Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Friday, 16 May 2003, 11:20 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
BUDGET 2003: Scoop Helps Fix The Budget
Cabinet Reshuffle Announced
BUDGET 2003: Hard News - Temperance Man
BUDGET 2003: Les Hunter- Pre-funding Super = Corporate Welfare
BUDGET 2003: Dr Cullen’s Speech
Hard News On The Budget
Les Hunter: Pre-funding Super = Corporate Welfare
Naked In Nuhaka
Tony Baldwin On The Electricity Crisis
William Rivers Pitt: Blowback in Riyadh
Guest Opinion: The Roadmap To Nowhere
Firas Al-Atraqchi: The Descent In Fundamentalism
Ben Tripp: The Rise Of Fascism In The USA
PR Campaign Launched To Hijack The Question Mark
Katya Rivas's Crusade Of Love

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Govt Warns South-East Asia Travellers Of Security Risk
Cabinet Reshuffle: And The Winners Are…
Suicides Reducing In Number
Sir Peter Blake Commemoration Announced
Govt Assumes Responsibility For Electricity Governance Body
Courts and Justice To Merge
We Come From A Land Downunder
Come To Us All Ye Who Long For Education
Privy Council Determination Will Test Govt
More Money To Groom Graves
Few Bobbies Short At The Show
Defence, What Defence?
Coddington Tells Us Why Foreign Owned Media Is Grand
Preb’s The Letter

BUDGET 2003: Scoop Helps Fix The Budget

- Many moons ago, at Dr Cullen's first budget Sludge offered the view "The Budget Is Wrong [1] ". At the time a few liberties were possibly taken for literary reasons. Now however we have a genuine budget mistake to report, a real goober. A $1.67 billion doozy which has led to a restatement of the accounts. See... Sludge Report #151 – The Budget Is Wrong! (Again) [2] and Sludge Report #150 - Budget! What Budget? [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0006/S00062.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00115.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00108.htm

Cabinet Reshuffle Announced

- Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced new portfolio allocations for ministers. The opportunity for the reallocations came about as a result of the resignation from the Cabinet of the Hon Mark Gosche. See... PM announces ministerial portfolio allocations [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00451.htm

BUDGET 2003: Hard News - Temperance Man

- One of the curiosities of our era is the way political conservatives have become fiscal lunatics while the erstwhile looney left pitches itself as the soul of stewardship. In the run-up to Michael Cullen's Budget speech , Richard Prebble became particularly amusing... See… Temperance man |May 16, 2003 [1]

[1] - http://publicaddress.net/default,hardnews.sm#post435

BUDGET 2003: Les Hunter- Pre-funding Super = Corporate Welfare

- The decision of the government to pre-fund future pension liabilities from the Budget surplus is further indication of Labour’s commitment to the corporate rather than the welfare state. See... Eco-Economy: There Is A Better Way [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00119.htm

BUDGET 2003: Dr Cullen’s Speech

- Mr Speaker, this year’s Budget has been prepared amidst the most uncertain political and economic situation internationally for a very long time. See... Michael Cullen’s Budget Speech [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00369.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=budget2003#presskit
[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=budget2003#reaction

Hard News On The Budget

- One of the curiosities of our era is the way political conservatives have become fiscal lunatics while the erstwhile looney left pitches itself as the soul of stewardship. In the run-up to Michael Cullen's Budget speech , Richard Prebble became particularly amusing... See… Temperance man |May 16, 2003 [1] . See also more good stuff at Public Address see... Hard News 16/05/03 - Responsible Blogging [2]

[1] - http://publicaddress.net/default,hardnews.sm#post435
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00116.htm

Les Hunter: Pre-funding Super = Corporate Welfare

- The decision of the government to pre-fund future pension liabilities from the Budget surplus is further indication of Labour’s commitment to the corporate rather than the welfare state. See... Eco-Economy: There Is A Better Way [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00119.htm

Naked In Nuhaka

- PERHAPS THE MOST DREADFUL PRODUCT of Hollywood film-making in the 20th Century is one "Joe's Apartment" (1). Its about a down-on-his-luck slacker in New York City who strikes an opportunity for a dirt cheap apartment when an old women dies inadvertently ... See... Naked in Nuhaka: Urban Ecology [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00110.htm

Tony Baldwin On The Electricity Crisis

- It is has been quite a media fest. Supposed experts, business leaders, lobby groups and politicians going hammer and tongs. “It is your fault!” “No, it’s yours!” Punch and jab. Duck and dive. See... Tony Baldwin: The Electricity ‘Crisis’ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00118.htm

William Rivers Pitt: Blowback in Riyadh

- The compounds were a holdover from the Saudi oil boom of the 1970s, a place where non-Muslims as well as Saudis seeking distance from the hard social rules in Riyadh could have a drink, a place where their wives could wear a swimsuit to the pool without being covered from head to toe. See... UQ Wire: Blowback in Riyadh [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00120.htm

Guest Opinion: The Roadmap To Nowhere

- Every few months, a "peace plan" is pulled out of the drawers of the white house and keeps the public discourse busy for a few weeks. See... Opinion: The Guaranteed Failure Of The Road Map [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00117.htm

Firas Al-Atraqchi: The Descent In Fundamentalism

- The Islamic Republic of Iraq is becoming more of a reality with every passing day of lawlessness and civil disorder in Iraq. See... The Islamic Republic of Iraq? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00111.htm

Ben Tripp: The Rise Of Fascism In The USA

- You could fill your lederhosen with razor blades and ride a bicycle down some steps. You could administer yourself a boiling-hot clyster of Drano and minced cactus. You could irritate a pride of lions whilst bedecked in a ham waistcoat. See... Ben Tripp: The Other 'F' Word [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00103.htm

PR Campaign Launched To Hijack The Question Mark

- It is growing massive. It has become newsworthy. It can be devastating. And yet, it's so simple. - We, the people, have chosen to hijack the question mark. See... Because Bush Won't Answer Questions: "Question W" [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00098.htm

Katya Rivas's Crusade Of Love

- Live with Me, creature born and grown under the rays of My pains. Love of My pains! Not you, let us live because I want to relive in you; this is so pleasurable for Me. See... Katya Rivas: Live With Me [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0305/S00112.htm

Govt Warns South-East Asia Travellers Of Security Risk

- Travellers to South East Asia, and New Zealanders living in the region, should be aware of heightened security concerns and maintain a high level of vigilance, Foreign Minister Phil Goff said today. See... Government issues South East Asia security warning [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00467.htm

Cabinet Reshuffle: And The Winners Are…

- Prime Minister Helen Clark today announced new portfolio allocations for ministers. The opportunity for the reallocations came about as a result of the resignation from the Cabinet of the Hon Mark Gosche. See... PM announces ministerial portfolio allocations [1] ALSO: - ACT - Dodgy Changes Will Not Fix Problems [2] - NZ First - More Trotters In The Crowded Trough [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00451.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00478.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00476.htm

Suicides Reducing In Number

- Latest figures on the rates of suicide are encouraging and provide support to continue efforts in the area of suicide prevention, the Associate Minister Jim Anderton said today. See... Suicide statistics show rates trending down [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00443.htm

Sir Peter Blake Commemoration Announced

- The government today announced a memorial to commemorate the life and work of kiwi hero and sporting icon, the late Sir Peter Blake, to be built on the Auckland waterfront. See... Waterfront commemoration of Sir Peter's life [1] ALSO: - Pippa Blake -Pippa Blake’s Statement on Sir Peter's Tribute [2] - Auckland City Mayor - Proposed Sir Peter Blake tribute announced [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00447.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0305/S00069.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0305/S00070.htm

Govt Assumes Responsibility For Electricity Governance Body

- The Government is ready to establish a new governance body for the electricity industry, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson. See... Govt establishing electricity governance body [1] ALSO: - Nats - See... Electricity Governance Board Failure Disappointing [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00472.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00474.htm

Courts and Justice To Merge

- The Department for Courts and the Ministry of Justice will be merged to form an expanded Ministry of Justice, State Services Minister Trevor Mallard announced today. See... Dept for Courts and Ministry of Justice to merge [1] ALSO: - ACT - Courts-Justice Merger Risky Business [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00454.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00465.htm

We Come From A Land Downunder

- Whale Rider is the latest New Zealand film to make its mark on the United States. In a special pre-release screening last night in New York City, the film was previewed by a group of senior travel media and tourism industry representatives. See... Whale Rider impresses influential US audience [1] ALSO: - Burton’ Speech - Burton Speech - Whale Rider for US travel media [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00453.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00446.htm

Come To Us All Ye Who Long For Education

- Education Minister Trevor Mallard will leave today with an education mission to the Middle East, accompanied by a delegation of education sector representatives. See... Education missions to Middle East and U.S. [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00452.htm

Privy Council Determination Will Test Govt

- National's Justice spokesman, Richard Worth, says the Government will face a significant test in its determination to scrap the Privy Council. See... Critical Privy Council challenge to Government [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00475.htm

More Money To Groom Graves

- The upkeep of New Zealand's Services Cemeteries has received a 209 per cent boost in this week's Budget. See... Budget boosts Service Cemeteries upkeep [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00470.htm

Few Bobbies Short At The Show

- Law and order spokesperson Ron Mark said today that in the face of rising serious crime the Government had ignored the call for more officers nationwide and had done little to help ease frontline officers workload. See... Thin Blue Line Getting Thinner [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00468.htm

Defence, What Defence?

- New Zealand's defence needs in an increasingly uncertain world have been completely overlooked by Labour in its 'no growth' Budget. See... Govt bets on 'benign' defence environment [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00458.htm

Coddington Tells Us Why Foreign Owned Media Is Grand

- This week we Press Fellows had to present a seminar to invited students and other fellows, just in case, we were told, we were enjoying ourselves too much. The topic was “The Effects of Foreign Ownership on Local Media” with the other three press ... See... Liberty Belle in Cambridge, 4 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00445.htm

Preb’s The Letter

- The Budget reminds us of the Sherlock Holmes story - Inspector Gregory: “Is there any point to which you would wish to draw my attention?” Holmes: “To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.” See... Richard Prebble’s The Letter Budget Special [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0305/S00444.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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