Coming up on Te Karere... The Government has been forced to scrap its plans to increase class sizes. We have full coverage. Another Minister is in the fire line. This time over suggestions more babies should be taken at birth under court orders that prohibit abusers and killers from having more children. And the weather continues to cause havoc up and down the country. Due to the live nature of Te Karere, some segments will not be subtitled. Tena koutou katoa, and welcome to Te Karere. The Government has backed down on changes to the teacher-student funding ratios announced in the budget. Education Minister Hekia Parata made the announcement a short time ago. We cross live now to Peata Melbourne in Wellington. Peata. It's been officially announced, the Minister of Education has back down on plans to increase teacher student classroom ratios. She's done this to lift the student achievement levels and use resources wisely. Why has she done this? She's done this to lift the student achievement levels and use resources wisely. In the last few weeks she's listened to the concerns of parents, schools, teachers, students and educationalists who opposed some of her policies. It's for this reason she's had a change of heart. What about the other parts of her Budget announcement? There won't be any other changes to her policies, they'll remain the same, Scotty. That was Peata Melbourne from our Wellington studios. Moments ago I spoke to Labour's Education spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta about the Government's back down. They've seen what families and parents think, as well as schools, and that's what's brought it around. Why do you think they reversed their decision? Because of the anger expressed by parents who want the best for their children. From teachers and principals also, they showed how angry they were. They saw the uproar that this issue has caused in the community and that's why they've changed their decision. Is it a good thing? It's a good thing for the children. We expressed our concerns about this from the start. There is no benefit to increasing class sizes for students. So this is a good change. Are you reassured for the education sector at this about-turn from National? There are a lot of changes National are proposing, most of which Labour do not agree. But if we're talking about how this will affect our kids, then this move is a good one. How do you think the Minister has handled the situation? Her hand has been stayed at the moment. Her hand has been stayed at the moment. But if she is too headstrong, if she doesn't listen to concerns from parents, teachers and principals, then perhaps she will fail again. Do you think this will greatly impact the Government? That's what we've seen in the stats. National have been taken by surprise at the number of people supporting Labour's stance - that the increase of class sizes should not occur in schools. That's why it's been reversed and put back to its original. Now Labour are happy, the children are happy, the parents are happy, and the schools are happy. Aaron Smith is the team newbie, chosen ahead of team great Piri Weepu. For more on the team, we'll speak with our reporter Irena Smith. Aaron Smith has proven his prowess, landing him a spot in the spotlight. Aaron Smith has proven his prowess, landing him a spot in the spotlight. But his teammates say he has more skills than what he shows on the field. It's been a fast trip to the top. The coach says he has slotted in well to the All Blacks frame, adding leadership to the forwards and he has the backing of senior players. But his skills don't end on the field as his teammates have benefitted from his hair cutting skills. Dagg says that despite his height, he has great presence on the d has great presence on the field 8 He sure has the backing of the team to hold his own on Saturday. Zac Guildford has been sent to the right wing to earn his place on the squad. Piri Weepu, Hikawera Elliot and Aaron Cruden are warming the bench. Thank you Irena, live from our Auckland office. The Crown today initialled a deed of settlement to settle the historical claims of 13 iwi and hapu over shared interests in the Auckland area. The claims include volcanic cones and islands. After the break, The new half back is named in the All Black squad and he's Maori. Debate is raging over Government suggestions more babies will be taken at birth under court orders that prohibit abusers and killers from having more children. The Maori party has expressed concerns about the toughness of the proposals. Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says there are many proposals in the mix, saying we don't even let people back in the house with dogs when they've been abused. South Island residents are still being warned to take care on the roads after the snow storms that hit the region recently. To add to that, some homes are still without power. Police warn residents to stay off the road unless it's urgent. The sun is out, but the snow covered ground has turned to ice. More than 1,700 homes are without power. Close to midday, the region of Kaikoura also lost power. The failure was caused by snow on the lines and trees toppling over onto the lines. Driving in the city zone was a little easier, although many of the roads leading to the West Coast and Kaikoura remain closed. The most important task ahead say's Brett Cowan is to ensure contact is made to those who are isolated by the weather. Tini Molyneux, Te Karere. The weather went from bad to worse recently in Christchurch. The Puanaki family home is situated in the red-zone of Christchurch and the family is in the final negotiation stages with their insurance company, but will they move north or stay in Christchurch? Joining me now from Christchurch is Tihi Puanaki. We're unable to provide subtitles. Visit our website after 7pm to watch interview with subtitles. Land has been set aside in Glen Eden by Hoani Waititi for a tertiary institution. But the plans are still in the air as plans for community gardens arise to feed the people. This is what the marae wants to produce with this land. Dennis Hansen wants 200 prisoners to come and work the land and do the gardens. Dennis Hansen wants 200 prisoners to come and work the land and do the gardens. Another aim is to see how the market gardens are also run. It's not just gardening; the marae also wants them to learn the Maori language and philosophies. This land is actually reserved for a Maori tertiary unit. However, Te Whare Wananga o Hoani Waititi has been put on hold and at the moment, and they're moving forward with the gardens project. Next month, the pou whenua will be installed. There's 200 acres of land here and they want to utilise 5 acres for gardening. Anzac Pikia, Te Karere. After the break, we have the weather. To the weather now. For weather, see tvnz.co.NZ. A traditional trade off, and perhaps a gift to the world. That's what was discussed by the Heads of Diplomatic Core who met in Rotorua. Heads of the Diplomatic Core - fronting up to iwi. A hectic two day schedule in Rotorua to learn about local business, trade and Maori. A league of nations for whom Te Arawa may have just made a difference. Ngahuia Wade, Te Karere. That's all we have for today. Turou Hawaiki. Captions were made possible with funding from NZ on Air.