Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 27 January 2005, 4:54 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

(Apologies.. first version missed the lead story.)

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Wellington Gets A Big Transportation Boost
Party Leaders Mark Holocaust Memorial Day
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Iraq Election Conditions Far From Ideal Says UN
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: Orewa II - The Backlash & The Chorus
SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II: Does America Have Apartheid Vote-Counting System?

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!
Ehrlich's Tsunami Report: Backpackers Expected To Be First Back
Bill Berkowitz: Overdosed
Evelyn Pringle: A Nation Ruined
A Brit Witnessed ISM Volunteer's Shooting Too
Al Giordano Returns To The Frontlines
Evelyn Pringle: Amway's Similarities To The Cosa Nostra
Iraqi Farmers Required To Purchase American Seed
Sam Smith On What The Christian Right Continues To Overlook

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Greens Want Investigation Into Tsunami Transport Bribery
Govt. Tops Up Tsunami Pot To Compensate For Dodgy Wicket
Some Hopeful Words From The Leader On United's Future
Christchurch Is Getting Transport Money Too Says Jim
Equal Values Party Launched
Rodney Hide Points Out An Alternative Direction For Brash
25% Increase In Strikes Just A Foretaste – Mapp
More Money For Getting Kids Into Work
Securities Commissioners Reappointed
Goff's Off To Vanuatu
More Kids To Get NZ University Scholarships
Family Budgeting Service Warning On School Funding
Agent Orange Document Release Seen As A PR Stunt

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00236.htm
Wellington's Commuter Rail To Get A Spruce Up

LEAD STORY:
Wellington Gets A Big Transportation Boost

- The government is to boost transport spending in the Wellington region by $225 million (excluding GST), Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Transport Minister Pete Hodgson announced today. See... $225 million Govt. boost for Wellington Transport [1] and Hodgson Speech: Wellington transport package [2] MORE: - United Future - Wellington Transport Package Excellent First Step [3] - Greens - Boost To Wellington Public Transport Long Overdue [4] - Greater Wellington - New and upgraded trains and bus services [5] - Marian Hobbs - Wellington delighted by new funding [6] - Mark Blumsky - Transport announcement transparent distraction [7] - ACT - Upgrading SH1 must be a priority [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00236.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00237.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00245.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00240.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0501/S00117.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00258.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00197.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00254.htm

Party Leaders Mark Holocaust Memorial Day

- Prime Minister Helen Clark today said that the world's sense of horror at the atrocities in Nazi concentration camps has not faded in the sixty years since the liberation of Auschwitz, and must not fade. See... New Zealand marks Holocaust Memorial Day [1] and Don Brash… Auschwitz: a time to reflect [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00249.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00251.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00139.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00201.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00198.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00150.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00149.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00148.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00144.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00140.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0501/S00138.htm

Iraq Election Conditions Far From Ideal Says UN

- With conditions far from ideal and security a major problem, Iraq's elections on Sunday should not be seen as "a be-all and end-all," but only one in a series of important staging posts "along an evolving transition" as the country emerges from an extremely traumatic chapter in its history, senior United Nations officials aid today. See... Sunday's election in Iraq not 'be-all and end-all' [1] and UN reviews steps to ensure fairness in Iraqi poll [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00284.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00265.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00296.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00295.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00293.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00290.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00292.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00286.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00285.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0501/S00297.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: Orewa II - The Backlash & The Chorus

- New Zealanders must be wondering what has happened to National's normally vocal welfare spokesperson Katherine Rich, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said today. See... Has National's welfare spokesperson been silenced? [1] MORE BACKLASH: - ACT - 10-Year Benefit Plan Not Ambitious Enough [2] - Govt. - Brash continues to be wrong on welfare [3] - Alliance - Brash’s Code of Victorian Individualism [4] - Caritas - Whatever happened to community responsibility? [5] THE CHORUS: - Judith Collins - Rajen Prasad once again shows his political colour [6] - Paul Hutchison - Vaccination requirement hugely beneficial [7] - Nick Smith - Migrant welfare case shows need for Brash reforms [8] - Lindsay Mitchell - United Future's Brain-Child A Dud [9] & Stop Covering Up, Steve [10] For Much More See… STORY OF THE WEEK: Orewa II [11]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00260.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00241.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00235.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00199.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00193.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00250.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00248.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00242.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00195.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00194.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00241.htm

SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II: Does America Have Apartheid Vote-Counting System?

- The inaugural confetti has been swept away and with it, the last quarrel over who really won the presidential election. See... Jesse Jackon & Greg Palast on 2004 Voter Black-Out [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00233.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!

TVNZ's Sofia Wenborn was in touch yesterday regarding my comments on Close Up and its poll. She notes that the programmes won its timeslot with a "significantly higher" share than the equivalent Holmes show last year... See... Public Address 27/01/05 - The Best Minds [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00240.htm

Ehrlich's Tsunami Report: Backpackers Expected To Be First Back

- Low-budget, international backpackers will prop up Thailand's crippled travel industry, after tsunamis killed more than 5,300 people, destroyed beach resorts and made wealthier tourists fearful, the author of Lonely Planet's ... See... Backpackers To Prop Up Post Tsunami Thai Tourism [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00236.htm

Bill Berkowitz: Overdosed

- Team Bush and Big Pharma's plan for the nation's mental health includes heavy emphasis on new and expensive drugs. See... Bill Berkowitz: Overdosed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00239.htm

Evelyn Pringle: A Nation Ruined

- Despite Bush's endless hypocritical assertions about how we have brought freedom to Iraq, the truth is that almost all of the people in that country who have managed to survive the military attacks, have lost loved ones and had their lives ruined. See... Iraqis To Bush: What Have We Done To Deserve This? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00238.htm

A Brit Witnessed ISM Volunteer's Shooting Too

- Many thanks for publishing the story on Brian's shooting . I just want to make a point of clarification. I too was a witness to Brian's shooting - if you go over the testimonies, I was in there too and I am a British citizen. See... Feedback: The Brian Avery Story [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00237.htm

Al Giordano Returns To The Frontlines

- The efforts of leading commercial journalists and U.S. drug warriors to derail the democratic process during the Mexican presidential election of 2000 provided some of the first material published on Narco News nearly five years ago. See... Mexico: Giordano & Conroy vs. NYTimes & WashPost [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00235.htm

Evelyn Pringle: Amway's Similarities To The Cosa Nostra

- Amway knew it was in trouble when the internet arrived and the details about the company’s pyramid schemes began appearing online. A memo dated Dec 19, 1997, that surfaced in a lawsuit, contains the details of a voice message sent out to the Amway ... See... Organized Crime Expert - Amway Just Like Mafia [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00232.htm

Iraqi Farmers Required To Purchase American Seed

- As part of sweeping ''economic restructuring'' implemented by the Bush Administration in Iraq, Iraqi farmers will no longer be permitted to save their seeds, which include seeds the Iraqis themselves have developed over hundreds of years. See... U.S. Declares Iraqis Can Not Save Their Own Seeds [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00231.htm

Sam Smith On What The Christian Right Continues To Overlook

- Our text for today is found in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel. When Samuel got old he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. As so often occurs with nepotism this didn't work out: the offspring taking dishonest gain and bribes and perverting justice. See... What The Christian Right Forgets About The Bible [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00230.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0501/S00241.htm
Orewa II - STORY OF THE WEEK

Greens Want Investigation Into Tsunami Transport Bribery

- Green MP Keith Locke wants a full investigation into allegations that rich people were bribing their way on to RNZAF Hercules relief flights out of Aceh. See... Alleged bribery must be fully investigated [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00257.htm

Govt. Tops Up Tsunami Pot To Compensate For Dodgy Wicket

- The government will contribute a third of a million dollars to New Zealand Cricket's tsunami fundraising efforts for Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today. See... Government gives $333000 to tsunami cricket series [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00234.htm

Some Hopeful Words From The Leader On United's Future

- United Future will be back after the election with many more than its current eight MPs and as the "centrist party of influence" in the next government, leader Peter Dunne said at the conclusion of a two-day caucus retreat today. See... Dunne: We'll be back bigger [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00259.htm

Christchurch Is Getting Transport Money Too Says Jim

- Canterbury drivers are motoring on better roads, built and improved with more funding than ever before. See... 2004 a record year for transport spending [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00261.htm

Equal Values Party Launched

- The public launch this week of the newest entrant into the political arena was announced today by Party founder Adele Hughes, who outlined that the party has been preparing policy over the past year in preparation for the 2005 elections. See... Equal Values Announces Its Arrival [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0501/S00196.htm

Rodney Hide Points Out An Alternative Direction For Brash

- ACT Leader Rodney Hide today revealed figures that showed the best way to boost workers' pay packets and help them pay off debt is to cut taxes. See... What a difference a decent tax cut would make [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00256.htm

25% Increase In Strikes Just A Foretaste – Mapp

- National's Industrial Relations spokesman, Wayne Mapp, says a 25% increase in work stoppages is a sign of things to come. See... 25% increase in strikes a sign of things to come [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00255.htm

More Money For Getting Kids Into Work

- Thousands more at-risk school leavers will be assisted in the transition from school to work with the $7.9 million expansion of the government's Youth Transition Service into five new areas, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey announced. See... $7.9 Million to expand Youth Transition Service [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00253.htm

Securities Commissioners Reappointed

- Commerce Minister Pete Hodgson today announced the re-appointment of Colin Beyer and Cathy Quinn to the Securities Commission for second terms of five years which commence in February 2005. See... Beyer and Quinn re-appointed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00252.htm

Goff's Off To Vanuatu

- Foreign Minister Phil Goff travels to Vanuatu tomorrow for a two-day visit to meet members of the recently-elected government. See... Goff to visit Vanuatu [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00247.htm

More Kids To Get NZ University Scholarships

- Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the New Zealand Scholarship Awards, that recognise and reward New Zealand's top school students, are to be enhanced to include more students. See... Scholarship Awards to be extended [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00246.htm

Family Budgeting Service Warning On School Funding

- National Education spokesman Bill English says he hopes the Minister of Education takes note of the concerns of the Federation of Family Budgeting Service when he sets schools budgets this year. See... Minster must acknowledge parents' budget woes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00244.htm

Agent Orange Document Release Seen As A PR Stunt

Green MP Sue Kedgley has labelled the Government's "release" today of documents relating to Agent Orange as "a PR stunt". See... Govt's PR stunt belittles Agent Orange concerns [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0501/S00232.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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