When the Māori Party looks at your question, ‘What is the greatest hurdle to the ongoing provision of healthcare in New Zealand and how can we best address it?" the answer lies in the statistics.

MMP is the best system, of those on offer, for Maori representation in the New Zealand parliament, and to promote the influence that Maori issues can have.

A loved son of the North and Te Whanau a Apanui, Willie Apiata has not only had an honourable career, he has made his whanau, hapu and iwi proud.

Ka ngaro te reo, ka ngaro taua, pera i te ngaro o te Moa. Ina te nui o nga hitori Maori, nga moteatea, nga waiata ka puta i te reo...

It's been one of those big weeks in te ao Maori and as always there is a lot of mahi to be done. So I went into our hui with the mind to do the job we have always set out to do...

I come here today - to celebrate the Tapuika language revitalisation project - and to acknowledge this day as a landmark in the history of the Tapuika Iwi Authority; in the evolution of ngā uri o Tapuika.

Matariki and Puanga are the perfect opportunities for all of us to look deeply into the psyche of our people - to reflect on our experiences and to plan and prepare for our future.

I start this column on a sad note - acknowledging the recent passing of Tauranga Council CEO, Ken Paterson, who died suddenly last week. I had just recently been working closely with the Council on a local Bill, so it came as quite a shock to hear of his passing. I send my condolences to his whānau and colleagues.

It is with great sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Tauranga City Council chief executive Ken Paterson. Ka tuku whakaaro i tēnei wa ki tōna whānau e noho mai ra i raro i te kapua pouri. Moea te moe roa e hoa. Āpiti hono, tātai hono, ko rātou te hunga kahurangi ki a rātou anō. Āpiti hono, tātai hono, ko te hunga ora ki te hunga ora.

Waiariki MP, Te Ururoa Flavell, last night renewed his call for the Independent Police Conduct Authority to issue its report on police activities in Operation 8.