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.

Police are disgusted after a crashed driver stole a car belonging to an elderly couple who had stopped to help him.

The two teens accused of a brutal machete attack on a police officer are to be charged with attempted murder.

A police officer injured in a brutal machete attack needs more hospital treatment for his facial and head injuries.