Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Wednesday, 25 August 2004, 3:58 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY: ROADING: AA Report Into Economics Of Roading Released
ROADING: … Meanwhile Auckland's Eastern Corridor Gets Smaller
Greens Expose The Govt. To Peak Oil Theory
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Israel Soldiers Swoop On UNRWA School
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: CTU Backs Civil Unions Bill

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!
Wellington Anti Racism Photo Essay
Meningoccal Vaccine Feedback
Expanding Leads And Waistlines With Molesworth And Featherstone
Impressions Of A Concentration Camp
Poem For The Middle East
Vietnam Debate Obscures Iraq Conflict
Patriotism In The USA Examined
Military Recruiters In US Hoodwink Gullible Teens
Is Kerry Too Wishy-Washy Regarding Iraq?
Spy For Top Job At Intelligence Agency
Meditations On American Politics
Your Country Should Come Before Your Political Party
Fiction: National Guard Pilot Receives Good Turn:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Cullen Responds To Brash "Pacific Island" Remarks
Rich And Brash Double Team On Welfare Abuse
Prebble Gets A Date For Awatere-Huata Appeal
"Then Fix It Dear Michael" -
New Ambassador To China Announced
NZ First Proposes Home Ownership Scheme
Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Appointments
Mark Burton's Tourism Toolkit In Action
Tax Obstacle For Gas Exploration Removed
Launch Of Resource Kit In Campaign Against P
United Future Applauds Private Parenting Initiative
School Deficits Being Covered By Fundraising
DHB Elections Show Communities Interested

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00253.htm
Anti Racism Demonstration At Parliament

Scoop Is In The House

- For today's questions see... Questions for Oral Answer: 25 August 2004 [1] . For Tuesday's Q&A see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer 24 August 2004 [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00419.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00411.htm

LEAD STORY:
ROADING: AA Report Into Economics Of Roading Released

- A major new report released today by the Allen Consulting Group from Australia and Infometrics of New Zealand has been described as the most significant transport report released in New Zealand in a decade. See... Report Points To Saving For Motorists [1] REACTION: - Govt. - Hodgson Welcomes AA Report [2] - Auckland Chamber - Keys To Unlocking Auckland’s Transport Solution [3] - Business NZ - Getting roading right [4] - National - Labour must act on roads report [5] - Greens - Road report ignores reality of Peak Oil [6] - EMA - Excellent Returns From Investment In Roads [7] - CID - Council for Infrastructure Dev. Welcomes Report [8] - Greater Wellington - Improved transport infrastructure brings growth [9]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0408/S00305.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00433.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0408/S00303.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0408/S00299.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00417.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00416.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00230.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00228.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00226.htm

ROADING: … Meanwhile Auckland's Eastern Corridor Gets Smaller

- Eastern Transport Corridor Steering Group today received a modified scheme for the eastern transport corridor which is estimated to achieve between 70 and 75 per cent of the transport benefits of the option released in March 2004, while being smaller, more affordable and less intrusive. See... A big step forward leaves a smaller footprint [1] MORE: - Christine Fletcher - Motorway: No Mandate, No Budget, No Answers [2] - Action Hobson - Action Hobson Takes Message To Shanghai [3] & Motorway Scale-Back ''A Sham'' [4] - Labour Party - Labour Eastern Transport Corridor Survey [5] - Bruce Hucker - "Colossal backdown" with new eastern corridor plan [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00231.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00236.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00234.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00232.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00224.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00223.htm

Greens Expose The Govt. To Peak Oil Theory

- In today's Appropriations debate, Green Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has told Parliament that the Government's Budget is a "house of cards" that will be blown down by the relentless rise of oil prices. See... Budget Fails To Prepare For The End Of Cheap Oil [1] and the speech… Fitzsimons On The Budget's Oil Price Projections [2] ALSO: Cullen Budget Third Reading Speech - Hansard [3] - Winston Delivers “There’s a Hole in Our Bucket!” Speech [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00409.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00407.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00413.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00414.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00211.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0408/S00235.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00233.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0408/S00229.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0408/S00232.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0408/S00308.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0408/S00304.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0408/S00173.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0408/S00172.htm

Israel Soldiers Swoop On UNRWA School

- *Israeli Army Round up of 1000 Men of Askar Refugee Camp in Nablus *Israeli Soldiers Beat Pregnant Woman; Threaten Dog Attacks *Swedish National Detained. See... Mass Detention in UNRWA School [1] ALSO:Annan Urges Israel To Cease Settlement Expansion [2] - Physicians Try To End Palestinian Hunger Strike [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00234.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00240.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00237.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00247.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00246.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00230.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00229.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00242.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00241.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0408/S00239.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: CTU Backs Civil Unions Bill

- Unions are standing up against the misinformation and prejudice of those who deny basic human rights to others solely because of their sexual orientation, Council of Trade Unions secretary Carol Beaumont told MPs today. See... Unions Back Civil Rights Bills [1] See also… STORY OF THE WEEK: The Day Of Destiny [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0408/S00236.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0408/S00251.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News Is There!

- I was keen for Tariana Turia to come on my 95bFM Wire show today to talk about the potential impact of the Destiny New Zealand party on Maori politics, which, as I noted yesterday, is likely to be more pronounced than it is in the broader political. See... Public Address 25/08 - The Meat Raffle Of Destiny [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00264.htm

Wellington Anti Racism Photo Essay

- Images of yesterday's anti-racism demonstration at Parliament, called in response to the desecration of two Wellington Jewish cemeteries earlier this year. Images by Alastair Thompson. See... Scoop Images: Anti Racism Demo. At Parliament [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00253.htm

Meningoccal Vaccine Feedback

- "Amazing. The response from 'Ministry of Health Meningococcal Vaccine Strategy director ' Dr Jane O'Hallahan , to the issues highlighted by Jon Eisen is shameful," Mikey Havoc - Auckland, New Zealand. See... Letters To The Editor; Meningitis Vax Dangerous? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00267.htm

Expanding Leads And Waistlines With Molesworth And Featherstone

- The latest rolling poll of polls indicates it’s possible to put a government together on current figures. There’s industrial trouble at the Herald Sunday paper, National anoints a Tamaki candidate, we assess the prospects of regulation to control obesity. See... Molesworth & Featherston - 24 August 2004 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00255.htm

Impressions Of A Concentration Camp

- The Polish town of Oswiecim, about 60 km west of Krakow, may be unfamiliar to most foreigners, but its German name - Auschwitz - is not. See... See... Nathan Gray: Efficiently Engineered Ruthlessness [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00263.htm

Poem For The Middle East

- In Syria-Palestine : Flared beakers : Poured forth : A Pilgrim’s hope : Awaiting travelers : Journeying to Jerusalem : Before Mohammad : Rose to stand : Make his point. See... Poem: A Pilgrim's Peace in the Middle East [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00258.htm

Vietnam Debate Obscures Iraq Conflict

- The presidential campaigns of George W. Bush and John Kerry are at each other's throats like dogs in a fighting pit over a war that ended 29 years ago. The mainstream news media, along with the alternative news media, have enjoyed watching the show. See... William Rivers Pitt: Your Children are Burning [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00261.htm

Patriotism In The USA Examined

- As the 21st century dawns, Americans have come to define patriotism as uncritical support of war and the military. In this year’s presidential campaign, John Kerry touts his war exploits in Vietnam, and those with connections to George W. Bush. See... Being Pro-War Is Not Necessarily Patriotic [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00262.htm

Military Recruiters In US Hoodwink Gullible Teens

- Counter-Recruitment Campaign Warns Youth of Deceptive Methods Used by Military Recruiters - Interview with Oskar Castro, American Friends Service Committee, conducted by Melinda Tuhus. See... Youth Warned About US Military Recruiters Methods [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00260.htm

Is Kerry Too Wishy-Washy Regarding Iraq?

- Kerry's Ambiguous Position on Iraq Alienates Progressive Voters - Interview with Matthew Rothschild, editor of the Progressive Magazine, conducted by Scott Harris. See... Kerry's Ambiguous Iraq Position Alienates Voters [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00259.htm

Spy For Top Job At Intelligence Agency

- THE MAN PICKED by President George W Bush to head America’s Central Intelligence Agency is even more of an intelligence insider than has so far been revealed... See... See... UQ Wire: Was Bush Spy Pick On Agency Hit Team? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00254.htm

Meditations On American Politics

- She leaned over the banister to say hello and goodbye that sunny February morning. My father being in Chicago for a medical conference, I was the last member of the family to see her alive. I was the first member of the family to arrive the next .. See... See... Real Deal: Meditations At The Crossroads [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00265.htm

Your Country Should Come Before Your Political Party

- Dear Whitney, At no time in my memory, or yours, I suspect, has the rivalry between the two major parties been more mean-spirited and poisonous. See... Ernest Partridge: A Letter To A Republican Friend [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00257.htm

Fiction: National Guard Pilot Receives Good Turn:

- Scene: A Commanding Officer's Office. Time: Just a few years ago. See... Doug Giebel A Pilot Incomplete [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0408/S00256.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0408/S00251.htm
The Day Of Destiny - Scoop's Full Coverage

Cullen Responds To Brash "Pacific Island" Remarks

- Two somewhat contradictory events caught my attention last week. The first was an article published in the Australian Financial Review, in which the National Party Leader, Don Brash, launched a stinging criticism of New Zealand, arguing that as a nation we are headed towards being ‘just another Pacific island’, with third-world living standards. See... Cullen Speech - The Economy and Future of NZ [1] and Cullen Budget Third Reading Speech - Hansard [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00423.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00413.htm

Rich And Brash Double Team On Welfare Abuse

- National Party Social Services spokeswoman Katherine Rich is accusing Work and Income of turning a blind eye to liable fathers and leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab. See... Taxpayers Carry Cost For Slack DPB Rules [1] and Brash-Report: More Abuse Of The Welfare System [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00431.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00432.htm

Prebble Gets A Date For Awatere-Huata Appeal

- I am delighted that the Supreme Court has accepted my application to hear an appeal against Donna Awatere Huata's injunction that prevents the ACT caucus from expelling her from parliament" said ACT MP Richard Prebble today. See... Leave to Appeal [1] and Prebble V Awatere Huata Supreme Court Action [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00415.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0408/S00234.htm

"Then Fix It Dear Michael" -

- "Foreign direct investment in New Zealand now exceeds $50 billion. And most of that is by way of straight takeover. Most of the so-called ‘investment in New Zealand’ is just buying existing assets not creating new capital or infrastructure." See... Winston's “There’s a Hole in Our Bucket!” Speech [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00414.htm

New Ambassador To China Announced

- New Zealand’s next Ambassador to China will be career diplomat Tony Browne, Foreign Minister Phil Goff announced today. See... Goff announces new Ambassador to China [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00421.htm

NZ First Proposes Home Ownership Scheme

- New Zealand First housing spokesperson Brent Catchpole is calling for the development of convertible rent-to-own schemes to encourage more private home ownership. See... Let's Encourage Home Ownership Says NZ First [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00420.htm

Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust Appointments

- Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter today announced the appointment of eight trustees to the newly formed Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust. See... Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trustees announced [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00418.htm

Mark Burton's Tourism Toolkit In Action

- Tourism Minister, Mark Burton has announced funding of $82,000 to promote awareness and assist utilisation of the Tourism Planning Toolkit developed with Tourism Strategy 2010 implementation funding. See... The Tourism Toolkit in practice [1] and Burton: Speech to Tourism Conference [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00422.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00425.htm

Tax Obstacle For Gas Exploration Removed

- The government will introduce legislation to remove a tax obstacle to gas exploration in New Zealand, as part of its package of measures to boost exploration over the next five years, Revenue Minister Michael Cullen announced today. See... Govt To Remove Tax Obstacle to Gas Exploration [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00428.htm

Launch Of Resource Kit In Campaign Against P

- Community activists' work to reduce the demand for P forms a key component of the government's multifaceted anti-drugs strategy. See... Anderton: Speech Notes For Campaign Against P [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00427.htm

United Future Applauds Private Parenting Initiative

- The announcement of a ''one-stop parenting shop'' generously funded by an anonymous donor just further highlights the plodding, ineffective Government approach to supporting families, United Future's Judy Turner said today. See... Turner: Good Samaritan Shows Up Plodding Govt [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00426.htm

School Deficits Being Covered By Fundraising

- National's Education spokesman Bill English says the Government is only just keeping schools afloat. See... Schools Fundraising To Stay Afloat [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00424.htm

DHB Elections Show Communities Interested

- Health Minister Annette King says the diversity of candidates in this year’s District Health Board elections shows strong support for community involvement in health. See... Communities keen to have a say in health [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0408/S00410.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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