Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Politics: Odds On Labour Re-selecting Field Become Astronomical
Defence: Kiwi Military Contingent To Timor Downsized
Parliament: TV3 Gets Fingered For Mark Footage
Crime: Police Caution Media Not To Compromise Liam Ashley Homicide Investigation
Media: Wanna Shoot The Messenger? Here Is Your Target Then
Humour: Kiwi Herald Tackles Good Joker's 'Hilarious' Comments!
MORE HEADLINES
Annan Reassures Lebanese Leaders Security Council Backs Peace
Assassination Attempt On Thai PM Shinawatra
MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES

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

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS
SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE
Int. Security: PM Thanks Palestinian Authorities On Wiig/Centanni Release
Health: Govt Moves To Increase Subsidy For Low-Charging GPs
Retirement: Cullen Tweaks Savings Scheme
Education: Sharples Goes For 'PC Gone Mad' Cliché In Religion In Schools Stoush
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:

Politics: Odds On Labour Re-selecting Field Become Astronomical

[1] Should a bookmaker offer odds on embattled Labour MP Taito Philip Field making it back into cabinet while Helen Clark is Prime Minister it would be wise for even the most adventurous punter to keep hold of their cash. In fact, after today's post-cabinet press conference, the odds that Mr Field will be selected to stand as a Labour candidate for the next election would probably be astronomically long.Scoop Audio and Text: PM's Press Conference - A Feast Of Field [2] ALSO: National - Initiate process for proper Field inquiry - Brash [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00337.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00337.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00482.htm

Defence: Kiwi Military Contingent To Timor Downsized

- Defence Minister Phil Goff today announced that an improved security situation in Timor Leste and the assumption of security duties by members of the International Police Force means some New Zealand troops deployed to Timor Leste will soon start returning home. See... NZ to Downsize Military Commitment to Timor Leste [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00497.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00325.htm

Parliament: TV3 Gets Fingered For Mark Footage

- TV3 banned from filming in Chamber for three days TV3 camera operators have been banned from filming in the Chamber for three sitting days, starting tomorrow. The Speaker, Hon Margaret Wilson, said she took this action because of TV3’s serious and premeditated breach of the rules by filming MP Ron Mark when he did not have the call to speak. See... TV3 banned from filming in Chamber for three days [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00492.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00323.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00496.htm

Crime: Police Caution Media Not To Compromise Liam Ashley Homicide Investigation

- The officer in charge of the investigation into Liam Ashley's death on Friday morning has appealed to the media - as the messengers to the general public - to think very carefully about what is published and broadcast, in terms of speculation and conjecture about who is responsible for Liam's death. See... Officer Appeals to Media to Be Cautious [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00316.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0608/S00286.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00486.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00495.htm

Media: Wanna Shoot The Messenger? Here Is Your Target Then

- The typical New Zealand journalist is a European women in her 30s who works as a reporter for a newspaper, holds a bachelor's degree, has less than five years experience, is paid about $40,000 a year, has no religious belief – and probably speaks French well enough to conduct an interview with Jacques Chirac. See... National Survey of Journalists 2006 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00480.htm

Humour: Kiwi Herald Tackles Good Joker's 'Hilarious' Comments! -

Responding to the Tauranga MP's comments that 'Islam religion-type people' who wore burqas 'could be crooks hiding guns and should go back to Islam or Iraq,' the Iranian President said that he had a good giggle when he read the comment and he was sure members of Islamic Jihad had also. "No one could possibly believe that anyone with half a brain could make such comments except as a joke," said the President. See... Iranian Leader Calls NZ MP "Good Joker" [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00336.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0608/S00492.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00324.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0608/S00058.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0608/S00086.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0608/S00283.htm

Annan Reassures Lebanese Leaders Security Council Backs Peace

- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today met with Lebanese leaders, offering his reassurances that the UN and the international community stood firmly behind efforts to implement the Security Council resolution that ended hostilities between Israel and Hizbollah earlier this month. See... Annan meets with Lebanese Prime Minister [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00371.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00362.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

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00369.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00366.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00364.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00361.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00360.htm

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

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

POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:

Molesworth & Featherston (Weekend) - July 30 2006 [1] Transtasman Political Letter – 24 August Digest [2] AGENDA: Cameron Bennett IVs George Fergusson [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00449.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00293.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00451.htm

SCOOP IS IN THE HOUSE:

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

Int. Security: PM Thanks Palestinian Authorities On Wiig/Centanni Release

Prime Minister Helen Clark today welcomed the release of the New Zealand cameraman held hostage in Gaza, Olaf Wiig, and his companion, American journalist Steve Centanni. Helen Clark expressed the gratitude of the New Zealand government for the tremendous co-operation of the Palestinian authorities. See... Statement From PM Re. Hostage Release [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00475.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00476.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00493.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0608/S00318.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0608/S00352.htm

Health: Govt Moves To Increase Subsidy For Low-Charging GPs

- General Practices that charge very low fees will receive extra government funding to make sure they can continue to provide services for their often high need communities, Health Minister Pete Hodgson announced today. $43 million over four years will be invested in practices that voluntarily agree to maintain their fees within a very low threshold - zero fees for children 0-5 years, $10 for 6-17 year olds, and $15 for adults. See... $43 million invested in high need practices [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0608/S00480.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0608/S00101.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0608/S00099.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0608/S00098.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

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

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

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