The father of a man who died in the Mt Erebus disaster says a plan to fly victims' families back to the site is a publicity stunt.

The Viking reputation as bloodthirsty conquerors has endured for more than a millennium but new research shows that some Norsemen approached the British islands with more than a little trepidation.

Michael Laws is embroiled in fresh controversy after an email exchange over the 'h' in Wanganui went viral.

Wanganui's mayor said Pita Sharples did not understand "any culture that is not Maori", after the Maori Party co-leader called for Wanganui residents to accept its new name.

Iwi say Laws approached them about a compromise on putting an "h" into the city's name, but was told unequivocally there was none.

Mayor Michael Laws calls the decision to include an 'H' in Wanganui "a grievance and a wrong ...perpetrated on the great majority of the people of Wanganui".

Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws remains confident the Government will reverse the Geographic Boards' decision to insert the letter H in Wanganui.

What was the meaning of the giant Easter Island statues and what role did they play in the civilisation's demise?