Official papers show controversial project ran into many problems.

The Waitangi Tribunal has released a scathing assessment of the Crown's performance on te reo Maori in the last 25 years, urging action to halt the decline of the language.

Two Mongrel Mob leaders are being paid by the taxpayers to try to turn the country's gangs away from drugs and crime.

Another abusive email has Hone Harawira back in the political spotlight.

The exact cost to the Govt of its bid for the World Cup rugby rights won't be known until the bid is accepted but is "considerably under $5m", John Key said today.

Maori TV's battle for the Rugby World Cup TV rights has ended in a total walkover with it now sharing all of the big games with the major channels.

Maori commentator Derek Fox says the joint World Cup bid is still "unfair" to Maori TV who have had a credible bid "whipped away by prejudice".

The opening ceremony and opening match of the 2011 World Cup will screen live on both TVNZ and Maori TV, with live matches on four networks, if the Govt backed bid is successful.

NZ taxpayers will "not be paying over the odds" to see free-to-air 2011 Rugby World Cup games, John Key says.

Maori Television has again lost out, as the chance to broadcast the 2011 Rugby World Cup is kicked back and forth between channels.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples has given his blessing for taxpayer funds to support Maori TV's World Cup bid.