Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 21 December 2004, 6:17 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Tamihere Welcomes Douglas White Q.C. Report Into His Tax Affairs
Scoop Report: Prime Minister Details A Centralised Intelligence Bureau
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Gaza: United Nations School Shelters 600 Palestinian Families
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Paul Buchanan On The Nature Of Just Wars
Julie Webb-Pullman: Propaganda Wars In Havana
Karl Ferguson's MOTORNET: Odyssey Revisited
Poll Watch: Sunday Star Times
John Roughan's Letter From Honiara
Miguel Ramirez Takes Issue With Peter Calder's Cuban Odyssey
Ivan Eland: Missile Defense Should Be Scrapped
Bill Berkowitz: Man Of The Year, Yeah Right!
Genevieve Cora Fraser Responds To Humanising Conflict Views
Kamala Sarup: Nepalese Women Take On The Maoists

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Survey Reveals Confidence In NCEA Dented
Current Account Deficit Increases By $1.1billion
PM Announces Cabinet Reshuffle
ACT Wants Inquiry Into Youngster's Death
Greens Disappointed Over Govt's Corngate Response
Student Loan Repayment Thresholds Tweaked
$18 Million Health Boost Small Step In Right Direction
Nats Push For King To Be Accountable
Drug Wastage A Key To Health System Efficiency
Maharey Announces New Research Funding
Nats Hint That Trickle-Down Theory Not Working
Immigration Gains Require Discipline Says Ryall
Text Released On NZ/Thailand CEP
Is Govt Planning To Sell NZ Post Couriers?
Hobbs Wants Wellington's Trolley Buses To Stay
ACT Posts Its Letter

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00236.htm
PM's Standup For JT - Images

LEAD STORY:
Tamihere Welcomes Douglas White Q.C. Report Into His Tax Affairs

Member of Parliament for Tamaki Makaurau John Tamihere welcomes the findings of the White Report, which has been released publicly today. See... White Report Clears Tamihere [1] and Key Findings In Report Of Douglas White QC [2] MORE: - Scoop - 2 Extracts From The Douglas White Tamihere Report [3] - Images - PM's Standup For John Tamihere [4] - National - National awaits SFO report on Tamihere [5] - ACT - Tamihere Cleared? Yeah Right! [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00523.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00524.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00241.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00236.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00544.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00532.htm

Scoop Report: Prime Minister Details A Centralised Intelligence Bureau

- "Sometime later today or tomorrow the annual report of the Security Intelligence Service will be tabled in Parliament and you will find a reference in it to a combined 'Threat Assessment Group' which is being housed within the Security Intelligence Service. It [the Threat Assessment Group] is bringing together officials from across a number of agencies – Police, the Defence Force, The Government Communications Security Bureau and the SIS itself. See... PM's Post Cabinet Press Conference Dec 20 [1] ALSO: - Greens - Kiwis should be sceptical Re: SIS terrorism claims [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00235.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00509.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00514.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00513.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00509.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0412/S00120.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0412/S00118.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00234.htm
Santa Recruited For Propaganda War In Cuba

Gaza: United Nations School Shelters 600 Palestinian Families

- Following a two-day offensive by Israeli forces into the Khan Younis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, the main United Nations agency helping Palestinian refugees has opened one of its schools to provide temporary accommodation to 600 families displaced ... See... Israeli Offensive: School Shelters 600 Families [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00288.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00287.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00286.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00285.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00284.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0412/S00283.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Paul Buchanan On The Nature Of Just Wars

- Revelations that the SAS detachment to Afghanistan received a US presidential unit citation for its actions as part of the multinational task force supporting nation-building and counter-terror operations in that country have occasioned varying responses from the New Zealand political spectrum. See... On The Contemporary Nature Of Just Wars [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00239.htm

Julie Webb-Pullman: Propaganda Wars In Havana

- Several press agencies have reported in recent days that in retaliation to its provocative neon '75' Christmas decoration, the US Interests Section in Havana awoke on Friday to the sight of two huge billboards opposite its entrance emblazoned with a swastika, ... See... Julie Webb-Pullman: If the Cross Fits, Bear it!!! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00234.htm

Karl Ferguson's MOTORNET: Odyssey Revisited

- It's difficult to get excited at the prospect of a new people-mover or MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) as they are more commonly known. See... MOTORNET: Honda Reworks The Odyssey [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00228.htm

Poll Watch: Sunday Star Times

- Labour 45 National 35 NZ First 7 Greens 4 ACT 3 United Future 3 Maori 2 Destiny 1 See... Scoop Poll Watch: SST/BRC Poll 20.12.04 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00237.htm

John Roughan's Letter From Honiara

- Parliament's last meeting for 2004 disappointed many including members themselves. With almost 18 months of RAMSI presence under its belt, with a level of security and hope not found since the early 1990s, people hoped for the re-birth of a new, ... See... John Roughan: Wrong Ones Got Christmas Gifts! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00227.htm

Miguel Ramirez Takes Issue With Peter Calder's Cuban Odyssey

- Reading the unfair article of Peter Calder on Cuba, called '' Charmed by Cuba's courage '' it is easy to understand why he told me when we met in Cuba that he was not a journalist involved in politics and that he was just a movie critic writer. See... Cuban Ambassador Responds to Peter Calder Article [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00233.htm

Ivan Eland: Missile Defense Should Be Scrapped

- The most recent among many testing glitches of the Bush administration missile defense program should remind us that this exorbitant and heavily politicized effort should be scrapped. See... Ivan Eland: Kill Missile Defense Now [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00238.htm

Bill Berkowitz: Man Of The Year, Yeah Right!

- The same day news came that President Bush had been named Time Magazine's ''Person of the Year,'' Reuters reported that ''suicide car bombers struck Iraq's two main Shi'ite holy cities of Najaf and Kerbala... killing at least 62 people and wounding ... See... Bill Berkowitz: Topsy Turvy World Gone Mad [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00232.htm

Genevieve Cora Fraser Responds To Humanising Conflict Views

- Though I deeply admire individuals such as Alice Rothchild, a member of a Jewish American health-care organization active in Palestine, many of the other individuals who commented in the article on humanizing the Palestine-Israeli conflict have a ... See... Response: Humanizing The Palestine-Israel Conflict [1] . See also... Poem: Palestine On Christmas Day In Mourning [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00231.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00229.htm

Kamala Sarup: Nepalese Women Take On The Maoists

- For the first time since the insurgency started, a women-led anti-Maoist uprising has spread across Dailekh and in Baglung and some part of the country. See... Kamala Sarup: Nepali Women & Reconciliation [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00230.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00235.htm
Scoop Report: PM's Conference
Threats Assessments and Cabinet Shuffling.

Survey Reveals Confidence In NCEA Dented

- Publicity surrounding Cambridge High School has dented confidence in NCEA, according to the latest AC Nielsen survey (November 2004) commissioned by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. However, the survey shows that those with direct experience with the system ... See... Mixed Results from NCEA Survey [1] ALSO: - QPEC - NCEA Confidence Crisis Challenge for New Minister [2] - Nats - English: It's time to listen to parents [3] - United Future - Standards must be upheld if NCEA is to stay [4] - ACT - NCEA dissatisfaction highlights need for choice [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0412/S00071.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0412/S00072.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00525.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00511.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00508.htm

Current Account Deficit Increases By $1.1billion

- The seasonally adjusted Balance of Payments current account deficit was $3,089 million in the September 2004 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. The deficit increased $1,109 million from the June 2004 quarter to the September 2004 quarter… See... Current Account Deficit Continues to Widen [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0412/S00312.htm

PM Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

- Rt. Hon Helen Clark 20 December 2004 Changes to Cabinet portfolios Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced changes to ministerial portfolio allocations affecting all but four Cabinet ministers. See... Changes to Cabinet portfolios [1] and Ministerial List 20th December 2004 [2] REACTION: - Scoop - NEWSFLASH: Cabinet Reshuffle Main Changes [3] - National - More of the same from the same 'tired old faces' [4] - NZ First - Same Old Faces, Faded Labels - Peters [5] - National - Families will be horrified [6] - ACT - Shuffling the same sheep solves nothing [7] - ACT - No real lawyers, says Franks [8] - Progressives - Progressive leader comments on responsibilities [9] - NZ First - A Black Mark On Treaty Negotiations [10]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00498.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00500.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0412/S00225.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00495.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00497.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00504.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00503.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00506.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00502.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00512.htm

ACT Wants Inquiry Into Youngster's Death

- ACT Deputy Leader and Social Services spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today wrote to the Prime Minister calling for an independent inquiry into the tragic death of young Otis Auelua. See... Newman Calls For Independent Inquiry [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00529.htm

Greens Disappointed Over Govt's Corngate Response

- The Green Party is deeply disappointed by the Government's lacklustre response to recommendations set down by the "Corngate" Select Committee inquiry. See... Government fudges response to "Corngate" inquiry [1] ALSO: The government's formal response to the report of the Local Government and Environment Select Committee inquiry into the alleged accidental release of genetically modified corn has been presented to Parliament, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs, announced ...See... Government response to select committee inquiry [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00528.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00515.htm

Student Loan Repayment Thresholds Tweaked

- Income thresholds for student loan repayments and interest write-offs will rise from 1 April next year, Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey and Associate Revenue Minister David Cunliffe announced today. See... Student loan repayments thresholds to rise [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00513.htm

$18 Million Health Boost Small Step In Right Direction

- The granting of $18 million extra to district health boards to help ease immediate funding pressures is a small step in the right direction says New Zealand First health spokesperson for the elderly Barbara Stewart. See... Funding Increase Small Step In Right Direction [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00527.htm

Nats Push For King To Be Accountable

- The Health and Independence Report released today shows that Health Minister Annette King should have been fired in today's Cabinet reshuffle, says National Party Health spokeswoman, Judith Collins. See... Report shows Minister should have been fired [1] ALSO: Most NZers pay more to see the doctor [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00522.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00519.htm

Drug Wastage A Key To Health System Efficiency

- By turning a blind eye to drug wastage, the Government is throwing millions of health dollars away, says National’s Associate Health spokesman, Dr Paul Hutchison. See... Govt turns blind eye to drug wastage [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00510.htm

Maharey Announces New Research Funding

- New funding to strengthen areas of university research that are important to New Zealand's society and economy was announced today by Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education) Steve Maharey. See... New funding to strengthen key areas of research [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00521.htm

Nats Hint That Trickle-Down Theory Not Working

- "It is extraordinary that our current account position is so bad when New Zealand commodity prices and the terms of trade are so high," says National Party Finance spokesman John Key, commenting on the current account deficit reaching 5.8% of GDP. See... Balance of Payments similar to Asian crisis period [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00526.htm

Immigration Gains Require Discipline Says Ryall

- New Zealand needs a more disciplined approach to immigration if we are to get more skilled people contributing to our country’s future, says National’s Immigration spokesman, Tony Ryall. See... Skilled migration in crisis [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00520.htm

Text Released On NZ/Thailand CEP

- The Government today published the text of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement between New Zealand and Thailand. See... Release of NZ-Thai CEP Agreement Texts [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00517.htm

Is Govt Planning To Sell NZ Post Couriers?

- “Labour must explain why it won’t tell the public the terms of a significant asset sale which will see New Zealand Post-owned Express Couriers sold to a German company,” says National Party Finance spokesman John Key. See... Labour must come clean on secret asset sale [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00514.htm

Hobbs Wants Wellington's Trolley Buses To Stay

- Wellington Central MP and Environment Minister, Marian Hobbs, has expressed concern to Transport Minister Pete Hodgson that Wellington's new trolley buses may be under threat from public funder Land Transport New Zealand. See... Marian Hobbs backs retention of trolley buses [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00507.htm

ACT Posts Its Letter

- 20 December 2004 Parliament finished the year with its traditional bout of urgency as the government passed the Aquaculture Bill, which gives 20% of all marine farms to Maori, and seven new bills, none of which were controversial. Labour's election See... ACT's The Letter [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0412/S00505.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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