Manu Korihi News for 14 December 2011

The Ngapuhi leader Sonny Tau says the runanga has decided to suspend Ngati Hine iwi from attending Board meetings, until it complies with the requirements of Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi's constitution; But Ngati Hine Chairman, Waihoroi Shortland, says neither he nor his board are bothered by the suspension; Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia will continue to lead the Maori Party; A Treaty of Waitangi lead negotiator says it makes sense that the National Party's Hekia Parata has been appointed as Minister of Education - because Maori are underachieving; The head of the national stop smoking service Quitline says having the Governor General as its inaugural patron means its campaigns should get plenty of attention.