The Maori Party has scoffed at suggestions by ex-MP Winston Peters that Govt initiatives concerning welfare and the foreshore would lead to disaster.

Taxpayers are increasingly covering the legal costs when MPs are sued - but MPs can keep the use of public money for their defence secret.

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.

Winston Peters is back with all guns blazing today in a speech slamming immigration, foreign ownership and the Government.