Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 25 March 2004, 4:02 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY:
Brash Drums Down Economic Confidence
High Profit Low Tax Banks Earn Themselves A Review
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: Winston Speaks On The Treaty
Wayne Mapp Wants Answers From Wilson
UQ Wire: Startling Allegations By Former FBI Translator
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!
Kevin List: Kicking Refugees For Political Capital
Guest Opinion: NZ & Optional Protocol for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Sheila Samples: Countering Bush's "Braying" Points
Ernest Partridge: On Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory
Ivan Eland: It's Lonely (& Dangerous) at the Top
Manuel Valenzuela: What Was Sharon Thinking?
Green Left Weekly Analyses The Spanish Election
Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Nick Smith Bitterly Disappointed By Contempt Decision
Waikato Prison Iwi Consultation Goes Awry
Copeland Stops Easter Trading Bill For Now
74 New Bobbies For The Beat
Hawkins Announces Fire and Rescue Law Review
Slight Surprise In Current Account Statistics
Politicians Columns: Muriel Newman On CEG Grants
Trade Agreement Delivering Jobs For Kiwis Says Robson
Jim Sutton Passes The Meat & Wool Batton To New Organisation
Double Victory For Private Members Seen With Passage Of Peck Bill

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00175.htm
Choking on GE Wheat - Protest In Wellington

Scoop Is In The House

– For today's questions see... Questions for Oral Answer - Thursday, 25 March [1] . Come back this evening for answers. For Wednesday's questions and answers see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer 24 March 2004 [2] . For Tuesday’s see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer 23 March 2004 [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00555.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00539.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00499.htm

LEAD STORY:
Brash Drums Down Economy Confidence

- National Party Leader Don Brash says a survey out this morning confirms the deep concern shared by small and medium sized businesses about the impact of this Government on their future. See... Survey confirms concerns on economic policy [1] ALSO: - Brash - Brash Speech to the New Zealand Herald [2] - Cullen - Michael Cullen: Speech to Herald [3] - Business NZ - Mood of the Boardroom [4] - ACT - PM And Cullen At 6s And 7s Over Economic Policy [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00549.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00548.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00547.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00280.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00551.htm

High Profit Low Tax Banks Earn Themselves A Review

- Revenue Minister Michael Cullen confirmed today that Inland Revenue and Treasury are reviewing the tax laws applying to trading banks to ensure they are robust. See... IRD reviewing tax laws for trading banks [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00533.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0403/S00204.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00176.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00283.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0403/S00086.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0403/S00203.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: Winston Speaks On The Treaty

- One of the most important electoral and constitutional changes in recent years in New Zealand was the introduction of Mixed Member Proportional representation. See... The Treaty & Trickery of Waitangi & Our Constitution [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00558.htm

Wayne Mapp Wants Answers From Wilson

- The time has come for Margaret Wilson to tell New Zealand what the Government has in store for the foreshore and seabed, says Dr Wayne Mapp, National's Spokesman for Treaty of Waitangi and Constitutional Issues. See... Time for answers on the foreshore and seabed [1] Click here for more STORY OF THE WEEK coverage. [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00540.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00292.htm

UQ Wire: Startling Allegations By Former FBI Translator

- FBI translator, Sibel Edmonds, was offered a substantial raise and a full time job in order to not go public that she had been asked by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to retranslate and adjust the translations of [terrorist] subject intercepts that had been received before September 11, 2001 by the FBI and CIA. See... DOJ Wanted Pre 9-11 Intercepts Retranslated [1] MORE ON THE 911 COMMISISON HEARINGS: - Buzzflash.com - UQ Wire: Why Condi Won't Testify [2] - Globalresearch.ca - UQ Wire: 9/11 Commission - Lying under Oath [3] See also... Scoop's Unanswered Questions Feature [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00280.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00279.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00278.htm
[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=unansweredquestions

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00343.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00346.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00344.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00342.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00341.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00339.htm

http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=motornet
MOTORNET: Saab's New Drop-Top

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!

- Well, it's a while since any TV made me as angry and indignant as Paul Holmes' interview with Nick Smith MP did last night. Smith has, of course, been convicted in the High Court of contempt of court, along with TV3 and Radio New Zealand... See... Public Address 25/03/04 - Intentions [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00289.htm

Kevin List: Kicking Refugees For Political Capital

- As politicians jump on the national security bandwagon and demand any individual not traceable to a Waka or one the first four ships be vetted as a 'security risk', it may be worth regurgitating a singularly unpleasant attack upon a refugee by various politicians in 2001. See... A Second Look: Refugees As Political Foot Fodder [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00288.htm

Guest Opinion: NZ & Optional Protocol for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

- While at a national level the New Zealand Labour Government is projecting itself as a government concerned for the poor at an international level that concern is not so evident. See... No Consensus On Social Justice For The Poor [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00286.htm

Sheila Samples: Countering Bush's "Braying" Points

- "Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open -- who would wish that more mass graves were still being filled?" Can we have a show of hands, here? You? You? Or, maybe You? See... Sheila Samples: It Takes A Nitwit [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00285.htm

Ernest Partridge: On Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory

- The Bush gang has dropped the keys to the White House into the laps of John Kerry and the Democrats Is it possible that the Kerry campaign will simply not notice this opportunity and will pass it by? Unfortunately, the Democrats have a deplorable habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, and it appears altogether likely that they are about to do it again. See... Ernest Partridge: The Poisoned Well [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00284.htm

Ivan Eland: It's Lonely (& Dangerous) at the Top

- All is not well in the empire. From last week’s eruption of violence in the Balkans to hot spots in Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iraq, the Bush administration is rushing to stamp out smoldering conflicts that threaten to ignite into full-scale civil wars. See... Ivan Eland: It's Lonely at the Top [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00283.htm

Manuel Valenzuela: What Was Sharon Thinking?

- What were Sharon and the Israeli government thinking when they decided to decapitate Hamas through the assassination of its founder, Sheik Ahmed Yassin? See... Manuel Valenzuela: A Malignant Tumor On The World [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00282.htm

Green Left Weekly Analyses The Spanish Election

- Three days after the March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid, in which 200 people died and up to 1750 were injured, Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's Popular Party (PP) government was thrown out of office. See... GLW: Spain Strikes A Blow Against Warmongers [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00281.htm

Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

- Let us continue, My little daughter. Follow Me on the way to Calvary, overwhelmed under the weight of the Cross…. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus on His Way to Calvary [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00277.htm

http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=israelpalestine
Outrage: Israel Assassinates Sheikh Yasin

Nick Smith Bitterly Disappointed By Contempt Decision

- National MP Nick Smith is bitterly disappointed at the High Court decision that he was in contempt of court for highlighting the plight of a Nelson family denied custody of their own child. See... Smith bitterly disappointed by contempt ruling [1] MORE: - ACT - Nick Safe [2] - Don Brash - Don Brash on Nick Smith contempt case [3] - NZ First - Media Playing Politics Over Nick Smith Case [4] - Attorney General - Role is to ensure the court's decisions respected [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00531.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00534.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00532.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00561.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00543.htm

Waikato Prison Iwi Consultation Goes Awry

- The Government's guarantee that consultation money for the Meremere prison would be "used wisely"appears increasing shaky, says Port Waikato MP Dr Paul Hutchison. See... Waikato prison process gets murkier [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00538.htm

Copeland Stops Easter Trading Bill For Now

- United Future MP Gordon Copeland was a lone voice in Parliament today in objecting to a request from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters for the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Bill to be considered under urgency next week. See... Copeland stops Easter Sunday trading – for now [1] … & Sides With Govt. Not Brash On Tax Cut Policy - The tax breaks and other assistance promised by the Government to families with children and amounting to $1 billion per annum when fully implemented should rank ahead of tax cuts for the rich, according to United Future Revenue spokesman Gordon Copeland says. See... Copeland: Family tax breaks should come first [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00568.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00567.htm

74 New Bobbies For The Beat

- Of the 74 new constables graduating today from Wing 216 at the Porirua Police College, 61 are bound for the North Island and 13 are headed for police districts in the South Island. See... 74 New Constables Graduate Today [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00566.htm

Hawkins Announces Fire and Rescue Law Review

- Current fire and rescue legislation is to be reviewed, Internal Affairs Minister, George Hawkins says. See... Fire and Rescue legislation to be reviewed [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00565.htm

Slight Surprise In Current Account Statistics

- The Green Party is warning that a lower-than-expected December quarter current account deficit and a small February trade surplus are no cause for complacency. See... It's time to balance the books [1] MORE: - Govt - Caution in Positive Balance of Payments Result [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00564.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00557.htm

Politicians Columns: Muriel Newman On CEG Grants

- This week the Column looks at the suspicious allocation of the Community Employment Group’s Social Entrepreneur Fund grants – which is only a snapshot of the Government’s frivolous spending of taxpayers’ money. See... Muriel Newman’s The Column - March 25 [1] and Gravy, Anyone? [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00563.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00562.htm

Trade Agreement Delivering Jobs For Kiwis Says Robson

- International trade reforms won in the last big round of WTO negotiations have created thousands of new jobs in New Zealand, Progressive deputy leader Matt Robson said today. See... Fairer trade rules delivering more jobs for Kiwis [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00560.htm

Jim Sutton Passes The Meat & Wool Batton To New Organisation

- Chairmen Jeff Grant and Mike Petersen, chief executive Mark Jefferies, Ladies and Gentlemen: I am delighted to be here for the first annual general meeting of the new Meat and Wool NZ organisation and now this scene-setting meeting See... Jim Sutton speech to Meat and Wool NZ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00553.htm

Double Victory For Private Members Seen With Passage Of Peck Bill

- Progressive MP Matt Robson says that the passage today of the redundancy payments law sponsored by Labour MP Mark Peck is a double victory for the system of private member’s bills. See... Redundancy payment law second victory [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00545.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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