John Key says his deal to keep The Hobbit in NZ was far less than what Labour paid for LOTR, but Labour says the PM isn't telling the full story.

The law change that was part of the deal to clinch The Hobbit for New Zealand was still being heatedly debated when Parliament adjourned last night.

Parliament was tonight working its way through a labour law change the Government says is essential to ensure The Hobbit movies are made in New Zealand, but was facing stiff opposition from Labour.

The Maori Party has indicated it is rethinking its support of the new foreshore and seabed bill after pressure from Hone Harawira and Act.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia is not guaranteeing her party's support for new foreshore legislation after moves to amend it to explicitly state iwi could not charge for access.

A new poll suggests the saga around David Garrett's false passport and Heather Roy's ousting as deputy leader have hit the Act Party hard.

Hone Harawira believes that 98pc of Maori will fail to meet the threshold to gain ownership of the foreshore and seabed under pending Govt legislation.

Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party, writes about the foreshore and seabed debates and tides of change.

Rebel MP Hone Harawira broke ranks with his Maori Party colleagues in Parliament today and voted against the legislation that will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act.