Top Scoop Stories February 9th 2010 News Summary

Tuesday, 9 February 2010, 8:03 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Scoop Business: Will Good Politics Fix Broken Tax System?
Prime Minister John Key is obsessed with two things about the New Zealand economy. One is the fact that productive industry has been shrinking as proportion of the economy for more than five years.The other is the price of houses – an issue that Reserve Bank governors and other politicians have identified for years and done nothing about. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/09/comment-will-good-politics-fix-broken-tax-system/

ALSO:

PM's 2010 Statement to Parliament [2]

PM’s 2010 Statement to Parliament [3]

Bernard Hickey: Leave the country now Gen X & Y [4]

OnPoint - GST compensation: Can't be done [5]

Island Life - What I saw at the step change [6]

Phil Goff’s reply to John Key [7]

Trebled long-term unemployed mocks Key's spin [8]

Tax Plan Fails To Deliver For Hard-Working Kiwis [9]

Key Government Signals Poverty and Environmental Degradation [10]

No Tax Changes Without Spending Restraint [11]

Speech on Prime Minister’s Statement [12]

Hon Tariana Turia: Response to PM’s Debate [13]

Top tax rate increase has led to major distortions [14]

New Zealand's PM considers changes to tax system [15]

PM Admits Welfare Rolls Out Of Control [16]

GST Rise Ok If Middle NZ Is Not Short-Changed [17]

GST Increase Puts Tourism, Finance in the gun [18]

Governments' broad tax objectives applauded [19]

‘Cohesive plan’ in PM’s address [20]

John Key plays the role of "Sheriff of Nottingham" [21]

Alliance calls for fairer tax system [22]

Greenpeace warns of mining backlash [23]

On Mining Proposals In Prime Minister's Speech [24]

Property Investment Shrouded in Uncertainty [25]

Government announcement doesn’t go far enough [26]

Science New Zealand welcomes PM's commitment [27]

Govt's applauded for science and innovation focus [28]

A J Park welcomes Government focus on innovation [29]

Commercial property sector needs equitable tax [30]

The Sound of Silence on Tax Rates [31]

Chamber Supports Proposed Tax Rebalancing [32]

Chamber Supports Growth Enhancing Tax System [33]

Missed Opportunities, Not Enough For Jobs [34]

Stop Running Down Our Polytechnics, PM [35]

Thumbs up to more relevant tertiary education [36]

Govt must compensate GST hike [37]

Federated Farmers Asks, The Government Listens [38]

Care needed Over GST Increase [39]

Maritime Union Opposes Any Rise In GST [40]

Still No Real Change [41]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00092.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2010/02/pms_2010_statement_to_parliament.html" target="_blank [3]

[4] - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10625085" target="_blank [4]

[5] - http://publicaddress.net/6458#post6458" target="_blank [5]

[6] - http://publicaddress.net/6460#post6460" target="_blank [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00095.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00097.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00100.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00093.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00096.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00101.htm [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00098.htm [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00102.htm [14]

[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00238.htm [15]

[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00089.htm [16]

[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00075.htm [17]

[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00074.htm [18]

[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00073.htm [19]

[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00072.htm [20]

[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00079.htm [21]

[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00091.htm [22]

[23] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00087.htm [23]

[24] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00086.htm [24]

[25] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00085.htm [25]

[26] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00084.htm [26]

[27] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00083.htm [27]

[28] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00081.htm [28]

[29] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00242.htm [29]

[30] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00082.htm [30]

[31] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00080.htm [31]

[32] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00078.htm [32]

[33] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00077.htm [33]

[34] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00076.htm [34]

[35] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00088.htm [35]

[36] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1002/S00031.htm [36]

[37] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00090.htm [37]

[38] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00249.htm [38]

[39] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00248.htm [39]

[40] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00246.htm [40]

[41] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00244.htm [41]

Tax reform benefits only the rich - Labour
- More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/32352.html

ALSO:

Scoop's Business Section [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/sections/bizscitech.html#pmstate1 [2]

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NZ POLITICS

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Education: Will Govt Introduce National Standards Training Standards?
The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is questioning how the Education Minister can expect professional trainers to successfully train schools to implement National Standards when the Standards are completely untried and untested. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED1002/S00029.htm

Sport & Local Politics: Wellington MP Blue Over Possible Loss Of Sevens
Labour’s Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson is asking sevens fans to sign his on-line petition to ensure the IRB’s New Zealand leg remains at its natural home, in the capital. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00089.htm

ALSO:

Wellington Police On The Sevens [2]

Victorious Fijians [3]

Scoop's Lifestyle section [4]

Beyond Grievance: Waitangi Day Speech 2010 [5]

Waitangi Day Is About What We Share [6]

Q+A’s Guyon Espiner Interviews MP Shane Jones [7]

Waitangi celebrations peaceful for a change [8]

Manning & Wallace Dig Deep Into Waitangi [9]

Selwyn Manning's NZ News Round-Up [10]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00088.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00198.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/sections/lifestyle.html#sevens [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00076.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00077.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00043.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/32246.html [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00070.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00069.htm [10]

Ironies: ACT Calls For Harsher Penalties For Possessing Ten Thousand Spoons
ACT New Zealand Law & Order Spokesman David Garrett today welcomed High Court Judge Justice Asher’s call for the Government to review laws on knife possession, and agreed that offenders should face tougher penalties. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00069.htm

ALSO:

Justice Minister Orders Report on Knife Crime Laws [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00084.htm [2]

Peace, Love: International Position For MP
Manukau East MP Ross Robertson has been appointed as Deputy Convenor of the Peace and Democracy Programme in addition to his role as a member of the Executive Board of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA). More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00068.htm

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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I Want A New Drug: Paradex And Capadex To Be Withdrawn From NZ
All medicines containing dextropropoxyphene will be withdrawn from the New Zealand market after a review of the safety and efficacy of these medicines showed that their risks outweighed their possible benefits. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1002/S00034.htm

ALSO:

NZ dollar trades near 5-mth low ahead of PM speech [2]

The Speech That Goff Should Deliver [3]

Proposals May Damage Production, Reduce Saving [4]

Signs Of Uncertainty In The Property Market [5]

KIWI PARTY and Tax Changes - Summary Version [6]

Deductions For Depreciation An Issue Of Fairness [7]

First $10,000 Should Be Tax Free [8]

Key confident he'll get support for tax changes [9]

Housing market falls flat ahead of tax announcement [10]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/09/nz-dollar-trades-near-5-mth-low-ahead-of-pm-speech/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00088.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00203.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00183.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00046.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00165.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00164.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/32323.html [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/32294.html [10]

Q+A Transcript: Catching Australia By 2025 LOL
- Bollard dismisses government’s aim of catching Australian incomes by 2025: “I don’t think we can catch up with Australia”
- Bollard says New Zealand should aim to benefit from the “crumbs [that] come off the Australian table”
- New Zealand recovery from recession “still fragile” More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00044.htm

ALSO:

Q+A’s Paul Holmes Interviews Tolley & Buutveld. [2]

Q+A’s Panel - Holmes, Arseneau, Graham, Mccarten [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00048.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00049.htm [3]

DOC vs. National: Government Pressure To Privatise Mackenzie
Independent conservation organisation Forest & Bird has obtained documents under the Official Information Act that reveal the Government is stopping the Department of Conservation (DOC) from trying to protect the Mackenzie Basin from destruction by intensive irrigation. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1002/S00028.htm

ALSO:

National Blocking Protection Of Mackenzie Country [2]

Call-In of Mackenzie applications a vital test [3]

Unemployment figures a wake up call for John Key [4]

Over 72,000 Young People Now Unemployed [5]

10,000 More Women Now Out Of Work [6]

Maori Unemployment Rate Continues To Rise [7]

Minimum Wage Is Hurting Young NZers [8]

New Zealand Unemployment Rate Spiked To 7.3% In 4Q [9]

Rise In Unemployment Demands Government Action [10]

Government Must Act To Fix Massive Unemployment [11]

Government Inaction May Lock In High Unemployment [12]

Unemployment To 11-Year High [13]

Political debate rages over unemployment rate [14]

Welcome to the Jobless Recovery [15]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00078.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1001/S00432.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00060.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00064.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00067.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00066.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00065.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00107.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00020.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00019.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00023.htm [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/32156.html [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/32192.html [14]

[15] - http://werewolf.co.nz/2010/02/welcome-to-the-jobless-recovery/ [15]

Media: 3 News Programmes Win "Key" Demographic
3 News , Campbell Live and Nightline all had strong nationwide wins against competing shows in the all important 18-49 demographic in January, retaining the competitive lead they held in December. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00129.htm

Conservation: Signing South Pacific Fisheries Agreement Welcomed
The Environment and Conservation Organisations (ECO) today welcomed New Zealand signing the South Pacific regional fisheries management agreement. ECO Co-chairperson, Cath Wallace, said the agreement was essential for the management of pelagic and bottom fisheries in the South Pacific, including orange roughy and jack mackerel. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00079.htm

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COMMENT

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Trouble at The Lancet: Wakefield and the Medical Profession
‘It has became clear that several elements of the 1998 paper by Wakefield et al are incorrect, contrary to the findings of an earlier investigation.’ So concluded one of the longest misconduct inquiries in medical history. The editors of Britain’s... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00056.htm

Gordon Campbell: Free Trade With US More Monty Python Than Holy Grail
Perhaps we can all quietly sign a pact to forego comparing a free trade deal with the US to the quest for the Holy Grail. This ‘free trade as Holy Grail’ notion is a cliché that will not die, because the media loves it so much. More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/08/gordon-campbell-monty-python-fta-holy-grail/

From Gaza to Lebanon: Beware the Iron Wall, the Coming War
The Israeli military may be much less effective in winning wars than it was in the past, thanks to the stiffness of Arab resistance. But its military strategists are as shrewd and unpredictable as ever. The recent rhetoric that has escalated from... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00042.htm

Steven Ratuva: Quiet diplomacy needed to thaw ‘cold war’ with Fiji
After New Zealand offered an olive branch to Fiji to ease diplomatic tension between the two countries, Fiji responded in two unexpected ways. Firstly, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, while welcoming the move, was also quoted by Fiji media as saying that he was... More »[1]

[1] - http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/quiet-diplomacy-needed-to-thaw-cold-war-with-fiji/

Prof. Francis Boyle: Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza
Jan. 27--``What we're seeing in Gaza now, is pretty much slow-motion genocide against the 1.5 million Palestinians who live in Gaza.... If you read the 1948 Genocide Convention, it clearly says that one instance of genocide is the deliberate infliction of conditions... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00026.htm

Historical Amnesia: Haiti and its Canadian media presentation
The disaster of Haiti is well represented in Canadian media, with significant coverage in print and on television. MacLean’s magazine’s recent cover article photo is one of the very few that perhaps accidentally represents what is really happening... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00040.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Stalled: Unstable Weather Foils Race 1 Of America's Cup
Today's scheduled Race 1 of the 33rd America's Cup Match was postponed due to light and unstable winds on the Mediterranean Sea. “It was very light,” said navigator Juan Vila. “We had some puffs up to 6 knots but they didn't last long. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00201.htm

Get Up On The Floor: Keep On Dancing, Physiotherapists Advise
Focus on the fun of physical activity and the positive effects to your health, not the risks say physiotherapists... We’re missing the point altogether if we highlight only the risks and costs of injuries and not the importance of fitness and the potential health dollar savings related to this. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1002/S00033.htm

Dutch Interest: Girls Can Have Fun At Warbirds Over Wanaka
Death defying aerobatics, historic machinery and the sound of a deep, throaty engine may not be every girl’s idea of the perfect day out – but premium hospitality company Good Group Ltd has come up with the ideal solution for those visitors to this year’s iconic Warbirds over Wanaka International airshow. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00172.htm

Festive: Huge Animal Line-up For Big Gay Zoo Day
Auckland's first-ever Big Gay Zoo Day will be a chance to go 'where the wild things are' and also enjoy a concert from Anika Moa and Sola Rosa. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00167.htm

ALSO:

2010 Sevens Street Party Pics (part 2) [2]

2010 Wellington Sevens Costumes Pics (Part One) [3]

2010 Wellington Sevens Costumes Pics - Part Two [4]

2010 Wellington Sevens Costumes Pics (Part 3) [5]

Police warning for Sevens crowds: eat properly and don’t get drunk [6]

Rotorua secures Four Nations rugby league test [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00063.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00050.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00052.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00053.htm [5]

[6] - http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=20150 [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00066.htm [7]

NZ Sevens squad gears up for England game
- More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/sports/32191.html

Scoop Books: Katherine Mansfield Reviews Joseph Conrad’s The Rescue
The writer who has achieved more than a common popularity, who has been recognized as one of the very few whose place is not in the crowded and jostled front rank but a delightful airy perch among the mountains, is to be envied—and not to be envied. The distinguished position has its special drawbacks. More »[1]

[1] - http://books.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/04/mr-conrads-new-novel/

ALSO:

Pirates Vs Ninjas: Which One Would You Choose? [2]

Raybon Kan: Vegetable Of The Arts [3]

The Immortals Typifies The “Fringe Spirit” [4]

Goldilocks And The Three Queers [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00100.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00086.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00102.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00101.htm [5]

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WORLD

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Lack Of Evidence: ICC Dismisses Case Against Darfurian Rebel Leader
The International Criminal Court (ICC) today declined to confirm the charges made against a rebel leader accused of directing the September 2007 attack that killed a dozen African Union peacekeepers in Sudan’s strife-torn Darfur region, citing ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00208.htm

DR Congo: Over 8,000 Women Raped By Combatants
The number of women raped in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where sexual violence committed by warring factions has become endemic, topped 8,000 last year, according to fresh estimates released by the United Nations Population Fund ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00210.htm

ALSO:

DR Congo: Widespread Reports Of Rape [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0908/S00106.htm [2]

The Real Na'vi: Tribal People Appeal To James Cameron
Tribal peoples’ rights organization Survival International has appealed to Avatar director James Cameron on behalf of an Indian tribe through an ad in the film industry magazine Variety. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00211.htm

Haiti: Racing Against Time, UN Seeks Shelters
The United Nations said today it is racing against time to bring in hazard-resistant tents for Haiti’s earthquake victims before the rainy season starts, provide sufficient agricultural input to save the next planting season, and raise greatly increased ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00213.htm

Israel: Army Raids Ramallah To Arrest Activists
Israeli soldiers raided a Ramallah apartment around 3AM to arrest a Spanish and an Australian activist over expired visas in direct violation of the Oslo Accords. At three in the morning, the Israeli army forcefully entered an apartment in the Area ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00189.htm

United Nations: Meetings Put Spotlight On Pacific Development
Three high-level United Nations meetings will take place in Vanuatu next week, bringing together top UN officials, other development partners and leaders from the Pacific to assess the challenges faced by the region and to map out strategies to spur development ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00184.htm

Again ? Bob Barker Rammed By Illegal Whaler
At 1209 PM Fremantle, Australia time, the Yushin Maru 3 intentionally rammed the Sea Shepherd ship Bob Barker, penetrating it's hull and endangering the lives of it's crew. The collision occurred at 65 degrees 21 South, 67 degrees 58 East, about ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00174.htm

ALSO:

Sea Shepherd Rams Japanese Ship [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00175.htm [2]

Ethical Disinvestment: Church Of England To Sell Stake In Vedanta
In a shock move, the Church of England decided today to disinvest from controversial miner Vedanta Resources on ethical grounds, dealing a devastating blow to the company’s credibility. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00148.htm

ENDS

Scoop

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Top Scoop Stories February 9th 2010 News Summary