Coming up on Te Karere... The contestants start lining up to be the next PM. This leader says the new PM will be welcome at Waitangi. The courts rule in favour of Standing Rock protesters, but why is it seen as only a temporary reprieve? 06 December 2016 Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. With John Key stepping down, the National Party caucus has an important and pressing decision to make. It has to choose a leader and new prime minister by next Monday. Today, Bill English and Jonathan Coleman confirmed they have thrown their hats in the ring. But as our political reporter Eruera Rerekura found out, two of National's Maori MPs were prepared to say who their preference was. Bill English is the person John Key is endorsing to become Prime Minister. He's also the person supported by these National MPs. For the Maori Affairs Select Committee chair, although the Treaty Negotiations Minister has done some good work, the Finance Minister wields the real power. He also says that, for National to win again in the elections, the right person must be found to be the Deputy Prime Minister. But these National Maori MPs didn't want to disclose who their preference was. However, she was able to divulge that she'll miss John Key. A genuine contest is looming. A genuine contest is looming. Eruera Rerekura, Te Karere. John Key's departure as Prime Minister also means he will be stepping down as Tourism Minister. Today in the Maori tourism capital of Rotorua there are mixed reviews about the news. Roihana Nuri canvassed a range of views from tourism operators and business owners to those grass roots perspectives. Prime Minister John Key launched this ride named the Shweeb at Agroventures Rotorua. Now his ride as Prime Minister and Toursim Minster will come to an end. Debbie Guptill of Tuhourangi and Ngati Whakaue is the sales and marketing manager for Agroventures. She has more the 20 years in tourism. More than half of my clientele are tourists, it is not as if John Key sent them to us. I was shocked to learn today that he was the Tourism Minister, I didn't know that. Hohua Mohi of Ngati Rangiwewehi is a director of Moko 101. He says there are more important issues facing Maori than worrying about the Prime Minister. From business and tourism to the streets of Rotorua now. But at least our Maori in business in Rotorua know what attributes a new Tourism Minister or Prime Minister should have. They need to be passionate about Maori culture. If they are passionate about Maori culture then others will also start to be more open towards Maori. On Monday we will all know who will be our new Prime Minister and our new Tourism Minister. Roihana Nuri, Te Karere. On Waitangi Day this year, John Key went to watch footy. He refused to go to Waitangi after speaking rights at Te Ti Marae were denied. But as Te Okiwa reports, two northern leaders, who hold key roles at Waitangi, look forward to welcoming the new PM to the country's birthplace next year. While it's unknown who will take over the National Party reigns, this outspoken elder welcomes the yet to be decided PM to Waitangi. I welcome the new PM, In recent weeks the Waitangi Trust sent a formal invite to outgoing Prime Minister John Key to return to Waitangi with no strings attached. Now, the chair person extends the same invite. No matter who fills John Key's position, we will still go on with our kaupapa to commemorate the signing of the treaty. Earlier this year, John Key went to the NRL Nines instead of his usual Waitangi commemoration appearances amid conditions he couldn't speak at Waitangi because of his stance to support the Trans Pacific Partnership. What I'm saying is if the new pm has the same ideas and policies I will fight for the Treaty of Waitangi and the Declaration forever and ever. And his statement to his people. I don't want to battle against the government, I don't want to debate their policies but what I will fight for is the rights of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Declaration so it will live on not only for us but for the next generation. For now, it s all a waiting game. And John Key took the chance this morning to reiterate that family is one of the main reasons for his resignation. This post on his son's social media accounts illustrating that concern. Max's message calling his father' his hero' attracted dozens of abusive comments. Meanwhile the families of the Pike River victims are pleading with Mr Key to stop the planned sealing of the mine before he hands over power. In a joint statement the families of the 29 men who died in the 2010 disaster say Mr Key can 'either do the right thing or forever be the prime minister who turned his back'. The mine is set to be permanently sealed by February next year. After the break... The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and its supporters celebrated a major victory in their push to reroute the Dakota access oil pipeline away from a tribal water source after the Army Corps of engineers refused to grant the oil company permission to extend the pipeline beneath a Missouri river reservoir. But as Tamati Rimene-Sproat reports, they may have won this battle, but the war continues. A small wedge recreantly struck will result in a break. The native tribes have been immovable in the past six months, reluctant to the proposed oil pipeline set to cross their land. It is no wonder the Army Corps Engineers refused to grant the oil company permission to extend the pipeline. According to Potaka Maipi, who visited Standing Rock, it's an important win. It's a victory in that the companies are now paying attention to wants and cries of the native people. But he believes there is still a long, hard road ahead of them. It's a win, but it's only the first of many. They still have a lot of battles ahead of them because the companies have already started their pipelines. And to add to the issue, President Elect Donald Trump supports the Oil companies. Therefore, the native tribes must be ready to stick it out, no matter what, should they want to win. It needs to be broadcast, reach out and touch the world, so the world sees them standing against the wrongdoings and support the native tribes. If that is to happen, America and Trump won't let it happen. Despite winter's teeth truly sinking in in Dakota, the fires must remain ablaze. Tamati Rimene-Sproat, Te Karere. Joining us live for our usual political discussion is Labour MP Peeni Henare. We're unable to provide subtitles. Peeni Henare, thank you. After the break, And we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.nz. Let's take another look at today's top stories. The contestants start lining up to be the next PM. This tribal leader says the new PM is welcome at Waitangi. The courts rule in favour of the Standing Rock protesters, but why is it seen as only a temporary reprieve? That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki.