Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Friday, 30 August 2002, 4:37 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Tall Blacks Beat Russia
Review Of Benefit Cuts In De Facto Cases Offered
Teachers Ratify, Govt Far From Off The Hook
So You Have A Vagina – Good For You
Meanwhile…
Nuking Nevada
Lady Liberty Flags WSSD For A Smoke
Howard Backs Bogus Case For War On Iraq
Iraq Is The Wrong Question – Wolfowitz
Do We Have Enough Oil To Cope With Iraq Invasion?
Super Fund Fails Cost Benefit Analysis
Your Sponsor Stinks, French America’s Cup Team Told
Scoop Was In The House
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Crime Stats Further Spun
Having a Few Maidens Over
Not Everyone Likes Mike
Trade Ministers Talk Shop
NZ Leads The Way To Partnership At World Summit
These Are The Personnel Of Our Select Committees
More Incoming Govt. Briefing Papers Released:
Outlook Bleak In The Heartland
John Banks Is Not King Of Auckland - Locke
Cullen’s Off Overseas
Immigration Inanity
New On The Winston Beat

Tall Blacks Beat Russia

- National Leader Bill English today congratulated the Tall Blacks for their great win against Russia today in their first game at the 2002 World Basketball Championships. See... Great come back by Tall Blacks [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00330.htm

Review Of Benefit Cuts In De Facto Cases Offered

- The Ministry of Social Development is offering to review more than 15,000 cases where people’s benefits were stopped and/or they had to pay back money because they were deemed to be living in a de facto relationship. See... Government Offers To Review Benefit Decisions [1] and De Facto Decisions Review Background [2] MORE: - Campaign Against The DPB - 'De Facto' Definition Dangerous [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00302.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00303.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0208/S00139.htm

Teachers Ratify, Govt Far From Off The Hook

- Today's ratification of the secondary teacher's pay deal signals a new round of warfare between teachers and the Government, ACT Education Spokesman Donna Awatere Huata said today. See... Ratification Just Puts Off The Fight [1] MORE: - PPTA - Ratification at last! [2] - Trevor Mallard - Minister welcomes decision [3] - Bill English - Govt Stuck With Open Chequebook [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00313.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0208/S00045.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00296.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00309.htm

So You Have A Vagina – Good For You

- Well, after an extended season we have been exposed to ‘The Vagina’ and quite a show it was too. Could the feminists that were forming their politics in the seventies please stop exposing themselves and mature already! Scoop Review: Vaginal Focus Comes At A Price [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00156.htm

Meanwhile…

- The New Zealand AIDS Foundation would like to know what’s up. See... Have you got a hand on it? - National Penis Day [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0208/S00136.htm

Nuking Nevada

- The US National Nuclear Security Administration is about to conduct a nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site. See... Alert! US Nuclear Weapons Test Imminent [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0208/S00140.htm

Lady Liberty Flags WSSD For A Smoke

- Shortly before noon local time Greenpeace activists drove up in front of the embassy, erected the statue and got the smoke going. After 20 minutes we had to leave in order not to get arrested. See... Scoop Images: Lady Liberty Blows Her Top [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00159.htm

Howard Backs Bogus Case For War On Iraq

- The Australian government has the dubious distinction of being one of only three governments -- along with Britain and Israel -- to have unconditionally endorsed the United States' impending invasion of Iraq. See... Iraq: US War Drive `Built On A Bed Of Lies' [1] SEE ALSO: - US Armed Saddam Hussein With Chemical Weapons [2] - A Debate on Iraq As U.S. Warplanes Kill Eight [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00157.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00158.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00150.htm

Iraq Is The Wrong Question – Wolfowitz

- Rashid: Where are we at as far as a regime change in Iraq is concerned? Wolfowitz: Oh, that's the wrong question. [Laughter] I'd rather just stay off that, rather than give you a whole series of evasions. See... Wolfowitz Interview with London Daily Telegraph [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0208/S00139.htm

Do We Have Enough Oil To Cope With Iraq Invasion?

- Claims by Energy Minister Pete Hodgson that New Zealand has 110 days of fuel supply are based on two-year-old figures says National Energy Spokesperson Gerry Brownlee. See... Govt Has Head In The Sand Over Fuel Supply [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00293.htm

Super Fund Fails Cost Benefit Analysis

- The Green Party says Dr Cullen's super fund is costing taxpayers $68,000 per week, even before it is “invested” on the global share market. See... Super Fund Costs NZ $68,000 A Week [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00292.htm

Your Sponsor Stinks, French America’s Cup Team Told

- Greenpeace welcomes the America's Cup French Team to New Zealand but adds that the major team sponsor, nuclear company Areva is not welcome. See... Kia ora Team France Adieu Areva [1] . See also… Images: Le Defi Areva In Auckland - Happy Sailing! [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0208/S00130.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0208/S00053.htm

Scoop Was In The House

– An uncorrected transcript of yesterday’s questions and answers. See... Questions Of The Day - 29 August 2002 [1] - Wednesday's Q&A [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00301.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00268.htm

Daily Katya Rivas

- I am very calm and happy that My son is working with Us. How much joy My Heart feels with the courage of My chosen ones. Will you thank him for Me? See... Katya Rivas: The Courage of My Chosen Ones [1] JESUS CHRIST'S SECRETARY VISITS WELLINGTON: - Scoop Images: Katya Rivas In Wellington [2] - Scoop Images: Katya Rivas Portrait [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00155.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00144.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0208/S00145.htm

Bonjour Le Defi Areva!
The Americas Cup's Most Controversial Competitor

Crime Stats Further Spun

- The Labour Government continues to leave the public in the dark on the true crime rate, ACT Justice Spokesman MP Stephen Franks said today. See... Crime Statistics Tell Less Than Half The Story [1] MPS MAKE WHAT THEY WILL OF THE FIGURES: - Phil Goff - Newman Misleads [2] - Muriel Newman - Labour's Crime Deceit [3] - Stephen Franks - Crime Results For Wellington [4] - Muriel Newman - Goff Tries to Mislead Public [5] - Deborah Coddington - Glenfield Police Station [6] - Tony Ryall - Government Losing Battle [7] - George Hawkins - Call For Report On Auckland [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00314.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00304.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00298.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00308.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00315.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00312.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00288.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00290.htm

Having a Few Maidens Over

- Could I just thank the members for the warmth of their welcome. From the Prime Minister who came up and welcomed me by name while I was having dinner with Jeanette on my first night in Bellamy's, to fellow Coast to Coaster Bill English and all of the other members who have gone out of their way to welcome me. See... Mike Ward's Maiden Speech [1] MORE: - Maiden Speech - Judith Collins [2] - Deborah Coddington Maiden Speech [3] - Maiden Speech - John Key MP for Helensville [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00294.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00310.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00300.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00297.htm

Not Everyone Likes Mike

- GATT Watchdog, once dubbed "grumpy geriatric communists who tuck their shirts into their underpants" by World Trade Organisation Director-General Mike Moore stood by its support for Moore's candidacy for the position on the day he finishes his three-year term. See... Mad Mike Has Left The (WTO) Building! [1] MORE: - National - Much Mike Moore can be proud of [2] - Govt - Mike Moore Was A Success As WTO Leader: Minister [3] - TLN - "Well Done, Mike Moore!" [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0208/S00137.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00328.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00276.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0208/S00248.htm

Trade Ministers Talk Shop

- The Minister for Trade Negotiations, Jim Sutton, hosted his Australian counterpart, Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, for annual talks on 29-30 August in Christchurch. See... Key Business Sectors in Annual CER Talks [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00335.htm

NZ Leads The Way To Partnership At World Summit

- A $1.6 million programme of new partnership initiatives with the Pacific region was launched today in Johannesburg by Associate Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Marian Hobbs as part of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. See... New Zealand partnership initiatives launched [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00332.htm

These Are The Personnel Of Our Select Committees

- The first Select Committee news bulletin is out today, with the membership lists. See... Select Committee Business to 30 August 2002 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00326.htm

More Incoming Govt. Briefing Papers Released:

- Pharmac – Pharmac briefing paper released [1] - New Zealand Food Safety Authority - NZFSA briefing to Minister [2] - Health - Health And Disability Briefing Papers Released [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00323.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00322.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00321.htm

Outlook Bleak In The Heartland

- It is astonishing that within days of the Prime Minister ignoring agriculture in the Speech from the Throne, the National Bank's latest business survey shows the gloomiest farming outlook for twelve years. See... Government Will Soon Face Test In Rural NZ [1] . See also... External Factors Behind Fall In Confidence [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00320.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00307.htm

John Banks Is Not King Of Auckland - Locke

- “Before making grand announcements about the construction of new motorways, John Banks should remember that Aucklanders elected him Mayor - not King,” said Mr Locke, the Green Associate Transport Spokesperson. See... Banks Buys A Fight Over Motorway Madness [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00319.htm

Cullen’s Off Overseas

- Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen will co-lead a discussion on financial sector and fiscal reform with Mexican Finance Minister Francisco Gil Diaz at the Apec Finance Ministers Meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico next week. See... Cullen Off To LA, Apec [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00317.htm

Immigration Inanity

- “Official Labour Department papers prove that the Government cannot continue its insane policy of flooding New Zealand with immigrants,” said New Zealand First Leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters. See... Immigration Shambles Proved We Told You So!! [1] and Dalziel Moves To Clear Confusion [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00306.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00305.htm

New On The Winston Beat

- Wellingtonian Joris de Bres has been appointed Race Relations Commissioner, Associate Justice Minister Margaret Wilson announced today. See... New Race Relations Commissioner appointed [1] and the departing Commissioner’s statement… Statement by Gregory Fortuin (30 August 2002) [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0208/S00331.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0208/S00140.htm

© 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

• Linkedin
• Twitter - @althecat
• Facebook
• Email - alastair@scoop.co.nz