Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Monday, 16 December 2002, 5:18 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Homeland Insecurity Comes Home To Godzone
Howard’s End: What Our Country Can Do For You MPs
1000 March For Peace In Auckland And Wellington
Big News David Crampton Cites ACC Bullies
Homeland Insecurity: Watch What You Email To Your Friends!
…. And A Wacko Bush Rape Allegation
Behind The Veil: Misunderstanding Saudi Arabia
Changing Our Courts – Your Chance To Have A Say
Dame Sylvia Online
Scoop World: EU Gets Bigger
Scoop World: US Moves To Plan B – Lets Have (Another) Venezuelan Election
Dr Death Admits He Is Not The Man To Find The Truth About 911
Helen Meets Hobbit & Air New Zealand Succumbs To Frodomania
8-Year-Old’s Christmas Fantasy Comes True
Countdown To War: UN Inspectors Look For Bioweapons
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
National Calls For Rethink Of Air New Zealand Deal
Richard Has Been Writing, Again!
“Hi De Hi, Welcome To Paremoremo”
Dangerous Dads To Get Government Escorts
We Need Biosecurity Action
Friendly Discussions For The Benefit Of Society
We Wish!
$400-$500 Rise In Student Loan Thresholds
Call To Slow Down Local Govt. Bill
Milkman Gets Top Rugby Job
Compulsory Unionism Is Not Margaret’s Agenda
More Fun With Govt. Funded Credit Cards
Algerian Bogeyman Doesn’t Even Deserve A Hearing
Burglars’ Bunting Bonus Bungle

Homeland Insecurity Comes Home To Godzone

- Labour’s response to increased threats to security that New Zealanders face following the Bali bombings have been piecemeal and have totally ignored critical areas of preparedness. See... Homeland Security - A Discussion Paper [1] MORE: - Greens - Greens warn against terror hysteria [2] - MOH - Ministry of Health to buy smallpox vaccine [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00368.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00358.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00139.htm

Howard’s End: What Our Country Can Do For You MPs

- News over the weekend that MP's have rushed through a clause in their pay and perks legislation putting them in the same class as the Governor-General in being exempt from some income taxes, again raises serious questions about the powers of our Parliament to do anything that it wants... See... Howard's End: What Our Country Can Do For Its MPs [1] and Cullen Must Provide Urgent Answers on MP Tax Rort [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00089.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00356.htm

1000 March For Peace In Auckland And Wellington

- Auckland, December 14. Around 500 people participated in the GPJA Network (www.gpja.pl.net) rally “An Xmas Message for George Bush: Peace, Not War for Iraq”. See... Auckland Anti-War March Draws 500 To Queen St [1] and Wellington's 'Parade For Peace' Draws 500 [2] . See also... Xmas presents for the Iraqi People [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00133.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00090.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00130.htm

Big News David Crampton Cites ACC Bullies

- ACC Case Managers and staff at ACC subsidiary Catalyst are sending illegal rehabilitation plans to claimants asking for them to be signed and returned by Christmas. See... ACC bullies claimants before Christmas [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00087.htm

Homeland Insecurity: Watch What You Email To Your Friends!

- Today, December 10, 2002 at approximately 1:00 pm EST, at my residence 1651 Goldston Carbonton Road, Goldston, NC, I noticed 2 then 3 then 4 cars enter my driveway. I went out to greet them and asked if I could help them with something. See... "I Was Raped By The Agents Of Bush-Whacko" [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00092.htm

…. And A Wacko Bush Rape Allegation

- Margie Schoedinger of Missouri City, Texas has filed a lawsuit against George W. Bush in Fort Bend County Court. In her suit she is alleging "race based harassment and individual sex crimes committed against her and her husband." See... Scoop Links: Rape Accusations Against George Bush [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00085.htm

Behind The Veil: Misunderstanding Saudi Arabia

- Having lived and worked with my husband in Jeddah Saudi Arabia for the last 18 years, maybe I can shed a little light on the subject of recent revelations concerning the alleged funding of 911 terrorists by members of the Saudi royal family. See... Behind the Veil: Saudis Aren't As Bad As Painted [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00091.htm

Changing Our Courts – Your Chance To Have A Say

- Wide-ranging changes to the ways in which our court system operates are floated in an options paper released today by the Law Commission. See... Making The Courts Work Better For People [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00132.htm

Dame Sylvia Online

- The website features a photo tour of Government House, a complete history of all former Governors and Governors-General and a section on the New Zealand Honours system. See... Feel 'at home' at new Govt House website [1] See... Business Organisations Reiterate Concerns [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00137.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00136.htm

Scoop World: EU Gets Bigger

- The European Union has begun the process of enlargement: At the European Council meeting just concluded in Copenhagen the EU member states and the candidate countries agreed on a financial package for the first few years of enlargement. See... EU approves admission of ten new members [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00090.htm

Scoop World: US Moves To Plan B – Lets Have (Another) Venezuelan Election

- The United States is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Venezuela. In the past week the shooting of peaceful demonstrators, attacks on television, radio, and newspaper media outlets and disruptions to the Venezuelan economy have created a grave situation. These events have caused great pain and hardship in Venezuela. The Venezuelan people deserve better. See... U.S. Calls for Early Elections in Venezuela [1] and Scoop Link: CIA Linked To Venezuelan Coup Plans [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00086.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00078.htm

Dr Death Admits He Is Not The Man To Find The Truth About 911

- It is with regret that I accept Dr. Kissinger's decision to step down as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the events of Sept 11, 2001 and the years that led up to that event. See... Kissinger Steps Down From 911 National Commission [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00085.htm

Helen Meets Hobbit & Air New Zealand Succumbs To Frodomania

- A private screening in New York of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers for influential US investors may stimulate new investment in key New Zealand industry sectors, and attract more film production to the country. See... Images: PM Promotes Invest NZ With Frodo And Bilbo [1] , Images: Flying Frodo Air [2] and Air NZ Unlocks The Secrets Of Middle Earth.... [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00123.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00113.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00112.htm

8-Year-Old’s Christmas Fantasy Comes True

- A Masterton family's Christmas came all at once in Wellington on Saturday when Luke Rosemergy (aged eight years) took up his prize as winner of the Mainland Cheese nationwide toy grab competition. See... Christmas Comes All At Once For Eight Year Old Boy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00128.htm

Countdown To War: UN Inspectors Look For Bioweapons

- United Nations inspections teams continued their work in Iraq on Friday, with officials from both the UN and Baghdad working to resolve a problem at the Communicable Diseases Control Centre. See... Senior UN and Iraqi officials resolve problems [1] and Iraq Communicable Diseases Centre Inspected [2] See also COUNTDOWN TO WAR FEATURE PAGE [3] And... Terror Arrives Downunder - FULL COVERAGE [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00089.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00088.htm
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=countdowniraq
[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=balibomb

Daily Katya Rivas

- I am very calm and happy that My son is working with Us. How much joy My Heart feels with the courage of My chosen ones. Will you thank him for Me? See... Katya Rivas: The Courage of My Chosen Ones [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00088.htm

SCOOP PRESENTS DEBATE AIR NEW ZEALAND!
DON'T JUST THINK PARTICIPATE!
http://www.debateairnz.org.nz

National Calls For Rethink Of Air New Zealand Deal

- The National Party’s making an eleventh hour appeal to the Government to hold off on any hasty decision on whether to proceed with the proposed partial sale of Air New Zealand to Qantas. See... Last ditch bid for Govt to rethink Air NZ sale [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00349.htm

Richard Has Been Writing, Again!

- In cabinet Margaret Wilson has a paper to replace the present Deputy Commissioners on the Environment Court with her own political appointees. See... Richard Prebble's Letter From Wellington [1] and Letter from Richard Prebble to the PM [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00369.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00347.htm

“Hi De Hi, Welcome To Paremoremo”

- New Zealand’s prisons are being run like “Hi De Hi” holiday camps, said New Zealand First corrections spokesperson, Ron Mark, in response to the weekend escape of two dangerous convicts. See... Prison Management Cannot Escape Responsibility [1] MORE ON PRISONS: - ACT - Reverse Christmas Jail Release Scheme [2] - ACT - Collect The Answers On Christmas Release Policy [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00366.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00353.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00352.htm

Dangerous Dads To Get Government Escorts

- The government is to fund formal supervised contact sessions ordered by the Family Court, Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel announced today. See... Government to fund supervised contact [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00365.htm

We Need Biosecurity Action

- National is challenging the Government to turn talk into action on biosecurity following the release today of a draft strategy by the Biosecurity Council. See... Strategy calls for action on biosecurity [1] and Draft biosecurity strategy report published [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00374.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00367.htm

Friendly Discussions For The Benefit Of Society

- Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel today welcomed the release of a discussion document on options to reform the Friendly Societies and Credit Unions Act 1982. See... Reform of Friendly Societies and Credit Unions Act [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00373.htm

We Wish!

- Thousands of people will find it easier to obtain their income tax refunds from next year, Revenue Minister Michael Cullen and Associate Revenue Minister Paul Swain announced today. See... Easier income tax refunds [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00372.htm

$400-$500 Rise In Student Loan Thresholds

- Income thresholds for student loan repayments and interest write-offs will rise again from next April, Revenue Minister Michael Cullen and Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey announced today. See... Income threshold for student loan repayments [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00371.htm

Call To Slow Down Local Govt. Bill

- The National Party’s backing a call to delay the passage of the Local Government Bill to allow for “principled discussions” so the community can form a “durable consensus”. See... Call for Local Govt Bill delay [1] and Muriel Newman: Ratepayers - Be Vigilant! [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00370.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00350.htm

Milkman Gets Top Rugby Job

The dairy industry's loss is rugby's gain. Chris Moller's international experience and authority should help repair the damage of last year's debacle, ACT Sport and Recreation Spokesman Stephen Franks said today. See... Rugby Union’s New CEO Welcomed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00363.htm

Compulsory Unionism Is Not Margaret’s Agenda

- The review of the Employment Relations Act will include consideration of how collective bargaining provisions can be strengthened and I am sure that the government will receive a number of proposals around this, Labour Minister Margaret Wilson said today. See... Minister rejects return to compulsory unionism [1] . See also ... No CTU ‘Proposal’ For Bargaining Agents’ Fees [2] and Business New Zealand… . Business Update - Friday 13 December: Issue 63 [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00361.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00124.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00127.htm

More Fun With Govt. Funded Credit Cards

- Minister for State Owned Enterprises Mark Burton has today received the Auditor-General’s report on allegations of impropriety at New Zealand Post subsidiary Transend Worldwide Limited. See... Transend report outlines spending, governance [1] and NZ Post Welcomes AG's Report On Transend [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00360.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00134.htm

Algerian Bogeyman Doesn’t Even Deserve A Hearing

- New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has urged the Government to put suspected terrorist Ahmed Zaoui on the first plane back to where he came from. See... Deport Suspected Terrorist Urges Peters [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00359.htm

Burglars’ Bunting Bonus Bungle

- From Tuesday burglars, arsonists, wife beaters and other criminals will have a new technical defence when they come to court, unless the Government urgently and retrospectively fixes another criminal law bungle, said ACT Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks. See... Burglars' Christmas Bonus from Arrogant Law Bungle [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00354.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