There were years when, as both authors and as publishers, A.H. and A.W. Reed were the main source of Maori myth and legend for New Zealand readers.

Maori told the parliamentary tobacco inquiry today that their marae were being undermined by tobacco smoking and associated early death.

Neither the Government nor Maori would own the nation's beaches under a proposal to settle the dispute over laws governing the foreshore and seabed.

Many Maori would welcome a new flag if it reflected tangata whenua. However, concerns remain about disrespect for the current ensign.

Waka from around the country lined up along the beach at Waitangi before being ceremonially launched this morning.

Media are being asked to cough up cash to cover Waitangi Day celebrations, with a Ngapuhi elder asking reporters and cameramen to hand over hundreds of dollars.

Ownership of landmark volcanic cones in Auckland has been offered to iwi as part of a new Treaty deal aimed at breaking the settlement paralysis in the region.