Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 17 February 2005, 6:09 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
Scoop Is In The House
LEAD STORY: Pacific Cyclones: NZ Defence Searching For Vessels In Difficulty
Principals Reject Brash's Call For NCEA Overhaul
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
United Nations Heralds Arrival Of Kyoto Treaty
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Molesworth & Featherston Produce The Good Oil On Parliament
Russell Brown's Public Address Is There…
No Sense Bush Sends Media Into Budget Spin
Kamala Sarup Reports On The Latest Nepal News
Anti-Clinton Lobbyists Kick Spin Machine Into Gear
Prominent York Civil Rights Attorney Convicted Of Supporting Terrorists

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Brash Says Prime Minister Short-Sighted Over Gallipoli Music Ban
Cullen & Costello Report On Their Meeting
Cover-Up? NZ First Rejects Police 111 Report
NZ First Wants Apology From Nats Over Vietnam Vets Politicking
Katherine Rich: Govt Must Improve Culture Of Health Despondency
EPMU Says Cullen Should Concern Over Ballooning Govt Spending
Govt Begins RMA Training Sessions
Nats Say Maori Tertiary Institutions Must Be Treated As Equals
ACT Wants Commissioner de Bres Sacked
Waitakere Hospital Completes Redevelopment
Greens Want Govt To Clean Up Gas Guzzlers
Govt Must Consider Impact Of Kyoto Say Greens
What Has The Govt Got Planned For Fire Service?
Anderton Attends Anti-P Forum
And The Public Service Awards Go To…
ACT Seeks Auditor General Inquiry For Wananga

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00168.htm
A Rare Visit From A Royal Air Force (RAF) Nimrod

Scoop Is In The House

– For Thursday's Oral Questions & Answers see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer - 17 Feb. 2005 [1] . For Wednesday's see... Questions & Answers for Oral Answer - 16 Feb. 2005 [2] & Tuesday's see... Questions & Answers Oral Answer - Tues. 15 Feb. [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00403.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00371.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00338.htm

LEAD STORY:
Pacific Cyclones: NZ Defence Searching For Vessels In Difficulty

- The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand is coordinating an extensive search for at least three fishing vessels that are believed to be in difficulty due to atrocious weather conditions about 150kms north of Western Samoa. See... Extensive search for vessels battered by cyclones [1] ALSO: Search for Fishing Vessel Crew Underway [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00155.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00158.htm

Principals Reject Brash's Call For NCEA Overhaul

- The PPTA Principals’ Council has rejected claims by National Party leader Don Brash that the NCEA needs to be completely overhauled. See... Principals: No Overhaul Of NCEA Needed [1] ALSO: - Mallard - Mallard Issues Statement On Scholarship [2] - English - Helen Clark confirms NCEA cover-up [3] & Ministers cooperate in cover-up [4] - ACT - NZQA puts wet blanket on real qualifications [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/ED0502/S00060.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00373.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00376.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00400.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00380.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00161.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00160.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00156.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0502/S00057.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/CU0502/S00125.htm

United Nations Heralds Arrival Of Kyoto Treaty

- The Kyoto treaty against global warming came into force today with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan urging the world to save the planet by adding to the limits on greenhouse gases and the UN environment chief stressing that many in the ... See... UN’s Kyoto Treaty Against Global Warming In Force [1] ALSO: - EC hails entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol [2] - Earth observation: Global cooperation becomes real [3] - UK: Jack Straw welcomes first day of Kyoto [4] - Greenpeace celebrates Kyoto and more must be done [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00479.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00481.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00484.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00478.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00469.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00475.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00468.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00466.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00465.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00477.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0502/S00463.htm
Cyclones Nancy And Olaf Menace Samoa & Rarotonga

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Molesworth & Featherston Produce The Good Oil On Parliament

- A new satirical feature begins this week, peering into the personal diary of one our leaders. Australian Ministers arrive for annual talks on integration of the Trans- Tasman economies and we have a look at the agenda. See... Molesworth & Featherston (Lobby Edition) – 17/2/05 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00197.htm

Russell Brown's Public Address Is There…

- It has been heartwarming - well, for everyone but the government - to see some quality Opposition politics emerge, most notably in the work of Bill English. English has not blathered meaninglessly about "political correctness" or the "Sisterhood"... See... Public Address 17/02/05 - Proper Opposition [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00198.htm

No Sense Bush Sends Media Into Budget Spin

- When the Bush administration released its budget for fiscal year 2006 recently, the news media, as usual, had a tough time in making sense of the government’s proposals for defense spending. See... Robert Higgs: Bush's New Defense Budget [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00196.htm

Kamala Sarup Reports On The Latest Nepal News

- Nepal's moves toward a market economy are well entrenched, but no politician wants to abolish subsidies. Foreign and security policies are rarely election issues. See... Kamala Sarup: Stable Government To Promote Economy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00194.htm

Anti-Clinton Lobbyists Kick Spin Machine Into Gear

- ''Stop Her Now,'' is the name of the new Web site soon to be launched by Arthur Finkelstein, the chief political guru of New York Governor George Pataki, and one of the country's most successful yet least known political consultants/spin doctors. See... Bill Berkowitz: Hunting Hillary Clinton [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00193.htm

Prominent York Civil Rights Attorney Convicted Of Supporting Terrorists

- Last Thursday, after 13 days of deliberations, prominent New York civil rights attorney Lynne Stewart was convicted of conspiracy, providing material support to terrorists, and defrauding the United States government. See... Marjorie Cohn: First They Came for Lynne Stewart [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0502/S00192.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0502/S00143.htm
Greenpeace Marks Kyoto Day With Protest At Marsden Point

Brash Says Prime Minister Short-Sighted Over Gallipoli Music Ban

- "Helen Clark's heavy handed edict to ban contemporary musicians from this year's Gallipoli celebrations is elitist and short sighted," says National Party Leader Don Brash. See... Helen Clark refuses to move with the times [1] ALSO: - ACT - Clark Forces Her Music On Aussies At ANZAC Day [2] - John Carter (National) - Clark should leave Anzac alone [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00388.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00398.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00390.htm

Cullen & Costello Report On Their Meeting

- Solid progress toward the Single Economic Market agenda embraced last year by Australia and New Zealand was achieved today at the annual bilateral meeting of Australian Treasurer Peter Costello and New Zealand Finance Minister Michael Cullen. See... Solid progress in bilateral talks [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00401.htm

Cover-Up? NZ First Rejects Police 111 Report

- New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has rejected the explanation given by Police Headquarters for the 111 incident in Christchurch last July. See... Another Police 111 Cover-Up [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00395.htm

NZ First Wants Apology From Nats Over Vietnam Vets Politicking

- New Zealand First says that calls by National Party former health spokesperson Judith Collins for an apology and compensation for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange are blatant politicking. See... National's Contrariness An Insult To Vets [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00393.htm

Katherine Rich: Govt Must Improve Culture Of Health Despondency

- The culture of low expectations for Maori and Pacific Island children is alive and well at Hutt Valley DHB, says National's Associate Health spokeswoman, Katherine Rich. See... Culture of low expectations continues at DHB [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00392.htm

EPMU Says Cullen Should Concern Over Ballooning Govt Spending

- Finance Minister Dr Cullen's acknowledged concern over Government's ballooning $3 billion more in spending each year should be matched by concern over the rapid expansion of his Government's administration, says the Employers & Manufacturers Association ... See... Concern doubles over ballooning Govt. spending [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00391.htm

Govt Begins RMA Training Sessions

- The government is putting on extra workshops to cope with strong demand for a new training programme to improve RMA decision-making, Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said today. See... Large numbers sign up for RMA training [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00394.htm

Nats Say Maori Tertiary Institutions Must Be Treated As Equals

- National Party Maori Affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee is appalled by the suggestion from Maori Party spokesman Pita Sharples that Maori tertiary institutions should be treated differently to those that are non-Maori. He is referring to comments made ... See... Pita Sharples patronising to Maori educators [1] ALSO: Better wananga outcomes are what ACT wants [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00386.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00389.htm

ACT Wants Commissioner de Bres Sacked

- The longer Helen Clark delays sacking her mate Joris de Bres, the lower will fall the reputation of the Human Rights Commission, ACT Justice spokesman Stephen Franks said today. See... What about freedom of association, Mr de Bres? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00383.htm

Waitakere Hospital Completes Redevelopment

- Hundreds of people turned out to help celebrate the official completion of the Waitakere Hospital redevelopment on Saturday, February 12. See... Community Celebrates Hospital Redevelopment [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00382.htm

Greens Want Govt To Clean Up Gas Guzzlers

- The Greens are welcoming the Government’s suggestion it might label cars to indicate how much gas they guzzle, but are urging it to take stronger steps to encourage Kiwis to choose more fuel-efficient vehicles. See... Financial incentives needed to clean up car fleet [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00381.htm

Govt Must Consider Impact Of Kyoto Say Greens

- The Labour Government would do well to reflect upon the impact on New Zealand's environment of their signing of the Kyoto Protocol, ACT Rural Affairs spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today. See... Kyoto = more cows, fewer trees in NZ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00378.htm

What Has The Govt Got Planned For Fire Service?

- National's Internal Affairs spokesman, Lindsay Tisch, says the Minister responsible for the Fire Service must tell rural New Zealand the real plans he has for the national volunteer brigade fleet. See... What is the real plan for volunteer brigades? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00377.htm

Anderton Attends Anti-P Forum

- Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton will chair a forum in Gisborne on Thursday on methamphetamine, alcohol and other drugs, the latest stop in a series of public meetings on drug and alcohol abuse he is chairing around New Zealand. See... Anderton at forum on P, alcohol & drugs [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00375.htm

And The Public Service Awards Go To…

- State Services Minister Trevor Mallard today announced the three recipients of the 2005 Leadership Development Centre Fellowship awards. See... Fellowship winners in public service announced [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00374.htm

ACT Seeks Auditor General Inquiry For Wananga

- ACT MP Ken Shirley has today written to the Auditor-General calling for a full inquiry into the operation and activities of Te Wananga O Aotearoa. See... Shirley calls for full inquiry into wananga [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0502/S00372.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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