Radio New Zealand

The Nelson MP, Nick Smith, says the Race Relations Commissioner is going over the top by seeking a law change to make Maori seats on councils a right rather than leaving it to the public to decide; An American tribe embroiled in a native rights dispute is appealing for help from Maori; Ngati Ruanui in South Taranaki is concerned about the discovery of the country's worst submerged fresh water weed that has found its way into Lake Rotorangi; The Chairman of the Aotea Maori Performing Arts Committee says his Ratana team is once again delighted to represent Taranaki and Whanganui at the national stage in Rotorua next year.