Transtasman Political Letter – 23 Feb. Digest

23rd February 2006

Winston Peters chides the US for not understanding “we’re doing our bit” in the Pacific
... Will it expedite an invitation from the White House?
...The Govt survives its first confidence vote easily, but National comes out of a bruising Parliamentary week on top of the heap
... The Govt hits deep potholes in its roading programme
... Cullen and Costello make progress on trans Tasman regulations.

Locking Horns On Foreign Policy

For the first time in NZ’s modern history, senior politicians are fronting up to an in-depth debate on NZ’s foreign policy, and specifically how NZ should handle its most important relationship, with the US.

Confidence Retained, But National Comes Out On Top

The Govt comfortably survived its first confidence vote this session by 61 votes to 50 at the end of the debate on the Prime Minister’s statement. Yet the Opposition believed it had come out on top after a bruising week in the House.

Ministers Claim Significant Progress On SEM Issues

“Significant progress on single market issues,” is how Australian Treasurer Peter Costello and NZ Finance Minister Michael Cullen reported the outcome of their meeting in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Depleting Gas Supplies Put Pressure On Contact

The proposed merger of NZ’s second-largest listed company Contact Energy with its parent Origin Energy of Aust is already arousing controversy among investment institutions.

CAPITAL TALK

The Dominion Post isn’t PM Clark’s favourite paper right now. After she jumped the gun by announcing an upcoming meeting with US General John Abizaid 24 hours ahead of schedule ...

Play of the Week - Square Eyes

We have proof the world has gone television mad – if proof were ever needed. It began with the sad warble of aging worthies complaining television should be like it was in the old days.

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