Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 29 March 2006, 10:25 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Tony Blair In NZ: NZ PM welcomes UK Counterpart
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
State Housing: Moderately Well Off Tenants Could Buy Their Houses Under National -
NZ Gongs: Xena's Killing Spree Ends In Top NZ Honour -
Environment: Ecological Groups Voices Heard Through Loudhailers at Climate Change Conference -
MMP In Action: Hide Sings Praises Of Formerly 'Repugnant' Party -
MORE HEADLINES:
Nigeria: Agreement to Hand Over Taylor Vital Step
Tony Blair: Down Under
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Welfare: Super Supersized
One Law for All: Microchipping debate goes to the dogs
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:
POLITICAL COLUMNS

[1] Last evening New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark welcomed British Prime Minister Tony Blair to New Zealand - "It is a great pleasure for me to welcome the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt Hon Tony Blair, and Mrs Cherie Blair to New Zealand. I am also pleased that this official function in honour of Mr and Mrs Blair marks the 150th anniversary of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, as trade links with Britain have played a huge part in the economic history of New Zealand," said the Prime Minister. See... Address at Reception for UK PM Rt Hon Tony Blair [2] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00499.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00499.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00494.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00503.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00223.htm

SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00525.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00495.htm

State Housing: Moderately Well Off Tenants Could Buy Their Houses Under National -

Today in the House National's Housing spokesperson Phil Heatley and Labour Minister Steve Maharey crossed swords regarding state housing policy. Mr Heatley was of the opinion that many low income New Zealanders were missing out on the chance to live in a state house due to tenants with comparatively high incomes staying put. Mr Heatley's questioning of government state housing policy was greeted with some amazement by Mr Maharey who blamed National for any state housing shortage because of their policy of selling state houses in the 1990s. See... Audio: Heatley Becomes Heated Over State Housing [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00414.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00519.htm

NZ Gongs: Xena's Killing Spree Ends In Top NZ Honour -

Lucy Lawless most famous for creating the role of Xena in the series Hercules and the 6-year season of Xena, Warrior Princess, became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit at Government House in Auckland. Her citation read: "For services to entertainment and the community. Lucy Lawless has had a long film, stage and television career in New Zealand, Canada and the Unites States. See... Lucy Lawless honoured [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00510.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00522.htm

Environment: Ecological Groups Voices Heard Through Loudhailers at Climate Change Conference -

Today coal industry lobby group Coal Representatives Against Progressive Policy (CRAPP) protested against the 'Climate Change and Governance' conference, held at Te Papa. With slogans such as 'Kyoto Schmyoto' and 'Save My Six-figure Salary' CRAPP claimed that seriously combating Climate Change would jeopardise the massive bonuses and perks they get for producing one of the worlds most polluting sources of CO2 emissions. See... Protests Outside Climate Change Conference [1] ALSO

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00221.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00483.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00466.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00494.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00465.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00447.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00493.htm

MMP In Action: Hide Sings Praises Of Formerly 'Repugnant' Party -

Today on Auckland's BFM ACT leader Rodney Hide attempted to explain to The Wire host Noelle McCarthy why Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia was invited to appear at ACT's conference. Mr Hide admitted to BFM listeners that while he had indeed made a speech comparing the Maori Party to the National Front he now considered the Maori Party was achieving its aim of being a 'party for all New Zealanders.' See... Hide: Maori Party A Party For All New Zealanders [1] And earlier ... Party With 'Repugnant Views' Now Big Hit with ACT [2] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00388.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00367.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00452.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00443.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00226.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00505.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00500.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0603/S00210.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00452.htm

Nigeria: Agreement to Hand Over Taylor Vital Step

- Nigeria’s announcement that it will consent to the transfer of former Liberian President Charles Taylor to Liberia is a landmark step toward ensuring justice for West Africa, Human Rights Watch said today. Now Taylor must be physically transferred to the U.N.-backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone. Nigeria must ensure that Taylor is not permitted to flee from justice and the international community must ensure that security in Liberia is maintained during this process. See... Nigeria: Agreement to Hand Over Taylor Vital Step [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00481.htm

Tony Blair: Down Under

- As the war on Iraq is entering its fourth year British Prime Minister Tony Blair will be visiting New Zealand. However, the lies that heralded the invasion have continued with the occupation. Bush, Blair and Howard continue to bleed the word “democracy” of any meaning. The freedoms that they claim to be fighting for are being taken away, and not only in Iraq. So called anti terrorism laws have eroded civil liberties in many countries. See... Protest planned against Tony B.Liar visiting NZ [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00471.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00483.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00486.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00485.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00482.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00478.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0603/S00470.htm

Welfare: Super Supersized

- "People receiving New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pension will be better off by up to $420 extra a year," Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope and Associate Minister for Senior Citizens, Winston Peters, announced today. New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans Pensions will increase by 3.16% from 1 April 2006 following the increase in the cost of living for 2005, as measured by the Consumers Price Index. See... 490,000 older New Zealanders to benefit from Super increases [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00484.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00486.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00492.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00476.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00501.htm

One Law for All: Microchipping debate goes to the dogs

- Farmers will not give up the fight to convince the government to exempt farm dogs from an idiotic law forcing all dogs to be microchipped, said Charlie Pedersen, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc). "Federated Farmers is very disappointed. Despite the federation offering many compelling reasons why farm dogs should be exempted, the government has chosen to base its policy on cliches and soundbites," Mr Pedersen said. See... Government Blows Opportunity [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00219.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00375.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00455.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0603/S00475.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00472.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00488.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00489.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00480.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00491.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00224.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00240.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00502.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00490.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00485.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00481.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00474.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00500.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00496.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00505.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00497.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00489.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00478.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00475.htm

POLITICAL COLUMNS

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00493.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0603/S00207.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00339.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00431.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0603/S00351.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00429.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00428.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00301.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0603/S00298.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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