Last week, Ms Clark sacked one of her cabinet ministers, Tariana Turia, over her opposition to a draft law turning New Zealand's shores, beaches and seabed into state property.

The Maori rebels say this would infringe their ancestral rights and break treaty obligations made to their tribal leaders when New Zealand came under European rule in 1840.

Correspondents say that, although the Prime Minster has won a respite, she faces another crucial test on Thursday, when the coastal bill is put to a vote.