Scoop Today - Rounding Off The News Week

Friday, 8 October 1999, 5:44 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

Today's Scoops

Govt Give More Cash To Timor

- The New Zealand Government has decided to give an additional $250,000 as a cash grant to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for East Timor (UNHCET). This will be allocated among the most urgent areas of need in East Timor. See… More Humanitarian Assistance For East Timor [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00156.htm

Security Rifts A Risk To Indonesian Transition

- The ongoing sectarian violence in Indonesia’s Ambon has claimed over 15 lives since Oct. 3. Reports suggest that the latest violence was triggered and sustained by factionalism among security forces, says STRATFOR.COM. See... Security Rifts Threaten Indonesian Stabity [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00031.htm

Prime Minister’s Speech To Adjourn Parliament

- Mr Speaker, today we end a historic session of this Parliament – our first MMP Parliament. It obviously has been New Zealand’s biggest electoral change this century and has created a Parliament much larger and more diverse than ever before. See… Prime Minster's Adjournment Debate Speech [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00158.htm

Lord Of The Rings Filming Starts On In Wgtn On October 11

– The Lord of the Rings film trilogy begins principal photography in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999, under the direction of Peter Jackson, it was announced today. See… "The Lord Of The Rings" To Begin Photography In NZ [1] in the Business wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU9910/S00038.htm

Election 1999: Tertiary Education Dominates Week Two

- If there was ever any doubt that tertiary education was shaping up to be one of the key election issues, then week two of the election campaign has put those doubts to rest. See… Election 1999: Two Weeks Down Seven To Go [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00038.htm

More Extravagance At Reserve Bank - Alliance

- The Reserve Bank is paying 31 staff more than $100,000 each and its travel budget blew-out by $118,000 over last year. See… More corporate extravagance in the public sector [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00157.htm

Carter Disappointed Donald Standing Aside

- "I'm disappointed Rod Donald is throwing the towel in without a contest. He was a likeable character and he has certainly made an impression on New Zealand politics," says Banks Peninsula MP David Carter. See… Donald Quits [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00159.htm

Sir Bill Says Goodbye

- Valedictory Speech To House Of Representatives, Rt Hon Sir William Birch, MP For Port Waikato. See… House: Valedictory of Rt. Hon. Sir William Birch [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00039.htm

Adieu

- Valedictory Addresses are being posted in the Headlines wire as they are received – so far we have … see: - House: Valedictory - Rt Hon Sir Douglas Graham [1] - House: Valedictory of Hon. Denis Marshall [2] - House: Valedictory Of Hon. Jack Elder [3] .

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00032.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00034.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00033.htm

Donnelly Calls For Crakdown On Spitting

- Northland MP, Brian Donnelly, is calling for a crackdown on public spitting in order to reduce the horror health statistics of Northland. See… Cracking Down On Public Spitting [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00155.htm

Exports Picking Up - English

- Treasurer Bill English said overseas trade data released today showed that exports were picking up in the September quarter. See… Exports continue to pick up [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00154.htm

ACT To Privatise Loans - Skinner

- ACTs tertiary policy indicates their intention to privatise the student loan scheme, said Karen Skinner Co-President of the New Zealand University Students’ Association (NZUSA). See… ACT to privatise student loans [1] in the Education wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED9910/S00019.htm

Crown Ask For Watson Non-Parole Extension

- The Crown has asked the high court for double murder convict Scott Watson to face an extension to his minimal non-parole period.

Labour Hypocrites Over Loans - Bradford

- Labour’s hypocrisy over student loans appears to have no limits, Tertiary Education Minister Max Bradford said. See… Labour’s Loan Hypocrisy [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00147.htm

Labour Launch Energy Policy

- "Labour's energy policy will lower household energy costs and protect the environment," Labour energy spokesperson Pete Hodgson said at the release today of the party's energy policy - ‘Changing Course’. See… Labour: sustainability and lower power bills [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00148.htm

Russia Pleads With West Over IMF Loans

- Russia pleaded with the West yesterday not to let the growing scandal over alleged money laundering delay the release of loans from the IMF and tip it into bankruptcy. John Howard reports. See… Russia Pleads With IMF To Release Money [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00037.htm

TB Outbreak National's Shame - Clark

- Labour leader Helen Clark said today that news of two shocking outbreaks of tuberculosis in poor communities is a terrible indictment of National's nine years of economic and social policy. See… TB outbreaks indictment of Government policy [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00145.htm

Alliance Launch Campaign Against NZ First

- The Alliance is launching a campaign to remind people of Winston Peters' betrayal at the last election. See… Alliance to hold Winston Peters accountable [1] . New Zealand First meanwhile has urged the Alliance to concentrate on the real issues facing New Zealanders during this election campaign, and not to engage in personality politics. See… Alliance Told To Fight Fair During Campaign [2] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00152.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00149.htm

Canterbury University Occupation Ends

- After some 53 hours, the student occupation of the registry building at the University of Canterbury is over. See… Registry occupation at Canterbury is over [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00036.htm

Blueprint For Maori Economic Development

- Maori Affairs Minister, Hon Tau Henare, will convene a hui later this month to prepare a blueprint for Maori economic development. See… A Blueprint For Maori Economic Development [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00150.htm

Roading Reform Consultation Continues

- Consultation on the Government's proposals for changing the way our roads are managed is continuing, Transport Minister Maurice Williamson said today. See… Roading Policy Discussions Continue [1] in the Parliament wire

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00146.htm

Victoria Strike Showing Staff Split - ‘Rebels’

- While Victoria University of Wellington's academics went on strike there were signs that the industrial action was not supported by even the half of Victoria's staff that belong to their union, says the ACT Party youth wing. See… Rebel Lecturer Apologises For Strike [1] in the Politics wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO9910/S00027.htm

Parliament Adjourned

- Parliament adjourned at 5.45pm yesterday evening and will resume this morning.

Death Toll In Train Disaster Could Top 170, Two Kiwis Probably Dead

- About 70 people are confirmed dead in London's worst rail disaster and close to 200 have been injured. One burnt out carriage has yet to be opened and emergency services are expecting to find it full of bodies when they can do so safely. Over 100 people are still missing. It is thought the accident occured when one train ran a red light and an inquiry is already underway. A 26 year old Wellington accountant, Brendan Bentley, was injured in the crash. He suffered two broken bones, concussion, cuts and lacerations and has had his spleen removed. He is OK in hospital. Two Kiwis are thought to have died in the smash - 28 year old Alan Stewart and 20 year old Matt Macauley. The hotline for friends and family is at the top of the page.

Same Line Up For England Test

- All Black Coach John Hart has kept the same test side as the one that beat Tonga for Sunday mornings (NZT) match against England. The only change is Craig Dowd coming in for an injured Kees Meews. Despite considerable speculation Justin Marshall has kept his spot. The full team is: Taine Randall (c), Christian Cullen, Alama Ieremia, Jonah Lomu, Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens, Tana Umaga, Jeff Wilson(vice-captain), Robin Brooke, Carl Hoeft, Josh Kronfeld, Norm Maxwell, Craig Dowd, Anton Oliver, Reuben Thorne.

CITY VOICE WEEKLY FORUM: Art For Whose Sake?

- As a preview to next week’s City Voice Arts Forum (see… note at end of story for details) City Voice Newspaper's Simon Vita takes a look at issues surrounding the arts and culture debate. See... City Voice: Arts for whose sake? [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00026.htm

Authorities Move On Giant Rip-off

- The first charges have been laid in the US over what has been described as the biggest money laundering scandal in history. The Fed's say US$7 billion was illegally funnelled from Russia to America. Scoop’s West Coast Correspondent John Howard reports. See... First Moves Against Giant IMF/World Bank Rip Off [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00025.htm

Rankin On MMP

- The coming election gives us renewed opportunity to interpret everything that politicians say and do with cynicism. It would be nice if we can rise above such a self-imposed stupor. We did it with APEC. See... Keith Rankin Column: MMP Commonsense [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00024.htm

ACT Launch Tertiary Policy

- ACT say their newly released tertiary policy is to change the present system to promote higher standards and to have a fair system. See… Prebble Speech: ACT’s Tertiary Policy [1] . ACT released its tertiary policy at a forum of Auckland University students with ACT Education Spokesman Donna Awatere Huata and Leader Hon Richard Prebble outlining how ACT's policies would help students now and in the future. See… Policies for Whole Life, Not Just Student Life [2] . The Alliance says Acts hidden agenda is to cut $200 million from tertiary education which will mean a fee increase of at least $1,200. See… Act will increase fees by $1200 at least [3] . Labour Leader Helen Clark and Labour’s tertiary spokesperson Steve Maharey said today that Act’s tertiary education policy would condemn students to even more poverty than National’s. See… Labour: Act's tertiary policy recipe for poverty [4] . New Zealand First claims ACT’s tertiary policy will turn back the clock 100 years and recreate the elitist system of Dickensian England with large numbers of New Zealanders being excluded from higher education. See… ACT’s Tertiary Policy Puts Money Before Merit [5] . All in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00133.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00132.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00129.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00122.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00125.htm

ACT Farewells Sir Doug But Rejects His Parting Shots At ACT

- ACT New Zealand wishes Sir Douglas Graham well for his retirement, ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said. See… ACT rejects retiring Minister's comments [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00138.htm

Labour / Mauri Pacific Pull Plug On Hauraki Marine Bill

- Conservation Minister Nick Smith is bitterly disappointed at Labour's decision today to vote against the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Bill and said the Government had withdrawn the Bill from further consideration until the new Parliament is elected. See… Labour Withdraws Support for Marine Park [1] in the Parliament wire. See Mauri Pacific’s explanation… MP Won't Support Hauraki Marine Park Bill [2] , also in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00136.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00137.htm

English World Cup Clash Tension Growing

- READERS NOTE - WARNING: The following image is offensive and not particularly sporting. After consulting internally and considering blanking out the offensive words we have decided to use it at is. Consider yourself warned if you choose to view. See... Scoop Images: Swing Low Sweet Chariot (OFFENSIVE) [1] in the Headlines wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL9910/S00029.htm

Give Them Jobs Not Drugs Helen!

- New Zealand First is outraged at Helen Clark's announcement yesterday at a Victoria University student forum, that the Labour Party would condone the use of cannabis. See… Give them jobs not drugs! [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00135.htm

Hasler Disgusted By Radio Broadcasters Assn,

- Marie Hasler, Minister for Culture and Heritage, says she is disgusted the Radio Broadcasters Association Executive Council is withdrawing support for New Zealand music because of Government’s initiative to make frequency available for youth radio. See… Radio broadcasters’ plan disgusts Minister [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00126.htm

Stop The Fees - Alliance

- The Alliance said recent student protest are about fee increases not are not just about student loan interest rates and that the Alliance was the only party who is going to reduce fees. See… Address the cause of student debt: Fees [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00130.htm

Problems For Women Accessing The Law Should Be Examined - Yates

- A comprehensive report on the problems women have accessing the law should be carefully examined when the next Parliament considers proposed changes to Legal Aid, Labour women's affairs spokesperson Dianne Yates says. See… Women's access to the law [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00124.htm

AIT To Become University

- The Governor General has accepted the recommendation that the Auckland Institute Of Technology Become a University, and the decision will be published in the Gazette. See… AIT To Become A University - Minister [1] in the Parliament wire. However Labour associate education spokesperson (tertiary) Steve Maharey said that the Government's announcement of a change of status for the Auckland Institute of Technology signals ad hoc policy-making that is difficult to understand. See… Government ad-hoc on tertiary status changes [2] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00120.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00131.htm

National’s Eleventh Hour Loan Rethink A Clumsy Bribe

- Labour Leader Helen Clark today said that it was a sign of the level of desperation in National's ranks that the government is now considering eleventh hour changes to the student loans system. See… National considers clumsy bribe to students [1] in the Parliament wire.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA9910/S00116.htm

Upton On The Election

- Simon Upton writes an opinion column on how he sees the coming election and the opportunity it provides his party. See… On the real significance of November's election [1] in the Parliament wire.

© 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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