TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY:
Bollard Resists Pressure To Increase Official Cash Rate
...RBNZ Proposes Currency Intervention
Child Abuse Notifications Up Sharply In Dec. & Jan.
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
UN Meeting USA and UK Over Middle East Peace Plan
INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES
STORY OF THE WEEK: The Debate Over The Treaty Debate (Continued)

SCOOP COLUMNS:
SCOOP FRINGE 2004 COVERAGE: Jyoti Reviews Generation MTV-ISH
Upton On-Line On History, Education & Michael King
Hard News & More Is There!
Stateside Addresses Some Pet Hates & The Governator
The Real Deal: A Prayer Request
Ramzy Baroud: Shooting The Messengers
Poems Addressing The Holy Land's Trials & Tribulations
ITV News Addresses The Kelly Suicide Question
Burmese Banks Circumvent US Sanctions
Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
PM To Welcome Home Troops From Afghanistan
Police Drug Perjury Allegations
Michael Cullen Talks To Canterbury & Mallard To Tauranga
McCully & de Bres Call It A Day On Talebanisation Comments
Transit Gutless About Gully - Dunne
Rick Warns Govt. To Heed Judge Brown's Advice On CYFS
ACT Seeks Investigation Into TV News Fisheries Expose

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00135.htm
Mamma Mia is a Show Worth Travelling To Auckland To See!

LEAD STORY:
Bollard Resists Pressure To Increase Official Cash Rate

- The Reserve Bank has decided to leave the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.25 percent. Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said: “Latest activity indicators remain quite robust. This implies that, in the short-term, there are ongoing risks that the bottlenecks in the economy persist for some time yet.” See... Official Cash Rate unchanged at 5.25 percent [1] ALSO: - Progressives - Thank goodness Brash isn't governor [2] - NZ First - Interest Rates Still Too High - Peters [3] - Employers & Manufacturers Association - Good call by Reserve Bank [4] - ACT - RB Predicts End To Economic Golden Weather [5]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00134.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00256.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00250.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00136.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00247.htm

...RBNZ Proposes Currency Intervention

- The Reserve Bank has provided advice to the Minister of Finance recommending that, as one of its monetary policy implementation tools, it should have the capacity to intervene in the foreign exchange market to influence the level of the exchange rate. See... Capacity to intervene in foreign exchange market [1] REACTION: - Greens - Greens support Reserve Bank intervention [2] - Finance Minister - RBNZ proposal to Cabinet in near future [3] - NZ First - NZ First Supports Overdue Currency Move [4] - National - Currency Intervention - not enough bang for buck [5] - ACT - Reserve Bank Proposal Madness [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00135.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00255.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00242.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00251.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00241.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00246.htm

Child Abuse Notifications Up Sharply In Dec. & Jan.

- The disclosure of a near-doubling of suspected child abuse notifications in January and December requires an urgent response by the Government and by Child Youth and Family Services, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today. See... Increase in child abuse notifications [1] MORE: - NZ First - NZ First Calls For Action Over Child Abuse [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00092.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00257.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0403/S00083.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00088.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00084.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00088.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0403/S00137.htm

UN Meeting USA and UK Over Middle East Peace Plan

- A senior United Nations envoy is in Washington today for a meeting with United States National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice on the situation in the Middle East, including issues related to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's proposals concerning a withdrawal . See... UN in Talks With Rice Over Middle East Peace [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00151.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00152.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00149.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00147.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00146.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0403/S00145.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: The Debate Over The Treaty Debate (Continued)

- The Green Party proposes giving all New Zealanders the opportunity to be involved in a national dialogue on the Treaty and constitutional change. The outcome would be a report to the nation on our common views, our differences and where we go next. See... Let The People Set The Agenda, Say Greens [1] MORE: - Whangarei Network - Community Forum urges Government to heed Tribunal [2] - Treaty Tribes - Treaty Tribes Say Some Merit In Dunne Proposal [3] For more on this story see... CLICK HERE [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00254.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00089.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00083.htm
[4] - #msow

SCOOP COLUMNS:
SCOOP FRINGE 2004 COVERAGE: Jyoti Reviews Generation MTV-ISH

- Greeted by girls in deconstructed, brightly layered gears bouncing round on pogo boots handing out slices of summer fruits and jelly lollies the guests at 'Generation MTV' milled around looking for the bar or a vantage point from which to watch the screens and cat walk for signs of action. See... FRINGE '04 REVIEW: Generation MTV-ISH [1] See also... Scoop Fringe 2004 Feature [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00147.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=fringe04

Upton On-Line On History, Education & Michael King

- After a sustained dose of Michael King, upton-on-line renews his call for a reappraisal of the way history is taught in New Zealand; and a note on whether France's system of Appellations Controllées is a blow for quality, tradition and ecological sanctity or just a restrictive trade practice made mysterious. See... Upton-on-line Diaspora Edition - 11th Feb. 2004 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00145.htm

Hard News & More Is There!

- It has gone curiously unremarked in the media that the Business Roundtable has warmly praised the submission from the Treaty Tribes Coalition on the foreshore and seabed issue. To its credit, the BRT is being consistent... See... Public Address 11/03/04 - Just Thoughts [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00144.htm

Stateside Addresses Some Pet Hates & The Governator

- I despise the three Cs – cellphones, cable TV, and credit cards. They are the circuses and instant bread that no politician in this country would dare to challenge, yet they are the cause of more social and economic ills than any other “legitimate” business. ... See... Stateside with Rosalea: The 3Cs Versus The 3Rs [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00143.htm

The Real Deal: A Prayer Request

- A Request for Prayers During Litigation, March & April 2004 by Catherine Austin Fitts See... The Real Deal: A Prayer For The Power Of Pennies [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00146.htm

Ramzy Baroud: Shooting The Messengers

- Khalid al-Zabin, a 59-year-old Palestinian journalist was ambushed outside his office in Gaza, on Tuesday, March 02. His body was riddled with bullets. All that is known about his executioners is that they wore masks. See... Ramzy Baroud: Gaza Must Spurn Anarchy [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00142.htm

Poems Addressing The Holy Land's Trials & Tribulations

- The following is an excerpt from a poem that caused a sensation when it was read at a Tel Aviv event marking the first year of the Intifada. The poet is an Israeli professor of Hebrew literature and he is famous throughout Occupied Palestine as a lyricist and TV show host. He was commissioned by the Israeli government to write many of its military songs. See... Poem: We Shoot Children Too, Don't We [1] and Genevieve Cora Fraser's latest...Poem: Palestinian Campfire in Freedom's Night [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00141.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00139.htm

ITV News Addresses The Kelly Suicide Question

- In the Channel 4 news item two surgeons, David Halpin FRCS and John Scurr FRCS; Professor of Forensic Toxicology, A R Forrest; Professor of Forensic Pathology, Chris Milroy; & QC Dr Michael Powers express their views on whether there are "exceptional reasons" to reopen the Coroner's Inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly. See... Dr Kelly's Death: TV Discussion (Channel 4 News) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00140.htm

Burmese Banks Circumvent US Sanctions

- After the US stengthens its sanctions against Burma, SWIFT, a cooperative of banks with two US banks on its board, admits four Burmese banks, significantly facilitating Burma's ability to trade internationally. See... Two U.S. Banks SWIFT to Skirt Burma Sanctions [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00137.htm

Daily Katya Rivas Meditations

- I was taken before Caiaphas, where I was received with jeers and insults. One of his soldiers struck My cheek. See... Katya Rivas: Jesus Is Taken before Caiaphas [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0403/S00138.htm

PM To Welcome Home Troops From Afghanistan

- Prime Minister Helen Clark travels to Ohakea this evening to welcome home the New Zealand Defence Force Engineering Group which has been in Basra, in southern Iraq, for the last six months. See... PM welcomes defence personnel home [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00258.htm

Police Drug Perjury Allegations

- ACT New Zealand Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today called on the Government to set up a wide-ranging Commission of Inquiry into the police, in light of the emergence of new concerns regarding the operation of the police force. See... Need For Urgent Commission Of Inquiry [1] MORE: - Libertarianz - Police Problem is Prohibition [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00252.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0403/S00091.htm

Michael Cullen Talks To Canterbury & Mallard To Tauranga

- The past five years have been a good time to be a Cantabrian. Not only has the region produced the standout Super Twelve franchise, but also the Canterbury economy has been the standout amongst all regional economies in the country. See... Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce - Cullen [1] and Mallard Speech to Tauranga Chamber of Commerce [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00253.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00244.htm

McCully & de Bres Call It A Day On Talebanisation Comments

- The proceedings between National MP Murray McCully and Race Relations Commissioner Joris de Bres over the Commissioner's speech on the United Nations Day for Cultural Heritage in 2002 have been concluded. See... Race Relations Case Concluded [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00249.htm

Transit Gutless About Gully - Dunne

- United Future leader and Ohariu-Belmont MP, Peter Dunne, today slammed the board and officials of Transit New Zealand for their gutlessness in refusing to front up for a debate on progress, or the lack of it, on the Transmission Gully project. See... Dunne slates ‘gutless’ Transit NZ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00248.htm

Rick Warns Govt. To Heed Judge Brown's Advice On CYFS

- National Party Social Services spokeswoman Katherine Rich says the Government is ignoring the 2000 report of Judge Mick Brown on CYFS at its, and our children's, peril. See... Government ignores Mick Brown at its peril [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00243.htm

ACT Seeks Investigation Into TV News Fisheries Expose

- Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope must fully explain why a TV One news item, of the so-called marine farm at Potaka Marae, is not regarded as sufficient evidence to warrant even an informal visit to establish the veracity, or otherwise, of its existence, ACT New Zealand Fisheries Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff said today. See... Fisheries Minister Must Investigate Allegations [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0403/S00239.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.

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