Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Sunday, 9 April 2006, 11:29 pm
Column: Alastair Thompson

THE WEEKEND’S TOP SCOOPS:
Scoop Column: A Green PM And TVNZ Corporatespeak
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
Media: Political Editor Snaffles Nine Till Noon Slot -
Chinese Premier's Visit: Tibetan Scarf Makes Silky Smooth Protest
MORE HEADLINES:
Treasury: Debt and Operating Balance up on Forecasts
Official Languages: NZ Sign Language Bill Passed
Advertising: Junk Food Peddlers Face New Challenges
Economy: Reserve Bank Reports on New Ways to Deal with Inflation
Lifestyle: International Judges Face Slick Operators At Hair Awards -
Theatre Review: Never Swim Alone at Bats
Intelligence: Bush Authorised Classified Leaks, Says Libby -
International Corporations: McDonald's linked to Amazon destruction
Scoop Audio: Life for Miners In Bolivia...
Australia: Howard Tries Another Tampa Dogwhistle Round over West Papua
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Has George Bush Been Caught Lying Through His Teeth?
Russell Brown On Public Address's Netguide Victory
Richard S. Ehrlich On The Fall Of Thaksin Shinawatra
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
Katya Rivas's Passion: Serialised For Lent (Mary's Reflections)

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:
Health: Should Apocalyptic Plagues Strike NZ Legislation Will Be In Place -
Immigration: Locke Decrys 'Big Brother' Review Proposals -
Parliamentary Privilege: Kedgley Slams State Broadcaster For Intimidation Of Fraser -
Race Relations: Cullen Not Happy with UN Maori Report
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:
POLITICAL COLUMNS

Scoop Column: A Green PM And TVNZ Corporatespeak

[1] In the latest issue of the Listener it looks like the graphic designer has been given access to Investigate magazine's hoard of spectacularly unflattering shots of the PM. A Week of It tracked down James Gilberd of Wellington's Photospace studio/gallery and asked him to run his eyes over the green PM. Also this week TVNZ got a new yet somehow familiar Chief Executive in the form of Rick Ellis. Trawling through the archives of yesteryear A Week of It dredges up a run-in Rick Ellis had in 2002 with Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove. See... A Week of It: Cover Shocker + TVNZ CEO Pay Problem [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00084.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00084.htm

SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00138.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00100.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00063.htm

Media: Political Editor Snaffles Nine Till Noon Slot -

Radio New Zealand Political Editor, Kathryn Ryan, will replace Linda Clark as presenter of the high profile Nine To Noon current affairs programme on National Radio. Making the announcement today, Radio New Zealand Chief Executive, Peter Cavanagh, said he was delighted to be able to appoint such an accomplished and respected broadcaster to one of National Radio’s flagship programmes. Peter Cavanagh emphasised the importance of the appointment for National Radio listeners. See... Kathryn Ryan to Front Nine to Noon [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0604/S00062.htm

Chinese Premier's Visit: Tibetan Scarf Makes Silky Smooth Protest

- Yesterday Green MP Keith Locke attended the official luncheon in honour of Wen Jiabao the Premier of the People’s Republic of China wearing a natty scarf. The colourful scarf was worn in support of the struggle of the Tibetan people for national, cultural and religious freedom. Later on during question time the issue of Tibet and any discussions around the land made famous by the Tintin book (Tintin in Tibet) was raised by Mr Locke and fellow Green MP Sue Kedgley. See... MP Pushes Human Rights In Sartorial Style [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00080.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00077.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00078.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00112.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00113.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00064.htm
[7] - http://blog.greens.org.nz/index.php/2006/04/06/greens-silently-protest-arrival-of-wen-jiabao/
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00045.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00145.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00074.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0604/S00152.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0604/S00027.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0604/S00051.htm

Treasury: Debt and Operating Balance up on Forecasts

- The Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the eight months ended 28 February 2006 were released by the Treasury today. These financial statements are compared against monthly forecasts based on the 2005 Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (Half Year Update). The forecasts for the Half Year Update were based on actual results to 31 October. See... Crown Financial Statement to 28 Feb 2006 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00065.htm

Official Languages: NZ Sign Language Bill Passed

- Community and voluntary sector groups have congratulated the deaf community on yesterday’s recognition of sign language as an official New Zealand language. With the passing of legislation today, New Zealand Sign Language has been recognised as the nation’s third official language, alongside English and Maori. “This is a major achievement for the deaf community, as they have been striving to have sign language officially recognised for 20 years. See... A voice for the deaf community [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00064.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00139.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00137.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00142.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0604/S00043.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0603/S00106.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0604/S00008.htm

Advertising: Junk Food Peddlers Face New Challenges

- Changes to advertising codes for children and food are a welcome addition to the fight against childhood obesity in New Zealand, Health Minister Pete Hodgson said today. Among the changes announced by the Advertising Standards Authourity (ASA) is a new guideline will limit celebrities from promoting foods or drinks in such a way that undermine a healthy diet consistent with the Ministry of Health's Food and Nutrition Guidelines for children. See... http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00144.htm [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00144.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00141.htm

Economy: Reserve Bank Reports on New Ways to Deal with Inflation

- The Reserve Bank and the Treasury today released a joint report on possible additional instruments to supplement the role of interest rates in managing demand pressures and inflation. This report, prepared under terms of reference issued in November 2005, was prompted by the recent strength and persistence of domestic household demand, the scale of the accompanying external imbalances, and the key role played by the house price cycle. See... Report on supplementary tools released [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00049.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00050.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00051.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00129.htm

Lifestyle: International Judges Face Slick Operators At Hair Awards -

19 finalists from around the country have been selected by a team of international judges for this year’s Schwarzkopf Professional New Zealand Hairdressing Awards. One of the judges is Tyler Johnston, an international session and catwalk stylist, working the international fashion weeks of London, New York, Paris and Milan. See... Int'l Judges Select Finalists For Hair Awards [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0604/S00037.htm

Theatre Review: Never Swim Alone at Bats

- A circle of sand on the stage invoke a school-holiday beach and also serve as a kind of symbolic sumo-wrestling ring. Two men in suits play out vignettes of male interaction, each one a new round in a tournament of masculinity. The woman in the raised seat with the bathing suit and the whistle is a referee something like the opposite of a lifeguard. See... Scoop Review: Never Swim Alone [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00082.htm

Intelligence: Bush Authorised Classified Leaks, Says Libby -

Attorneys and current and former White House officials close to the investigation into the leak of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame Wilson said Thursday that President Bush gave Vice President Dick Cheney the authorization in mid-June 2003 to disclose a portion of the highly sensitive National Intelligence Estimate to Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward and former New York Times reporter Judith Miller. See... Jason Leopold: Bush at Center of Intelligence Leak [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00081.htm
[2] - http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0406061libby1.html

International Corporations: McDonald's linked to Amazon destruction

- Greenpeace today exposed the role played by McDonald's in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest. As part of a new campaign to tackle the latest threat to the Amazon, Greenpeace has completed a year-long undercover investigation into the global trade in Amazon soya. The findings are today published in a new report, Eating up the Amazon (2). Using satellite images, aerial surveillance, previously unreleased government documents and on-the-ground monitoring, Greenpeace traced soya from criminal rainforest destruction to McDonald's restaurants and to supermarkets across Europe. See... McDonald's linked to Amazon destruction [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00124.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00122.htm

Scoop Audio: Life for Miners In Bolivia...

Independent journalist and photographer Dawn Paley is interviewed by Lorraine Chisholm. Paley has documented the working lives of mining families in Bolivia. Producer: Producer: Redeye Collective

Australia: Howard Tries Another Tampa Dogwhistle Round over West Papua

- "The fact that the Australian Prime Minister John Howard stated yesterday that he doesn't want more West Papuans, and that he had the audacity to suggest that 'the majority of Australians' have that view shows he once again tries to introduce dirty population seduction and dog-whistle politics into the mix, and the Prime Minister should be condemned because of it," says WA Rights group Project SafeCom this morning. See... Howard Tries Another Tampa Dogwhistle Round over W. Papua [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00126.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00118.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00127.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00142.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00136.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00134.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00132.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00120.htm

Has George Bush Been Caught Lying Through His Teeth?

- "I don't know of anybody in my administration who leaked classified information," said George W. Bush on September 30, 2003. "If somebody did leak classified information, I'd like to know it, and we'll take the appropriate action." See... William Rivers Pitt: The Leaker-in-Chief [1] MORE from Jason Leopold:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00095.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00094.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00081.htm

Russell Brown On Public Address's Netguide Victory

- We won a People's Choice NetGuide Web Award last night: Best Blog. I'm really pleased. Thanks everyone, and big ups to the other finalists, Kiwiblog and IdolBlog... See... Public Address 07/04/06 - Thanks Everyone [1] . Earlier… Public Address 06/04/06 - Read Graham [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00092.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00076.htm

Richard S. Ehrlich On The Fall Of Thaksin Shinawatra

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra resigned on Wednesday (April 5), and appointed a loyal colleague, to end anti-Thaksin street protests before the June arrival of the world's kings, queens and other royalty to honor Thailand's revered monarch. See... Thailand's PM Thaksin Shinawatra Resigns [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00075.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00093.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00071.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00091.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00090.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00089.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00088.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00073.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00083.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00082.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00079.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00074.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00072.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00070.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00069.htm

Katya Rivas's Passion: Serialised For Lent (Mary's Reflections)

- Many prophets spoke about me: they prophesied that it was necessary for me to suffer to become worthy of being the Mother of God. On earth they anticipated knowledge of me but it had to be in a very guarded way. See... Katya Rivas: The Sorrows of the Virgin Mary [1] SEE ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00085.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00068.htm

POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:

Molesworth & Featherston (Weekend) – April 8 2006 [1] Transtasman Political Letter – 6 April Digest [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00087.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00086.htm

Health: Should Apocalyptic Plagues Strike NZ Legislation Will Be In Place -

New Zealand's work to prepare for possible flu pandemic has been significantly progressed by the introduction of new legislation in Parliament today. The Law Reform (Epidemic Preparedness) Bill will improve the government's ability to respond to an outbreak of pandemic flu or a similar highly infectious disease capable of becoming an epidemic in New Zealand. Health Minister Pete Hodgson said the bill was an important part of the whole-of-government work programme that is currently underway. See... Pandemic preparedness legislation introduced [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00149.htm

Immigration: Locke Decrys 'Big Brother' Review Proposals -

The immigration review signals an unfortunate extension of powers of arrest and detention to highly fallible immigration officials and security agencies, at the expense of migrants and refugees, Green Party MP Keith Locke says. "New Zealand should be a welcoming country, not one where bureaucrats have greater powers of surveillance and detention," said Mr Locke. "If the report's worst options are chosen, refugees and migrants will have a lot less rights than they do now. See... No need to go down US road and clamp down on migrants [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00108.htm
[2] - http://www.dol.govt.nz/PDFs/immigration-act-review-discussion-doc.pdf
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00123.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00076.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00072.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00092.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00097.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00114.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00101.htm

Parliamentary Privilege: Kedgley Slams State Broadcaster For Intimidation Of Fraser -

TVNZ's behaviour in pressuring a witness who gave evidence before a select committee inquiry amounted to an attack on freedom of speech, the Green Party says. "For the health of our democracy, we must jealously protect freedom of speech in Parliament - including for witnesses appearing before it," Broadcasting Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says. See... TVNZ's actions an attack on freedom of speech [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00079.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00083.htm

Race Relations: Cullen Not Happy with UN Maori Report

- Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen has described the final report of the UN Special Rapporteur for indigenous issues as disappointing, unbalanced and narrow. "It's hardly surprising that Mr Stavenhagen has come to selective conclusions when he only spent about eight working days consulting in the country all up. " See... Response to UN Special Rapporteur report [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00062.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00033.htm
[3] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0604/srnzmarch06.pdf
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00058.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00061.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00090.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00065.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00053.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00036.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00052.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00057.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00056.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00053.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00064.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00038.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00060.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00059.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00044.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00067.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00041.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00036.htm

POLITICAL COLUMNS

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00160.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00079.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00152.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00146.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.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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