Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Tuesday, 26 September 2006, 9:13 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Politics: Too Late To Woo Nat Caucus Over Brethren Fiasco?
Transport: No Money To Save The Overlander - Did it All Go On Orgasm Research?
Environment: Oh No! No Ozone!
Fashion News: Scoop wraps up coverage of the Air NZ Fashion Week
Foreign Affairs: Peters Front-Foots Pacific Leadership At UN
Arts: Weird And Wonderful Images Of the WOW Standout Designs
MORE HEADLINES:
Scoop Satire: Politicians Resort To 'I Won't Fight If She Won't Fight' Tactics
Scoop IV: Phil O'Reilly On The Business Of NZ Business -

WORLD NEWS:
African States Seek Permanent Position on Security Council
Pacific Leaders Urged To Stop Tuna Stock Foreign Exploitation
UN AUDIO NEWS:
MORE WORLD HEADLINES:
Thai Coup Update: Richard S. Ehrlich Reports On Post Coup Developments In Bangkok

SCOOP COLUMNS:
China: Emma Moore Kiwi Expat- Letter From China
Politics: Anne Else Assesses The Relativities Of Political Offence
Antiquities: Suzan Mazur Finds A (Possibly) Looted Treasure In Ohio
Elections: A Majority Of Americans Lack Confidence In Election '04
Satan: Hugo Chavez Calls President Bush The Devil
Religion: Uri Avnery On The Pope's Trouble With Intolerance
Environment: Catherine Austin Fitts Reviews An Inconvenient Truth
Torture: President Bush's Torture Amnesty Legislation
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:
Foreign Affairs: Politicians Take World Trips Instead of Holidays
Religion: Father Mulcahy A NZ hospital Needs You!
Politics: Greens Slam Inconsistent Auditor-General
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

Politics: Too Late To Woo Nat Caucus Over Brethren Fiasco?

National Party Leader Don Brash is rejecting as 'Labour Party spin' attempts to connect the National Party with the Exclusive Brethren. Dr Don Brash says he rejects and condemns any group that would stoop to using private detectives to spy on politicians or their families. But can he save his own skin? See... Brash takes Brethren issue to caucus [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00528.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00531.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00536.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00512.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00525.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00337.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00336.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00519.htm
[9] - http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/0,2106,3807237a6005,00.html
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00511.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0509/S00237.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0509/S00122.htm

Transport: No Money To Save The Overlander - Did it All Go On Orgasm Research?

Acting Finance Minister Trevor Mallard said today that Cabinet had decided against further financial support for the Overlander service. "Were the government to subsidise the Overlander, it would require $1.75 million per annum to maintain. In considering potential rail subsidies, ministers were aware that there are a large number of other infrastructure areas where extra government funding could provide benefit. See... Mallard: Overlander statement [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00537.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00527.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00520.htm

Environment: Oh No! No Ozone!

- New Zealanders may be surprised to learn that New Zealand has been increasing its use of ozone-destroying methyl bromide, the Green Party says. "On a day when we are suffering from high UV levels as a result of the ozone hole overhead, it seems crazy that we are not cutting our use of methyl bromide," says Russel Norman, Green Party Co-Leader.See... Renewed effort needed to reduce ozone chemicals [1] EARLIER:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00524.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0609/S00040.htm

Fashion News: Scoop wraps up coverage of the Air NZ Fashion Week

- Scoop notes with thanks the assistance and exclusive contribution to our coverage by www.fashionz.co.nz. Coverage includes: Arguably the most anticipated show on the schedule, and the final show of the week, Zambesi gave us sexy edginess in a directional show. Held at the Westhaven Marina, the show commenced with searchlights strobing the venue and ambient spooky music, which progressed into the Jaws soundtrack – somehow this managed not to be cheesy! See... Scoop's Full Coverage of Air NZ Fashion Week [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00368.htm

Foreign Affairs: Peters Front-Foots Pacific Leadership At UN

- "In the Auckland declaration of 2004, Pacific leaders committed themselves to a 'region that is respected for the quality of its governance, the sustainable management of its resources, the full observance of democratic values and for its defence and promotion of human rights'. These are ambitious goals. Translating them into reality means hard work by all Pacific countries. This is a challenge we accept," Winston Peters said. See… Peters Delivers Speech To UN General Assembly [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00507.htm
[2] - #globe

Arts: Weird And Wonderful Images Of the WOW Standout Designs -

20 664 plastic collar stays, have secured a place in the Montana World of WearableArt® show hall of fame for Auckland pattern maker Rodney Leong. The Love of Icarus, is inspired by the quote “On certain night, when there is a full moon and the stars lay cast out, a shadowy figure can be seen floating within the moon.” See... Rodney Leong wins Montana Supreme WOW Award [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0609/S00240.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00510.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00520.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00277.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00274.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0609/S00046.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0609/S00091.htm

Scoop Satire: Politicians Resort To 'I Won't Fight If She Won't Fight' Tactics

- Personal attacks have no place in politics according to National Party Leader Don Brash, and only a poo-brain like Helen Clark would resort to them. "My response to Helen Clark is this," said Dr Brash, "'I know you're corrosive and cancerous, but what am I?'" See... Lyndon Hood: Next Week In Politics [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00313.htm

Scoop IV: Phil O'Reilly On The Business Of NZ Business -

Earlier this week Scoop went to get the good oil on the relationship between the Labour government and Business, the stoush between Progressive Enterprises and the National Distribution Union, and employment relations in NZ from the Chief Executive of NZ's largest business lobby group – Phil O'Reilly of Business NZ. See... Scoop IV: Business NZ's Phil O'Reilly [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00306.htm

African States Seek Permanent Position on Security Council

- Joining their voices to numerous others calling for reform of the Security Council at this year’s General Assembly debate, leaders of West African countries have urged granting Africa a permanent seat on the powerful body. See... West African Countries Urge Reform [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00446.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00445.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00439.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00431.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00438.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00437.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00427.htm

Pacific Leaders Urged To Stop Tuna Stock Foreign Exploitation

- Suva, Fiji Islands. Tuna stocks in the Pacific are critically overfished and this is detrimental for the future of Pacific Islanders said PACFAW Trustee/Administrator, Susana Tuisawau . Reacting to a science report launched by Greenpeace , which states that Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna will be critically overfished in three years time. Mrs Tuisawau said women in the Pacific rely very heavily on tuna as their main source of protein. See... Get up! Stand up! Pacific Island leaders told. [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00436.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00450.htm

UN AUDIO NEWS:

Scoop Audio: [1] First Week of the UN General Assembly Draws To A Close - UN Expert Says Torture in Iraq Maybe Worse Now - Time to Rebuild Shattered Bridge to Peace in Mideast: Annan - UN Reports Indiscriminate Bombing in Darfur by Sudan Armed Forces - Security Challenges Facing the World are Real: UK - South Korea Says UN Charter Grants Members Flexibility to Meet New Threats - Russian Urges Negotiations to Resolve Non-Proliferation Issues

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00454.htm

MORE WORLD HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00482.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00480.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00475.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00469.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00467.htm

Thai Coup Update: Richard S. Ehrlich Reports On Post Coup Developments In Bangkok

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand's new constitution should boost the right to strike and form unions, end discrimination against politicians without Bachelor's degrees, nationalize public and security infrastructure, and allow people to vote from any ballot box in the country, reformists said. See... Thailand's New Constitution May Open Up Democracy [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00338.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00335.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00312.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00259.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00260.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00281.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00116.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00013.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00327.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0608/S00304.htm

China: Emma Moore Kiwi Expat- Letter From China

- There is no shortage of inches devoted to China in the New Zealand media. China’s economy, top companies, financial institutions, trade surpluses, trading relationships, savings and spending rates… Are you detecting a theme? Yes, all of these stories appear in the same section – the business section. See... Emma Moore: China - Just A Pile Of Stats? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00330.htm

Politics: Anne Else Assesses The Relativities Of Political Offence

- Interesting choice of words in the headlines this week. Helen Clark was described as “furious” and “bitter”, “savage” and “lashing out”, over the ludicrous insinuations about her husband’s sexuality, and the fact that the Exclusive Brethren had hired a private investigator to scurry around him, her, and senior Labour ministers. See... Letter from Elsewhere: The Adjectives Of Outrage [1] RELATED:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00363.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00362.htm

Antiquities: Suzan Mazur Finds A (Possibly) Looted Treasure In Ohio

- After an online search for the whereabouts of the fabulous "Medea in Flight" vase featured in my recent story about artifacts Italy wants back from Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, it appears that the Red-figure Calyx Krater, 5th/early 4th Century BC is now in the Cleveland Musuem collection. Once part of Bunker Hunt's hoard, it was auctioned at Sotheby's in June 1990 along with the signed Euphronios vase and wine cup, and sold above estimates for $360,000 (plus tax). See... Cleveland's Got Prized South Italian Medea Vase [1] & Ancient Art Italy Wants Back From Boston's MFA [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00366.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00210.htm

Elections: A Majority Of Americans Lack Confidence In Election '04

- At their lowest points of popularity, do you recall anyone who claimed that Presidents’ Carter and Nixon stole their elections or that they didn’t win fair and square? Did any analysts or activist groups clam massive election fraud in the elections ... See... Zogby Poll - Voters Question Outcome Of '04 Election [1] RELATED:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00346.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00345.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00333.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00324.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00359.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00355.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00352.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00332.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00309.htm

Satan: - Hugo Chavez Calls President Bush The Devil

- I’m no fan of Hugo Chavez. He has all the earmarks of a demagogue, and has repressed dissent in Venezuela. But his UN performance, mixing theater with truth, was astounding. Delivering a line with panache that will go down in the annals of history, he said, ... See... Martin LeFevre: Is The Devil In The White House? [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00361.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00326.htm

Religion: Uri Avnery On The Pope's Trouble With Intolerance

- Since the days when Roman Emperors threw Christians to the lions, the relations between the emperors and the heads of the church have undergone many changes. See... Uri Avnery: Muhammad's Sword [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00360.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00319.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00316.htm

Environment: Catherine Austin Fitts Reviews An Inconvenient Truth

- The day after 9-11, a person whom I respect and care about a great deal said to me, "George Bush was anointed by God for a time such as this." He then asked me what I thought. I said that I thought that the Bush family was anointed by financial fraud, narcotics trafficking, and pedophilia. Stunned, he said, "If that is true, then it's hopeless." I replied that things were far from hopeless, but that for me solutions started with faith in a divine intelligence rather than affirming a dependent relationship with organized crime. See... The Real Deal: The Source Of Hopelessness [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00358.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0606/S00115.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0607/S00400.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0605/S00375.htm

Torture: President Bush's Torture Amnesty Legislation

- The United States is following the lead of "dirty war" nations, such as Argentina and Chile, in enacting what amounts to an amnesty law protecting U.S. government operatives, apparently up to and including President George W. Bush, who have committed ... See... Robert Parry: Bush's "Dirty War" Amnesty Law [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00356.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00350.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00348.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00344.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00327.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00325.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00367.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00365.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00364.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00320.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00357.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00354.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00347.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00317.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00353.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00351.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00349.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00315.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00343.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00342.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00331.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00329.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00328.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00323.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00322.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00314.htm

POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:

- Molesworth & Featherston (Weekend) – Sept 23rd 200 [1] - Transtasman Political Letter – 21 September Digest [2] -One News Colmar Brunton poll: Nats 49% Lab 38% [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00339.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00310.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00340.htm

Foreign Affairs: Politicians Take World Trips Instead of Holidays

- Peters to the UN: New Zealand remains unwavering in its support for the United Nations. Our commitment has not changed since we helped found this organization 61 years ago. Events of this past year have only reinforced our belief that the world would be substantially worse without the United Nations. See... Peters Speech To United Nations [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00507.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00462.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00515.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00494.htm

Religion: Father Mulcahy A NZ hospital Needs You!

The first ever annual appeal for Hospital Chaplains kicks off this week with the launch of the inaugural Hospital Chaplains week. "Hospital Chaplains provide much needed support for patients, relatives and hospital staff but because their work is very much behind the scenes, we don't often hear about the great work they do, Minister of Health Pete Hodgson said today. "Health care is about much more that physical well-being. See... First ever Hospital Chaplains appeal launched [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00516.htm

Politics: Greens Slam Inconsistent Auditor-General

- While the Greens are still challenging the basis of the Auditor-General's report, the caucus has agreed that any Green Party Parliamentary spending that is ultimately found to have been outside the rules will be paid back, Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says. "However, we are not at that point yet. The Auditor-General has not issued his final report, we are still challenging his inconsistent new interpretation of the rules. See... Greens shed light on spending issue [1] ALSO:

Scoop Blogwatch - AG Report: Ng & Farrar Tag Team Hide & Norman [3] Scoop Audio: - Kevin List On Radio Active: Greens on AG [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00451.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00492.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00279.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00283.htm

MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00517.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00508.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00499.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00498.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00522.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00521.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00520.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00518.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00504.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00496.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00502.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00493.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00534.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00514.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00535.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00509.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00506.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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