Coming up on Te Karere... The sacked MP returns to Parliament... The sacked MP returns to Parliament... So what next for the Independent MP? A group of northland Maori have set up a ban to protect land of cultural and historical significance. Education experts look at how to improve the achievement rate of kids in mainstream schools. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Brendan Horan spent his first day as an Independent MP at Parliament today, after being expelled from NZ First just over 24 hours ago. His former leader Winston Peters is urging him to quit, but Mr Horan, a list MP, says he has no intention of leaving the house. Peata Melbourne reports He managed to escape our cameras today before he met the Speaker of the House to ask for leave for the rest of the week. Yesterday NZ First leader made the announcement Mr Horan wasn't informed of the decision, nor did he attend the caucus meeting where his expulsion was discussed. He's leaving it to others to decide whether he's been fairly treated by New Zealand First and its leader, but he has the backing of his Maori colleagues. Labour will cast Horan's vote if he asks them to. For now, he's been moved out of his New Zealand First office in Parliament and shifted across the road and into the old Parliament buildings. He has also been banned from the New Zealand First floors. Peata Melbourne, Te Karere. Brendan Horan's expulsion from NZ First Brendan Horan's expulsion from NZ First has been met with mixed response. Ngahuia Wade took to the streets of Mt Maunganui to see what voters think. While Horan's contemplating his political future, local boy Paul Stanley tells us of his past. Horan has been banned from the NZ First parliamentary offices and will remain as an Independent MP. There's mixed opinions in his hometown, Mt Maunganui. ...and trial buy media is not good enough. Brendan Horan is not without his supporters. Ngahuia Wade, Te Karere. Labour MP Shane Jones knows what it's like being under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. I spoke to him a short time ago about the NZ First controversy. We're unable to provide subtitles. That was Labour Party MP, Shane Jones. A group of northland Maori have set up a ban to protect land of cultural and historical significance. Brendan Horan's expulsion from NZ First may lead to law changes that result in list MPs being kicked out of Parliament if their Party no longer wants them. Concerns have been raised by a number of MPs about the lack of a law that means list MPs stay on Prime Minister John Key says the problem is ensuring MPs have been legitimately removed from their Party, and that's why the law hasn't been fixed. A group of northland Maori have set up a ban to protect land of cultural and historical significance. The land is currently a reserve being used by a commercial boat building company which the group is strongly against. The site is at Opua which is down the road from Paihia and north of Whangarei. The rain didn't deter them. Te Whare Tapu o Ngapuhi and the community are fighting for guardianship of Opua Harbour and surrounding lands. The area in question is Walls Bay Esplanade Reserve - its run by the Far North District Council. Te Whare Tapu says it's up to the council to stop this commercial boat builder and repairs person from using the land. Marks says there are lots of Treaty claims on the land and the problem here is that some of the lands aren't protected by the Reserves Act. This issue has been on-going for 17 years. This group won't sleep until the land around here remains free to all. Anzac Pikia, Te Karere. After the break, Te Whanau a Apanui question the government's claim that there are other companies waiting in line to drill for oil. Education experts look at how to improve the achievement rate of kids in mainstream schools. It appears the decision by Petrobras to pull out of oil exploration on the North Island's East Coast was more about economics than Maori opposition. Te Whanau a Apanui say they're under no delusion and have questioned the Government's claim that there are other companies waiting in line. The calm has returned to the Raukumara Basin, but Te Whanau-a-Apanui are aware that their protest had little to do with it. It's about money, it makes no economic sense, that's the reason they are gone. They even targeted one of their own, Acting Minister Hekia Parata. But she didn't buckle from her Government's stance. When one opportunity is lost, another comes along. The government just don't want to accept Petrobas has pulled out. There also comes a time when it can be pointless looking for something that may not exist. But the concerns doesn't move too far away from money. It's peanuts. There is no cost for our sea, no cost for mana. The Government gave Petrobras consent for a five year exploration, now they have pulled anchor. Who will take their place? Disregard their comments. We know what was agreed between the Government and Petrobas relating to Raukumara. Te Whanau a Apanui will continue to protect their offshore resources and are prepared if another company like Petrobas come along again. Tini Molyneux, Te Karere. Education experts met today to discuss how to support Maori kids in mainstream schools. Although there have been examples of change and improvement in their community, there is still only a 50% pass rate for Maori in mainstream schools in the area. This is a gathering of education officials about educating students of Waipareira, at Hoani Waititi Marae. Te Whanau o Waipareira called everyone together. In West Auckland, Maori students are behind in mainstream schools. However, Tamihere's views differ slightly to those of Hekia Parata's over the issue of teachers' pronunciating Maori names correctly. Te Whanau o Waipareira provides many educational initiatives for both children and parents. It's a new start for this woman and her daughter. This family have had a lot of success with KIP McGrath courses outside of tutorials. The main goal for this community is to decrease crime rates and increase educational achievements by Maori students in mainstream schools. A tough approach is definitely the way to go. Raiha Johns, Te Karere. Te Whakaruruhau Maori Womens Refuge dread the Christmas period as they prepare for an influx of Maori families. But there is some Christmas cheer as a major announcement is expected next week to help organisations like Te Whakaruruhau. Potaka Maipi explains. You'd be wrong to think Christmas is all joy and cheer. A large number of families find new homes at refuges over this period. There are two busy times in a year when refuges are overwhelmed; Christmas and when the All Blacks lose. It's understood that Owen Glenn will make an announcement around his resolutions to tackle domestic violence next week. $80 million has been put aside for domestic violence. It's hoped this will go towards helping those who feel the true pain of domestic violence. Potaka Maipi, Te Karere. After the break, we'll have more from the kids of Te Kohanga Reo o Te Rito. And then we'll have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. We'll end today's programme with a song from the kids of Te Kohanga Reo o Waipareira. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air. Copyright TVNZ Access Services 2012.