Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 14 March 2006, 5:48 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

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

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:

[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:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00207.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[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:

[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:

[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:

[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

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:

[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:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00182.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00176.htm

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:

[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:

[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

[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

© 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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