Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Friday, 17 December 2004, 6:26 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Fair Pay Breakthrough For Nurses Announced
State Service's Investigation Into Emergency Response Unit Released
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
UN Reconstructs Homes Demolished By Israel In Jenin 2002 Raids
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
American Coup II: What Happens When You Challenge The Ohio SoS In An Elevator
American Coup II: Daniel Hopsicker's Big Fix Investigation Continues

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Pacific Ecologist: Peak Oil Revisited
Keith Rankin On Auckland's Trading Portals
Meditations: Looking Without A Center
Hard News & Much More Is There!
Blogwatch: Dogs Biting Men
Marjorie Cohn On The Offensive Against The UN
Chuckman Cartoon: A New Washington Xmas Monument
Manuel Valenzeula's Amerikan Nazi's Serial Part II
Christmas In America Sounds Like Christmas At The Warehouse
Sam Smith: Local Body Wind Shifts In New Rome
Sam Smith: The Gary Webb Case

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Speculating On Monday's Expected Cabinet Reshuffle
First Fruits Of Needs Based Policy Review Welcomed
Why Are We Waiting For The White (Tamihere) Report?
Kiwi SAS Member Receives US Govt. Award
Political Columns: Xmas Greetings & Commiserations
Locke: NZ Should Back Protest Of Australia's Maritime Expansion
Judy Turner Becomes Deputy Leader Of United Future
Looking After Our Four Legged, Simian & Beaked Friends
Rocketing Rates Rouse Ken Shirley's Ire
Teen Parenting Unit For Manukau High School
Medical School Fee Rises Deplorable – Donnelly
Urgency: Gambling Amendment Bill
Urgency: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Bill
Those Were The Days Of Our Select Committees
Business Confidence On The Up & Up
Gordon Copeland Welcomes End To 17 Year Battle On Charity Tax Issues
Kedgley Not Impressed With Response On Complementary Health

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0412/S00100.htm
Young Opera Talent Get Chance Of Limelight.

LEAD STORY:
Fair Pay Breakthrough For Nurses Announced

- A proposed settlement has been reached between the New Zealand Nurses Organisation and the country’s 21 District Health Boards of nurses’ and midwives’ fair pay and safe staffing claim. See... Historic Fair Pay Settlement For Nurses & Midwives [1] ALSO: - Greens - Don't forget pay rise for rest home nurses [2] - DHBs - A Happy Christmas For Nurses and Midwives [3] - CTU - Watershed Pay Deal Recognises True Value of Nurses [4] - PSA - Nurses settlement puts pressure on pay [5] - Senior Doctors - “Senior doctors congratulate nurses” [6] - Private Hospitals - Pay Settlement Signals Sea Change In Funding [7] - Residential Care NZ - Pay Increase Will Deepen Crisis in Elderly Care [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00058.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00461.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00059.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00198.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00203.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00067.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00066.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00063.htm

State Service's Investigation Into Emergency Response Unit Released

- Corrections Minister Paul Swain today welcomed the release of the State Services Commissioner's report into the Corrections Department's Canterbury Emergency Response Unit (CERU). See... Swain welcomes inquiry report [1] ALSO: - State Services Com - Canterbury Emergency Response Unit Report Released [2] - United - Alexander: Lovely report, but whodunnit??? [3] - NZ First - Corrections Responsible For ERU Disaster [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00447.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00195.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00452.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00460.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00204.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00280.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00271.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00201.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00270.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0412/S00040.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0412/S00138.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0412/S00068.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00061.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/GE0412/S00060.htm

UN Reconstructs Homes Demolished By Israel In Jenin 2002 Raids

- The main United Nations agency helping Palestinian refugees today handed over keys to new homes to most of the 435 families whose houses were destroyed during an Israeli incursion into the West Bank town of Jenin in 2002. See... Palestinian Homes Replaced From Israeli 2002 Raid [1] ALSO: Opportunity To Advance Israeli-Palestinian Peace [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00250.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00248.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00252.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00251.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00243.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00242.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00239.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00237.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00197.htm
Merry Christmas From Washington

STORY OF THE WEEK & SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II:

What Happens When You Challenge The Ohio SoS In An Elevator

- On Monday, December 6, my wife Carrie and I, accompanied by a local ABC cameraman and a local radio talk show host, attempted to deliver a letter to the Secretary of State of Ohio, J. Kenneth Blackwell. See... Jailed For Questioning Ohio Secretary Of State [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00199.htm

American Coup II: Daniel Hopsicker's Big Fix Investigation Continues

- A ''mistake'' made in the office of a seriously-compromised Supervisor of Election in Pinellas County whose husband is a top executive of the country’s largest election services company has almost unnoticed spiked the best hope for a election recount in Florida... See... Daniel Hopsicker: The Big Fix 2004 (Part3) [1] MORE VOTE FRAUD NEWS: - uscountvotes.org [2] - Volunteer Project for Detection of Vote Errors [3] - RawStory.Com [4] - Kerry Edwards Lawyer's Letter To Kenneth Blackwell [5] See also...Full Coverage of American Coup II [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00198.htm
[2] - http://uscountvotes.org
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00258.htm
[4] - http://RawStory.Com
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00256.htm
[6] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=usacoup

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Pacific Ecologist: Peak Oil Revisited

- Our global economic system and societies are sustained by finite fossil fuel resources, writes PETER NORTH and oil production is due to peak within the next ten years. Yet instead of conserving the vital resources, fossil fuel use continues to increase. See... Peter North: Fossil Fuel Limits & Dependencies [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00192.htm

Keith Rankin On Auckland's Trading Portals

- It may not be well known, even in Auckland, but Auckland has two international seaports: Auckland and Tauranga. The Port of Tauranga and TranzRail (now Toll Rail) jointly operate an inland ''metroport'' at Southdown, between Onehunga and Otahuhu. See... Keith Rankin: Auckland's Ports (Air and Sea) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00194.htm

Meditations: Looking Without A Center

- A flock of small birds lands in the shallows, and a few begin furiously beating their wings in the water. More join in, and suddenly there are a dozen birds taking a bath at the same time. See... Martin LeFevre: Looking Without A Center [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00193.htm

Hard News & Much More Is There!

- The burgeoning support for the continuance of Western Springs speedway racing is probably not unconnected with a desire to compensate for the failure of the proposed V8 race in a different part of town to get planning approval... See... Public Address 17/12/04 - Absolute Lashings! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00196.htm

Blogwatch: Dogs Biting Men

- A regular update from DogBitingMen: DogBitingMen is home to Mediacow, David W Young, Olivia Kember, Ben Thomas, and Mr Neil Falloon. See... DogBitingMen Digest – 17 December 2004 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00201.htm

Marjorie Cohn On The Offensive Against The UN

- In 1945, the United Nations Conference in San Francisco gave birth to the United Nations Organization. In the wake of two world wars that claimed 55 million lives, the U.N. Charter pledged to ''save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.'' See... Marjorie Cohn: Guarding the Guardians of Peace [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00200.htm

Chuckman Cartoon: A New Washington Xmas Monument

- Cartoon by John Chuckman... See... Chuckman Cartoon: US National Tree Xmas 2004 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00197.htm

Manuel Valenzeula's Amerikan Nazi's Serial Part II

- In November 2000 democracy, or the mirage that passed for it, was dismembered, never again allowed to grace America with its cherished principles espousing the power of ‘We the People.’ See... Manuel Valenzuela: Death of Democracy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00191.htm

Christmas In America Sounds Like Christmas At The Warehouse

- It is the Christmas season here. Most people have already bought their presents and are eager to find out what awaits them under the wrapping. When you do open your packages, check to see how many are made in China. See... Guest Opinion: Made In China [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00190.htm

Sam Smith: Local Body Wind Shifts In New Rome

- There's been a noticeable shift in the political wind in Washington. Not the Washington familiar to most but in the second Washington, the one that serves the first and comes out last. See... Sam Smith: Wind Shift In Washington [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00189.htm

Sam Smith: The Gary Webb Case

The death of investigative reporter Gary Webb has brought an unusually strong reaction from readers, some of whom feel he was assassinated and many more of whom feel he was rottenly treated by his media colleagues for his expose of CIA - drug trade connections. ... See... Sam Smith: The Gary Webb Case [1] MORE: - Robert Parry - America's Debt to Journalist Gary Webb [2] - Dog Skin Report - The Death Of A True Journalist [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00181.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00160.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00162.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00192.htm
Pacific Ecologist Out Now!
including... Peak Oil Redux

Speculating On Monday's Expected Cabinet Reshuffle

- National Party Welfare spokeswoman Katherine Rich is urging the person who'll be named to replace Steve Maharey as Social Development Minister on Monday, to campaign against the weasel words infecting the department's reports. See... Meaningless jibber jabber infects ministry [1] MORE: - Gerry Eckhoff - Farmers watching Cabinet reshuffle closely [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00472.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00469.htm

First Fruits Of Needs Based Policy Review Welcomed

- “The government decision to remove the ethnicity component from the formula for calculating school decile levels is sensible,” says New Zealand First spokesperson Brian Donnelly. See... Removing Ethnicity Component A Sensible Move [1] MORE: - ACT - Education race-based funding alive & well [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00463.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00451.htm

Why Are We Waiting For The White (Tamihere) Report?

- ACT Leader Rodney Hide today accused the Government of delay over Douglas White's investigation into former Minister John Tamihere's failure to pay tax on his $195,000 "koha" payment from the Waipareira Trust and his election expenses return. See... Where's the White report? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00459.htm

Kiwi SAS Member Receives US Govt. Award

- The Government seems to be embarrassed by George Bush’s award to the New Zealand SAS, says Green MP Keith Locke. See... Govt embarrassed by Bush’s award to SAS [1] and GPJA… Citation of Shame for New Zealand [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00448.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0412/S00200.htm

Political Columns: Xmas Greetings & Commiserations

- Time to remind ourselves of key Progressive achievements in this year. Two Budget gems to start: See... robson-on-politics Xmas 2004 Edition [1] MORE COLUMNS: - Labour Party - Beehive Bulletin Fri, 17 Dec 2004 [2] - Marc Alexander - Marc My Words: Seeing The Stars In Sorrow [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00473.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00462.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00456.htm

Locke: NZ Should Back Protest Of Australia's Maritime Expansion

- Green Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Keith Locke is calling for the Government to back Indonesia's protest against Australia's provocative proclamation of a 1000-mile maritime security zone. See... Protest against Howard's illegal zone [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00471.htm

Judy Turner Becomes Deputy Leader Of United Future

- United Future leader, Peter Dunne, has announced that the party’s caucus had met earlier today and elected Whakatane-based MP, Judy Turner, unopposed as the party’s deputy leader. See... United Future elects deputy leader [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00470.htm

Looking After Our Four Legged, Simian & Beaked Friends

- Two new codes of welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 have been issued, Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton said today. See... Codes of welfare for zoos and circuses published [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00468.htm

Rocketing Rates Rouse Ken Shirley's Ire

- Local Council rates data released today reveal New Zealanders are being hit just as hard by local government as central government under Labour, ACT Local Government spokesman Ken Shirley said today. See... Rates skyrocket 35 percent over five years [1] and Statistics NZ Local Authority Rates Income Increases [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00467.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00272.htm

Teen Parenting Unit For Manukau High School

- Manurewa MP Hon George Hawkins today announced funding of almost $1 million to establish a new teen parent unit attached to James Cook High School. See... New opportunities for Manukau City students [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00466.htm

Medical School Fee Rises Deplorable – Donnelly

- “The series of decisions which have lead to the 10% increase in fees for doctors at the University of Otago are deplorable,” says New Zealand first education spokesperson, Brian Donnelly. See... Medical Student Fee Rise Is Deplorable [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00465.htm

Urgency: Gambling Amendment Bill

- "The Gambling Amendment Bill has been designed to allow elected members of licensing trusts to be involved in decisions on the distribution of gaming machine proceeds to the community," Internal Affairs Minister George Hawkins said when introducing ... See... Members to distribute proceeds from gaming [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00464.htm

Urgency: Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Bill

- “The introduction of the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Bill has come about because of the less than professional treatment of inmates by some Corrections Department staff, who have treated them in ways which act against their basic human rights” ... See... Prisoners’ and Victims’ Claims Bill [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00444.htm

Those Were The Days Of Our Select Committees

- Committee meetings Eight committee meetings were held this week, all in the parliamentary complex. See... Select Committee Business - 10 Dec to 17 Dec [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00457.htm

Business Confidence On The Up & Up

- The latest National Bank business outlook showing continuing strong investment and hiring intentions promises a good summer for New Zealand workers, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today. See... Confidence survey promises good summer [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00455.htm

Gordon Copeland Welcomes End To 17 Year Battle On Charity Tax Issues

- United Future MP Gordon Copeland today expressed his delight that the Charities Bill has been reported back by the Select Committee to Parliament. See... Charities Bill ends 17-year battle [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00449.htm

Kedgley Not Impressed With Response On Complementary Health

- Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says Minister of Health Annette King’s response to recommendations from the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Complementary Medicine (MACCAH) is deeply disappointing. See... Complementary health response disappoints Kedgley [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00446.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.

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