If it true that all the Maori activists abandoned the Maori Party to follow Hone Harawira over to the Mana Party, somebody forgot to tell Tame Iti.

The chances of any union between the Maori Party and Mana Party appear remote, despite changes in leadership and calls for talks from several party members at the Maori Party's annual conference.

Maori Party President Pem Bird has delivered his last speech as party President at the party's annual conference.

Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell defended his Gambling Harm Reduction Bill in Parliament tonight.

Matt McCarten says John Key must feel like he's in a B-grade horror movie where his prom dates keep coming to gruesome demises.

In all areas of life, to test whether an action is effective, we need to have an idea of what would have happened in the absence of that action.

The likely next co-leader of the Maori Party Te Ururoa Flavell has indicated the National Party may not be the Maori Party's first choice in a kingmaker position under his leadership.

Renewal, regeneration, rebirth. No matter what you call it, no political party can escape it.

Prime Minister John Key says Pita Sharples' decision to quit as Maori Party co-leader was the right decision, while Labour says the party's time 'has passed'.

Pita Sharples will today announce his resignation as Maori Party co-leader and will quit politics next year.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples has taken some of the blame for the party's poor by-election result, indicating it could be a catalyst in decisions over his future.

I am now thinking on the next step in this issue, writes Te Ururoa Flavell. "In particular taking aim at the racing industry, and their exemption from the current package of reforms."

Na Raihania joked that he could help John Key with his literacy if he wins the Ikaroa-Rawhiti byelection.

Over the next 18 months, expect to see Key, and David Shearer, too, hovering outside Peters' office, bottle of Scotch in hand, writes Toby Manhire.

Budget Day is often the time for the Government support partners to cash in on the promises National made to them in return for their support.

Income-related rental subsidies look set to be extended in tomorrow's Budget to tenants in community-owned housing.

There won't be any changes to legislation around the controversial partnership schools despite opposition parties continuing their objections to elements of the bill.

The Greens have joined the Maori Party in calling for a review of the jailing of Teina Pora, who has served 20 years for the rape and murder of Susan Burdett.

The Maori Party and the Green Party are asking the Government why prosecution rates of young Maori appeared to be far higher than Pakeha for the same crimes.

Fans of the rather spectacular David Attenborough Africa series will have observed similarities between the great giraffe turf war in that programme and the battle underway in the Maori Party.

Maori Affairs Minister and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples may be in the dog box with his party over internal wars over the leadership.