he believes he should stand down from his ministerial portfolios.

John Armstrong says the Prime Minister's defence of John Banks looks more ridiculous by the day. The risk is that even more damaging material will seep out.

Opposition parties have renewed their calls for John Key to sack Act leader John Banks, claiming a police finding showed he had misled the Prime Minister.

Act's board is standing by its leader, despite damning evidence in a police report into donations from Kim Dotcom and SkyCity in his 2010 mayoral campaign.

John Banks gave detectives investigating his political donations a three-hour interview, insisted it be kept private now blames police for withholding it.

The latest Herald DigiPoll survey shows the Conservative Party has had a poll bump from Parliament's passing of the first reading of the gay marriage bill.

Politicians have embarked on a new experiment to set up charter schools - all they need are guinea pigs.