Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 12 December 2002, 3:44 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
United Future Backs DebateAirNZ.Org
The Bad Breath is Back
ACC Claimants Do Not Share Minister’s Confidence
Jason Leopold: Nixon Would Be Proud
Aziz Choudry Is Supporting His Comrades
Stateside With Rosalea
Upton-On-Line: Race Relations And Poetic Theology
Cartoon: Which One Of These Is Not Like The Other?
Letter From Elsewhere: Joris de Bres’s Big Speech

OTHER NEWS - Just politics

Air NZ/Qantas Merger Economic Analysis
Global Peace and Justice Antiwar Protest This Saturday
Shhh… Waihopai Spybase Protest Looms
Health Board’s Broke: 1000s of South Aucklanders Suffer!
Mentally Ill Face Trumped Up Charges
Health Minister’s Network Code of Practice Speech
Dunne Backs Debate Air New Zealand Group
Mallard Responds on Air New Zealand-Qantas Deal
Wilson Launches Guide to Treaty Claims
Nandor Wild About Judges Rights Ruling
Why Accountability is a Rotting Word
Nats Wrapped United Grasps Rotting Issue
Horse is Second, Cart’s First, What’s Third? Iraq?
Govt Can Do More To Ensure Businesses Succeed
NCEA Achieved Mark Implemented
Hawkins Welcomes New Cops
Labour’s Burglary Crackdown a Sham
Minister Welcomes Research Partnership
Proposed Maritime Security Laws Introduced
Treasury Report Cuts Short
Franks Frank About Rugby Handouts
Questions of the Day
Yesterday’s Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Border Control Fly Spray and Luck Style
Govt Too Busy To Brief on Bill
Forum’s Letter To The PM
Local Govt CEO Thanks Govt
Windflow Cool on Kyoto
Justice Minister’s Monopoly Card - Franks
Alexander Gets a Promotion

Scoop Is In The House

– For today's questions for oral answer see... Questions For Oral Answer - Thursday, 12 December [1] . For earlier transcripts of the Q&A see… Tuesday’s Q&A [2] and Wednesday’s Q&A [3] . Come back at 5.30pm for today's uncorrected transcript of the answers.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00289.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00257.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00282.htm

United Future Backs DebateAirNZ.Org

- United Future leader Peter Dunne has swung his support behind the pressure group, Debate Air New Zealand, which is calling on the Government to delay taking a position on the proposed Air New Zealand-Qantas takeover until after the Commerce Commission has examined the deal. See... United Future backs Debate Air New Zealand [1] ALSO: - New Group Formed - Debate AirNZ Report On Propose Qantas/Air NZ Deal. [2] - Debate Air New Zealand - And the new website set up for you to register your support for a proper debate... http://www.debateairnz.org.nz.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00288.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00095.htm

The Bad Breath is Back

- Jerry Falwell, famous in New Zealand for his Uranium-Breath, has been calling for an immediate strike against Iraq. Firas Al-Atraqchi bites back suggesting Falwell is merely an agent of Israel. Firas Al-Atraqchi: Jerry Falwell, Agent of Israel [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00068.htm

ACC Claimants Do Not Share Minister’s Confidence

- On the eve of a decision from the Transport and Industrial Relations Select-Committee about whether to hold an inquiry into ACC, claimants are not sharing the confidence of ACC Minister, Hon Ruth Dyson. See... Howard’s End – Claimants Don't Share Confidence [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00069.htm

Jason Leopold: Nixon Would Be Proud

- The dismissal of the General Accounting Office lawsuit against Vice President Dick Cheney is just another example of the veil of secrecy that permeates within the Bush administration and is a grim reminder of the dark days of former President Richard Nixon, who openly defied Congress during the investigation into Watergate. See... Shades Of Nixon In Cheney GAO Disclosure Decision [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00067.htm

Aziz Choudry Is Supporting His Comrades

- Last month, in the Opera House in the small Vermont town of Plainfield, I attended a fundraising evening of drama and music for the legal costs of Institute For Social Ecology alumnus Camilo Viveiros. It was one of a number of fundraisers held to raise money for legal expenses. See... Trials and Tribulations: Supporting Our Comrades [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00061.htm

Stateside With Rosalea

- December 8 marked the third anniversary of me and my luggage spilling on to the footpath outside one of the most expensive hotels in San Francisco. See... Stateside With Rosalea: Off with her head! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00062.htm

Upton-On-Line: Race Relations And Poetic Theology

- In This Issue: The briefest of reflections on the talibanic outpourings of Race Relations Conciliator Joris de Bres, a note (by way of contrast) on the carefully considered conclusions of Judges McGechan and Goddard in the Bleakley case and some cultural and end-of-year therapy in the form of four poems from a recently published book, Spirit in a Strange Land: A Selection of New Zealand Spiritual Verse. See... Upton-on-line - Edition 11 December 2002 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00066.htm

Cartoon: Which One Of These Is Not Like The Other?

- Cartoon by John Chuckman... See... Scoop Cartoon: Saddam Is Not A Bit Out Of Place [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00065.htm

Letter From Elsewhere: Joris de Bres’s Big Speech

- Reading the available documents, in full, certainly helps. I wonder how many of the people who reacted so furiously to the speech by the Race Relations Commissioner to mark the International Day of Cultural Heritage have actually read the full text. See... Our Nation’s Story - Heritage Or Vandalism? [1] and the speech of the moment. Blowing Up The Bamiyan Buddhas – de Bres Speech [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00064.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00094.htm

Air NZ/Qantas Merger Economic Analysis

- The strategic alliance between Air New Zealand and Qantas will create 200 new jobs in Air New Zealand and a minimum of 2,500 additional jobs in the tourist industry. See... More Jobs, Tourists And Direct Destinations [1] and Domestic Routes Key to Air New Zealand Survival [2] MORE: - Address By John Palmer, Chairman, Air New Zealand [3] - Address by Ralph Norris, MD Air New Zealand [4] - Summary Sheet - Strategic Alliance Benefits and Detriments - NECG [5] - Executive Summary - NECG Report On Air NZ/Qantas [6] - Full NECG Report – 1.7MB Adobe PDF File REACTION: - Commerce Commission - Air New Zealand and Qantas [7] - National - Report confirms anti-competitive concerns [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00074.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00064.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00073.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00072.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00071.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00070.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00069.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00205.htm

Global Peace and Justice Antiwar Protest This Saturday

- Global Peace and Justice Auckland is organising an Antiwar Protest for this Saturday December 14. People are to assemble at Auckland's QEII Square, Downtown, at 11am. See... GPJA Antiwar Protest This Saturday Dec 14 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00109.htm

Shhh… Waihopai Spybase Protest Looms

- New Zealand is one of George Bush’s most enthusiastic allies in his apparently endless and borderless "war on terror". The public face of that is the involvement of the SAS in the war in Afghanistan. But New Zealand’s most significant contribution ... See... Waihopai Spybase Protest January 24-26 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00110.htm

Health Board’s Broke: 1000s of South Aucklanders Suffer!

- Thousands of Counties-Manukau patients are missing out on surgery because their health board can't afford to treat them, says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott. See... Thousands of South Auckland patients miss out [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00279.htm

Mentally Ill Face Trumped Up Charges

- Mental health patients charged with offence to keep in cells... Auckland mental health clients who are kept in police cells for longer than six hours are now being charged with a minor offence so they can stay in the cells, PSA national secretary Richard ... See... Mental health patients charged with offences [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00111.htm

Health Minister’s Network Code of Practice Speech

- I am very pleased to welcome you all here today to launch a Health Information Standards Organisation, and announce the release of the Health Network Code of Practice and draft Health Information Standards Plan. See... King Speech: Health Network Code of Practice [1] ALSO: - Ministry of Health - Organisation To Ensure Success of Health IT [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00285.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00114.htm

Dunne Backs Debate Air New Zealand Group

- United Future leader Peter Dunne has swung his support behind the pressure group, Debate Air New Zealand, which is calling on the Government to delay taking a position on the proposed Air New Zealand-Qantas takeover until after the Commerce Commission ... See... United Future backs Debate Air New Zealand [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00288.htm

Mallard Responds on Air New Zealand-Qantas Deal

- [From the Hon Trevor Mallard, Associate Minister of Finance] The Government has not made any decisions on the merits of the proposal. It will make an in-principle decision by December 18. See... Import News: Feedback on Air NZ/Qantas [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00115.htm

Wilson Launches Guide to Treaty Claims

- Treaty Negotiations Minister Margaret Wilson launched the revised guide to the Treaty of Waitangi claims settlement process, “Healing the Past, Building a Future”, at Parliament today. See... Revised guide to treaty settlements launched [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00283.htm

Nandor Wild About Judges Rights Ruling

- Green MP Nandor Tanczos today slammed a District Court judgement which found that an Auckland City Council bylaw did not breach the Bill of Rights. The bylaw allows for signs on residential properties advertising products or services… See... Nandor slams judge's Bill of Rights ruling [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00275.htm

Why Accountability is a Rotting Word

- Minister of Internal Affairs George Hawkins has refused to be accountable for his failure to "exercise judgement and political awareness", under questioning over rotting homes at the Government Administration select committee today. See... The buck stops nowhere on rotting homes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00291.htm

Nats Wrapped United Grasps Rotting Issue

- National Housing Spokesperson Dr Wayne Mapp says he is pleased United Future has finally grasped the rotting homes issue and called for the resignation of Bill Porteous. See... United weeks behind on rotting homes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00274.htm

Horse is Second, Cart’s First, What’s Third? Iraq?

- Prime Minister Helen Clark is putting the cart before the horse in visiting the US for the premiere of a documentary in which she features, ACT New Zealand Rural Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today. See... PM Puts Cart First, Horse Second [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00290.htm

Govt Can Do More To Ensure Businesses Succeed

- There is more that government can do to help New Zealand businesses grow and succeed, Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton said today on the release of the 2002 Business Practices and Performance Survey. See... More to do for business success [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00281.htm

NCEA Achieved Mark Implemented

- A parliamentary select committee inquiry into the implementation of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) has awarded the process the standard of ‘achieved’, but only just. See... NCEA implementation gets ‘achieved’ mark – just [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00287.htm

Hawkins Welcomes New Cops

- Police Minister George Hawkins has welcomed the addition of 78 more police officers, following tomorrow’s graduation ceremony at Porirua’s Police College. See... Minister welcomes latest police graduates [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00272.htm

Labour’s Burglary Crackdown a Sham

- The Labour Government’s pledge to crack down on burglary’s been exposed as a sham after convictions in connection with Auckland’s RSA murders. See... Police under-resourcing linked to RSA case [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00286.htm

Minister Welcomes Research Partnership

- The announcement today of funding for four major research consortia is a significant new step for New Zealand's science and innovation system, says Minister of Research, Science and Technology Pete Hodgson. See... Hodgson welcomes major new research partnerships [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00293.htm

Proposed Maritime Security Laws Introduced

- Shipping and port security will be increased to ensure New Zealand’s people and trade and tourism sector are not at risk from terrorist attacks, says Associate Minister of Transport, Harry Duynhoven. See... Maritime security legislation to be introduced [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00292.htm

Treasury Report Cuts Short

- Treasury's latest study, into the effectiveness of social spending to improve the well-being of children, has failed to address the real issues of the causes of social dysfunction" ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said ... See... Treasury Report Short Of The Mark [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00277.htm

Franks Frank About Rugby Handouts

- Any provision made to enable the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to protect its stylised fern symbol must not come at a cost to any other code or brand, ACT Sports Spokesman Stephen Franks said today. See... Help For NZRFU Must Not Cost Others [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00284.htm

Questions of the Day

- 1. JILL PETTIS to the Minister of Research, Science and Technology: What progress has the Government made recently in encouraging private sector investment in research? See... Questions For Oral Answer - Thursday, 12 December [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00289.htm

Yesterday’s Parliamentary Questions and Answers

- 1. Hon. BILL ENGLISH (Leader of the Opposition) to the Prime Minister: Has she met with the Local Government Forum to discuss their concerns that the Local Government Bill is "clearly negative for growth", as they requested on 22 October ... See... Questions Of The Day Transcript - 11 December [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00282.htm

Border Control Fly Spray and Luck Style

- The Customs Minister should talk to the Biosecurity Minister before making claims about effective container checks and anti-terrorism customs controls, says National's spokesperson on Biosecurity and Customs, Shane Ardern. See... Border control down to fly spray and good luck [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00280.htm

Govt Too Busy To Brief on Bill

- The Government intends to ram through the Local Government Bill before Christmas despite growing opposition among local bodies and business, says National Local Government Spokesperson Gerry Brownlee. See... Govt too busy for briefings on Local Govt Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00278.htm

Forum’s Letter To The PM

- The Local Government Forum was established in 1994 as a pan-industry group of business organisations, with the objective of promoting greater efficiency and effectiveness in the local government sector and to contribute to policy issues affecting that ... See... Letter to the PM - Re: Local Govt Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00112.htm

Local Govt CEO Thanks Govt

- The Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand, Peter Winder, today thanked the Local Government and Environment Select Committee for all their hard work which has resulted in a modernised Local Government Bill. See... Local Government Thanks Select Committee for Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00108.htm

Windflow Cool on Kyoto

- Christchurch company Windflow Technology welcomes the Government's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. "We look forward to further Government policies to correct the imbalance that favours fossil fuels at the expense of arresting climate change," ... See... Windflow Applauds Kyoto Agreement [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00113.htm

Justice Minister’s Monopoly Card - Franks

- "Drink up and be merry' is our Justice Minister's Christmas present to Invercargill drink driving offender Jason Mann" says ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks. Invercargill prison released Jason Mann the same day he turned up for his one-month prison sentence ... See... Christmas 'Get Out Of Free' Card [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00273.htm

Alexander Gets a Promotion

- United Future law and order spokesman and long time Sensible Sentencing Trust advocate, Marc Alexander MP has been given the position of Deputy Chair on Parliament's Law and Order select committee. See... Promotion for United Future's Marc Alexander [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00276.htm

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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.

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