Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Saturday, 30 September 2006, 9:50 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS:
Scoop Images: Wearable Arts Hit Wellington Streets
Religion: Not A Gay Day For Presbyterians
Politics: Turia Says Money Offered For Labour Support - Labour Denies Knowledge
Economy: GDP Rises A Bit In June Quarter
MORE HEADLINES:
Business: Copious Complaints On Company Compliance Costs
Tourism: Overlander Not Cancelled After All
Health: PlunketLine To Continue Without State Funding
RECOMMENDED AUDIO:
Kiwi Pride: Peter Jackson Moves Into Video Games
Political Entertainment: Dunedin Fringe Terrorised By Big-Headed Politicians
Community Safety: Mayoral Candidate Explores Manukau Youth Violence/Drugs Solutions
Conservation: Melting Sealion A Symbol Of Mammal Massacre -
Social News: Still Time To Get Behind The Month-Long Make Poverty History Campaign

WORLD NEWS:
Yasmine Ryan: Why Sinai Is Egypt's Achilles’ Heel
International Law: Senate Passes Bush Torture Bill
Solomons Islands: New Attorney General Arrested in PNG for Alleged Child Sex
UN AUDIO NEWS:
MORE WORLD HEADLINES:

SCOOP COLUMNS:
South East Asia: Richard S. Ehrlich's Ongoing Coup Coverage From Thailand
Catherine Austin Fitts: The Real Deal On Andrew Cuomo
Torture: George Bush vs. Gospel of Matthew
Torture: US Law Takes A Giant Leap Backwards (To The Inquisition)
Faith: When Kamala Sarup Met Mother Teresa
MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics):
POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:
Politics: Orewa Strikes Back - Sharples Gives Race Relations Speech To Rotary Club
Education: Defenders Rush To Support Marsden Fund Decisions
Border Security: Trawl Nets 99 Illegal Kiwi Passports In A-NZ-US Sting
Religion: Non-Political Brethren's Unique Union Loophole Closing Fast
Politics: Brian Connell Is 'Gone By Lunchtime' -
MORE POLITICAL HEADLINES:

Scoop Images: Wearable Arts Hit Wellington Streets

Last Friday a parade of strange and colourful costumes was supposed to proceed from Parliament and snake its way through the office blocks of Lambton Quay. Tragically for bored civil servants and office workers the Capital's fickle weather made this impracticable. Today, however, the weather gods were smiling and ace Scoop photojournalist Lyndon Hood was on hand to capture the wacky magic of the Excessive Accessories. See... Capital Graced by Wearable Arts Parade Of Wildness [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00448.htm

Religion: Not A Gay Day For Presbyterians

- General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top decision-making body, today confirmed its 2004 rule that those involved in a sexual relationship outside marriage, whether gay, lesbian or heterosexual, cannot become ministers or elders. The rule is not retrospective and only applies to people being assessed for future training or leadership positions. It is not a disciplinary standard and cannot be used to remove a person who is already holding an office. See... Assembly votes to confirm rule on sexuality [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00330.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00329.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00331.htm

Politics: Turia Says Money Offered For Labour Support - Labour Denies Knowledge

Cabinet Minister Steve Maharey said today that Labour had never heard of Tariana Turia's claim her party was offered a bribe in the lead-up to the election. "Labour has certainly never heard of this," Steve Maharey said. "Party President Mike Williams confirmed today he has never heard of it. If we had we would have wanted nothing to do with it. "If there is any truth in the claim, Mrs Turia should take the only decent piece of advice Don Brash has ever given her and name names. See…Labour has never heard of Turia's claims [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00613.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00601.htm
[3] - http://www.legislation.govt.nz/libraries/contents/om_isapi.dll?clientID=223781&hitsperheading=on&infobase=pal_statutes.nfo&jump=a1961-043%2fs.103&softpage=DOC#JUMPDEST_a1961-043/s.103

Economy: GDP Rises A Bit In June Quarter

- Economic activity increased 0.5 percent in the June 2006 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today. In the year ended June 2006, the economy grew 1.9 percent, down from the 3.1 percent growth recorded in the year ended June 2005. Service industries continued to provide much of the impetus for the New Zealand economy, growing 0.5 percent in the June 2006 quarter. See... Growth Lead by Services Sector and Exports [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00493.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00622.htm

MORE HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0609/S00274.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00324.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00498.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00496.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0609/S00290.htm

Business: Copious Complaints On Company Compliance Costs

- Compliance costs have increased for four out of six business sizes, with tax and employment law the top concerns, according to the latest annual survey of business compliance costs. The 2006 KPMG-Business NZ Compliance Cost Survey shows tax is the biggest compliance cost by a large margin, followed by compliance costs generated by the Employment Relations Act, Holidays Act and Health & Safety in Employment Act. See... Compliance problems with tax, employment law [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00477.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00609.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00480.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00479.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00323.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00494.htm

Tourism: Overlander Not Cancelled After All

- Toll NZ today announced that taking on board all the support they have received for a long distance North Island rail service, and their own exhaustive efforts to find a workable solution to keep the Overlander operating, a service will continue to run but initially on a reduced timetable. See... Overlander announcement [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00483.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00614.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00616.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0609/S00278.htm

Health: PlunketLine To Continue Without State Funding

- Plunket today announced its long-term commitment to PlunketLine. Following the end of Ministry of Health funding in June, Plunket had promised staff, families, community groups and supporters it would make a decision about the long-term future of PlunketLine by the end of September. See... PlunketLine Here to Stay [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0609/S00105.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00602.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00605.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00607.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00612.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0609/S00107.htm

RECOMMENDED AUDIO:

Scoop Audio: [1] Kevin List on Radio Active discusses: the Auditor General and reveals some detail about a man called Chuck. Scoop Audio: [2] Selwyn Manning and Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: the National Party caucus suspending Brian Connell and Don Brash's leadership woes; 99 New Zealand passports used illegally; and the Kahui twins murder investigation still lurks on without a conclusion. 95bFM Audio: [3] Alice Murray interviews Maurice Williamson, National MP. Having received similar treatment himself in 2003, what does he think about Brian Connell's suspension from caucus this week? Scoop Audio: [4] Selwyn Manning and Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: How 99 New Zealand Passports being used illegally have been netted. Reflects back to high profile passport fraud case where Mossad agents were convicted of illegally obtaining a NZ passport.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00407.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00398.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00402.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00405.htm

Kiwi Pride: Peter Jackson Moves Into Video Games

- A landmark partnership announced between Academy Award-winning writer, director and producer Peter Jackson, Academy Award-winning screenwriter Fran Walsh, and Microsoft Game Studios will create two new interactive entertainment series exclusively for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live®. See... Partnership with Peter Jackson for new Xbox Series [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0609/S00464.htm

Political Entertainment: Dunedin Fringe Terrorised By Big-Headed Politicians

- A Dunedin Fringe street theatre show has been stung by accusations it is a front for the Exclusive Brethren, forcing the group to change its controversial act. Hamilton's Fake Estate has now replaced its David Benson-Pope mask with one of Bill English. See... Exclusive Brethren accusations hit Dunedin Fringe [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0609/S00271.htm

Community Safety: Mayoral Candidate Explores Manukau Youth Violence/Drugs Solutions

- Len Brown - Mayoral Candidate: "Recently a man approached me with a question – for the last 12 months there has been a tinny house in his street, close by his home where he and his family live. He would like it closed down. On several occasions he has asked the authorities for action. The tinny house is still there. He wonders if he should now move his home and live somewhere else. He is not happy. He is afraid." See... Manukau: Youth Violence & Drugs Can We Handle It? [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0609/S00254.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0609/S00257.htm

Conservation: Melting Sealion A Symbol Of Mammal Massacre -

Today lucky young un's that wandered past the hub of New Zealand's parliamentary democracy were in for a chilly treat. A finely carved and slowly melting sealion was placed at the foot of the steps of Parliament House and seemed to act as a magnet for inquisitive tots tootling past. According to a Forest and Bird press release the sealion ice sculpture was meant to symbolise the 2000 sealions that have died in the squid fishery since 1980. See... Sealion Chills Out At Parliament [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00404.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00589.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00588.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00308.htm

Social News: Still Time To Get Behind The Month-Long Make Poverty History Campaign

- Many well known Kiwis and many others abroad are among those concerned that the gap between rich and poor in NZ is growing - people that suffer the greatest poverty in NZ are children. There's still time to get behind the Make Poverty History month-long campaign. See... Full Coverage: Make Poverty History Month Campaign [1] ALSO: Video: Petra Bagust [2] Talks about Making Poverty History. Video: Dave Dobbyn [3] Talks about Making Poverty History.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00302.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00401.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00400.htm

Yasmine Ryan: Why Sinai Is Egypt's Achilles’ Heel

- Since the 7 October 2004 bombings in Taba and Ras Shitan, the lucrative tourism industry of the Sinai Peninsular has emerged as the Achilles’ heel in the Egyptian state’s ability to prevent terrorist attacks. Subsequent attacks on the Gulf of Aqaba settlements have hit Sharm el-Sheik (23 July 2005, 64 dead) and, just a few months ago, Dahab (24 April 2006, 24 dead). Scoop's Yasmine Ryan reports. See... Tourism and Terrorism in Dahab [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00505.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0609/S00260.htm

International Law: Senate Passes Bush Torture Bill

- Washington - The House approved legislation Wednesday giving the Bush administration authority to interrogate and prosecute terrorism detainees, moving President Bush to the edge of a pre-election victory with a key piece of his anti-terror plan. See... Link: US Congress Passes Bill on Terror/Torture [1] ALSO: USA: Congress rubber stamps torture & other abuses [2] Scoop Audio: U.S. President George W. Bush urges Senate to pass Torture Bill into Legislation.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00438.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00627.htm

Solomons Islands: New Attorney General Arrested in PNG for Alleged Child Sex

- Papua New Guinea police have arrested the Solomon Islands attorney general, Julian Moti, on alleged child sex offences. The arrest was announced by the Australian minister for justice and customs, Chris Ellison. See... Solomons AG arrested in PNG for alleged child sex [1] ALSO:Solomons New Attorney General Sues for Defamation [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00628.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00629.htm

UN AUDIO NEWS:

Scoop Audio: [1] General Assembly Wraps Up Annual Global Debate - Ethiopia Says It's Ready to Normalize Relations with Eritrea - Children Paying the Price for Lack of Clean Water and Sanitation: UNICEF -Worsening Security Situation in Afghanistan Impacting Human Rights: Arbour - ICT Forum Drafts Ways to Bring Internet to Remote Areas.

[1] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/audio/0609/UN_brief_28_9_06.m3u

MORE WORLD HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00643.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00641.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00637.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00630.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00619.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0609/S00616.htm

South East Asia: Richard S. Ehrlich's Ongoing Coup Coverage From Thailand

- BANGKOK, Thailand -- The military coup leaders promised to investigate alleged corruption committed during ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's reign, including his family's 1.9 billion U.S. dollar telecommunications sale, Thailand's purchase of ... See... Thai Coup Leaders Promise Corruption Investigation [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00433.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00421.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00377.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/#thai

Catherine Austin Fitts: The Real Deal On Andrew Cuomo

- In 2000, three and a half years after Andrew Cuomo became Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), I met with a senior staff assistant to the Chairman of one of the appropriations committees for HUD. When I asked what was going on at HUD, the staff assistant said, "HUD is being run as a criminal enterprise." I replied, “I don’t disagree.” See... Real Deal: Unanswered Questions About Andrew Cuomo [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00420.htm

Torture: George Bush vs. Gospel of Matthew

- According to the gospel of Matthew, it came to pass that Pontius Pilate said to Jesus, “ Do you not hear all this evidence that is brought against you?” for even in those days of rudimentary justice a man had the right to hear the charges of his accusers. Yet two thousand years later, under a bill urged by President Bush, a compliant Congress may agree to allow a prisoner of war to be tried without hearing all the evidence against him, some being held back in the name of “national security.” See... Sherwood Ross: George Bush vs. Gospel of Matthew [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00392.htm

Torture: US Law Takes A Giant Leap Backwards (To The Inquisition)

- As a retired US Army Reserve colonel, I am aghast at the blatant browbeating by civilian political appointees of the Bush administration of another generation of senior US military officers. In late 2002 and 2003, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld began ... See... Browbeating Military Officers on Geneva Convention [1] MORE:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00443.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00438.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00436.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00435.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00434.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00385.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00379.htm

Faith: When Kamala Sarup Met Mother Teresa

- I slowly look at her and smiled, "You like to love, forgiveness, companionship. Life is not easy as I think." Mother Teresa began to speak, "Live easily and let others live easily. You have to understood the meaning of life at all. The meaning of life is not to keep yourself in misery. Yes, you can offer many people happiness". See... Kamala Sarup: When I visited Mother Teresa [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00411.htm

MORE SCOOP COMMENT & OPINION:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00446.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00424.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00422.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00445.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00444.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00383.htm
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[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00396.htm
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[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00440.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00439.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00380.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00437.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00432.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00413.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00431.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00430.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00410.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00378.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00429.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00428.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00426.htm
[23] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00412.htm
[24] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00381.htm
[25] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00425.htm
[26] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00419.htm
[27] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00418.htm
[28] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00417.htm
[29] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00416.htm
[30] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00415.htm
[31] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00414.htm
[32] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00397.htm
[33] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00395.htm
[34] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00394.htm
[35] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00393.htm
[36] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00391.htm
[37] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00390.htm
[38] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00389.htm
[39] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00388.htm
[40] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00387.htm
[41] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00386.htm
[42] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00384.htm
[43] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00376.htm
[44] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00375.htm
[45] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00374.htm
[46] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00373.htm
[47] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00372.htm
[48] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00371.htm
[49] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00370.htm

POLITICAL NEWSLETTERS:

Transtasman Political Letter – 28 September Digest [1] The Letter: Pay it back [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00427.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00406.htm

Politics: Orewa Strikes Back - Sharples Gives Race Relations Speech To Rotary Club

- Last year, a very significant event occurred, right here, in Orewa. Yes, it is just over a year in fact on the 15 September 2005, since Hone Harawira, my esteemed colleague spoke at the Orewa Rotary Club - He was welcomed by Ngati Whatua and accorded the respect of manuhiri to this club - but as you probably know the clubrooms were rented for the night - and the club itself was not present. See... Sharples: Orewa Rotary Club [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00578.htm

Education: Defenders Rush To Support Marsden Fund Decisions

- Chair of Marsden Fund Humanities Panel Supports Dr Jagose Associate Professor Lydia Wevers, Chair of the Marsden Fund Humanities Panel, has spoken out against attacks on the research of The University of Auckland’s Dr Annamarie Jagose. See... Marsden Humanities Panel Chair Supports Dr Jagose [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00115.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00581.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00600.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00116.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00104.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00106.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00105.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0609/S00103.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00520.htm

Border Security: Trawl Nets 99 Illegal Kiwi Passports In A-NZ-US Sting

- A major initiative to strengthen border security has well and truly proved its worth in its first six months, says Immigration Minister David Cunliffe. As of mid August a total of 99 lost, stolen or otherwise invalid New Zealand passports have been detected by the Regional Movement Alert System (RMAS) being used to enter Australia or the United States since 1 April, Mr Cunliffe said today. See... Passport-checking system a flying success [1] Scoop Audio: [2] Selwyn Manning and Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: How 99 New Zealand Passports being used illegally have been netted. Reflects back to high profile passport fraud case where Mossad agents were convicted of illegally obtaining a NZ passport. ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00584.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00405.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00595.htm

Religion: Non-Political Brethren's Unique Union Loophole Closing Fast

- Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said that he was pleased that the Green Party – which in 2000 was instrumental in securing the Brethren’s special treatment under the Employment Relations Act – has today announced that it wants it removed. See... Union backs removal of Brethren's special status [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0609/S00292.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00554.htm

Politics: Brian Connell Is 'Gone By Lunchtime' -

In a no surprises move, the National Party Caucus today decided to suspend MP Brian Connell. Prior to the suspension, Nat Leader Dr Don Brash faced a media scrummage outside the caucus room, where he said Mr Connell's fate was for Caucus to discuss and that Mr Connell's future was NOT on the agenda. How wrong he was! See... Scoop Audio & Report: Hidden Agenda Results In Connell Suspension [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0609/S00382.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00546.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00555.htm

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[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00597.htm
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[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00559.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00582.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00591.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00586.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00583.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00577.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00576.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00574.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00571.htm
[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00596.htm
[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00579.htm
[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00569.htm
[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00568.htm
[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00565.htm
[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00598.htm
[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00590.htm
[23] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00585.htm
[24] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00564.htm
[25] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0609/S00562.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.

Contact Alastair Thompson

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