Maori political movements arise upon a huge up-welling of support around charismatic leaders in pursuit of a just cause, writes Rawiri Taonui.

Labour leader David Shearer has said he will gun for the Maori Party electorate seats next year, exploiting the uncertainty in the party - but co-leader Tariana Turia has retaliated.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has downplayed suggestions her party is in chaos over its leadership, saying planning a changeover at the top was a healthy necessity for any party.

Prime Minister John Key was left in little doubt that there was at least one place he wasn't the preferred Prime Minister: at Ratana Pa.

Editorial: Nothing is more damaging to a political party than inner turmoil. Voters detest it and invariably deliver their verdict at the first possible opportunity.

The Maori Party National Council says there will be no immediate change in the party's leadership following a showdown at the Whangaehu marae.

John Key says he is confident that a potential change of leadership for the Maori Party will not derail National's confidence and supply agreement with the party.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia has called on her fellow co-leader, Pita Sharples, to step down and hand over the reins to MP Te Ururoa Flavell.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia will not stand for Parliament again in 2014, saying she could step down as party co-leader by the middle of next year.

Recent polls have shown that Labour's popularity is on the rise, with one indicating Labour, with support of the Greens, would hold enough seats to run Government.

Peter Jackson is said to be enthusiastic about monitoring off-set conditions for animals used in film productions, writes John Drinnan.

Maori party members are crying out for a "Maori Dotcom" to bankroll them into the next election.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says she would like the Maori Party to return to its broader support base, including Pakeha.

Alexander Gillespie says we need to know that our politicians and public officials are trustworthy. Corruption 'hurts everyone who depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority."

In our second debate on the Electoral Commission's recommendations for MMP, Graeme Edgeler and Muriel Newman put the arguments for and against reducing the threshold. Join the debate and leave your comments at the end.

Maoridom's "A listers", as well and ordinary iwi members, gathered at Turangawaewae Marae on the banks of the Waikato River today for a national hui on water.