Maori Television's bid for exclusive free-to-air rights to the Rugby World Cup has effectively been kneecapped by Prime Minister John Key.

Maori TV was pressured into changing its bid for the exclusive free-to-air rights to the Rugby World Cup to allow rival channels to piggy-back and show the games.

Maori TV has accused its rival TV3 of racism after it broadcast an item lampooning what its coverage of the Rugby World Cup would look like.

Pita Sharples says he will apologise to John Key for not discussing in detail Te Puni Kokiri's $3m deal to support Maori TV's Rugby World Cup bid.

John Key has rejected Maori Party suggestions that concern over the Maori TV bid for Rugby World Cup free-to-air coverage has racist undertones.

Maori TV will be expected to show Rugby World Cup matches to all NZ if it wins coverage rights, the Maori Affairs Minister says.

Maori TV's Rugby World Cup commentary would mainly be in English but 5 to 10 per cent will be peppered with Maori phrases.

Thousands will miss out on free live coverage of the Rugby World Cup if Maori TV's taxpayer-funded bid for the right to screen games succeeds.

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

Win or lose against Shane Cameron, David Tua probably won't be fighting again in New Zealand any time soon.