Today's Top Scoop Stories - News Summary

Wednesday, 21 March 2007, 10:36 am
Article: The Scoop Team

Questions Of The Day:

NEW ZEALAND LEAD:
Protest: Free Food and Music Utilised In Opposition To Bush Foreign Policy -
Banking: BNZ Unlocks The Shackles Of Individualistic Banking
Health: Court Voids Auckland Lab Tests Decision
News Headlines:
Transport: Fitzsimons Disturbed By Cullen's Enthusiasm For Tarmac-
Images: Karim Sahai Photographs WOMAD New Zealand
Medical: Planning For 9 Week Herceptin Option
Media: TVNZ Ondemand Open For Business
Scoop Reports:
Scoop Satire: Mr Field Goes To Wellington
More Scoop Reports:
Recommended Audio:

SCOOP INTERNATIONAL LEAD STORY:
Lebanon: NZ Work Clearing Cluster Bombs Much Appreciated -
Iraq: 4th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq -
United Nations: There Is No Cure For AIDS, UN Agencies Say -
More International Headlines:

SCOOP LEAD STORY
Foreign Affairs: PM Meets Condoleezza Rice In Washington – Delivers Speech On Pacific

[1] - New Zealand Prime Minster Helen Clark's visit to Washington D.C. began today with a meeting with Condoleezza Rice at Blair House the official residence for foreign visitors to the White House. This was followed by a luncheon speech to the Asia Society. This afternoon the Prime Minister will be meeting the Democrat Party leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. Tomorrow she will be meeting the President at 11am Washington Time (6am NZT) followed by a working lunch. See… Audio/Images: PM In Washington DC (Day 1 Part 1) [2] MORE:

Scoop Streaming Audio (click here to listen):PM's Asia Society Speech& Q&A – Washington D.C., 20/03/07 (42 mins) [3]

Scoop Streaming Audio (click here to listen):PM's Standup Q&A With Media, 20/03/07 (6 mins) [4]

Scoop Video: An A NZ US Plan For Pacific Stability? [5]

Scoop Audio: [6] Scoop's Selwyn Manning & Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: How New Zealand is moving to warmer relations with the United States highlighted by a NZ state visit to the White House.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00348.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00348.htm
[3] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/audio/0703/PMDCAsiaSociety200307.m3u
[4] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/audio/0703/PMStandup200307.m3u
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00342.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00347.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00277.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00248.htm

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00380.htm

Check Out Scoop's Audio and Video Podcast Feed

NEW ZEALAND LEAD:

Protest: Free Food and Music Utilised In Opposition To Bush Foreign Policy - [1] On a glorious autumnal day in Wellington a modest crowd gathered outside Parliament to protest at, and remember, the United States invasion and occupation of Iraq. As well as protesting the United States led invasion of Iraq, New Zealand politicians such as Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Phil Goff got a tongue lashing. See... Iraq Invasion Peacefully Remembered At Parl't [2] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00344.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00344.htm

Scoop Video:

International Day Of Action Begins In New Zealand.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0703/S00242.htm

Banking: BNZ Unlocks The Shackles Of Individualistic Banking

- Bank of New Zealand is releasing an innovative new offering that will revolutionise the way we think about money, savings, and banking in general. Called TotalMoney, this new way of banking is a unique first for New Zealand. It allows customers to come together and form groups that may help them pay less interest on a home loan and earn more interest on account balances. See... BNZ launches banking first [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0703/S00348.htm

Health: Court Voids Auckland Lab Tests Decision

- The three regional health boards say they are extremely disappointed in the court's ruling but respect the judge's decision and will follow a prudent path to ensure services continue from 1 July. Justice Asher has rejected the complainant's claims except on two issues: Dr Bierre's conflict of interest and a requirement to consult. As a result, the contract has been set aside. See... Laboratory contract unresolved [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00067.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00070.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00071.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00073.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00074.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00396.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00391.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00399.htm

NEWS HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00390.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0703/S00231.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0703/S00234.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0703/S00220.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0703/S00219.htm

Transport: Fitzsimons Disturbed By Cullen's Enthusiasm For Tarmac-

Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons today released Cabinet paper that reveal how the Government circumvented legislation with its $1.5 billion roading package announced in last year's Budget. "The papers are disturbing in that they show Michael Cullen, Helen Clark and Pete Hodgson effectively invited Transit to compile a wish list of roading projects," said Ms Fitzsimons. See... Road funding system undermines carbon neutrality [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00387.htm

Images: Karim Sahai Photographs WOMAD New Zealand

- On the evenings of March 16 – 18, the WOMAD festival returned to New Plymouth. The event featured performances of contemporary world music from 21 countries. Scoop contributor Karim Sahai was there to capture the World of Music and Dance in photography. See... Karim Sahai Images: WOMAD New Zealand 2007 [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00322.htm

Medical: Planning For 9 Week Herceptin Option

- Breast cancer drug Herceptin is a step closer to being more accessible for NZ women, with PHARMAC today seeking feedback on a proposal to fund a 9 week treatment option for women with HER2-positive early breast cancer. District Health Boards have provisionally approved funding, following a PHARMAC recommendation, though that funding is dependent on the outcome of consultation and the PHARMAC Board’s final approval. See... PHARMAC asking for views on Herceptin funding [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00064.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00383.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00384.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0703/S00385.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00065.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00068.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0703/S00063.htm

Media: TVNZ Ondemand Open For Business

- TVNZ's new online service – TVNZ ondemand – goes live today. The new service is offering an initial selection of about 300 videos from 100 shows – ranging from catch ups on Shortland St and News and Current Affairs programmes to highlights of New Zealand history. There'll be a mix of streamed clips and downloadable shows – some free, some to be paid for using a credit card... See... Online service TVNZ ondemand goes live today [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0703/S00226.htm

SCOOP REPORTS:

Foreign Affairs: Is NZ Poised For A Major Foreign Policy Shift? [1] - A Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and the United States may well be a longstanding goal of New Zealand governments going back to 1990. But in 2007, is an FTA with the United States a clever disguise, a red herring masking a more significant shift in New Zealand foreign policy? Scoop's Selwyn Manning analyses an emerging union of common foreign interests. See... State Visit Signals Shift In NZ/US Foreign Policy [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00277.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00277.htm

Scoop Satire: Mr Field Goes To Wellington

- Plot Outline: An idealistic man joins the New Zealand Parliament filled with a selfless desire to make the world a better place for his constituents, and for many people from places quite removed from his constituency. However, he rapidly discovers that the administration has been corrupted by the powerful and ruthless children's lobby. See... Lyndon Hood: Mr Field Goes To Wellington [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00278.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00231.htm

MORE SCOOP REPORTS:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00162.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00231.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00163.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00192.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0702/S00281.htm

RECOMMENDED AUDIO:

KiwiFM Audio: [1] Wallace Chapman talks to Scoop's Selwyn Manning about the up-coming New Zealand state visit to the White House. What does this mean for NZ and the Pacific?KiwiFM Audio: [2] NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark talks to Wallace Chapman about her pending meetings in the United States with President George W Bush and other top U.S officials – disputes Scoop's interpretation of the US move to make 2007 the year of the Pacific.Scoop Video: International Day Of Action Begins In New Zealand. [3] KiwiFM Audio: [4] NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark talks to Wallace Chapman about the response to Mt Ruapehu’s Lahar on Sunday, as well as her pending meetings in the United States with President George W Bush and other top U.S officials.Scoop Audio: [5] Scoop's Selwyn Manning & Radio Adelaide's Peter Godfrey discuss: How a rest home owner kept patients alive on paper so as to claim subsidies. Also, a bill before Parliament will see armed air marshals on Air New Zealand flights.KiwiFM Audio - Iraq! [6] Scoop's Selwyn Manning and KiwiFM's Wallace Chapman discuss a top-level summit meeting that has taken place in Iraq between the Iraqi Prime Minister, Iran, Syria and the five permanent members of the UN security council, including the USA. What does this mean for the war-torn-region?KiwiFM Audio: [7] NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark is scheduled to meet with US President George Bush on March 20. Is New Zealand about to increase its involvement in Afghanistan, in the Persian Gulf, in containment operations in Central-Asia, and in this US-led War On Terror?KiwiFM Audio: [8] Former Police Minister John Banks talks to KiwiFM's Wallace about why Clint Rickards, recently acquitted of rape charges, must not be reinstated as Assistant Police Commissioner and in charge of the Auckland Police District.

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00299.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00297.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00291.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00296.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00230.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00193.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00042.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00047.htm

INTERNATIONAL NEWS:
Lebanon: NZ Work Clearing Cluster Bombs Much Appreciated -

Little more than a week after they began work in southern Lebanon, near Tyre, local workers were already back to ploughing. Paul Mead, Officer in Charge of the Battle Area Clearance (BAC) team, laughs that the locals insisted on going out ‘the very next day’ after it was declared safe from unexploded munitions. The contamination of land by cluster bombs impacts upon the livelihoods of land owners, land users and workers. See... NZ Work Clearing Cluster Bombs Much Appreciated [1] ALSO:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0703/S00325.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0703/S00227.htm

Iraq: 4th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq -

Good morning. Four years ago today, coalition forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to remove Saddam Hussein from power. They did so to eliminate the threat his regime posed to the Middle East and to the world. Coalition forces carried out that mission... See... 4th Anniversary of the Invasion of Iraq [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00366.htm

United Nations: There Is No Cure For AIDS, UN Agencies Say -

Responding to the emergence of a claimed new cure for AIDS in the Gambia, the main United Nations agencies dealing with the pandemic today issued a call for ‘evidence-based’ responses to the disease. See... There Is No Cure For AIDS, UN Agencies Say [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00343.htm

MORE INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00345.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00355.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00360.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00364.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00365.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0703/S00362.htm

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