Top Scoop Stories – 17 December 2008 News Summary

Wednesday, 17 December 2008, 2:50 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Legislation: ACT Leader Says RMA Reform Off To Good Start
ACT leader Rodney Hide says streamlining the Resource Management Act (RMA) is off to a good start with yesterday’s announcement of the RMA Technical Advisory Group to support the Government’s programme of reform of the Resource Management Act. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00203.htm

ALSO:

RMA reform group announced [2]

Aquaculture reforms to be overhauled [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00182.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00146.htm [3]

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NZ POLITICS

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ALSO:

Questions And Answers - 16 Dec 2008 [2]

Wallace & Manning – Debate On State Spies Needed [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00207.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00287.htm [3]

Budget Blowout: Minister Unhappy At Extra $12m For New Supreme Court Building in Wellington
Justice Minister Simon Power says he will run “an iron ruler” over the cost of Wellington's new Supreme Court building after being told the Government has inherited a $12 million increase on the project. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00197.htm

Energy Standards: Light Bulb Ban Ended
Energy and Resources Minister, Gerry Brownlee, has told Parliament today the ban on traditional light bulbs is being lifted. "This government has real concerns about telling people they have to move to energy efficient light bulbs by decree," he said. “It has been well signaled and will come as no surprise that the government is lifting the ban on traditional or incandescent light bulbs,” said Mr Brownlee. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00195.htm

ALSO:

Libz Welcome Lift From The Gloom [2]

Thermal Ban Repeal [3]

RMA reform group announced [4]

Rodney Mayor to sit on RMA Review Board [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00220.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00193.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00182.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0812/S00226.htm [5]

TV3 Video: McCully To Talk With Bainimarama As Stoush Escalates
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will talk with Fiji's self-appointed Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama this afternoon in a bid to defuse an escalating diplomatic stoush. Cdre Bainimarama sent a terse message to Wellington last week, saying if a visa was not granted to the son of a senior official in Suva, New Zealand's acting high commissioner Caroline McDonald would be expelled. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/16705.html

ALSO:

Statement on Dreaver deportation [2]

Urgent need to tackle Fiji poverty [3]

NZ high commissioner to be expelled from Fiji today: report [4]

ReStart assistance package for redundant workers [5]

First priority must be to keep Kiwis in jobs [6]

Many left out in the cold under Nat's programme [7]

Worker support package a start only - CTU [8]

ReStart no substitute for real redundancy – EPMU [9]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00404.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00210.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/16748.html [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00177.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00176.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00183.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00206.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00207.htm [9]

Spies & Security: Police Stifle Democratic Dissent - GPJA
Global Peace and Justice Auckland is not surprised at the abuse of police powers evident in Sunday’s newspaper the Sunday Star-Times with revelations that police have paid people to infiltrate and spy on groups involved in community, environmental, political protest and activism. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00189.htm

ALSO:

Police Minister receives assurance on SIGs [2]

Police Stasi tactics undermine democracy [3]

Police Commissioner's excuses ring hollow: Greens [4]

Re SST story on police spy in activist groups [5]

Police pay to spy on peaceful protest group [6]

Activists unhappy over spy allegations [7]

Locke calls for inquiry into police spying allegations [8]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00169.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00163.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00172.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00190.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00199.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/16642.html [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/16623.html [8]

Justice: Former Nat MPs Call For Peter Ellis Commission Of Inquiry
The subject of this letter will come as no surprise to you. We have held serious concerns about the Peter Ellis/Christchurch Civic Creche Case for a long time. In our view, the time is long overdue for the Minister responsible for our justice system to demonstrate the political will and moral courage necessary to ensure that a comprehensive and genuinely independent inquiry is held... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00195.htm

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Finanace: NZD Jumps After Fed Reserve Slashes Interest Rates
The New Zealand dollar jumped after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates to a record-low range of zero and 0.25%, and stated it will use any means available to end the recession. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1734

ALSO:

NZ stocks rise a second day on Fed rate cut [2]

RBA chose ‘expansionary setting” in slashing rates [3]

While you were sleeping: BusinessWire wrap [4]

US Federal Reserve Statement, December 16, 2008 [5]

Fed cuts key interest rate to record low [6]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1758 [2]

[3] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1724 [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00313.htm [4]

[5] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1736 [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/16749.html [6]

Comment: The Visual Pollution Of Wellington’s Streets
Lindsay Shelton writes: TelstraClear rang me the other day. They wanted to offer me a deal for telephone and internet which they said I couldn’t refuse. I told them I was ready to accept their deal, but first I wanted them to remove their thick and ugly black cable which ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00328.htm

Environment: Sanctuaries Produce Deliciously Naive Native Birds
Endangered native birds are at risk of losing their instinct to recognise and flee mammalian enemies when moved between predator-free and predator-filled sites, says a Massey researcher. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0812/S00066.htm

NZ Economy Heading For Worst Year Since 1992
Dec. 16 - New Zealand’s economy will shrink 0.2% in the 12 months ending March 31, the weakest since 1992 on a slump in housing and rising unemployment, according to a survey by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1725

ALSO:

Spotlight on fuel surcharges catches Air NZ [2]

International air cargo cartel to be prosecuted [3]

Air Cargo Proceedings [4]

Failed Airline in Trouble Again [5]

Alleged international air cargo cartel being prosecuted [6]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/?p=1647 [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00300.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00304.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00307.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/16661.html [6]

Chemicals: The End Of Endosulfan
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has revoked the approvals for the insecticide endosulfan and prohibited its importation, manufacture and use in New Zealand. The Authority’s decision will come into effect on 16 January 2009. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0812/S00202.htm

ALSO:

Greens Welcome ERMA Decision on Endosulfan [2]

NZ Bans Endosulfan [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0812/S00170.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0812/S00032.htm [3]

Agriculture: The NZ Economy Needs Water Storage
''If there is one magic bullet guaranteed to transform the New Zealand economy it is water storage,'' says Federated Farmers water spokesperson, Hugh Ritchie. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00298.htm

Investment Anyone?: New Bet Type For Kiwi Punters
The TAB's new betting product - the First4 - will be available from this Wednesday (17 December), giving punters the chance to win big dividends. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00297.htm

Wildlife: Kiwi That Overdosed Goes Into Karori Rehab
A little spotted kiwi from Kapiti Island participating in the BNZ Save the Kiwi programme that has been convalescing at Pukaha Mount Bruce after succumbing to the toxic effects of karaka berries. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0812/S00027.htm

ALSO:

Empty nests means success for endangered species [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0812/S00022.htm [2]

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COMMENT

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Try that One on for Size: Al-Zaidi Puts Iraq Back on the Map
Remi Kanazi writes: I can't lie. I've watched Iraqi journalist Montather Al-Zaidi whip those two shoes past George Bush's head more times than I can count. I loved it; I even got into the corny jokes about the Red Sox drafting Al-Zaidi in the spring (cementing my belief that Iraqis... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00323.htm

ALSO:

Bush Comparison Seen As Unfair to Dogs [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00301.htm [2]

The Mighty Fraud: The Fall Of Bernard Madoff
Binoy Kampmark writes: It’s being touted as the biggest fraud in history. This is quite something, given the competition U.S. financial trader Bernard Madoff is up against in this year’s financial rogue sweepstakes. Madoff, founder of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00324.htm

David Swanson: The Best Defense Iran Could Have
Given the fates of the other two members of Bush's axis of evil, some would argue that the best defense Iran could have would be a nuclear bomb. They would, however, be wildly wrong. The best defense Iran could have would be awareness in the minds ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00325.htm

Franklin Lamb: Why Hezbollah Stiffed Carter
Truth be told, this observer, along with one suspects plenty of others, was miffed at Hezbollah this past Wednesday morning. As I looked up at sunrise at Sammin Mountain above Beirut on... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00300.htm

World News: Obama Should Drop Plans To Escalate Afghan War
President-elect Obama should drop his plans to escalate the war in Afghanistan, a country that never attacked America, out of pity for a helpless civilian population that will only suffer increasing misery from an expanded... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00303.htm

David Swanson: Bush Comparison Seen As Unfair To Dogs
This is the question now raised in Iraq: If they throw shoes at your face are you a combat troop or a noncombat troop? The answer may be important in helping to guide President Elect Obama's strategy of reducing but continuing the genocidal occupation ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00301.htm

Melvin A. Goodman: Obama's Weak National Security Team
Sixteen years ago, President-elect Bill Clinton headed for Washington with a national security team that was unprepared for a new age of foreign policy marked by the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union. Clinton ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00302.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Pop: Coldplay Announces Plan To Invade NZ
Chugg Entertainment today confirmed that Coldplay will visit New Zealand following their eleven arena shows in Australia next March. The show will be part of their “Viva La Vida” world tour, in support of their new album of the same name. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0812/S00166.htm

ALSO:

Special presale for COLDPLAY’s Viva La Vida Tour [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0812/S00174.htm [2]

Temporary Art: Wellington Barricades Fall After One Day
Car wrecks, discarded furniture and other urban detritus barricaded Stout Street at the corner of Lambton Quay in central Wellington for 24 hours on Sunday. This large-scale art intervention, created by British artists Heather and Ivan Morison, was part of the year-long One Day Sculpture series. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0812/S00147.htm

ALSO:

The visual pollution of Wellington’s streets [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0812/S00328.htm [2]

Sport: Coast To Coast - “The Year Of The Woman”
For 27 years the Speight’s Coast to Coast has led the way in adventure sports. This year the world’s longest running multisport event celebrates its 27th edition by celebrating the female multisporter. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0812/S00295.htm

Board Games: Search For New Zealand's Monopoly Champion
The 13th Monopoly World Championships is fast approaching and Hasbro, maker of the world's most iconic board game, is inviting all Monopoly enthusiasts in New Zealand to roll and deal their way to Las Vegas in the search for a New Zealand representative! More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0812/S00124.htm

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WORLD

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Disasters and Natural Events: Papua New Guinea Receives UN Assistance
The United Nations is sending a disaster assessment team to Papua New Guinea after severe sea swells hit the northern shoreline, affecting up to 60,000 people, according to government estimates. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00395.htm

Diplomatic Relations: Israel And Palestinians Must Fulfill Obligations
The United Nations Security Council today called on Israel and the Palestinians to fulfil their obligations under the so-called Roadmap peace plan seeking a two-State solution to the Middle East conflict, and to refrain from any steps that could undermine ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00400.htm

Charity: Proceeds From Toy Sales Go To UNICEF Projects
This holiday season scores of projects aimed at improving the education of school children around the world are set to profit from an IKEA initiative to the tune of €5 million (almost $7 million), the United Nations Children’s Fund ( UNICEF) ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00398.htm

DR Congo: UN Deploys 17,500 Peacekers
More than 90 per cent of the nearly 17,500 United Nations peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are now deployed in the strife-torn east of the vast country, including over 6,000 in North Kivu province. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00343.htm

ALSO:

DR Congo: Talks Making Headway [2]

DR Congo: Government, Rebels Enter Into Talks [3]

Time To Act In DR Congo Is Now [4]

DRC: UN To Launch Dialogue Between Govt & Rebels [5]

UN Starts Airlifting Aid To North-Eastern DR Congo [6]

DR Congo: UN Reports Progress In Talks [7]

Rebels Reportedly Pressuring Displaced Congolese [8]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00261.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00232.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00168.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00188.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00200.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00296.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00399.htm [8]

Burma: Myanmar’s Cyclone Victims Need Help
A review of the progress made to date to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of Cyclone Nargis has found that while relief efforts are ongoing, they need to be stepped up, especially to ensure food security, a United Nations-backed group said ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00339.htm

Alternative Energy: Massive Hydro Scheme For Africa
A senior United Nations official today told a meeting of African ministers that harnessing the continent’s largely untapped water resources is critical in feeding and providing for its people. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00342.htm

Somalia: UN-Backed Meeting Wraps Up With Call For Greater Action To Fight Piracy
A United Nations-backed meeting concluded today with participants calling for greater cooperation to combat the rampant piracy off the coast of Somalia, emphasizing that a durable solution to the problem requires peace and stability in the war-ravaged ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00274.htm

ALSO:

UN To Convene Global Meeting On Piracy Off Somalia [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0812/S00199.htm [2]

ENDS

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Top Scoops Headlines

Top Scoop Stories – 17 December 2008 News Summary

Top Scoop Stories – 12 December 2008 News Summary

LEAD STORY

NZ POLITICS

BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

COMMENT

LIFESTYLE

WORLD

Scoop

Contact Scoop

COMMENT

Binoy Kampmark: Jimmy Carter, Israel And The Apartheid Question

Richard S. Ehrlich: Pulverized By Asia's Tsunami

Binoy Kampmark: Greenland Redux - Trump And America’s Continuing Obsession

Ramzy Baroud: A Palestinian Year In Review - Genocide, Resistance And Unanswered Questions

Binoy Kampmark: Sinking Mike Pompeo - Tucker Carlson, Assange And Trump

Binoy Kampmark: Suing Antony Blinken - The US State Department, Israel And The Leahy Law

Comment Section

Top Scoop Stories – 17 December 2008 News Summary

Top Scoop Stories – 12 December 2008 News Summary

Contact Scoop

Binoy Kampmark: Jimmy Carter, Israel And The Apartheid Question

Richard S. Ehrlich: Pulverized By Asia's Tsunami

Binoy Kampmark: Greenland Redux - Trump And America’s Continuing Obsession

Ramzy Baroud: A Palestinian Year In Review - Genocide, Resistance And Unanswered Questions

Binoy Kampmark: Sinking Mike Pompeo - Tucker Carlson, Assange And Trump

Binoy Kampmark: Suing Antony Blinken - The US State Department, Israel And The Leahy Law

Comment Section

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