Scoop Top Stories February 19th 2010 News Summary

Friday, 19 February 2010, 2:46 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

Scoop Top Stories February 19th 2010 News Summary

LEAD STORY

Resource Management: ECan Report Proposes Bulldozing Democracy

NZ POLITICS

Peter Thompson: Joining The Dots On National’s Broadcasting Policies

Speechifying: Bill English On That Economic Plan

Gordon Campbell: Trevor Mallard’s Big Day

Minister Demands Cuts: Dunne Forsees Pronounced Problems For Radio NZ

Terrorist Threats: Labour Encourages Hockey Players Not To Play Hooky

BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

Dirty Great Telescopes: Australia And NZ Team Up For $3.1b Project

Broader Bands: Telecom Can Operate VDSL Services Outside Regulation

Pylons: Feds Spokesperson 'Plays Electricity Peacemaker'

White Collar Stains: Fraud Rises To Record Levels

This Valentine’s: More Restaurants Less Fewer Roses

COMMENT

Stewing In Corruption: Punishing the British Arms Giant, BAE

Connie Lawn: Obama approves $8.3 billion loan for two new nuclear reactors

Martin LeFevre: Knowledge, Tradition, and Insight

Stateside With Rosalea Barker: Oregon

The Stink Of Corruption In Phnom Penh: Lake development fueling thousands of forced evictions

Gordon Campbell: On The Looming Elections In Iraq

Julie Webb Pullman: Clinton, Time to Take a Break - and give Haiti one at the same time

LIFESTYLE

Fringe Review: The Comediettes - Better Living

Fringe Festival: Women's Mag Show Cancelled Due To Ankle-Deep Water

The Immortals

Statue, Bro? Where Should “Evolution” Be Installed?

Gordon Campbell: The Film Commission’s New Low Budget Film Scheme

Arts & Commerce: NZSO, Music Schools Ponder Values Of Real Estate

Improvathon

WORLD

Haiti: Un Launches Largest-Ever Appeal

Resource Management: ECan Report Proposes Bulldozing Democracy
A pragmatic, workable solution for Environment Canterbury which does not compromise local democracy is paramount, says Local Government New Zealand...It recommends a separate Canterbury Regional Water Authority established under its own Act of Parliament. Membership would be appointed by the Government.The report also recommends the existing council be replaced by a temporary Commission. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00225.htm

ALSO:

• Environ't Canterbury to work constructively w Govt [2]


• Democracy Must Always Prevail Says LGNZ [3]


• Ratepayers Could Bear Brunt of Regulations [4]


• Environment Canterbury report warning for councils [5]


• Environment Canterbury chair confident of improvements [6]


• Southerly: Interview with Rodney Hide [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00283.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00225.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00223.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00227.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/32822.html [6]

[7] - http://publicaddress.net/default,6475.sm#post6475" target="_blank [7]

ALSO:

• Questions and Answers - 18 February 2010 [2]


• Today In Parliament 18.02.10 [3]


• Questions and Answers - 17 Feb 2010 [4]


• Today in Parliament 17.02.10 [5]


• Questions and Answers - 16 Feb 2009 [6]


• Today In Parliament 16.02.10 [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00265.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00143.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00233.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00122.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00213.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00114.htm [7]

Peter Thompson: Joining The Dots On National’s Broadcasting Policies
As a strong proponent of public service broadcasting, I was dismayed by the decision by TVNZ’s Close Up to cancel a scheduled interview with the Prime Minister on tax reforms in favour of a tawdry scandal involving a former All-Black. However, it was difficult not to smile at the irony of seeing John Key being denied a platform to explain his policies to the nation. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00142.htm

ALSO:

• Govt To Slash Public Radio - Have Your Say On Save RNZ [2]

[2] - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-Radio-New-Zealand/312651831782?ref=mf [2]

Speechifying: Bill English On That Economic Plan
As newly-elected Prime Minister John Key said in December 2008: “The driving goal of the new Government will be to grow the New Zealand economy in order to deliver greater prosperity, security and opportunity for all New Zealanders.” More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00241.htm

ALSO:

• Signaled tax changes make sense [2]


• On Q + A this Sunday [3]


• NZ dollar: all eyes on RBA Governor [4]


• Closed mind on monetary policy not ‘sufficient’ [5]


• Govt's Financial Statements Ending 31 December '09 [6]


• Govt accounts show room to do more on unemployment [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00221.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00230.htm [3]

[4] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/19/nz-dollar-all-eyes-on-rba-governor/ [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00276.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00272.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00229.htm [7]

Gordon Campbell: Trevor Mallard’s Big Day
Normally, Trevor Mallard is not renowned for his subtlety, yet his stealth attack on Education Minister yesterday in the House was a stone classic. More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/18/campbell-mallard%E2%80%99s-big-day-and-low-budget-films/

ALSO:

• Tolley on literacy [2]


• Parliament Today for 17-02-10 [3]


• Leading NZ designer attacks Auckland logo process [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00233.htm#tolley [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00122.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00268.htm [4]

Minister Demands Cuts: Dunne Forsees Pronounced Problems For Radio NZ
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne… says Radio New Zealand has traditionally been a leader in preserving high standards of language, diction and overall presentation in its broadcasts, and he would be extremely concerned if the current funding crisis led to any reduction in those. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00234.htm

ALSO:

• Political Interference at Radio NZ Unacceptable [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00209.htm [2]

Terrorist Threats: Labour Encourages Hockey Players Not To Play Hooky
The Labour Party backs the New Zealand Commonwealth Games hockey team’s decision to go to India next week and participate in October’s Commonwealth Games. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00230.htm

ALSO:

• How bad is the terrorist risk to our athletes? [2]


• Black Sticks delay India trip in light of terror threats [3]


• NZ Hockey still going to India despite terror threats [4]


• Black Sticks should pull out - counterterrorism expert [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/32748.html [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/32713.html [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/sports/32702.html [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/sports/32763.html [5]

Dirty Great Telescopes: Australia And NZ Team Up For $3.1b Project
More than 150 scientists and representatives from both sides of the Tasman are meeting in Auckland this week to progress the joint bid to host a NZ$3.1 billion international radio astronomy project. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00247.htm

ALSO:

• Govt unveils major work programme from CMDT [2]


• Low key with no Key [3]


• Government Confirms It Will Retain Imputation [4]


• CMD Taskforce welcomes Govt action plan [5]


• Hon Bill English: Lifting our Economic Game [6]


• English Long on Rhetoric, Short on Solutions [7]


• Signaled tax changes make sense [8]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/18/govt-unveils-major-work-programme-from-cmdt/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00256.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00240.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00500.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00241.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1002/S00258.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1002/S00221.htm [8]

Broader Bands: Telecom Can Operate VDSL Services Outside Regulation
Telecom Corp., the country’s largest phone company, can market new, high-speed VDSL broadband services without reference to regulations that govern the fixed line broadband market, the regulator has recommended. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/18/telecom-can-operate-vdsl-services-outside-regulati/

ALSO:

• TeamTalk 38% profit boost, broadband key to future [2]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/18/teamtalk-38-profit-boost-broadband-key-to-future/ [2]

Pylons: Feds Spokesperson 'Plays Electricity Peacemaker'
The spread of farmer unrest about transmission infrastructure has Federated Farmers national office stressing the importance of annual rentals being added to the compensation mix. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00482.htm

ALSO:

• Recovered geckos to be returned to Otago peninsula [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/32720.html [2]

White Collar Stains: Fraud Rises To Record Levels
There has been a massive increase in the value of frauds in New Zealand in the second half of 2009, according to the KPMG Fraud Barometer report released today. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00382.htm

ALSO:

• Service sector growth moderates in January [2]


• New Zealand bioscience sector growing [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00381.htm [2]

[3] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/16/new-zealand-bioscience-sector-growing/ [3]

This Valentine’s: More Restaurants Less Fewer Roses
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday this year, a leading Auckland business association is predicting packed out cafes and restaurants while florists are anticipating a slightly quieter day. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1002/S00371.htm

Stewing In Corruption: Punishing the British Arms Giant, BAE
Members of the arms industry are far from scrupulous, and the recent fine of BAE to the tune of £285 million will do much to harden convictions about that fact. For two decades, the British arms giant has been engaging in obscure, intricate transactions ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00118.htm

Connie Lawn: Obama approves $8.3 billion loan for two new nuclear reactors
Perhaps it took the tough Eastern blizzards to convince President Obama to support more nuclear power plants, but many people remain uneasy with the concept. His decision to go nuclear may have been influenced by the heaviest snowfalls in the Washington ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00135.htm

ALSO:

• Obama's atomic blunder [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00138.htm [2]

Martin LeFevre: Knowledge, Tradition, and Insight
In ancient times, and not so long ago in many parts of the world, each tradition was completely distinct and whole. Tradition wasn’t something that a people had; it was the total way of life in which people were completely immersed. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00117.htm

Stateside With Rosalea Barker: Oregon
Coincidentally, I’m writing this Oregon piece on Valentine’s Day, when masses of roses exchange hands to win hearts. Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses. Search “Oregon roses” on Google, and the first link that’s returned goes... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00127.htm

ALSO:

• Cheney's Crimes and Confessions [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00139.htm [2]

The Stink Of Corruption In Phnom Penh: Lake development fueling thousands of forced evictions
Phnom Penh, Cambodia - There are plenty of guns in Cambodia, but I cannot get used to them being pointed at me, even in jest. After all, I'm just picking at my lunch, staring lazily at Phnom Penh's biggest lake, Boeung Kak, and the... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00124.htm

Gordon Campbell: On The Looming Elections In Iraq
Early next month, Iraq is due to hold an election. One of the ironic outcomes of the US/UK led invasion in March 2003 has been to put into power a bloc of Shia religious parties long dependent on support from Iran, the star player in George Bush’s... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/15/gordon-campbell-on-the-looming-elections-in-iraq/

Julie Webb Pullman: Clinton, Time to Take a Break - and give Haiti one at the same time
Ban Ki-Moon obviously has a very twisted sense of humour. As if the Katrina fiasco wasn’t sufficient evidence of the singular unsuitability of the U.S. to lead any sort of disaster effort, appointing a power-abusing sex-offending lying ex-President ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00108.htm

Fringe Review: The Comediettes - Better Living
Comedians Sarah Harpur and Jim Stanton gild their well-paced two-woman standup show with the trappings of crazed 1950s housewives, complete with cheerful aprons and diazepam-bright smiles ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00144.htm

ALSO:

• Arts Festival 2010 [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00071.htm [2]

Fringe Festival: Women's Mag Show Cancelled Due To Ankle-Deep Water
No Idea's venue, the Band Rotunda, has been closed by the Council for urgent flood-related renovations. Sadly this happened too late in the day for another venue to be arranged, so the scheduled shows are cancelled. Darn it. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00107.htm

ALSO:

• Gods and Heroes: Gods Blog [2]

[2] - http://www.fringe.co.nz/comedy/gods-heroes" target="_blank [2]

The Immortals
- More »[1]

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

ALSO:

• Arts Festival 2010 [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00071.htm [2]

Statue, Bro? Where Should “Evolution” Be Installed?
Evolution, the statue that was gifted to Gisborne city after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, has arrived in Gisborne and now needs a place to live. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1002/S00278.htm

Gordon Campbell: The Film Commission’s New Low Budget Film Scheme
Since the funds available to almost all state agencies will (at best) be held at current levels in the May Budget, you’d think the bureaucrats would be feeling the pressure about how they spend... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2010/02/18/campbell-mallard%e2%80%99s-big-day-and-low-budget-films/#a

Arts & Commerce: NZSO, Music Schools Ponder Values Of Real Estate
The NZSO and two New Zealand university schools of music are currently embroiled in controversial real estate negotiations to relocate to new buildings on small parcels of open space in their respective city centres. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00119.htm

Improvathon
- More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1002/S00095.htm

ALSO:

• Arts Festival 2010 [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1002/S00071.htm [2]

Haiti: Un Launches Largest-Ever Appeal
The United Nations and its aid partners today issued a call for nearly $1.5 billion to assist 3 million Haitians – one third of the Caribbean nation’s population – following last month’s colossal earthquake, making it the largest-ever humanitarian ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1002/S00441.htm

ENDS

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