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

Fittingly, New Zealand's political year always begins with formalities on marae, first at Ratana, then at Waitangi.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell has weighed into the debate over Labour's reshuffle.

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.

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

One of the Maori Party's electorate chairs has criticised the party's use of Prime Minister John Key and former Prime Minister, Dame Jenny Shipley for fundraising dinners.

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 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.

Te Ururoa Flavell is campaigning at university, and it has clearly unleashed the inner teacher in him.

The Maori Party would make a warrant of fitness for all rental properties compulsory within three years if it gets into government.

David Cunliffe is sticking by his decision to rule out the Maori Party in his government, but will not say if Labour would rather go back into Opposition than back down.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says Labour's David Cunliffe may have done himself out of a chance of becoming Prime Minister by ruling out the Maori Party.

Maori Television says there will be no job losses at its news show Te Kaea and changes at the station have been put on hold.

Up to 25 people could see their jobs axed as Maori Television ditches its Te Kaea news show, Mana leader Hone Harawira claimed late last night.

Who came out on top in tonight's minor party leaders' debate? The Herald's top political correspondents make their picks.