Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 9 March 2006, 12:35 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Immigration: NZ First's Knowledge of North African Politics Queried
Arts: Water Whirler Wows Wellington Waterfront
Economy: Slowing NZ Economy Stops Interest Rate Rises
Transport: Transmission Gully Remains As Contentious As Ever
Entertainment: Cameras Ready To Roll On Potentially NZ's Funniest Ever Film -
MORE HEADLINES:
Pakistan: Protect Civilians From Fighting in North Waziristan
Afghanistan: Women on Afghan Buses to Get Fairer Deal
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Melbourne's Stolenwealth Games About To Begin
See Dick Loot
He Who Sows Hatred Will Reap A Field Of Blood
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
Katya Rivas's Passion Serialised For Lent

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Conservation: Whangamata Ferryman's Job Saved -
Corrections: Mark Suggests Popping Namana Back In Prison -
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

It is annual Netguide.co.nz New Zealand Internet Awards time again & this time the awards are to be judged by public vote. Scoop would respectfully ask its readers to go to the following URL…
http://www.netguide.co.nz/webawards/index2.htm
…and seriously consider voting for Scoop.co.nz in one or all of the following categories.

- BEST MEDIA SITE - - BEST NEW SITE OR RELAUNCH - - SITE OF THE YEAR - - BEST HIGH-SPEED INTERNET SITE - - BEST HOME PAGE -

…. The Scoop Team

Immigration: NZ First's Knowledge of North African Politics Queried

[1] The NZ section of Amnesty International has criticised the latest call by New Zealand First for Ahmed Zaoui to be sent back to Algeria. Far from making it safe for Zaoui to return to Algeria the amnesty decree cited by NZ First Deputy Leader Peter Brown appears to be calculated to target critics such as Ahmed Zaoui. See... NZ First Zaoui Call Unwarranted [2] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00073.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00073.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00146.htm

Arts: Water Whirler Wows Wellington Waterfront

- The Wellington waterfront has new sculpture. Water Whirler, realised from drawings and descriptions by Len Lye, is now operating on a specially-constructed pier by Frank Kitts Park. Len Lye was a New Zealand artist internationally know for his work in kinetic art and experimental film. He planned many works that were not feasible to create at full size with the technology of his day. See... Scoop Images: Len Lye's Water Whirler [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00112.htm

Economy: Slowing NZ Economy Stops Interest Rate Rises

- Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: "Recent data have confirmed our earlier view that economic growth is slowing. Business activity and confidence have been softening for some time. On the other hand, household spending has only recently started to wane. A key driver of strong household spending has been the buoyant housing market which, while showing signs of cooling, still remains very active. See... RBNZ MPS: OCR unchanged at 7.25 per cent [1] . See also... Michael Cullen Speech - Economic Outlook [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00140.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00150.htm

Transport: Transmission Gully Remains As Contentious As Ever

- The Western Corridor Hearing Committee ignored key costs, and undermines rail services and risks gridlock in Wellington, said transport group Option3 today. See... “One Road To Bind Them All” Ignores Known Costs [1] . EARLIER: Option3 Hopes Hearing Committee offers more choice [2] MORE REACTION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0603/S00058.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0603/S00054.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00152.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00151.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00149.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00144.htm

Entertainment: Cameras Ready To Roll On Potentially NZ's Funniest Ever Film -

The first feature film from 'Headstrong' will start shooting on March 12th starring Chris Stapp and Matt Heath Mr Stapp and Mr Heath are better known to New Zealand audiences as the individuals responsible for the country's most notorious television show: Back of the Y Masterpiece Television, which caused a lot of controversy when first aired. See... Devil Starts Shooting [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0603/S00083.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00148.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00062.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0603/S00051.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0603/S00027.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0603/S00017.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0603/S00024.htm

Pakistan: Protect Civilians From Fighting in North Waziristan

- Pakistan’s government and Taliban militants must ensure that civilians are not deliberately targeted and that necessary precautions are taken to avoid civilian casualties in fighting in Pakistan’s volatile tribal areas on the Afghan border, Human Rights Watch said today. Thousands of civilians have fled their homes since the Pakistani army began operations to put down a rebellion in the town of Miran Shah. See… Pakistan: Protect Civilians From Fighting in North [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00148.htm

Afghanistan: Women on Afghan Buses to Get Fairer Deal

- By the end of the year at least 30 per cent of seats on all public buses in Afghanistan will be reserved for women under an ambitious United Nations-backed programme launched in a country where drivers now speed past stops if only women are waiting while men refuse to give up seats for women and barge past them to board. See… Women on Afghan buses to get new deal [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00164.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00129.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00117.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00126.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00124.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00119.htm

Melbourne's Stolenwealth Games About To Begin

- The 2006 Commonwealth Games is an opportunity for Australia to showcase its success and wealth to the rest of the former British Empire. Such spectacles can only be held in economically secure locations and are only successful when a vibrant local culture is able to hold the festival up and make it shine. The financial benefits for cities that host these extravaganza are huge. As Commonwealth Games Minister Justin Madden said "It's the best thing we've ever done. We'll be displaying to the world what we're best at, in sport, in festivities, in celebration and unity". See... Rayna Fahey: Stolen or Sharing Wealth? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00119.htm

See Dick Loot

-Halliburton and its subsidiary Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR) have been making hay in the burning Iraqi sun for years now. It is, of course, no coincidence that the man sitting as vice president played a key role with his influence in obtaining the lion's share of contracts in Iraq for the company he was CEO of prior to his self-appointed position. Yet none of this is news. See... Dahr Jamail: See Dick Loot [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00124.htm

He Who Sows Hatred Will Reap A Field Of Blood

- On Thursday 4 September 1997, five innocent people were murdered in the Ben-Yehuda Mall in Jerusalem. It was one of the “mere” three suicide bombings that occurred during the time of the Netanyahu government. And in that “mere”single bombing eight years ago, I lost my one and only daughter, 14-year-old Smadari. Through no fault of my own, I earned the dubious honour of belonging to the ranks of the victims of Palestinian terrorism. I ended up being one of those who pay the price for others’ arrogance and stupidity. They Are Laughing, And Our Children Are Dying… [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00121.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00126.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00125.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00123.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00122.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00120.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00118.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00117.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00116.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00109.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00108.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00107.htm

Katya Rivas's Passion Serialised For Lent

Nobody really believes that I perspired blood that night at Gethsemane, and few believe that I suffered much more in those hours than in the Crucifixion. It was more painful because it was clearly revealed to Me that the sins of everyone were made Mine and that I should answer for each one. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Prays in the Garden [1] SEE ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00115.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00091.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00114.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00066.htm

Conservation: Whangamata Ferryman's Job Saved -

Conservation Minister Chris Carter has declined an application under the Resource Management Act for permits to construct a marina in Whangamata harbour. "Having looked at the issues in this coastal development proposal, the way the Environment Court approached them, and the evidence, I am not satisfied that allowing use of the public's coastal marine area for this development would be appropriate," Mr Carter said. See... Carter declines Whangamata Marina proposal [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00119.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00132.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00125.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00123.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00127.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00141.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00143.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00061.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00057.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00056.htm

Corrections: Mark Suggests Popping Namana Back In Prison -

New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has criticised the Parole Board’s decision to release Rachealle Namana, following her recent claims that she found prison life to be ‘fine’ and that she took drugs while inside. “What is ludicrous is that, now she has been paroled, the Corrections CEO Barry Matthews admits that Namana was “a very difficult prisoner” with no idea of how to treat others, that she tested positive three times for drugs…yet the Parole Board still saw fit to release her." See... Mark Calls On Parole Board To Recall Namana [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00126.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00132.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00129.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00148.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00137.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00147.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00142.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00156.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00139.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00130.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00134.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00138.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00124.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00122.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00144.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00155.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00140.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00157.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00131.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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