Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 4 October 2005, 3:47 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Broom Begins To Sweep: Ministers Swain, Hobbs, Hawkins Stand Down
David Wakim: Voice For Justice In Auckland Dies
How Much HGP Is There In NZ Beef?
Photo Essay: Head Free Shopping In The Capital
Police Locate Backpacks In Murdered German Tourist Inquiry
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Massive D.C. Antiwar Protests & The Media (Satire)
… On The Gathering War Clouds Over Iran
More On The Strange Case Of The Basra SAS Rescue Op.
INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Bonus Joules Is Disappointed With The Election
MORE SCOOP KIWI COMMENTARY:
More On The Strange Case Of The Disappearing Yortan Goddess
New Book: AMERICA'S "WAR ON TERRORISM"
Scoop Has A Correspondent @ US Election Reform Summit
MORE SCOOP INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Bill English Delivers Treaty Speech In Auckland
Student Fee Increases Forecast By Bill English
Heather Roy Joins The Transmission Gully Affray
New Youth Prison In Christchurch
MORE POLITICS HEADLINES:

Broom Begins To Sweep: Ministers Swain, Hobbs, Hawkins Stand Down

Immigration and Corrections Minister Paul Swain, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs and Police Minister George Hawkins are not seeking Cabinet posts in the new Labour-led government. Swain wants to spend more time with his family and to focus on electorate issues, Hobbs said Labour needs "new faces and ideas around the Cabinet table" to win the 2008 election, and, George Hawkins said his caucus colleagues have indicated he would have support to retain a place in cabinet but he has decided against putting his name forward. See... Swain not seeking Cabinet post [1] and Hobbs Not Seeking Seat In Cabinet [2] and Hawkins Will Not Stand For Cabinet [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00008.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00009.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00010.htm

David Wakim: Voice For Justice In Auckland Dies

- Image courtesy of indymedia.org.nz [1] - David Wakim, a much-loved Auckland activist and a tireless champion of the rights of the Palestinian people, has died suddenly whilst traveling in Namibia at age 60. David was an inspirational man who devoted much of his life to the struggle for peace and social justice. By day, he was a pharmacist in Dominion Road in Auckland. Late into the night he was an active member of Pax Christi, the Palestinian Human Rights Committee and a founder of the Council for Christians and Muslims in NZ. See... Auckland: Man Of Justice David Wakim Dies Suddenly [2]

[1] - http://indymedia.org.nz/
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00058.htm

How Much HGP Is There In NZ Beef?

- Butchers dancing like Hari Krishna’s, senior citizens thrashing out hard rock, the Evers-Swindell twins smiling furiously, meat, especially red meat is hot right now. “New Zealanders are fond of their meat,” says Richard Umbers, managing director of supermarket chain Progressive Enterprises. And quality, he comments, is everything. See... Barbara Sumner Burstyn: Sexy Beef [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00060.htm

Photo Essay: Head Free Shopping In The Capital

- A nameless department store in Wellington is seeking to lure parents into its classically furbished environs and get them to part with their hard-earned dollars through utilising headless mannequins. See... Headless Child Mannequins Paint Disturbing Picture [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00062.htm

Police Locate Backpacks In Murdered German Tourist Inquiry

- Police say today's discovery of two backpacks belonging to German tourist Ms. Birgit Brauer, is a significant break-through in the continuing investigation into her murder. The Officer in Charge of Operation Lucy, Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward, says the two packs were found by police, concealed in an area of bush and covered by a sleeping bag, on the shores of Lake Rotokare in South Taranaki. Mr Coward says Police know the two packs belong to Ms Brauer, because a letter addressed to her, was found nearby. See... Operation Lucy - Murder inquiry breakthrough [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0510/S00016.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00039.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00037.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00036.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0510/S00035.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0510/S00018.htm

Massive D.C. Antiwar Protests & The Media (Satire)

- Washington, D.C.-- Mainstream media reporters found themselves with idle time on their hands Saturday during the largest anti-war demonstration in the capital since the war in Iraq began. More than a hundred thousand protesters filled the Metro system, streets, and the National Mall in Washington, D.C., making it next to impossible for journalists to carry on business as usual. See... Reporters stay home until un-newsworthy event ends [1] & Counter-protesters contemplating smaller venue [2] MORE D.C. PEACE MOBILISATION COVERAGE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00011.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00010.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00055.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00048.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00022.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00006.htm

… On The Gathering War Clouds Over Iran

- The recent Resolution of the IAEA is preparation for War. The voting pattern on the Resolution against Iran is significant. But what is even more significant - that people all over the world including in the anti-war movement in the United States are against the sanctions and war against Iran, as it is no longer possible to camouflage the real reasons for the war against countries which possess significant oil and gas reserves. See... Niloufer Bhagwat: US Prepares For War Against Iran [1] & Mike Whitney: The Impending Cakewalk In Iran [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00030.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00029.htm

More On The Strange Case Of The Basra SAS Rescue Op.

- Does anyone remember the shock with which the British public greeted the revelation four years ago that one of the members of the Real IRA unit whose bombing attack in Omagh on August 15, 1998 killed twenty-nine civilians had been a double agent, ... See... Were British SAS Soldiers Planting Bombs in Basra? [1] . See also… Ghali Hassan: Iraq - Resort to Deception [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00052.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00054.htm

INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00032.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00031.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00043.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00042.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00041.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00040.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00039.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/#intlcomment

Bonus Joules Is Disappointed With The Election

- My heart is not really in this blog as I start to write (Sunday 11 September 2005). I am watching my country take humans ever closer to war, chaos and misery. It is now less than a week to our elections and everyone is looking at the signposts around them and not realising the ground they stand on is moving. See... Bonus Joules: The Zone of Ozone [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00061.htm

MORE SCOOP KIWI COMMENTARY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00057.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00028.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00027.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00020.htm

More On The Strange Case Of The Disappearing Yortan Goddess

- I've heard from a variety of figures in the antiquities world about the evidence I presented recently on these pages, which essentially cracks the case of one of the great art mysteries -- the whereabouts of the so-called priceless Dorak treasure. See... Dorak Diggers Weigh In On Anna & Royal Treasure [1] & Mazur: Getting To The Bottom Of The Dorak Affair [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00059.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0508/S00224.htm

New Book: AMERICA'S "WAR ON TERRORISM"

- In this new and expanded edition of Michel Chossudovsky's 2002 best seller, the author blows away the smokescreen put up by the mainstream media, that 9/11 was an attack on America by "Islamic terrorists". Through meticulous research, the author uncovers a military-intelligence ploy behind the September 11 attacks, and the cover-up and complicity of key members of the Bush Administration. See... UQ Wire: Michel Chossudovsky's New 911 Book [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00033.htm

Scoop Has A Correspondent @ US Election Reform Summit

- In this report: - Activist Attorney Paul Lehto Makes a Strong Case - VotersUnite.Org's Theisen Explains How Citizens have "Outsourced" the Voting and Tabulation Process to Corporations - A Huge Opportunity in New Mexico and Three Weeks to Raise the Money ... See... National Summit to Save Our (US) Elections – Day 1 [1] & Cobb Will Not Run for 2008 Presidential Nomination [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00003.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00004.htm

MORE SCOOP INTERNATIONAL COMMENTARY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00009.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00008.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00025.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00056.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00053.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00050.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00049.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00047.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00046.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00045.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00044.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00024.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00023.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00021.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00017.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00016.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00015.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00014.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00013.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00012.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00007.htm

Bill English Delivers Treaty Speech In Auckland

- Last week the class photos came home. In one photo there were only three names I would identify as traditional Kiwi names, and they belonged to the only three obviously European faces. The rest, including my Samoan-Italian-Pakeha son, look as if they or their parents could have recently arrived from almost anywhere. These children get on well enough to turn our birthday parties into multinational events. They are not aware of the fact that adults can find it more difficult. See... Bill English Chapman Lecture – 3 October 2005 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00015.htm

Student Fee Increases Forecast By Bill English

- Students at tertiary education institutions throughout the country should expect substantial fee increases as a result of Labour's student loan policy, says National Party Education spokesman Bill English. See... Vic fee increases just the beginning [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00012.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0510/S00005.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0510/S00026.htm

Heather Roy Joins The Transmission Gully Affray

- Transit and Greater Wellington Regional Council's consultation document for Wellington's northern access problems is short-sighted by omitting Transmission Gully, says ACT Wellington-based MP Heather Roy. See... Transmission Gully survey should be a Bottom Line [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00011.htm

New Youth Prison In Christchurch

- A new 32-bed youth justice residence in Rolleston, Christchurch, will help address a national shortage of youth justice beds and provide a therapeutic environment for young people who offend, Child, Youth and Family Minister Ruth Dyson said today. See... Rolleston residence increases youth justice beds [1] and Anderton: Youth Justice South Opening [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00014.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00013.htm

MORE POLITICS HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00006.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00005.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0510/S00004.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0509/S00488.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00023.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0510/S00022.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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