Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 18 December 2002, 3:43 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Air NZ/Qantas Deal Gets “National Interest” Green Light
Hard News Is There!
UQ Wire: Unconstitutional Manoeuvres In The White House
An American With A Whole Lot Of Common Sense
Stateside: Surfing With Rosalea
Kissinger’s 911 Commission Replacement Announced
Organisation Of American States Stamps On US Coup Plans
George Bush Orders Deployment Of Missile Defence
Countdown To War: You Will Be Vaccinated
Countdown To War: Security Council Get Censored WMD Declaration
Daily Katya Rivas

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Unionists Say NO TO WAR
Stability Via ACC Announced
28 Year Sentence Applauded
One-Man Crime-Wave Walks
CYFS Practice Unchanged Even After Murder
Labour’s ‘Getting Tough’ Policy Has No Teeth
EU Inches Forward But Short of WTO Mandate
CTU Wants People To Benefit From Surplus
United Amazed Nats Want a Snap-Election
Dunne’s Family Deal Loses Its Air
BIA Warns Of More Dangerous Balconies
Maharey Must Reduce Benefit Fraud
Booze Youth Marketing and Excise Tax Anomalies Dodgy
Sutton’s Attack on PAM Protesters Insensitive
Labour and Ebonezer Employment Scrooges
Film Commission Deals Need Investigating
TVNZ’s TV n Transmission Ops to Split
Federated Farmers Stuck In The Mud!
Kinleith Workers’ Hearing Postponed
Carter Speaks To Moslem Forum

Air NZ/Qantas Deal Gets “National Interest” Green Light

- The government today agreed to Qantas taking a 4.99 per cent stake in Air New Zealand and gave conditional support to a strategic alliance between the two airlines. See... Govt approves Air NZ Qantas proposal proceeding [1] MORE: - Cabinet Business Committee Minute - Qantas Deal [2] - Letter To Air New Zealand From Govt. Re: Qantas [3] REACTION: - Greens - Air NZ too frightened to fly solo [4] - ACT - Air NZ Decision: Good Politics, Bad Governance [5] - National - Black day for NZ air travel [6] - United Future - Dunne: Qantas/Air NZ fail to convince Govt [7] - Air New Zealand - Important First Step In Securing Air NZ's Future [8]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00450.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00452.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00451.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00454.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00459.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00458.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00460.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0212/S00158.htm

Hard News Is There!

- The stories of his surpassing patience and dedication are legion. He shepherded home one of the great movie projects with barely a cross word. So I suppose it's logical that there should be one issue on which Peter Jackson well and truly vents: and that is the Film Commission... See... HARD NEWS 18/12/02 - New Things! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00107.htm

UQ Wire: Unconstitutional Manoeuvres In The White House

- Bush's determination to designate two American citizens as - unlawful enemy combatants - looks like another step towards an American gulag. See... UQ Wire: Bush's Gulag [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00105.htm

An American With A Whole Lot Of Common Sense

As a United States citizen, I wish to apologize for the disrespect my country’s leadership has shown you. I want to assure you that George W. Bush does not represent everyone in America, possibly not even a majority. See... One American Speaks to the Rest of the World [1] . In a similar vein see... http://www.dubyadubyadubya.com

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00104.htm

Stateside: Surfing With Rosalea

- I really do wonder what I used to do to amuse myself before the Internet. Last week, curious about an icon with a large E inside a square, I clicked through to find myself squarely back in the eighteenth century. See... Stateside With Rosalea - Mickey vs Mouse [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00103.htm

Kissinger’s 911 Commission Replacement Announced

- I am pleased to announce that Thomas H. Kean, former governor of New Jersey and President of Drew University in New Jersey, will serve as Chairman of the National Commission to investigate the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. See... Thomas Kean to Chair 911 Commission [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00106.htm

Organisation Of American States Stamps On US Coup Plans

- RESOLVED: To fully back the democratic and constitutional legitimacy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, whose government is led by Hugo Chávez Frías, and to reject, categorically, any coup attempt or alteration of constitutional order that seriously affects democratic rule. See... The Day The Empire Died - OAS Rejects U.S. Policy [1] US Statements To OAS - Dec 16th - Resolution on Crisis in Venezuela - US OAS Remarks [2] - Dec 13th - Venezuela's Crisis - Ambassador Roger F. Noriega [3] EARLIER: - Narconews - White House Venezuela Error Backfires [4] - White House - U.S. Calls for Early Elections in Venezuela [5] - VHeadlines - Scoop Link: CIA Linked To Venezuelan Coup Plans [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00102.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00102.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00101.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00098.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00086.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00078.htm

George Bush Orders Deployment Of Missile Defence

- When I came to office, I made a commitment to transform America's national security strategy and defense capabilities to meet the threats of the 21st century. Today, I am pleased to announce that we will take another important step. See... Progress in Missile Defense Capabilities [1] MORE: - DoD - Missile Defense Deployment Announcement Briefing [2] - Ari Fleischer - Press Briefing by Ari Fleischer December 17, 2002 [3] - DoD - Missile Defense Operations Announcement [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00108.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00105.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00109.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00099.htm

Countdown To War: You Will Be Vaccinated

-To protect our citizens in the aftermath of September the 11th, we are evaluating old threats in a new light. Our government has no information that a smallpox attack is imminent. See... President Delivers Remarks on Smallpox - Q&A [1] Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building Room 450 MORE: - DoD - DoD Details Military Smallpox Vaccination Program [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00107.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00094.htm

Countdown To War: Security Council Get Censored WMD Declaration

- United Nations officials today prepared to distribute to all 15 members of the Security Council copies of an edited version of the declaration by Iraq on its weapons programme. See... Edited version of Iraq's weapons declaration [1] See also COUNTDOWN TO WAR FEATURE PAGE [2] And... Terror Arrives Downunder - FULL COVERAGE [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0212/S00103.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=countdowniraq
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=balibomb

Daily Katya Rivas

- The influence of My Divine Intercession expels even the greatest darkness that can reign in a soul, and no matter how miserable it may be, there has been no one not susceptible to improvement. See... Katya Rivas: My Church Is Beloved, Love Her! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0212/S00106.htm

Unionists Say NO TO WAR

- The Council of Trade Unions National Affiliates Council, representing more than 300,000 union members, has resolved to actively oppose war on Iraq, CTU president Ross Wilson announced today. See... Unions Oppose War On Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00156.htm

Stability Via ACC Announced

- Average composite ACC levies for employers, self-employed and earners will remain the same or decrease for 2003/2004, ACC Minister Ruth Dyson said today. See... New ACC levies provide ongoing stability [1] ALSO: - CTU - ACC levies 100% cheaper than Oz [2] - Nats - The National Party's accusing Labour of a deliberate cover up in connection with ACC levies. See... Labour dishes out Christmas ACC nasty [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00446.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00456.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00440.htm

28 Year Sentence Applauded

- The National Party is applauding the historic 28-year non-parole period handed down to Bruce Howse in Wellington today for the brutal murders of Olympia Jetson and Saleil Aplin. See... National welcomes Howse sentence [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00442.htm

One-Man Crime-Wave Walks

- ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman Stephen Franks said today that he expects Phil Goff will again claim there is an "unintended loophole" in legislation that prevented a Christchurch Youth Court judge from sending a "one man crime wave" to jail. See... One Man Crime Wave Cannot Be Jailed [1] ALSO: - Nats - The case of a Christchurch ‘one-man crime wave’ thumbing his nose at a prison sentence is yet another example of the loophole-ridden Sentencing and Parole Act, says National’s Police spokesman, Tony Ryall. See... “Tut-tut” sentencing laws fail again [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00431.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00433.htm

CYFS Practice Unchanged Even After Murder

- The Child, Youth and Family Service has not changed any practices in relation to the handling of cases since the deaths of Olympia Jetson and Saliel Aplin more than a year ago, National Social Services Spokesperson Katherine Rich revealed today. See... No changes in CYFS practices 12 months after murder [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00455.htm

Labour’s ‘Getting Tough’ Policy Has No Teeth

- Labour’s so-called get tough sentencing policy has again been shown to be a joke with a Christchurch teenager laughing at the court, said New Zealand First’s law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. See... Labour’s “Get Tough” Policy Is A Joke [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00444.htm

EU Inches Forward But Short of WTO Mandate

- The European Commission's release of a detailed draft proposal for the agriculture negotiations in the World Trade Organisation was a step forward, Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton said today. See... EU agriculture proposal falls short of WTO mandate [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00453.htm

CTU Wants People To Benefit From Surplus

- The Council of Trade Unions is calling on Government to spend more of the larger than expected fiscal surplus on social development. See... Surplus Allows For More Government Spending [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00155.htm

United Amazed Nats Want a Snap-Election

- United Future leader Peter Dunne said today he was fascinated to learn that the National Party is eager to bring about a new general election, just four months after the last one, over the proposed Qantas takeover of Air New Zealand. See... Dunne corrects National’s errors [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00434.htm

Dunne’s Family Deal Loses Its Air

- New Zealand First says the Families Commission would be a good idea if it was based on the needs of the community rather than Labour’s need for votes for the next three years. See... Dunne’s Family Deal Falls Flat [1] ALSO: - United - Regrettable Dissension In NZ First Caucus Revealed [2] - Parent’s Centre - Parents Get Pipeline to Parliament [3] - Plunket - MPs asked to put children first [4] - ACT - Families Commission: How 'Useful' [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00432.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00441.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00157.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00158.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00437.htm

BIA Warns Of More Dangerous Balconies

- The Building Industry Authority today issued a public reminder that certain balconies and balustrades on houses and apartments could be in danger of collapsing and causing a serious accident. See... BIA Warns of Potentially Unsafe Balconies [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00161.htm

Maharey Must Reduce Benefit Fraud

- Complaints from a beneficiary advocacy group that WINZ's random visits to clients' homes are "invasive and intimidatory" should be disregarded, ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today. See... Maharey Must Back Effort to Reduce Benefit Fraud [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00449.htm

Booze Youth Marketing and Excise Tax Anomalies Dodgy

- Some alcoholic drinks manufacturers seemed to be using anomalies in the way excise taxes are charged to target young drinkers, Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said today. See... Anomalies With Youth-Targeted Drinks [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00439.htm

Sutton’s Attack on PAM Protesters Insensitive

- Jim Sutton's personal criticisms of painted apple moth aerial spray protestors were insensitive Green Party Biosecurity Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street said today. See... Sutton personal attacks on protestors insensitive [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00448.htm

Labour and Ebonezer Employment Scrooges

- New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters says Labour would have sent Elizabeth Brown down the road with four weeks pay and an employment shadow over her if it had not been for the public uproar over her sacking. See... Labour And Ebonezer- The Employment Scrooges [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00445.htm

Film Commission Deals Need Investigating

- Minister Judith Tizard's proclaimed confidence in the New Zealand Film Commission places her in a minority, says National Arts, Culture & Heritage Spokesperson Katherine Rich. See... Investigation into Film Commission funding needed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00443.htm

TVNZ’s TV n Transmission Ops to Split

- The government will seek amendments to the Television New Zealand Bill to split the broadcasting and transmission arms of the company into separate companies, Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey said today. See... TVNZ's TV & transmission operations to separate [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00447.htm

Federated Farmers Stuck In The Mud!

- Federated Farmers is stuck in the mud over the forward-thinking Fonterra initiative to deal with waterways polluted by dairying, Green Party Agriculture Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street said today. See... Federated Farmers stuck in the mud [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00438.htm

Kinleith Workers’ Hearing Postponed

- A hearing of a legal challenge by the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union over a redundancy process at the Kinleith pulp and paper mill has been postponed. See... Kinleith hearing postponed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0212/S00159.htm

Carter Speaks To Moslem Forum

- The idea is that this Forum will be the first in a series of meetings with different ethnic communities and groups throughout the country... See... Carter Speech to Auckland Moslem Listening Forum [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0212/S00436.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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