Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 11 April 2006, 9:17 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
No Right Turn: New Zealand's Silence On Gitmo Investigated
Scoop Audio: PM Chats About Iran, Housing and Plunket -
Defence: Exotic Afghanistan Beckons Kiwis For A While Yet -
Housing NZ: Financial Accountability in the House! -
MORE HEADLINES:
Scoop Column: A Green PM And TVNZ Corporatespeak
Health: Plunket Helpline Calls for Help
Culture: Plethora of Magical Memories Surface Regarding Agricultural Workhorse -
Palestinians: Grim Health Scenario If Funds Cut
Rwanda: Documents Shed New Light on Genocide Planing
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Weather: Scoop Image: When The Snow Comes
Polygamy: The Polygamy Apologist Who Would Be President
Scoop Blogwatch: Plain Speaking From Canada On Iran
Finance:Why The NZ Dollar May Not Keep Falling
United States: Has George Bush Been Caught Lying Through His Teeth? (More Coverage)
Iran:Seymour M. Hersh - The Iran Plans
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
Katya Rivas's Passion (Parts 1-5)

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
Environment: Government Feels Changes in its Water
UN Report: Turia Accuses Conciliator of Aggravating Race Relations -
Chinese Premier's Visit: Tibetan Scarf Makes Silky Smooth Protest
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:
POLITICAL COLUMNS

No Right Turn: New Zealand's Silence On Gitmo Investigated

[1] Where does the New Zealand government really stand on Guantanamo? The first point is that the government has not made any public statement condemning Guantanamo Bay or raising concerns about its legality under international law. They've repeatedly said that detainees must be treated in accordance with international humanitarian law, but they have not said "we think that this treatment violates that law". See... No Right Turn: New Zealand and Guantanamo [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00111.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00111.htm

Scoop Audio: PM Chats About Iran, Housing and Plunket -

The assembled masses at today's press conference were able to indulge in high level foreign affairs speculation around the United States intentions for Iran. Also on the post-cabinet smorgosboard were the chance for the media to quiz the Prime Minister about alleged shenanigans at Housing New Zealand. See... Audio: PM Talks About Iran, Housing And Plunket [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00121.htm

Defence: Exotic Afghanistan Beckons Kiwis For A While Yet -

Prime Minister Helen Clark announced today that Cabinet has agreed to extend the deployment of the New Zealand Defence Force Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan for a further 12 months. "The extension of the PRT will see it continue to provide valuable assistance in Bamyan province till 30 September 2007," Helen Clark said. See…NZ contribution to Afghanistan extended [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00183.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00188.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00184.htm

Housing NZ: Financial Accountability in the House! -

Housing Minister Chris Carter is calling in the chairman of the Board of Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) for a full explanation of the allegations raised in the Herald on Sunday about the Corporation’s accounting practices. “HNZC’s Board is responsible for overseeing the financial accountability of the Corporation, and I will be seeking from the Board a full report on these allegations and how the Board is handling them". See... Housing Minister comments on allegations [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00171.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00167.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00122.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00165.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00164.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00083.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0604/S00032.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0604/S00020.htm

Scoop Column: A Green PM And TVNZ Corporatespeak

- In the latest issue of the Listener it looks like the graphic designer has been given access to Investigate magazine's hoard of spectacularly unflattering shots of the PM. A Week of It tracked down James Gilberd of Wellington's Photospace studio/gallery and asked him to run his eyes over the green PM. Also this week TVNZ got a new yet somehow familiar Chief Executive in the form of Rick Ellis. Trawling through the archives of yesteryear A Week of It dredges up a run-in Rick Ellis had in 2002 with Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove. See... A Week of It: Cover Shocker + TVNZ CEO Pay Problem [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00084.htm

Health: Plunket Helpline Calls for Help

- Plunket, founders and operators of PlunketLine, an information and support service for parents, is seeking an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister following the announcement that Government is to withdraw funding from PlunketLine and instead fund a competing telephone service to be operated by US-owned multi-national McKesson Corporation. See... Plunket to seek meeting with Prime Minister [1] ALSO

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0604/S00034.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00121.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00164.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00169.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00173.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00175.htm

Culture: Plethora of Magical Memories Surface Regarding Agricultural Workhorse -

A nationwide search for the oldest Trimax mower still in use has released a flood of stories highlighting the machines' durability, resilience and occasional misadventures. Trimax Mowing Systems of Tauranga is urging farmers and orchardists to submit their mower stories as part of the company's celebration of 25 years in business. Trimax is offering a new mower up to the value of $9000 in exchange for the oldest machine a customer is still using. See... Search For Oldest Mower Reveals Colourful Stories [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0604/S00064.htm

Palestinians: Grim Health Scenario If Funds Cut

- The Palestinian public health system faces a rapid decline towards possible collapse, with limited or no access to preventive and curative services for nearly half the population, particularly the poor, in the event of a cut-off in donations and an Israeli suspension of tax transfers, according to the United Nations health agency. Control and management of the public health system would shift away from the public sector to non-government organization (NGOs), UN agencies system and the private sector under the scenario developed by the UN World Health Organization (WHO). See... Palestinians: Grim health scenario if funds cut [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00182.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00162.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00158.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00166.htm

Rwanda: Documents Shed New Light on Genocide Planing

- Organizers of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda used a “civilian self-defense system” to mobilize participants in the campaign to exterminate the Tutsi minority, Human Rights Watch said in a briefing paper released today. The 17-page paper, “The Rwandan Genocide: How It Was Prepared,” draws on previously unpublished documents... See... Rwanda: Documents Shed New Light on Genocide Plan [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00184.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00183.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00179.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00178.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00173.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00171.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0604/S00181.htm

Weather: Scoop Image: When The Snow Comes

- A dedicated Scoop reader has sent in this image of the first snow on the hills of South Canterbury. The reader lives in Pleasant Point. See... Scoop Images: First Snows Hit South Canterbury [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00123.htm

Polygamy: The Polygamy Apologist Who Would Be President

"I have to admit that as a Mormon, I beleive that marriage should be between a man and a woman - and a woman and a woman..." -- Mitt Romney at a political roast in Boston March 2005. Aside from HBO's Big Love series generating big laughs at the expense of tens of thousand of women and children who languish in polygamy cults up and down the Rocky Mountains as American Justice looks the other way -- the show is believed designed to clear the air for a successful 2008 US presidential bid by Massachusetts Republican governor Mitt Romney. See... Suzan Mazur: Big Love, Romney, Bush & Mormons [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00117.htm

Scoop Blogwatch: Plain Speaking From Canada On Iran

- This little gem is topping the reddit charts right now.. but its so excellent Scoop.co.nz thought it would cross post it. We are pretty sure that people will enjoy this - a new classic in blogger vernacular. See... BlogWatch: Is Your Entire Country On Crack? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00116.htm

Finance:Why The NZ Dollar May Not Keep Falling

- The traditional American economy is now clearly into the dump phase of a managed "pump and dump" cycle that began in the mid-1990s with the "strong dollar policy." The housing bubble engineered by the Clinton Administration and perpetuated by the Bush Administration is losing steam. The government's ability to print Treasury and agency securities and the Fed’s ability to print currency are increasingly questioned and under pressure globally. As this happens, the significance of the intentional siphoning off of assets and equity from the American economy and industrial base over the last decade – including +/- $4 trillion missing from federal government accounts – is becoming more apparent. See... Real Deal: A Comment On The US Economy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00115.htm

United States: Has George Bush Been Caught Lying Through His Teeth? (More Coverage)

- It's a crime. No kidding. But the media has it all wrong. As usual. 'Scooter' Libby finally outed 'Mr. Big,' the perpetrator of the heinous disclosure of the name of secret agent Valerie Plame. It was the President of United States himself -- in conspiracy with his Vice-President. Now the pundits are arguing over whether our war-a-holic President had the legal right to leak this national security information. But, that's a fake debate meant to distract you. See... A Leaky President Runs Afoul Of 'Little Rico' [1] MORE ON THE PLAMEGATE REVELATIONS:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00114.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00110.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00109.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00095.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00094.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00081.htm

Iran:Seymour M. Hersh - The Iran Plans

- The Bush Administration, while publicly advocating diplomacy in order to stop Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon, has increased clandestine activities inside Iran and intensified planning for a possible major air attack. See... Scoop Link: Seymour M. Hersh - The Iran Plans [1] RELATED:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00108.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00103.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00113.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00112.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00119.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00118.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00107.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00106.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00105.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00104.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00102.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00101.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00100.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00099.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00098.htm

Katya Rivas's Passion (Parts 1-5)

- My little daughter, let yourself be embraced by My most ardent desire that all souls come and purify themselves in the water of penance, and that the feeling of confidence, and not fear, may penetrate them, because I am a God of Mercy and I am always ready ... See... Katya Rivas: The Passion Extracts 1-5 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00097.htm

Environment: Government Feels Changes in its Water

- The government has agreed a significant new strategy to protect and improve New Zealand's freshwater resources. "Cabinet has approved a staged package of actions to improve the sustainable management of our rivers, lakes and ground water," the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Jim Anderton and Minister for the Environment David Benson-Pope announced today. See... Charting dynamic new course to manage our water [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00172.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0604/S00173.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00179.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00180.htm

UN Report: Turia Accuses Conciliator of Aggravating Race Relations -

“This week, the Commissioner has shown his political colours and made comments which severely impact on his ability to achieve ‘harmonious relations’ with Maori”, says Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party. Race Relations Conciliator, Joris de Bres, has called the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people “divisive and unconstructive” See... Race Relations Commissioner Fails to Deliver [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00161.htm

Chinese Premier's Visit: Tibetan Scarf Makes Silky Smooth Protest

- Yesterday Green MP Keith Locke attended the official luncheon in honour of Wen Jiabao the Premier of the People’s Republic of China wearing a natty scarf. The colourful scarf was worn in support of the struggle of the Tibetan people for national, cultural and religious freedom. Later on during question time the issue of Tibet and any discussions around the land made famous by the Tintin book (Tintin in Tibet) was raised by Mr Locke and fellow Green MP Sue Kedgley. See... MP Pushes Human Rights In Sartorial Style [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00080.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00077.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00078.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00112.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00113.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00064.htm
[7] - http://blog.greens.org.nz/index.php/2006/04/06/greens-silently-protest-arrival-of-wen-jiabao/
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0604/S00045.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00186.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00162.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00174.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00170.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00189.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00163.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00166.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00168.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00178.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00191.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00177.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00181.htm

POLITICAL COLUMNS

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0604/S00182.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0604/S00120.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.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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