Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 4 December 2001, 4:21 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is (Always) In The House
FEATURE: The Chequered Past of Afghanistan’s New Leaders
David Miller: Holding Arafat To Account
Greens Imprest Supply Abstention
Wilson’s Defamation Swiftie May Be Abandoned
A Million Dollar Shopping Receipt!
Stamps Little Windows Into Middle Earth
Government LOTR Strategy – Take Two
Unwanted Suspicion Prompts Beneficiary Protest
Kiwis Don't Want Sow Stalls, Poll Finds
Forest & Bird Calls For Urgency Over Painted Apple Moths
Clark To Launch Gareth Farr CD Today
Calling All Sinners
Katya Rivas

AMERICAN STRIKES - FULL COVERAGE
US War Veterans For Peace Talk To Students
Protesters Water Bomb Base
THE RECEIVED VERSION - OFFICIAL UN, US & UK COMMENTS

OTHER NEWS (JUST POLITICS)
Turia Dawdling Over Designer Drugs
Improving Govt. Relations With Community Groups
Jim Sutton Speech On Qatar WTO Meeting
DBP Work Test Dropped
“Slugger” Prescott’s Kyoto Views Welcomed
WTO Failure On Canada Disappoints
Skilled Migrant Rule Changes
King Denies Muzzling DHB Members

Scoop Is (Always) In The House

– Today's questions of the day concerned: Business Confidence – Criminal Libel – Regional Development – Cancer Treatment – Numeracy Teaching – Canterbury Nurses Strike – Criminal Libel – Anthrax Testing – Criminal Libel – Major General Dodson And Ron Mark’s File – Alexandra Flood Protection – Tariana Turia’s Workload (and Fantasy) – Inquiry Into Decile Funding. See… SCP HOUSE: Questions Of The Day – 4 December [1] . For earlier Q&A in the house see.. Scoop Searchable Questions Of The Day Archive (FREE!) [2] . - to subscribe and receive each day’s questions of the day and answers as they are posted on Scoop via email (ALSO FREE!) CLICK HERE [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0112/S00010.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/archive/scoop/index.pl?k=174&y=2001&m=11
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/cgi-bin/newsagent/new_user.cgi?form=home

FEATURE: The Chequered Past of Afghanistan’s New Leaders

- Superficially anyway the Bonn talks on the future of Afghanistan are making considerable progress. The Northern Alliance is talking of allowing UN peacekeepers in and inter-tribal and factional hostilities, although evident, currently don’t appear to exclude a multi-ethnic, relatively inclusive reconfiguration of power. But the threats to a more unified, more peaceful and more democratic Afghanistan are numerous. Scoop’s NEW London Correspondent Malcolm Aitken reports. See... Scoop Feature: Meet The Northern Alliance [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0112/S00009.htm

David Miller: Holding Arafat To Account

- The Palestinian suicide bombings that killed 25 people and wounded dozens at the weekend are not only the deadliest strike on Israeli targets since the Intifada began but also another incident that brings into question the degree of authority Palestinian president Yasser Arafat has within the territories under his authority’s control. See... David Miller: What Now For Yasser Arafat? [1] FULL COVERAGE: - Phil Goff - Goff condemns suicide attacks [2] - AI - Amnesty condemns deliberate killings of civilians [3] - Jack Straw - See... Israel bombings beyond contempt - Jack Straw [4] - Kofi Annan - UNSG Condemns Bombings In Jerusalem, Haifa [5] - White House - White House Briefing - December 3, 2001 [6] , President Bush Condemns Jerusalem Bombings [7] , President Bush to Meet With Israeli PM Sunday [8] - Colin Powell -Bombings in Jerusalem [9] - Firas Al-Atraqchi - Bombings Are To Do With Revenge [10] - Gush Shalom - Expectation Doesn't Make It Less Horrifying [11]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0112/S00008.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00028.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00033.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00024.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00026.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00030.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00009.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00011.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00022.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0112/S00003.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00013.htm

Greens Imprest Supply Abstention

- “Unlike the Greens, New Zealand First is going to support the Government and will approve the expenditure necessary to maintain Air New Zealand as our national airline, said New Zealand First Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters today. See... Greens Actions Irrational And Irresponsible-Peters [1] FULL COVERAGE - National - So How Smug is the Government Now? [2] - Jim Anderton - Greens' vote highlights difference Alliance makes [3] - Greens - Greens To Abstain On Imprest Supply [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00034.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00029.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00024.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00019.htm

Wilson’s Defamation Swiftie May Be Abandoned

- ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks tonight welcomed the Prime Minister's apparent over-riding of the Attorney General in signalling that the criminal defamation provision is unlikely to surface. See... Victory For Freedom Of The Press [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00039.htm

A Million Dollar Shopping Receipt!

- New Zealand’s first Kachingo! millionaire is somewhere in Auckland – but may not know he or she is instantly rich. See... Who is the shopper who has won $1,000,000? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0112/S00012.htm

Stamps Little Windows Into Middle Earth

- New Zealand Post will release its world exclusive stamp issue The Fellowship of The Ring on 4 December, celebrating the first movie in The Lord of The Rings trilogy. See... Stamps Celebrate First Lord Of The Rings Film [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0112/S00018.htm

Government LOTR Strategy – Take Two

- Cabinet minister Pete Hodgson today announced further Government initiatives to maximise the benefits for New Zealand from the forthcoming release of The Lord of the Rings movies. See... The Lord Of The Rings – More Government Projects [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00037.htm

Unwanted Suspicion Prompts Beneficiary Protest

- Today members of the Wellington People’s Centre were shredding Work and Income Benefit Control Unit letters and DPB ‘Avenues’ interview forms in Wellington Central. See... Social Development or Beneficiary Bashing? [1] and Independent Rape Crisis joins the Peoples Centre [2] . See also... DPB Advocates Bite Hard On The Hand That Feeds [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0112/S00008.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0112/S00009.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0112/S00013.htm

Kiwis Don't Want Sow Stalls, Poll Finds

- An opinion poll published today shows that New Zealanders are saying “No” to sow stalls. See... Poll Gives Thumbs-Down To Sow Stalls [1] . See also... Libby the piglet coming to parliament [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0112/S00012.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00054.htm

Forest & Bird Calls For Urgency Over Painted Apple Moths

- Forest and Bird and the Waitakere Ranges Protection Society are jointly calling on the Government to use emergency provisions under the Biosecurity Act to deal with the incursion of painted apple moth (PAM) in Auckland. See... Spread of moth is a biosecurity emergency [1] and MAF - Painted Apple Moth Finds Explained [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0112/S00006.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0112/S00005.htm

Clark To Launch Gareth Farr CD Today

- The HRL Morrison Music Trust announced today that the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, is to launch its new CD recording of music composed by Gareth Farr at Parliament on Tuesday 4 December, 2001. See... Helen Clark To Launch CD [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0112/S00006.htm

Calling All Sinners

- SINners’ Society is founded on a concept created by Chicago columnist, Eric Zorn, and has run effectively in the United States for the past 12 months. The acronym, SIN, stands for Someday Is Now! and the concept is based on encouraging people to achieve a long held goal. See... SINner Society Launched [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0112/S00003.htm

Katya Rivas

- Little children, I want to hear your FIAT; I want to change your lowly wills with My Supreme FIAT. Listen, children, for the Hour is approaching, but you all will not remain like I found you, now you are indebted to My Divine Mercy, be meek and humble like I was, am, and will be for all eternity. See... Katya Rivas: It Wait Attentively for My Return [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0112/S00007.htm

US War Veterans For Peace Talk To Students

- James Madison, a self-described patriot, formed a group called "Veterans Teaching Peace in Schools." He put out his own call through the Internet to find other veterans with similar views to talk with students about their opposition to the war. See... Veterans for Peace Talk To Students About War [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00031.htm

Protesters Water Bomb Base

- On Saturday December the 1st, as part of the national day of action against the war in Afghanistan, over 100 protestors gathered at the US military base at Harewood, Otautahi/Christchurch. See... Report From Harewood Military Base Protest [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0112/S00011.htm

THE RECEIVED VERSION - OFFICIAL UN, US & UK COMMENTS

- Enduring Freedom Update 3/12 - Adm. Stufflebeem [1] - Secretary Rumsfeld Media Stakeout at NBC-TV [2] - Afghan factions near agreement on interim [3] - Annan - dialogue is key to healing wounds of 911 [4] - Powell IVs CNN's Late Edition & Face The Nation [5] - State Dept. Daily Press Briefing November 30, 2001 [6] - Colin Powell at Iftaar Dinner [7] - ASD PA Clarke Interview with CBS Early Show [8] - Secretary Rumsfeld Interview with Pakistani TV [9] - Wolfowitz Roundtable with European Journalists [10]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00032.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00029.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00028.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00027.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00023.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00021.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00020.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00019.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00018.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0112/S00017.htm

Turia Dawdling Over Designer Drugs

- Lives continue to be put at risk while the Government procrastinates over the reclassification of dangerous designer drugs, National's Associate Health spokesperson Dr Paul Hutchison said today. See... Turia Dallies On Fantasy And Ecstacy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00055.htm

Improving Govt. Relations With Community Groups

- A better working relationship between community organisations and government agencies is the goal of a statement signed at Parliament today. See... Improving the Community - Government Relationship [1] . See also... Improved Community - Govt Relationship - Clark [2] and Building Trust And Respect - Speech Steve Maharey [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00051.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00053.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00052.htm

Jim Sutton Speech On Qatar WTO Meeting

- The past month has been a whirlwind for me - travel to Qatar in the Middle East for the World Trade Organisation ministerial meeting where we launched the Qatar development round, as well as welcoming China and Taiwan into the organisation, and then travel ... See... Hon Jim Sutton - Exporters' Forum Meeting Speech [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00050.htm

DBP Work Test Dropped

-When all the evidence shows that children do better in families where there is a working parent, it is clear that scrapping work testing for the DPB will hurt the children of sole parents, ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today. See... Scrapping Work Testing for the DPB - Kids Lose [1] . See also Government announcement... Flexibility for sole parents to move into work [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00049.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00032.htm

“Slugger” Prescott’s Kyoto Views Welcomed

Energy Minister Pete Hodgson has welcomed British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott’s comments on Britain’s support for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. See... British DPM Prescott’s Comments On Kyoto Protocol [1] See also EMA (Northern)… Minister's comments expose Kyoto truth [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00045.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00048.htm

WTO Failure On Canada Disappoints

- The World Trade Organisation's Appellate Body declined to make a ruling on New Zealand's complaint that Canada was providing illegal export subsidies to its dairy industry, Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton said today. See... WTO Fails To Make Dairy Ruling [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00040.htm

Skilled Migrant Rule Changes

- The government is to make it easier for New Zealand employers to attract highly skilled and talented people from overseas to help boost New Zealand’s economic development. See... Way Opened For Employers To Tap Global Talent [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00036.htm

King Denies Muzzling DHB Members

- Health Minister Annette King says National Party health spokesperson Roger Sowry has it wrong again in accusing her of trying to muzzle District Health Board members. See... Letter to David Tranter [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0112/S00031.htm

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Alastair Thompson

Scoop Publisher

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scottish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand. Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Dominion, National Business Review, North & South magazine, Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is the winner of several journalism awards for business and investigative work.

Contact Alastair Thompson

• Linkedin
• Twitter - @althecat
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz