The head of the Families Commission today told MPs she couldn't define a policy with a Maori name because she was a middle class white woman.

Speaker Lockwood Smith has dethroned Prime Minister as 2009's top parliamentary performer, a newsletter claims.

Two iwi are considering boycotting a statutory Maori advisory board for the Auckland council.

Pita Sharples has rejected claims the party leaders were undermined, and defended MP Hone Harawira after letting him off with an apology.

It's up to Hone Harawira to demonstrate he means his apology for "racist and offensive" behaviour, John Key says.

The man who received Hone's Harawira's racially charged email is pleased with the MP's second apology but is not expecting a personal "sorry".

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira has apologised again for comments made in an offensive email and is allowed to remain with the party following three weeks of debate over his future.

The Maori Party's ruling council is dismissing reports that it is discussing reneging on a deal over the ETS legislation.

Giving Hone Harawira the option of remaining with the Maori Party shows principle has been sacrificed to political expediency, Buddy Mikaere says.

Controversial Maori Party MP Hone Harawira will probably remain in the party but may face a period of suspension from caucus, co-leader Pita Sharples said today.

Hone Harawira appears to be still at odds with his party's leadership, but says meetings in his electorate have been fruitful.