John Key's performance at Ratana's annual celebrations suggests he is confident National's relationship with the Maori Party is sound.

The National Government and its Maori Party partners presented a united face when Prime Minister John Key visited Ratana Pa this afternoon - a move Mr Key admitted was unexpected.

Phil Goff believes Ratana church followers are rallying behind Labour because of wider problems they see in NZ.

Maori party co-leader Tariana Turia says she is "totally unaware" of any leadership aspirations rogue MP Hone Harawira may have.

Thousands of New Zealand parents are going back to school to learn how to be better parents - but experts still do not know if the multiple programmes are reaching the parents who most need them.

More than half of all voters support keeping MMP, a new poll shows.

Former broadcaster and gardening enthusiast Maggie Barry is putting her name forward for the National Party nomination in the Botany byelection.

Former National Party leader Don Brash was "not unhappy" about losing the 2005 election because it meant he didn't have to work with NZ First.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp has announced his intention to stand down at the next election.

Auditor-General Lyn Provost says she won't investigate alleged abuse of a Parliamentary travel perk by former minister Pansy Wong. She also said the ministerial expenses system was flawed and needed an overhaul.

Pansy Wong's resignation as an MP today is a "cynical political attempt at a cover up", Labour says.

Pansy Wong has announced her resignation from Parliament saying the row over her use of her travel perk has been an unfair distraction to the Government and she wants to concentrate on her family.

National MP Hekia Parata will replace Pansy Wong in Cabinet after Ms Wong resigned over travel perks.