Top Scoops and Just Politics

TODAY'S TOP SCOOPS:

LEAD STORY:
Politics: Fitzsimons Hopes Former Colleague Can Find Something To "Work Hard On"

NEW ZEALAND LEAD:
Politics: Thousands More Maori Elect To Vote On Maori Electoral Roll
Economy: Manukau City's Growth Outperforms National Average
Religion: Dalai Lama Scheduled To Visit NZ In 2007
Foreign Affairs: Green MP Calls On Govt To Condemn Israel's 'War Crimes' -
Innovation: Digital Photo Solution Advanced By Kiwi Company

SCOOP REPORTS:
Humour: Current Affairs Comedy From 'The Kiwi Herald' -

MULTIMEDIA:
Scoop Tech: Scoop Launches Audio & Video Podcast For Scoopers -
RECOMMENDED AUDIO:
Scoop Audio: Manning n Pound Debate Geo-Strategies
Scoop Audio: Kevin List and Wammo on Kiwi FM
KiwiFM Audio: Wammo and Brash

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
Lebanon Full Coverage:

COMMENT AND OPINION:
VF Bombshell: Hijack Exercise Disrupted 911 Response - NORAD & Dick Cheney Lied For 5 Years
Mexico: David Swanson On Participatory Democracy, Mex Style
United States: Bernard Weiner On Life In The Fascism Fast Lane

LEAD STORY:
Politics: Fitzsimons Hopes Former Colleague Can Find Something To "Work Hard On"
Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons wishes Ian Ewen-Street well in his newly chosen home, the National Party. "I'm not surprised by his choice. Ian was increasingly at odds with our caucus over recent years. He wanted to support National Party legislation, and their moves in select committee to water down environmental initiatives. He also wanted to support Labour's legislation on the Foreshore and Seabed,and was uncomfortable with the Greens' commitment to the Treaty." See...Ian - home at last [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00095.htm

NEW ZEALAND LEAD:
Politics: Thousands More Maori Elect To Vote On Maori Electoral Roll

- The 2006 Maori Electoral Option is over, with 21,588 Maori changing the type of electoral roll they are on and another 10,280 Maori enrolling for the first time. The 2006 Maori Electoral Option ran from 3 April until 2 August giving every eligible Maori the opportunity to choose to enrol on the General Electoral Roll or the Maori Electoral Roll. See... The 2006 Maori Electoral Option is over [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00057.htm

Economy: Manukau City's Growth Outperforms National Average

- Manukau's economy expanded by 5.7 per cent in the year to March, continuing a pattern of high growth which is almost three times the national average. The New Zealand economy grew by 2.2 per cent over the same period, and the Auckland region by 5.1 per cent. Unemployment in Manukau fell and the labour and skills shortage which had been making it hard for employers to find staff has eased significantly. See... Manukau's high growth continues [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00048.htm

Religion: Dalai Lama Scheduled To Visit NZ In 2007

- The Dalai Lama Visit Trust New Zealand is pleased to announce that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet will visit New Zealand in June 2007 at the invitation of the New Zealand Tibetan Buddhist community. The Dalai Lama will give a public talk and Buddhist teachings in Auckland on June 17th and June 18th. A public talk will be given in Wellington on June 19th. See... Dalai Lama to Visit New Zealand in 2007 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0608/S00054.htm

Foreign Affairs: Green MP Calls On Govt To Condemn Israel's 'War Crimes' -

Green MP Keith Locke today told an enthusiastic and vocal crowd of protestors that Israel's actions in bombing Lebanon were war crimes. To loud cheers outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) HQ in Wellington Mr Locke said that one day the people responsible for destroying large swathes of Southern Lebanon and killing hundreds of civilians would be tried as war criminals. See... Protest Against Israel's Actions In The Mid-East [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00054.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00124.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00097.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00126.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00125.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00053.htm

Innovation: Digital Photo Solution Advanced By Kiwi Company

- If you've got more photos hiding on your computer than printed in albums or frames, take comfort that you are not alone. Where previously you simply had to drop off a film at the local chemist, digital camera owners now face the common dilemma of how to deal with mushrooming pile of photos clogging their hard drive because of the hassle of getting them printed. See... Tickle takes digital photo solution online [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00122.htm

SCOOP REPORTS:

Humour: Current Affairs Comedy From 'The Kiwi Herald' -

Ground-breaking stories from the Kiwi Herald, award winning newspaper of the small but wonderful NZ community of Moenui - that are sadly too good to be true. Included in this digest are reports on high level trade talks between the NZ media and John McCain that were nearly stalled by the interference of officials and politicians, reports blaming the poor for their fate and Dr Brash's latest attempts to get down with 'da kids'. See... Kiwi Herald Digest: News Too Good To Be True [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00002.htm

MORE SCOOP REPORTS:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00363.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00324.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00320.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00284.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00307.htm

MULTIMEDIA:

Scoop Tech: Scoop Launches Audio & Video Podcast For Scoopers -

Scoop has launched its audio and video podcast feed providing Scoopers with the latest and best way to stay ahead of other media and remain in-the-know. The great thing about the podcast is it allows you to listen and view the media at a time that's convenient to you. The Scoop podcast features news, views, and interviews on almost all topics including audio and video created in-house by Scoop and by our friends and radio partners here in NZ and around the globe - and you get to choose what items you want to play. See... Scoop Launches Audio and Video Podcast Feed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0606/S00080.htm

RECOMMENDED AUDIO:

Scoop Audio:

Manning n Pound debate geo-strategies being demonstrated in the Israel/Hezbollah conflict. What is each side attempting to achieve from all this bloodshed? And, is there a right and wrong side in this slaughter? The three-week air offensive, a pseudo cease-fire and disagreements in the Israeli Cabinet on strategy, have caused Israel to hit its ground offensive running. Hezbollah is now fighting the war it is prepared for.

Scoop Audio: Kevin List and Wammo on Kiwi FM

- Featuring Kiwi Herald tidbits: US Free Trade Agreement Is Sealed - Poor Children To Blame - Rejuvenated Brash Puts 'Plank' Behind Him - Capill Says Child Abuse A Maori Problem. Did Nat deputy Brownlee push leader Brash back into his seat? And Phillip Field gets a mention.

KiwiFM Audio: Wammo and Brash

- Features Wammo interview with National Party leader Don Brash. Does Mr Brash really say on air the four letter C*** word? This and more in the Wammo Brash four letter word IV.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
LEBANON NEWS:
Full Coverage (Part IV)

, (Part III) [1] , (Part II) [2] & (Part I) [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00405.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00287.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00218.htm

COMMENT AND OPINION:

VF Bombshell: Hijack Exercise Disrupted 911 Response - NORAD & Dick Cheney Lied For 5 Years

On Feb 19 2002 Scoop published a seminal article [1] detailing inconsistencies in the NORAD account of what happened in two hours on the morning of September the 11th 2001. Yesterday the Washington Post reported: "We to this day don't know why NORAD told us what they told us," said Thomas H. Kean, the former New Jersey Republican governor who led the [US Congress Apppointed 911] commission. "It was just so far from the truth. . . . It's one of those loose ends that never got tied."

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0202/S00079.htm

FULL COVERAGE: September 11th - Unanswered Questions

Mexico: David Swanson On Participatory Democracy, Mex Style

- I'll grant you that in the United States our two big political parties never nominate a candidate of, by, or for poor people. Nonetheless, we have now established a pattern of stolen elections, and we have NOT taken over our nation's capital to demand justice. This fact alone would make me ashamed right now not to be a Mexican. The Mexicans are doing the only sensible thing they can, the only thing that can prevent a slide into far more serious dangers. See... David Swanson: The Shame of Not Being Mexican [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00043.htm

United States: Bernard Weiner On Life In The Fascism Fast Lane

- "How does the Bush Administration get away with it?" And: "How come, no matter what scandal or embarrassment or disaster Bush&Co. get enmeshed in, one third of the population still supports them?" The answers to those oft-expressed questions are complex, to be sure, but with the publication of former White House Counsel John W. Dean's compelling new book "Conservatives Without Conscience," we now have more of a framework for understanding what drives the Busheviks and why so many continue to stand behind them. See... Bernard Weiner Book Review: Fast Lane To Fascism [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00011.htm

JUST POLITICS:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00070.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00045.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00013.htm

McCully.co.nz: Murray Puts The Boot Into Wilson Cullen And Field (Again) -

It's clearly time to step back and re-evaluate plans for the new $6 million TV broadcast facility in Parliament. The reactions of Michael Cullen and Speaker Margaret Wilson to coverage of Ron Mark's obscene gesture in the chamber should have alarm bells ringing throughout the complex. See... www.mccully.co.nz 04 August 2006 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00087.htm

Media: Why Wait For A Coup? Dompost Names English As Nat Leader

- Political junkies may have had a breakfast-time surprise yesterday, discovering that the current National leader is - according to page two of today's Dominion Post - former leader Bill English. National MPs have criticised media for speculation on the shakiness of Dr Don Brash's leadership, but the Dom has clearly gone one step further. See... Dom Post Takes Punt on New National Leader [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00032.htm

Employment: CTU's Ross Wilson Accuses Roger Kerr Of Slander -

"I challenge Roger Kerr to point to the alleged "dishonesty" in the CTU statements on the Wayne Mapp employment Bill or withdraw his defamatory comments," CTU president Ross Wilson said today. Business Roundtable Chief Executive Roger Kerr today accused unions of "ridiculous and dishonest arguments" against the Mapp Bill. "Mr Kerr's bluster and slandering is a smokescreen for the fatal flaws in the Mapp Bill," Ross Wilson said. See... CTU challenges Kerr to prove his dishonesty claims [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00040.htm

Politics: Robson Ponders The Benefits Of Prussian Immigration -

The Brash family traces its ancestral roots to Prussia. Can we reasonably expect Prussians, or let's say cultural refugees from societies that lack freedom and democracy such as Singapore, to adapt to the Kiwi Way Of Life, a life that respects the rule of law, upholds individual liberty and social responsibility, expects religion to be kept out of politics and generally supports a fair go for all? See... Robson-On-Politics 2 August 2006 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00021.htm

Foreign Affairs: Maori Party Mobilises To Defend Cuba

- The Maori Party noted the temporary handover of power in Cuba following Fidel Castro's emergency hospitalisation, and expressed concern for the security of the Cuban government during this period of uncertainty... "I have a real fear that the US will try to destabilise Cuba during this time, in the same way they have undermined many other left-wing governments in Central and South America over the years," said Harawira. See... Hone Harawira - Viva Cuba!! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00051.htm

Cricket: Sport And Politics Meet To The Tune Of 400K

- A compensation deal has been reached between the government and New Zealand Cricket over the cancelled tour of New Zealand by the Zimbabwe cricket team. The government has agreed to pay New Zealand Cricket $406,000. The Zimbabwean team's planned tour here in December was called off after the government decided to withhold visas for players. "We decided the tour was not appropriate given the Zimbabwean government's continuing human rights abuses. See...Compensation for cancelled cricket tour [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00030.htm

Parliament: Dunne Wants Rules To Keep MPs On Straight And Narrow

- United Future leader Peter Dunne says the unsatisfactory outcome of the Taito Phillip Field case makes it vital that a code of standards be developed for MPs. Speaking to the Tawa Lions Club this evening, Mr Dunne said that the Field case had demonstrated inadequacies in Parliament's Standing Orders with regard to MPs' conduct outside the Parliamentary precincts and in their wider business and constituency roles. See... Dunne outlines plan for MPs code of conduct [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00057.htm

Biosecurity: Bee Mite Eradication Attempt Ruled Out

- The Government has today decided that the varroa bee mite will be managed in the South Island, the Minister of Agriculture, Jim Anderton said today. "We think it best to focus efforts on managing this pest, given the costs of attempting to remove it from the Nelson area and the high probability it will re-infest the South Island in a relatively short period of time. See... Varroa decision - management the realistic option [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00037.htm

Politics: Field Accepts He's Not Quite Vindicated By Ingram Report -

I accept wholeheartedly the New Zealand parliamentary principle of not accepting any consideration from constituents on whose behalf members are advocating, and I accept that members of this House have been concerned by some inferences which may have been drawn from reporting of the Ingram report. While I do believe that because much of the evidence presented in the report was untested, some inferences which may be being drawn are inaccurate, I can understand the disquiet felt by colleagues. See... Statement by Taito Phillip Field [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00031.htm

Governors General: Cartwrights Get Farewell Lunch, QSO

- Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced that the retiring Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright and her husband Mr Peter Cartwright are to each receive the Queen's Service Order in recognition of their service to New Zealand. The Prime Minister made the announcement at the State Farewell Luncheon at Parliament, and thanked Dame Silvia and Mr Cartwright for their service to New Zealand. See... Dame Silvia Cartwright, Peter Cartwright honoured [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00035.htm

Parliament: Harawira Apologises For 'Jew' Comments

- There has been considerable response to comments I made in the House last week regarding Israel's over-the-top reaction to the attacks from Hizbollah... I accept that I used the improper term, and I apologise sincerely to all those people who have been hurt by my comments. It was not my intention to attack Jews, and I regret using the term. See... He he ano, te he me whakatika te he: Hone Harawira [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00006.htm

Veterans Affairs: Vietnam Vets Show Genetic Damage From Agent Orange

- Study shows genetic damage to Vietnam War vets A significant level of genetic damage to the DNA of Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange poison has been found in a study by Massey molecular scientists. See... Study shows genetic damage to Vietnam War vets [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0607/S00115.htm

Lebanon War: Bombing Suspension Just The First Step To Peace - PM

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that Israel's suspension of air raids over southern Lebanon is a first step towards peace but both sides must immediately move to a complete cessation of hostilities. "The Qana bombing and the deaths of around sixty civilians, many of them children, is a horrific tragedy of war," Helen Clark said. See... NZ calls for complete cessation of hostitlities [1] . See also Scoop Audio... PM Talks Middle East, Peter's Illness 'n' Blogging [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00556.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00474.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00069.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00063.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00049.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00027.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00066.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00040.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00058.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00039.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00032.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00028.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00065.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00060.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00055.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00064.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00050.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00038.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00029.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00026.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00068.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00067.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00062.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00041.htm

POLITICAL COLUMNS

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00085.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00086.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00072.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00524.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00519.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00293.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00342.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00346.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00226.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00213.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0607/S00204.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0607/S00060.htm

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