Wellington, July 21 NZPA - The Government has killed a bill that would have regulated loan sharks and capped the interest rates they charge.

Wellington, June 16 NZPA - A bill that would have forced local and regional councils to have Maori seats was defeated in Parliament tonight.

By Chris Ormond of NZPA Wellington, June 11 NZPA - The Maori Party hopes an urgent meeting with Prime Minister John Key on Monday morning will bridge the gap between the Government's foreshore and seabed stance and concessions wanted by iwi leaders.

Wellington, June 3 NZPA - Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell has drafted a member's bill that would give communities more control over where pokie machines are installed in their areas.

Wellington, June 2 NZPA - Secondary schools are "side stepping" Maori topics in history classes, the Maori Party says. The party's education spokesman, Te Ururoa Flavell, said tonight he had been shocked to discover how many schools were "going out of their way" to avoid the issues.

Wellington, May 31 NZPA - Andy Haden can be forgiven for his "darky" comments as long as the apology is genuine, Prime Minister John Key says.

Wellington, May 14 NZPA - Further talks between Tuhoe and the Crown could be held as early as next week, Tuhoe chief negotiator Tamati Kruger said today.

Wellington, May 14 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key apologised yesterday over a flippant remark he made about his strained relationship with Tuhoe, but he appears to have a long way to go before mending ties.

By Chris Ormond of NZPA Wellington, May 13 NZPA - A comment Prime Minister John Key repeated today about Tuhoe having him for dinner may have been a typically flippant one, but it has been labelled insensitive and badly timed.

Whakatane, May 12 NZPA - The Government's relationship with the Maori Party has taken a severe beating by the prime minister blocking a Treaty deal giving Te Urewera National Park to Tuhoi, Labour MP Shane Jones says.