So much for Bill English's much-heralded Age of Austerity.

The Maori Party will review the non-aggression pact it made with its former member and Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira, after continued criticism by him of the party.

Amid cries of racism and snipes between the Maori Party and its former colleague Hone Harawira, the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill was passed yesterday.

Legislation that repeals the Foreshore and Seabed Act and gives Maori the right to seek customary title to parts of the coastline has been passed into law after a passionate debate in Parliament.

A hikoi due to arrive at parliament today brings shame to Maori and leaders should call it off, a Ngapuhi activist says.

Government permits its MPs to comment after attempt to speed up progress on legislation fails

"Racist" and "inappropriate" remarks by Act MP Hilary Calvert have been condemned by the Maori Party and Attorney-General.

The organiser of a hikoi which marched peacefully down Auckland's Queen Street today says the new foreshore and seabed legislation breaches the Treaty of Waitangi.

Legislation that will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act could become law by the end of the week, and in Parliament today parties opposed to it were preparing to fight it to the last clause.

Hone Harawira says it was "dumb" and shameful that he forgot to vote on the bill that was the main reason for his break with the Maori Party.

The second reading of the bill to replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act has passed through Parliament and former Maori Party MP Hone Harawira wasn't there to vote against it - despite the bill being the reason for him leaving his party.

Independent MP Hone Harawira says he will have a broom closet for an office and sit in Siberia in Parliament, but it's worth it to be free.