Coming up on Te Karere... Maori students still struggle to reach education achievement, so what is the Government doing to address the problem? Maori wardens in Queensland are being criticised by different sectors in the community who say they are racist and arrogant. A good laugh? An annoying stunt? Or downright offensive? Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. Maori children are still not achieving as well as others in education. While this is not surprising, Hekia Parata says a new assessment tool 8 to better understand their needs and find those who are falling through the cracks sooner. Hekia Parata offered the media a chance to have a cuppa and chat with her today to explain the latest statistics on education, though it was all old news for Maori. Now we know if things are going well at an early childhood level or not, and at primary school and the other levels, it's now about what can be done to achieve better results. From Northland to Southland, early-childhood to secondary education, data have been gathered from all iwi, from all demographics. Here are the findings, it's not just something we talk about or hear these are the actual figures so we are now all clear about what the situation is. The minister hopes that within four years, 85% of students will achieve NCEA Level 2 in order to make a living for themselves. She says a new assessment tool will allow teachers and families to identify where students are struggling. Te Waharoa Ararau is the name of the assessment for Maori-medium education, and some schools have already implemented it. It's a support resource that means It's a support resource that means teachers can discuss their students' progress with other teachers to see how they can all be successful, and it will help to show the parents how their kids are doing. Secondary schools have the option of implementing the tool, but it will be available to all in 2015. Irena Smith, Te Karere. Education providers met again today forging ways forward with their action plan to uplift Maori achievement. Hosts Nga Kaikokiri Maatauranga who act as mediators between Government and iwi providers say Maori children are not doing as well as they should be and the system needs fixing. Educationalists know all too well some prompt and serious action is needed to assist Maori students. Educationalists have gathered in Auckland. Terry Smith is a member of the hosting group, Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga, who have one ultimate purpose. The Minister of Education has already given her ten cents to the hui, saying the responsibility can't be left solely with schools and urged everyone to face the challenges together for the well-being of the students. Inside this room, educationalists and government representatives are endeavouring to exit these doors with the ultimate combined plan of attack to raise Maori achievement. It's hoped that in the next few months a new plan will be implemented to address the issue. Peata Melbourne, Te Karere. Now to shed more light on what's been happening at the Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga conference, Haami Piripi of Te Rarawa is here and he joins me live in the studio. So what has the conference come up with to raise educational achievement of our children? We're unable to provide subtitles. So where to now for Nga Kaikokiri Matauranga? Haami Piripi, thank you for your time. The Maori Wardens branch in Queensland is being criticised by different sectors in the community who say they are racist and arrogant. The wardens are based in Logan near the Gold Coast, a multicultural area and home to hundreds of Maori families. However, they say the negative comments have come about because of misunderstanding. The Maori Wardens help the police, but they still feel the bite of racism. They are all dark skinned Maori, Rawiri Toko of Tuhoe who has lived in Logan for a long time says the problem began with an article in this newspaper. Our work here is still going well, but when our pictures were published in the paper, that's when the separatism came out. Despite that, this group will move on. They know what their job is, working alongside the tangata whenua on Waitangi Day. We acknowledge the people of this country who celebrate Waitangi Day and they are happy that we are there to work with them and to help with tangihanga and other Maori traditions. Many aboriginals who live here look to the wardens as role models. Many of the ethnic groups here would like to start a similar group so we can walk the streets of Logan together. Rawiri Toko says no bickering, but working together is the way forward. If you want Samoan wardens or any other ethnicity, it's up to you. If you want that, a National Wardens Committee needs to be set up. If you want that, a National Wardens Committee needs to be set up. Toko tells the Maori Wardens that they shouldn't bother with racist comments because they issue will rise again no matter what. Tini Molyneux, Te Karere. An iPhone that was allegedly given by lawyer Davina Murray to convicted rapist and murderer Liam Reid in prison was never tested for fingerprints, a court has heard. Murray, who is representing herself, has argued she and Reid were framed and the contraband was planted. In her cross examination of the officer in charge of the investigation, Murray accused Detective Darren Tolmie of forming an opinion after seeing texts messages suggesting she was romantically involved with Reid. Murray denies charges of smuggling an iPhone, lighter and cigarettes to Reid who is serving a 26 year life sentence for his crimes. After the break, To discuss the political issues of the day, we cross over to our Wellington studio to Mana Party leader Hone Harawira. Tena koe, Hone. Your Food Bill was deferred. It now goes back in to the bottom of the order paper and will come up again in due course. You say you're happy with that - why? We're unable to provide subtitles. Hone Harawira, thank you for joining us. Ngati Wai, Ngati Manuhiri esteemed kaumatua Laly Haddon has died. Mr Haddon passed away peacefully at his home in Pakiri this morning surrounded by his family. He was also known for his passion for rugby, playing for North Auckland and the New Zealand Maori team over the years. In 1999 Haddon received the Queen's Service Medal for his services to conservation. He was a founding member of the first marine reserve in New Zealand and served on the committee. He also served on the Auckland Conservation Board for a number of years and was appointed to its Hauraki Gulf Forum. Haddon will be taken to Te Kiri Marae at Leigh tomorrow and his funeral will be held at the marae this Saturday 20 July at 11am. A brazen Maori streaker who stormed last night's State of Origin final will appear in court in August and faces a lifetime ban. 33-year-old Wati Holmwood, originally from Nelson, evaded security and managed to sprint 100 metres stark naked. He was finally tackled after tripping just short of the try line with only two minutes to go. The unsightly spectre got the crowd roaring, but New South Wales players are angry as the Queensland team was awarded an extra set of six, clinching their a two-point win. Wati Holmwood is a repeat offender, having also made a nude appearance during the West Tigers vs New Zealand Warriors NRL semi-final in 2011. Police have described Holmwood's actions as idiotic and dangerous. After the break, the weather. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air. Copyright TVNZ Access Services 2013.