Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Sunday, 27 August 2006, 11:28 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Scoop News: TVNZ Considers 24/7 Dedicated Digital News Channel
Int. Security: Middle East Expert Suggest Al-Qaeda May Be Behind Kidnappings
Education: Sharples Goes For 'PC Gone Mad' Cliché In Religion In Schools Stoush
Patriotism: CMA Accuses Icebreaker Of Talking Rubbish Over 'Buy Kiwi' Campaign
MORE HEADLINES:
Health: NZ At the Forefront In Fight Against AIDS -
Insight: New Breed Of Manukau City Leaders Say Rates A Flat-Tax Policy That Hurts
Retirement: Cullen Tweaks Savings Scheme -
Scoop Report: Entertainers Line Up To Support 95bFM's Wallace Chapman

WORLD NEWS:
Assassination Attempt On Thai PM Shinawatra
UN Monitoring As Lebanese Army Moves Into Border Area
Uri Avnery On The Predictability Of The Lebanon Fiasco
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Elections: Michael Collins: Mexico Demonstrates How To Defend Democracy
Drugs & Spooks: Cocaine One Saga Gets Big Play South Of The Border
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
NZ & ELSEWHERE:
UNITED STATES:
NEPAL:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:
Pomp and Ceremony: New GG Gets Garlands And Greetings -
Health: PM Heads Govt Dental Health Strategy Announcement
Legislation: Hide In Need Of A Hug After Rates Bill Eliminated -
Employment: 90 Days Probation Bill Loses Numbers
Society: Sallies Urge Govt To Wake Up To Homeless Men Crisis
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

Scoop News: TVNZ Considers 24/7 Dedicated Digital News Channel

Selwyn Manning reports that Television New Zealand is considering a 24/7 dedicated news channel to plug into the planned Digital TV platform. Scoop understands the outcome of a feasibility study is being kept confidential but considerable research has already taken place that considers the pros and cons of TVNZ pushing ahead with a dedicated news channel plan. In a response to Scoop's questions, TVNZ's Public Affairs Manager Megan Richards said: "The situation is that TVNZ is not yet in a position to discuss the detail of its plans for Digital television, and this is where consideration of a News channel would fit." See... Scoop News: TVNZ Considers 24 Hour Digital News Channel [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00296.htm

Int. Security: Middle East Expert Suggest Al-Qaeda May Be Behind Kidnappings

- The kidnap of Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig in Palestine by the Holy Jihad Brigades contrasts sharply with previous abductions in Gaza says Middle East politics expert Dr Nigel Parsons. “It may also be evidence of al-Qaeda gaining an operational foothold in the Palestinian territories, an opportunity afforded them by Israel’s systematic deinstitutionalisation of Palestine over the past several years” Dr Parsons says. See... Growing likelihood of al-Qaeda link to kidnaps [1] ALSO: Video: Jihad Group Releases Video Of Olaf Wiig [2] Scoop Audio: Scoop's Selwyn Manning and 95bFM's Simon Pound [3] discuss the video released overnight by the captives

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0608/S00081.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00287.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00288.htm

Education: Sharples Goes For 'PC Gone Mad' Cliché In Religion In Schools Stoush -

New guidelines to clarify the role of religion in schools, are an example of Political Correctness gone berserk says Maori Party Co-leader, Dr Pita Sharples. “If this is such an issue at this time, then the Maori Party suggests that the community must be involved in the discussion”. “Tangata whenua will have many views to contribute about the distinctions between religion and spirituality. See... Govt Preparing for Prayer Police: - PC Gone Mad [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00447.htm

Patriotism: CMA Accuses Icebreaker Of Talking Rubbish Over 'Buy Kiwi' Campaign -

Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association CEO John Walley says that for companies such as Icebreaker to continue to argue that they should be part of the ‘Buy Kiwi’ campaign is nonsense. “Yes, they may be registered in New Zealand, their shareholders benefit as do the people working on their designs but do they provide for New Zealand’s export development or contribute all they can to a reduction in the trade deficit?” See... Sweatshops – What Sweatshops? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00426.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00438.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00440.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00287.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00264.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0608/S00255.htm

Health: NZ At the Forefront In Fight Against AIDS -

The first of a new type of drugs to treat HIV/AIDS will be funded for New Zealanders from next month. Enfuvirtide (Fuzeon) is a new type of drug used to treat people with the most advanced stages of HIV/AIDS. Enfuvirtide is the first in a class of anti-HIV medicines known as fusion inhibitors. Other HIV medicines treat the virus once it has invaded cells – enfuvirtide blocks the virus and fights it outside the cells. See... New weapon for battle against HIV/AIDS [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0608/S00092.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0608/S00089.htm

Insight: New Breed Of Manukau City Leaders Say Rates A Flat-Tax Policy That Hurts

- The announcement that the Government will set up an independent inquiry into issues around local government rates funding has been welcomed by Manurewa resident and community leader Daniel Newman. He said the terms of reference for any inquiry must include an investigation of rating policies that currently see low and fixed income ratepayers cross-subsidising wealthy property owners. See... Flat-Tax Rates Policies Hurt Low Income Ratepayers [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00284.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00251.htm

Retirement: Cullen Tweaks Savings Scheme -

Changes to KiwiSaver are designed to make the scheme even more attractive for workers and employers, Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today. "KiwiSaver aims to improve the long term savings habits of New Zealanders and builds on our efforts to better prepare the country for the challenges of an ageing population. See... KiwiSaver enhanced to benefit workers & employers [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00417.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00418.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00420.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00420.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00419.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00414.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00280.htm

Scoop Report: Entertainers Line Up To Support 95bFM's Wallace Chapman

- The controversy over at Auckland radio station 95bFM over the dumping of its popular breakfast host Wallace Chapman, in favour of broadcaster Mikey Havoc, has intensified with the launch of a website titled bringbackwallace.com. The website has fast become the place for people to air their views on bFM management's style and direction. The site is promoting a petition to " Bring Back Wallace". See... Fight For 95bFM's Wallace Gains Popular Support [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00249.htm

Assassination Attempt On Thai PM Shinawatra

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- An assassination attempt against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra almost succeeded on Thursday (August 24), but he "left an hour earlier than usual" from home, while police seized a potential car bomb and an army officer who drove the vehicle. "It's my lucky day. I have been varying my travel times after the intelligence services told me people were trying to kill me," the prime minister said, according to the Nation newspaper. See... Assassination Attempt On Thai PM Shinawatra [1] MORE RICHARD EHRLICH:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00304.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00311.htm

UN Monitoring As Lebanese Army Moves Into Border Area

- Lebanese forces moved into more areas in the south of the country today as Israeli troops withdrew and the cessation of hostilities with Hezbollah continued to hold, the United Nations interim force, which is coordinating the operation, said in a statement. It said that this latest withdrawal of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the deployment of Lebanese troops was going ahead in accordance with plans agreed yesterday during a third trilateral meeting held between its Force Commander and senior representatives from both sides. See... Lebanese Army Move Into More Positions [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00304.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00305.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00302.htm

Uri Avnery On The Predictability Of The Lebanon Fiasco

- A STORY has it that Oscar Wilde once attended the premiere of a colleague's play and every few minutes raised his hat. When asked about this odd behavior, he replied: "I am a courteous person. I raise my hat when I meet an old acquaintance." See... Uri Avnery: Good morning, Elijahu! [1] MORE LEBANON WAR COMMENT:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00308.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00306.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00274.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00305.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00265.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00264.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00262.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00055.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00303.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00301.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00300.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00299.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00296.htm

Elections: Michael Collins: Mexico Demonstrates How To Defend Democracy

- The Mexican peoples’ democracy movement and their leader Andrés Manuel López Obrador are modern heroes of democracy and to all who demand clean elections. They recall the heroics of the Ukrainians with one important difference. See... The Mexican People: Heroes of Democracy [1] & in Spanish El Pueblo Mexicano: Héroes De La Democracia [2] MORE NEWS FROM MEXICO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00269.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00268.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00303.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00292.htm

Drugs & Spooks: Cocaine One Saga Gets Big Play South Of The Border

- An unidentified 40-year old American wearing a green polo shirt was in charge of the contingent of drug traffickers on the ground awaiting the arrival of the DC9 “ Cocaine One” airliner arriving from Venezuela on the evening of April 11th with a spectacular haul of 5.5 tons of pure cocaine aboard, according to a recent article in Mexican newspaper Proceso by a respected Mexican journalist. See... 5 Ton DC9 Coke Bust: Worse Than Snakes On A Plane [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00286.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:
NZ & ELSEWHERE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00315.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00283.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00307.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00285.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00284.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00275.htm

UNITED STATES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00316.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00314.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00313.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00261.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00312.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00310.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00281.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00259.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00278.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00309.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00302.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00279.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00298.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00297.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00291.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00276.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00290.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00282.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00280.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00277.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00263.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00260.htm

NEPAL:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00301.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00300.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00299.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00273.htm

SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00440.htm

Pomp and Ceremony: New GG Gets Garlands And Greetings -

Yesterday Anand Satyanand was sworn in on the steps of Parliament as the first New Zealand Governor-General of Asian descent. Prior to the swearing in Mr Satyanand recieved garlands from the Asian community and he also received a traditional Maori welcome. See... Maori And Military Assist Satyanand Into G-G Role [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00267.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00399.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00391.htm

Health: PM Heads Govt Dental Health Strategy Announcement

- The Government today released an action plan to establish new Community Oral Health Services, designed to improve and protect young people's teeth and the oral health of the wider community. See... Urgent action to improve oral health [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00429.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00423.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00415.htm

Legislation: Hide In Need Of A Hug After Rates Bill Eliminated -

ACT Leader Rodney Hide is disappointed that his Bill to cap local body rates was voted down in Parliament this evening. "It's a big blow to ratepayers up and down New Zealand", Mr Hide said. "The issue won't go away while rates continue to spiral upwards. "To pacify public anger, the government has today hastily announced an inquiry. See... Hide Disappointed At Rates Bill Defeat [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00405.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00387.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00398.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00397.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00395.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00409.htm

Employment: 90 Days Probation Bill Loses Numbers

- The Maori Party today has released its position on the Employment Relations (Probationary Employment) Amendment Bill. In a joint approach, Co-leader, Dr Pita Sharples and Employment Spokesperson, Hone Harawira, have informed key stakeholders of the decision the caucus has reached regarding the concept of probationary employment. Dr Sharples was addressing a rally in Aotea Square in Auckland organised by the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union; while at the same time Mr Harawira announced the position at a forum convened by the NZCTU. See... Maori Party Vote Against Employment Probation Bill [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00386.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00273.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00272.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00390.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00270.htm

Society: Sallies Urge Govt To Wake Up To Homeless Men Crisis

- The Salvation Army is calling for sweeping changes by the Government and social services to better help the growing number of Kiwi men living on the fringes of society. Dubbed the Forgotten People in a report published today (August 22) by The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, these men live a miserable existence, said Major Campbell Roberts, director of the unit. See... Forgotten People: Men On their Own [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00248.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00355.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00350.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00349.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00347.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00337.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00354.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00352.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00346.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00345.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00342.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00341.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00339.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00338.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00353.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00351.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00348.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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