Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 2 November 2005, 5:08 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS: Audio: Cosgrove Moves Up And Into JT's Old Office
Labour Led Govt Supports Wilson For Speaker - Simich For Dep-Speaker
Kiwi Pace Leaves Aussie Challenger Gasping For Breath -
Jackson-Signed Xbox, Halo 2 at Charity Auction Tonight
National Urges Political Interference in TVNZ Salaries
Fire Service Overrun With Guy Fawkes Callouts
GPJA: Govt Must Suspend Relations With Israel Until It Recognises Palestine
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
International:
Photo Essay: Cuba Moves To Rebuild After Hurricane Wilma
Howard Declares Imminent Threat; Official Threat Level Unchanged
PLAMEGATE: Will Pitt Rejoins The Rhetorical Melee
PLAMEGATE: … & Democrats Take Libby Indictment To The Senate Floor
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Bonus Joules Takes A Look At The New Cabinet
PM Hits Out At "Reckless" Seeking Of Official Information (Satire)
From The Scoop Mailbox – Readers Have Their Say
The Public Address Great Blend Comes South To Welly
A CIA Assessment Of The Interweb's Value In Intel. Terms
Link: CNN/Fortune On The Rumsfeld/Tamiflu Nexus
MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Midwife Shortage A Crisis Waiting To Happen - Nats
MORE POLITICS HEADLINES:

Audio: Cosgrove Moves Up And Into JT's Old Office

[1] This morning Scoop dropped by Bowen House for a quick chat to Clayton Cosgrove, one of the new crop of Cabinet Minister's in the third term Clark Labour Government. Mr Cosgrove talks of his passion for politics, the St Bede's old boys takeover of Parliament and his thoughts on whether it would be a loss to Parliament if Rodney Hide had disappeared at the election. Interestingly, the interview with Mr Cosgrove was conducted in the same office that was once occupied by John Tamihere. See... AUDIO: Meet The Ministers – Clayton Cosgrove [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00048.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00048.htm

Labour Led Govt Supports Wilson For Speaker - Simich For Dep-Speaker

- Leader of the House Michael Cullen announced today that the government would support Margaret Wilson to be returned as Speaker and National list MP Clem Simich as Deputy Speaker. "It is hoped that this balanced approach will assist toward a more disciplined and constructive spirit in Parliament," Dr Cullen said. He said that, as Assistant Speaker in the last Parliament, Mr Simich had gained a reputation for impartiality. See... Wilson for Speaker, Simich for Deputy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00026.htm

Kiwi Pace Leaves Aussie Challenger Gasping For Breath -

Minister for Sport and Recreation Trevor Mallard today congratulated Kiwis for winning the ‘Bledisloe Cup of physical activity’ in recent research that compares New Zealand and Australian physical activity levels. "I'm right behind any trans-Tasman battle that ends in victory for New Zealanders. We have had a spectacular run recently that has also seen us triumphant in the netball, hockey and the league,” Trevor Mallard said.See... Kiwis beat Aussies in battle of physical activity [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00021.htm

Jackson-Signed Xbox, Halo 2 at Charity Auction Tonight

- Gamers and film fans battle it out tonight (2 November) when a Peter Jackson-autographed Xbox and Halo 2 game go up for grabs at the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre auction in Auckland. Jackson and his wife Fran Walsh recently signed up to executive-produce the movie version of Microsoft’s hit game Halo. The movie will be filmed in Wellington from May next year, for release in mid-2007. See... Peter Jackson film history at charity auction [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0511/S00024.htm

National Urges Political Interference in TVNZ Salaries

- National Party Broadcasting spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu says if Ian Fraser isn't working as Chief Executive, he should not be paid the Chief Executive's salary. Mr Fraser is to remain on the TVNZ payroll for six months, for which he will be paid $300,000 ... "If Mr Maharey is so adamant that this payment is not a golden handshake he should put pressure on the board to ensure it doesn't become one," says Mrs te Heuheu. See... - When is a CEO not a CEO? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00025.htm

Fire Service Overrun With Guy Fawkes Callouts

- Less than a week after fireworks went on sale, firefighters have seen a six-fold increase in vegetation fires and a two-fold increase in minor call-outs. From Thursday morning, when fireworks legally went on sale, to Monday night (October 31) there were 34 fires nationwide where reckless use of fireworks has been identified as the cause. However, that figure captures only the fires where firefighters have recorded the cause, meaning other fireworks-related calls may not yet be recognised as such. See... Fire calls go sky-high as Guy Fawkes approaches [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0511/S00005.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0511/S00007.htm

GPJA: Govt Must Suspend Relations With Israel Until It Recognises Palestine

- GPJA is deeply disappointed that the New Zealand government is rushing to re-open diplomatic relations with Israel and allowing it to again establish an Embassy in Wellington while the Palestinian people continue to be brutally oppressed under Israeli military occupation of their country. We believe the government should continue the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel until it can also recognise a viable, sovereign Palestinian state. See... Winston Peters On Wrong Side in the Middle East [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0511/S00006.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0511/S00009.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00016.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0511/S00020.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0511/S00007.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0511/S00019.htm

Photo Essay: Cuba Moves To Rebuild After Hurricane Wilma

- NOT one person died in Cuba in the 10 days that Wilma was in the vicinity of the island. Simultaneously with Wilma, tropical storm Alpha was battering the eastern region of the country with torrential rain. A preliminary count estimates that 607,542 persons were evacuated throughout the country, of these 70,300 in shelters and more than 537,200 in the homes of families and neighbours. No lives were lost. See... Images: Hurricane Wilma - No lives lost in Cuba [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00034.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00029.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00032.htm

Howard Declares Imminent Threat; Official Threat Level Unchanged

- Project SafeCom Writes: The Prime Minister, in his statement to reporters this morning, aided by the Attorney-General Phillip Ruddock, that he will rush through 'a bit' of the terrorism act based on a purported "report" of an impending threat without a complete and informed debate and scrutiny by all Premiers and by the Parliament, but refusing to detail this impending threat, AND the fact that ASIO has not raised the terrorism alert to a higher status in any way, shape or form, should be seen as a despicable lie by the Prime Minister until we are informed otherwise... See... Howard "terrorist alert" disgraceful intimidation [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00041.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00040.htm

PLAMEGATE: Will Pitt Rejoins The Rhetorical Melee

- Mr. Libby is in deep dung. Fitzgerald absolutely nailed his hide to the shed, detailing lie after lie after lie. From what I am given to understand, Libby intends to offer a "faulty memory" defense when he gets dropped into the skillet. Given the incredibly detailed breakdown offered by Fitzgerald in the indictment, however, one wonders how far any kind of "Duh, I forgot" argument will fly. The ball starts rolling on Thursday, when Scooter gets arraigned. See... Will Pitt: Nothing Shakin' on Shakedown Street? [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00047.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00044.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00039.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00014.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00010.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00002.htm

PLAMEGATE: … & Democrats Take Libby Indictment To The Senate Floor

- Senator Harry Reid's Statement Before Taking The Senate Into A Closed Session To Discuss Iraq Intelligence Matters In Light Of The Libby Indictment. Tuesday 01 November 2005 Remarks, as prepared for delivery - See... Sen. Reid's Statement Before Closed Intel. Session [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00035.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00038.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00037.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00036.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00033.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00032.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00031.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00030.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0511/S00028.htm

Bonus Joules Takes A Look At The New Cabinet

- Normally I face with relative equanimity the possibility of meteors slamming into Earth or seismic events dis-embowelling its volcanic innards all over us or gigantic sunspots x-raying us or humans blowing up each other in humongous nuclear warfare or creating pandemics that wipe most of us out. I can accept the risks and carry on in the knowledge that my choice of activities can sustain our children and their children and their children... But the news that the Siberian tundra is melting really hauled me up in my tracks. It almost derailed my sense of positive activism. See... Bonus Joules: Holey Leaks! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00043.htm

PM Hits Out At "Reckless" Seeking Of Official Information (Satire)

- The Prime Minister has accused some New Zealand citizens of subverting democracy by seeking official information for political reasons. In a statement today, Helen Clark said some private citizens and organisations were "unwilling or unable" to simply accept official information as it is presented. See... NZ Citizens "Subvert Democracy" (Satire) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00030.htm

From The Scoop Mailbox – Readers Have Their Say

- The following is a selection of feedback and other unsolicited email received by Scoop recently. The opinions they contain do not necessarily reflect those of Scoop. They do not appear in any precise order. See... Scoop Feedback: Bond Controversy Deepens [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00027.htm

The Public Address Great Blend Comes South To Welly

- Folks, it's Great Blend Time again. Public Address stages the fourth Karajoz Great Blend on Sunday November 13 at the Hopetoun Alpha in Auckland. And boy, do we have something for you. Our star guest is Ashley Highfield, the BBC's Director of New Media and Technology... See... Public Address 02/11/05 - Let's Do It Again [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00042.htm

A CIA Assessment Of The Interweb's Value In Intel. Terms

- Not only are open sources at times indistinguishable from secrets, but OSINT often surpasses classified information in value for following and analyzing intelligence issues. By value, I am thinking in terms of speed, quantity, quality, clarity, ease of use, and cost. Speed: When a crisis erupts in some distant part of the globe, in an area where established intelligence assets are thin, intelligence analysts and policymakers alike will often turn first to the television set and Internet. See... Guest Opinion: Why The CIA Reads The Internet [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00038.htm

Link: CNN/Fortune On The Rumsfeld/Tamiflu Nexus

- NEW YORK (Fortune) - The prospect of a bird flu outbreak may be panicking people around the globe, but it's proving to be very good news for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and other politically connected investors in Gilead Sciences, the California ... See... Scoop Link: Fortune On Rumsfeld's Tamiflu $$$Mns [1] EARLIER:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00036.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00021.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00018.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00016.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00045.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00041.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00040.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00037.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00035.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00034.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00033.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00032.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0511/S00031.htm

Midwife Shortage A Crisis Waiting To Happen - Nats

- A serious shortage of midwives is leaving some mothers and babies without the vital support they need, says National’s Health spokesman, Tony Ryall. “Here is yet another health issue the Government has not taken seriously. Only now are they waking up to the crisis facing maternity care. “With the midwife shortage some pregnant women in Auckland are being told that instead of home-based midwife care, they have to go to public hospitals. See... Urgent action needed on maternity care [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00017.htm

MORE POLITICS HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00023.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00022.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00020.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00019.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00031.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00030.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00029.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00028.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00027.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00025.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00024.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00018.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0511/S00016.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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