New Zealand's flag says virtually nothing about how this country sees itself today and how it wishes to be seen.

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira's family reportedly planned to make money from the Govt's decision to allow the tino rangitiritanga flag to be flown on government buildings on Waitangi Day.

The Govt's approach to national standards has shifted from benchmarks to help students to performance measures for teachers, the NZ Principals' Federation says.

John Key and Anne Tolley justified a $200,000 taxpayer-funded public relations campaign to sell national standards.

The Govt will spend $200,000 on a nationwide letter and brochure drop to inform people about new educations standards in place from today.

Gareth Morgan explains why he gives the Tax Working Group's efforts 4 out of 10.

John Key is trying to shut down concerns about national standards by saying decisions on how the data will be publicly reported are too far away to worry about.