Fran O'Sullivan writes that the Maori Party is doing itself a disservice by acquiescing to National's foreshore 'solution'.

There will be no open cast mining on Great Barrier Island or Coromandel, John Key assured Parliament today, while under attack over the Govt's mining plan.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says working with the Nats in govt is proving to be "very difficult and stressful", writes John Armstrong.

An Auckland academic says smoking rates in New Zealand would plummet if tobacco products could not be displayed at shops.

Controversial MP Hone Harawira has encouraged protesters to take "whatever action necessary" to make their voices heard - earning another stinging rebuke from party bosses.

The most unpopular features of MMP could be ditched if voters opt to keep the electoral system in the referendum on it at next year's election.