INDEPENDENT NEWS

Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Published: Tue 14 Mar 2006 05:48 PM
TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Arts: Festival Enters Last Week
Legislation: NZ First MP Seeks To Strengthen Maori Party's Hand At Next Election -
Conservation: Minister Seeks Protection For Our Sharks
Kiwi Pride: Maharey Reckons 2005 Was A Cracker Year For Kiwi Musos -
Foreign Affairs @ The Festival: Scoop Interviews Ace reporter Robert Fisk -
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
MORE HEADLINES:
Balkans: Milosevic Escapes Judgment, Not Justice Process
Australia: Black Protest Starts At Commonwealth Games
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
SCOOP COLUMNS:
Look Who Helped Get Nukes Into The Holy Land
Richard Seymour: The Pillorying Of A Palestinian
Dahr Jamail On The US Bases In Iraq
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
Katya Rivas's Passion Serialised For Lent (Part 7)
OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Religion:Clark Talks to Regional Leaders About Faith
Marina: National MPs Propose Retrospective Legislation to Override Executive Decision
Tax: The Minister of Revenue on the Government's "Herculean" reform agenda
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:
POLITICAL COLUMNS
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TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
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Arts: Festival Enters Last Week


[1] The magic perhaps comes from the powerful evocation of the human imagination, both of the characters, and the audience (a prologue invites us to join in a vision of the parking warden as an unsleeping dragon that guards the gates to immortality) and on the part of the play's creators and performers. The piece contains both the most powerful physical images I personally have seen in the festival and also the most compelling naturalistic sequences. See... Arts Festival Review: The Dragons' Trilogy [2] Other Reviews:The Pat Metheny Trio (12 March) [3] Tuwhare (11 - 13 March) [4] James MacMillan Conducts (11 March) [5] The Holy Sinner (10 - 13 March) [6] Instructions for Modern Living (10 - 15 March) [7] Writers and Readers Week interviews:Robert Fisk [8] Ronald Wright [9] Aleksander Hemon [10] Joe Sacco [11] Louise Erdrich [12] Nuruddin Farah [13] AND:Full Arts Festival Writers and Readers Week Coverage [14]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00151.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00151.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00180.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00172.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00150.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00148.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00147.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00152.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00174.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00173.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00195.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00194.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00193.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/features/festival2006.html
Legislation: NZ First MP Seeks To Strengthen Maori Party's Hand At Next Election -
This week Barbara Stewart's Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill will go before the House for its first reading. The Bill would reduce the number of MPs to 100 at the next election. According to Ms Stewart's Bill the number of electorate and Maori seats would remain the same whilst list MPs would shrink dramatically. In this situation a party - for example the Maori Party - that received a small amount of the party vote and a large amount of electorate seats would end up in a stronger position than they currently hold. See... MP Seeks To Make Her Compatriots Redundant [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00198.htm
Conservation: Minister Seeks Protection For Our Sharks
- Conservation Minister Chris Carter today released a discussion document canvassing options for protecting the great white shark in New Zealand waters. "Great whites sharks are the celebrity predators of the ocean. They are an object of fear and fascination, but sadly there is growing evidence that this magnificent and rare species is in trouble internationally," Mr Carter said.. See... Discussion document on protecting great whites [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00199.htm
Kiwi Pride: Maharey Reckons 2005 Was A Cracker Year For Kiwi Musos -
New figures show New Zealand music accounted for a record 20.8% of music played on commercial radio in 2005 - up from 18.6% in 2004 Airplay of New Zealand music has doubled since March 2002 when the government and the Radio Broadcasters Association launched a Code of Practice for New Zealand music content, agreeing to a target of 20% of local music by the year 2006. See... '05 record year for airplay of NZ music [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00206.htm
Foreign Affairs @ The Festival: Scoop Interviews Ace reporter Robert Fisk -
UK Independent Newspaper foreign correspondent Robert Fisk is in New Zealand this week for the Wellington International Arts Festival's Writer's & Readers Week [1] . This morning Scoop Co-editor Alastair Thompson caught up with Mr Fisk en route to Wellington by phone in his hotel in Auckland. He talked with him about Iraq, Iran, 911, the media, the Internet and what happens next in the War on Terror. See... Scoop Audio: Scoop Interviews Reporter Robert Fisk [2]
[1] - http://www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz/writers-and-readers/
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00152.htm
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
Questions for Oral Answer - 14 March 2006 [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00207.htm
MORE HEADLINES:
Dunne: Tax reform is like rust - it never sleeps [1] International Documentary Film Competition [2] Kiwi astronomers help find icy 'Super Earth' life [3] Illicit Drug Use Starts With Cannabis [4] Taking up the broadband challenge [5]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00209.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0603/S00118.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0603/S00035.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0603/S00045.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0603/S00080.htm
Balkans: Milosevic Escapes Judgment, Not Justice Process
- The former Yugoslav president, Slobodan Milosevic, has died before a verdict could be rendered on his alleged crimes, but overall his trial at the war crimes court in The Hague represents an advance in the cause of international justice, Human Rights Watch said today. “Milosevic may have escaped judgment, but he did not escape the process of justice.” See... Milosevic Escapes Judgment, Not Justice Process [1] ALSO:Genocide suspect Milosevic died of heart attack [2] UN inquiry: death of genocide mastermind Milosevic [3] Kosovo: UN urges steps, build multiethnic society [4]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00241.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00239.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00238.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00235.htm
Australia: Black Protest Starts At Commonwealth Games
- Thousands of Aboriginal people from around Australia are coming to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne to highlight the continuing injustices of Government-enforced destruction of Indigenous societies. In a parallel cultural event billed "The Stolenwealth Games," protesters are gathering in peaceful gathering on Boon Wurrong Land known as Kings Domain in the city (Map Ref 2F J8) for the next two weeks under the banner of "The Black GST" - standing for Genocide, Sovereignty and Treaty. Black GST Elder Robbie Thorpe said the history of the Commonwealth in oppressing Indigenous people across the world united many Games nations in a common experience of exploitation over generations. See... Black Protest Starts At Commonwealth Games [1] ALSO:Stolenwealth Games Convergence Camp Site [2] Genocide Charges to be laid against Queen [3]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00228.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00233.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00250.htm
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
Iran: Islamic regime transforms university into cemetery [1] Hopes dwindling for trade deal that helps the poor [2] Middle East conflicts nearing 'boiling point,' warns UN [3] US illegality in Iraq: Where is the limit? [4] New Areas in Timor Sea Now 'Open For Business' for Howard regime [5]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00247.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00243.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00236.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00232.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00249.htm
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SCOOP COLUMNS
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Look Who Helped Get Nukes Into The Holy Land
The UK supplied Israel with quantities of plutonium while Harold Wilson was prime minister, BBC Newsnight can reveal. The sale was made despite a warning from British intelligence that it might "make a material contribution to an Israeli weapons programme". See... BBC Link: Secret Sale Of UK Plutonium To Israel [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00191.htm
Richard Seymour: The Pillorying Of A Palestinian
- Axiomatically, leading academic institutions involve intense and varied debate over a variety of topics, and some of that debate ranges over territory that mainstream conversation often misses. The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), a prestigious higher learning institution in the centre of London, would appear to have a defender of free and open discussion in head Colin Bundy. In the last month, the Director & Principal has openly defended the right of an apologist for the Uzbekistan regime, Shirin Akiner, to speak at SOAS, rejecting calls for reconsideration by former British ambassador the dictatorship, Craig Murray. See... Richard Seymour: A Caricature of Free Speech [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00187.htm
Dahr Jamail On The US Bases In Iraq
- Why does the Bush Administration refuse to discuss withdrawing occupation forces from Iraq? Why is Halliburton, who landed the no-bid contracts to construct and maintain US military bases in Iraq, posting higher profits than ever before in its 86-year history? Why do these bases in Iraq resemble self-contained cities as much as military outposts? See... Dahr Jamail: Iraq - Permanent US Colony [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00186.htm
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
Russell Brown - Public Address 14/03/06 - Oh, The Irony [1] John Roughan In Honiara - Villager Or Farmer! [2] William Fisher - Experts Question Credibility Of US HR Report [3] Mark Drolette - Hey, Cut Scooter Some Slack [4] Buzzflash - Bush Locks Horns with Being a Loser [5] William Fisher - Quoth The Craven Evermore [6] Evelyn Pringle - Reviewing ADHD Drugs - FDA Goes Through The Motion [7] Marjorie Cohn - War Crimes - Goose and Gander [8] Swanson - Did Bush Make Mistakes in Good Faith? [9]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00192.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00196.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00197.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00190.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00189.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00188.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00185.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00184.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00183.htm
Katya Rivas's Passion Serialised For Lent (Part 7)
- In spite of everything, the enormous weight and the terrible fatigue, together with the sweat of Blood, I had been hit in such a way that when I went to look for My Apostles, I felt tremendously exhausted. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Looks for His Disciples [1] SEE ALSO: Part 6 - Katya Rivas: Jesus Does the Will of the Father [2]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00182.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00176.htm
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OTHER NEWS (JUST POLITICS)
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Religion:Clark Talks to Regional Leaders About Faith
- The New Zealand government is pleased to be a co-sponsor of this regional interfaith dialogue. We regard the building of greater understanding through dialogue as of the utmost importance in the Asia-Pacific. Our wider region is one where all of the world’s great faiths are to be found – and the same is true of New Zealand itself, which is becoming increasingly multicultural and diverse. See... Clark: Regional Interfaith Dialogue Conference [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00213.htm
Marina: National MPs Propose Retrospective Legislation to Override Executive Decision
- A bill upholding the Environment Court’s decision on the Whangamata Marina project will be tabled in Parliament this week, National MPs Nick Smith and Sandra Goudie promised a public meeting in the town today. The meeting of 380 people unanimously passed a resolution that the Environment’s Court decision be upheld and that the ministerial veto power be removed from law. See... Bill promised to uphold Environment Court decision [1] ALSO:Statement from the Whangamata Marina Society [2]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00192.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00102.htm
Tax: The Minister of Revenue on the Government's "Herculean" reform agenda
- As a result of the confidence and supply agreement between Labour and United Future, the term of this Parliament will be marked by a number of major tax initiatives, in addition to those measures already underway, and the ongoing programme of base maintenance through the various tax reform Bills each year. See... Dunne: Tax reform is like rust - it never sleeps [1]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00209.htm
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:
NZ Govt - Seasonal influenza vaccine has arrived [1] NZ Govt - Volunteers make a difference to the environment [2] NZ Govt - Government wishes New Zealand games team well [3] NZ Govt - Minister encourages Kiwis to 'put your hand up' [4] NZ Govt - Cullen: Address to NZPBC Pacific Trade Expo 2006 [5] NZ Govt - Minister to appoint tribunal for Oreti River [6] NZ Govt - Multinational forum will help tertiary debate [7] NZ Govt - Cullen: Response to death of hostage [8] NZ Govt - Clark: Chile Business Seminar [9] National - Can Dyson be trusted with CYF? [10] National - Story on CYF changes [11] National - Dean Prepares to Present Party Pills Petition [12] National - Taxpayers face $250 million Treaty compo payout [13] National - Still loose ends in Benson-Pope case [14] National - State house extensions costing $105,000 per room [15] National - Anderton all at sea on fisheries claim [16] Greens - The Body Shop collects 20,000 signatures [17] NZ First - Youth Justice Facility Proposal Flawed - Mark [18] Corrections - Corrections says misconceptions bizarre [19]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00211.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00208.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00204.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00203.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00201.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00196.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00195.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00194.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00193.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00212.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00210.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00202.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00200.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00187.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00186.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00184.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00205.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00189.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00096.htm
POLITICAL COLUMNS
Newsworthy: Vandalism - culture or vandalism [1] Plain English, 10 March 2006 [2] Newman Weekly: Prison, Porn & P [3] mccully.co.nz, 10 March 2006 [4] The Letter – Monday, 13 March 2006 [5]
[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00170.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00182.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00095.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00197.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00175.htm
ENDS
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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