Getting rough sleepers off the street could have a net economic benefit in NZ, an Opposition-led inquiry into homelessness has heard.

The slings and arrows bounce off her and she gleefully hurls criticism but Marama Fox worries that she's sometimes not nice enough to others.

Both Maori Party co-leaders expressed support for Helen Clark's bid for the United Nation's top job - before the party decided it could not support the application.

Tukoroirangi Morgan says he will be on a corporate fundraising campaign as new Maori Party president to finance a strong election campaign next year.

Leading Waikato-Tainui figure Tukoroirangi Morgan has been elected president of the Maori Party at the party annual conference in Auckland.

Judith Collins' decision to suspend Ngapari Nui's voluntary work in Whanganui Prison could have far-reaching consequences, crime and

Members of Ngati Ruanui iwi are infuriated their kaumatua Ngapari Nui has been stood down from voluntary work at a prison because of his Black Power affiliations.

COMMENT: What the Maori Party sees as credit, National knows some will see as blame - and it suits National to let the Maori Party take the blame.

The Maori Party is calling for a "long overdue" law change to establish Maori wards on every district council in New Zealand.

The Maori Party are appalled Kiwis are being treated as second-class citizens by so-called 'mates'.

The importance of National's support partners - Act, United Future and the Maori Party - has grown immensely since election night a year ago.

Auckland iwi Ngati Whatua says it is "surprised and disappointed" that the Crown did not engage with its members about plans to develop surplus land for housing.

Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox will be at the heart of world-wide protests against the closure of remote aboriginal communities.

The Maori Party coleaders have used Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott's visit to New Zealand to criticise his treatment of Aboriginal people.

Peter Dunne says he would look at revisiting his post-election concessions from the National Party if New Zealand First leader Winston Peters wins the Northland byelection.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters called an expansion of the SIS's surveillance powers "Nazism" in Parliament last night.

The sale of state houses poses an opportunity for iwi organisations, says new Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox.

Shane Taurima has spoken at the Maori Party conference telling them they needed to consider cutting deals to ensure their survival.

Maori Party's new co-leader has already taken issue with the Parliamentary oath, voted for NZ First as Speaker and almost brought the house down.

The election of Trevor Mallard yesterday as Assistant Speaker will almost certainly take out of play one of the most recalcitrant MPs in Question Time.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell's appointment to head the newly rebranded Maori Development portfolio reflects a new focus for what used to be Maori Affairs, Prime Minister John Key says.

Tariana Turia began parliamentary life as a list MP, then winning Te Tai Hauauru, before parting with Labour in 2004 and founding the Maori Party.

Meet the Maori Party's next possible co-leader - a middle-aged mother of nine who's juggling a career and an even busier home life.

The Maori Party expects to have a confidence and supply deal to put to its party members next week, co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell said last night after talks with the National Party leadership.

The election success of National has weakened the bargaining power of their support parties.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says he is not ruling out extending an olive branch to Mana leader Hone Harawira - but won't say if he could work with him again.

The race for the crucial Te Tai Tokerau electorate took a dramatic turn last night when a Maori Television poll revealed the two leading candidates are neck and neck.

The two front-runners for the Waiariki seat say there are no hard feelings as they battle for the crucial electorate that could determine any Maori political gains.