Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Thursday, 12 May 2005, 6:15 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: Police Commissioner Sets Up Advisory Board To Oversee 111 Centre Performance
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
Scoop Report: Thursday Afternoon Question Time Weirdness
Scoop Photo-Essay: Blumsky Kicks Off Campaign With Shot Of Caffeine
Goff Appears Cold On Raising Drinking Age
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Police Following Leads On Foot and Mouth Letter
Australia Sets Sights On APEC 2007
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Dave McArthur Opines On Bulk Electricity Spin
Graham Reid Addresses Another Hoax
Jay Shaft On The Suffering Of Iraq's Children
MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY:
Three Views On The King of Nepal's Coup

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Cullen: Budget Will Focus On Long Term Goals
Govt Announces $27.7m Sickness & Invalid's Investment
Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly But Govt's Commitment Ongoing
Maori Party Discuss Key Election Slogans
MORE PARLIAMENT HEADLINES:

LEAD STORY:
Police Commissioner Sets Up Advisory Board To Oversee 111 Centre Performance

Police Commissioner Rob Robinson has announced the establishment of a National Communications Centre Advisory Board to oversee the performance and strategic direction of police communications centres. The announcement follows the release of the Independent Review of Police Communications Centres which the Commissioner initiated in response to high profile service failures, like events that led to the disappearance of Iraena Asher. See... Advisory Board to oversee Police Coms Centres [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00111.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00282.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00299.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00296.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00284.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00255.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00115.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00260.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00277.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00273.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00257.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00185.htm

SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00311.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00272.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00238.htm

Scoop Report: Thursday Afternoon Question Time Weirdness

- In an exchange during question time today Associate Minister of Education David Benson-Pope denied opposition allegations that he used tennis balls to discipline students during his time teaching at Bayfield High School. See... David Benson-Pope Denies Tennis Ball Sadism [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00162.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00307.htm

Scoop Photo-Essay: Blumsky Kicks Off Campaign With Shot Of Caffeine

- Kevin List reports that this morning Wellington commuters were treated to free coffee in Manners street brewed by a phalanx of Mark Blumsky supporters. The reason for this caffeine largesse was the opening of Mr Blumsky's campaign headquarters. See... Blumsky Provides Good Coffee And Dodgy Fashion [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00151.htm

Goff Appears Cold On Raising Drinking Age

- Mixed results in survey on 18, 19 year old drinking The Ministry of Justice's latest survey on youth drinking shows mixed results on the impact of lowering the drinking age in 1999, says Justice Minister Phil Goff. See... Mixed results in survey on 18 19 year old drinking [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00275.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00280.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00279.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00309.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00190.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00195.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0505/S00097.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0505/S00047.htm

Police Following Leads On Foot and Mouth Letter

- Police investigating the biosecurity threat letter say they're pleased with the response from the public with suggestions on who might be the author. "We're working our way through people nominated by members of the public and police as potential suspects. The public response has been very good but we'd welcome a lot more information," Assistant Commissioner Peter Marshall said. See... Police pleased with public threat letter response [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00116.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00124.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00117.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00274.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00178.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00108.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00112.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00104.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00163.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0505/S00166.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0505/S00102.htm

Australia Sets Sights On APEC 2007

- The Australian Government will provide its agencies with $216.3 million to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2007 - the most significant international meeting ever hosted by Australia. Involving the leaders of APEC's 21 member economies and thousands of representatives, APEC 2007 will be more than twice the size of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Coolum in 2002. It will be preceded by up to 100 days of ministerial, officials-level and business meetings across Australia. See... Australia to Host APEC 2007 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00216.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00220.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00214.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00209.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00205.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0505/S00202.htm

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Dave McArthur Opines On Bulk Electricity Spin

- Have you ever suddenly seen through a massive con? If you are like me, you don’t know whether to rage against the perpetrator, to be depressed by your ignorance or to laugh at your own gullibility. See... Bonus Joules: Confusion or Concussion? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00161.htm

Graham Reid Addresses Another Hoax

A hoax 111 call yesterday had police, emergency services, the Westpac helicopter and army units mobilised and rushed to an area of native bush 30 kilometre west of Dargaville. The anonymous caller -- who identified himself as Stephen Bainbridge, a 23-year old horticulture student from 27 Lone Pine Rd, New Plymouth -- alleged that a kauri tree had been illegally felled in the remote area of bush. "The prime minister's department was immediately informed of the hoax," said the Commissioner of Police Mr Robert Robertson, "and we were very pleased with the speed at which emergency services and Victim Support groups swung into action. See... Public Address 12/05/05 - Clear And Present Danger [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00160.htm

Jay Shaft On The Suffering Of Iraq's Children

- Since the U.S. invaded Iraq on 3/20/03 at least 50,000-100,000 civilians have been killed. A great majority of those casualties have been women and children. One of the purposes of the invasion was to “free and liberate” the Iraqi people. See... Jay Shaft: When Silence Becomes Betrayal [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00158.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENTARY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00159.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00157.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00156.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00155.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00149.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00150.htm

Three Views On The King of Nepal's Coup

- On Monday US Secretary of State for S. Asia Christina Rocca arrived in the capital of Kathmandu. She met with various leaders of the major parties, held a press conference, and dined with the King. See... Michael Van De Veer: 100 Days Of Fascism In Nepal [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00153.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00154.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0505/S00152.htm

Cullen: Budget Will Focus On Long Term Goals

- Budget 2005 to focus on long game “Budget 2005 will focus on the long game,” Finance Minister Michael Cullen told a meeting of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association in Christchurch today. “That means creating an environment in which businesses can make investment decisions with increasing assurance. It means long term fiscal and monetary stability, and a programme of careful public investment in those things which underpin a modern, knowledge based economy,” Dr Cullen said. See... Budget 2005 to focus on long game [1] ALSO: Cullen Speech to Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00294.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00295.htm

Govt Announces $27.7m Sickness & Invalid's Investment

- $27.7 million will be invested over the next four years to help more Sickness and Invalid's beneficiaries move into work, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey announced today. See... Opportunities for Sickness and Invalid's [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00298.htm

Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly But Govt's Commitment Ongoing

- New Zealand has recorded its highest ever level of employment with 2,055,000 New Zealanders now employed, according to the March Household Labour Force Survey. See... Strong growth in full-time employment continues [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00292.htm

Maori Party Discuss Key Election Slogans

- This last weekend the National Council of the Maori Party was discussing key slogans as part of our build-up to Elections 2005. A high scorer from rangatahi was a one-word slogan, the word REPRESENT. It gave me great hope for our prospects to come. See... Turia - Better representation for Maori? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00302.htm

MORE PARLIAMENT HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00304.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00301.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00300.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00289.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00288.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00287.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00286.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00283.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00278.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00282.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00276.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00306.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00291.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00290.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00285.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00284.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00305.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00303.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00281.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00277.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00280.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0505/S00279.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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