Top Scoop Stories April 6th, 2009 News Summary

Monday, 6 April 2009, 5:05 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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TVNZ Q&A: Helen Clark's Husband Says She Felt Rejected By Voters
Peter Davis: "I think she felt rejected basically, because she felt she'd done a good job which I also believe and had put her best foot forward and had been frankly an almost incomparable Prime Minister and yet somehow the public had not seen that the same way. So it took some time for her to frankly come to terms with that and if I was in that position I'd feel the same way I guess." (Scoop image of Helen Clark, by David McLellan.) More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00043.htm

ALSO:

Bill English Talks To Guyon Espiner On TVNZ’s Q+A [2]

Key and English sending conflicting messages [3]

Q+A Discussion With Mike Moore & Fran O’Sullivan [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00044.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00075.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00045.htm [4]

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NZ POLITICS

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Apocalypse: NZ Rearranges Deckchairs While Ice Shelf Collapses
As the Wilkins ice Shelf draws closer to collapse in Antarctica, the New Zealand Government continues to contribute absolutely nothing towards progress on a climate deal in Bonn. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00047.htm

Treasury: Government Financial Statements Not As Bad As You Might Think
The operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) was $0.1 billion. This was $1.8 billion lower than forecast in the Pre-Election Update and $1.2 billion lower than forecast in the December Update mainly due to the lower-than-expected tax revenue result. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00035.htm

ALSO:

Budget to put Govt finances on stronger footing [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00055.htm [2]

Conflicts Of Interest: Worse For Worth?
Pete Hodgson: Internal Affairs Richard Worth’s self-inflicted misery continues after it was revealed today that he has a shareholding in yet another Indian-focused company despite assuring the media yesterday that ‘I have resigned from everything, absolutely everything’. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00047.htm

Punishment: Parliament Home-Detains Sex Offenders After Sentence, Adds To Legal Aid Bill
The Government yesterday asked all political parties to fast-track a bill to close a legal loophole relating to post-release conditions for sex offenders, describing it as a technical change, Mrs Turei said. The Government request did not mention a report from the Attorney-General that was critical of the amendment and that suggested two other potential solutions to the legal problem. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00058.htm

ALSO:

Government closes loopholes in child-sex law [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00044.htm [2]

Less than an hour
- More »[1]

[1] - http://norightturn.blogspot.com/2009/04/less-than-hour.html" target="_blank

ALSO:

Parole Extended Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill 2009: Bills Digest [2]

Attorney-General's report: Parole (Extend Supervision Orders) Amendment Bill [PDF] [3]

Green Party Soft on Pedophiles [4]

Legal aid bill helps victims of crime [5]

Local voices must not be lost "in the rush" [6]

NoMoreRates starts Royal Commission revolt [7]

Franklin residents: keep us out of Auckland [8]

Neighbours Meet To Discuss Super Auckland Plans [9]

Report Calls For Auckld Super City [10]

Letter to Manukau - Drug Summit, Super-city [11]

[2] - http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PubRes/Research/BillsDigests/2/e/8/49PLLawBD16751-Parole-Extended-Supervision-Orders-Amendment-Bill-2009.htm" target="_blank [2]

[3] - http://www.parliament.nz/NR/rdonlyres/5C3B24F8-6345-4517-86A7-592AEDE65765/87613/DBHOH_PAP_9852_5068.pdf" target="_blank [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00036.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00049.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00072.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00042.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00030.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00033.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0903/S00344.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00055.htm [11]

Trade Agreements: Not The Time To Be Signing Away NZ’s Sovereignty - Kelsey
At a time when New Zealand needs the flexibility to respond to pressing domestic economic priorities, and with fresh questions being raised in Australia about the value of their free trade agreements, now was not the time to be signing away New ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00020.htm

April Tweets: Key Spoofed By Phantom Twitterer?
Hon JOHN KEY: I seek leave to table David Cunliffe’s Twitter statement where he says that he should be given more chances to answer questions in the House, that he would “kick their proverbials” if he was given more of a chance, and that if he is not given the chance— More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00030.htm#twitter

dcunliffemp
- More »[1]

[1] - http://twitter.com/dcunliffemp" target="_blank

Keeping Stock: Twitter
- More »[1]

[1] - http://keepingstock.blogspot.com/2009/03/twitter.html" target="_blank

ALSO:

Today In Parliament: 01.04.09 [2]

NZ April Fools Day 2009 [3]

Chauvel: So much for the iPod generation [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00015.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00013.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0903/S00452.htm [4]

Foreign Affairs: Parliament Congratulates Helen Clark
John Key: I move that this House expresses its congratulations to New Zealand’s former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Helen Clark on securing the very important role as head of the United Nations Development Programme. Today, at around 8.30 New Zealand time, the United Nations General Assembly voted to endorse her in this role... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00023.htm

ALSO:

Mangere: We are so proud of you Helen [2]

Asian community delighted at Clark’s appointment [3]

SG Appoints Helen Clark As UNDP Administrator [4]

Clark confirmed as Head of UN's development programme [5]

Full interview with Helen Clark [6]

Helen Clark Appointed To UNDP [7]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00031.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00069.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00002.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20252.html [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20258.html [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0903/S00325.htm [7]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Recession: Snap Out Of It!
Associate Professor Ananish Chaudhuri of the Department of Economics says his current research – featured in the latest edition of the British Economic Journal - shows economic recessions are often caused by widespread pessimism among businesses and individuals, rather than as a result of inherent systemic problems. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00115.htm

ALSO:

Pessimism on the wane as media talks up downturn [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00112.htm [2]

Scoop Business: Smellie Sniffs The Breeze: What’s Another Trillion?
If the G-20 was going to create another trillion dollars, I wanted to know how... Here, in simplistic terms, is how the world comes up with the dosh for these sorts of deals. Bear in mind that much of the money you are about to read about does not yet and may never really exist. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/03/smellie-sniffs-the-breeze-whats-another-trillion/

Archeology: New Insights Into New Zealand’s First People
Initial findings from a University of Otago-led analysis of the koiwi tangata (human remains) of some of the earliest Polynesians to settle New Zealand are shedding new light on their health - including the first evidence of gout among ancient Maori. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0904/S00009.htm

Environment: Balance Needed In RMA Reform - Tourism Industry
Effective environmental management is vital to the continuing success of New Zealand’s tourism industry but the current workings of the Resource Management Act (RMA) must be improved, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00080.htm

ALSO:

NZ embarrasses at climate [2]

NZ rearranges deckchairs while ice shelf collapses [3]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00014.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00047.htm [3]

Maori: Fisheries Conference - Control Or Be Controlled
Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and the Treaty Tribes Coalition are pleased to once again host international and national renowned speakers around the issues of sustainability of the environmental, traditional and commercial fisheries at the 4th Maori Fisheries ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00063.htm

Science: Study Links Drinking Hot Tea To Throat Cancer
Hot tea drinkers are being warned to slow down and cool down, after a recent study has linked drinking hot liquids to an increased risk of throat cancer. Oesophageal cancers kill more than 500,000 people per year. The Iranian study, published in the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00009.htm

Airplanes: EPMU Withdraws Easter Strike Notice
The EPMU has withdrawn its notice for Easter strike action at Air New Zealand, however the industrial action currently underway will continue. Air New Zealand had applied to the Employment Court for an injunction to prevent the strike on the grounds that one aspect of the strike notice was unclear. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00046.htm

ALSO:

Zeal Suspensions [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00023.htm [2]

Business.scoop: While You Were Sleeping: U.S. Housing Thaws
April 2 – The U.S. housing slump showed tentative signs of improvement in February, based on sales of existing homes, while manufacturing gained for a third month in March, stoking optimism the recession may be abating. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/02/while-you-were-sleeping-us-housing-thaws/

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COMMENT

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Jim Miles: State Of The Nations Part III - The Environment
The first part of this series looked at the overall context of the economy, the war on terror, and the environment. The previous section focussed on the military with its ties to terror and the economy globally. This final section looks at the environmental ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00049.htm

ALSO:

The war on terror [2]

State of the nations [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00027.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00019.htm [3]

Martin LeFevre: Barack Provides Insight
For those who could didn’t fall asleep during Barack Obama’s often somnolescent news conference after the 20 Richest Nations (aka G-20) summit in London, he provided insight into his views on capitalism, on American leadership, and on his de facto ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00057.htm

Stateside With Rosalea Barker: New Hampshire
The ninth state to ratify the US Constitution, New Hampshire gets a picture just because. I took the photo out of the window of the bus taking me to Boston to catch a train to DC back in September 2007, after spending a week in a small town in the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00052.htm

Uri Avnery: Who’s The Boss?
ON THE first day of the new Israeli government, the fog cleared: it’s a Lieberman government. The day started with a celebration at the President’s office. All the members of this bloated government – 30 ministers and 8 deputy ministers – were ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00061.htm

Gordon Campbell: The G20 Rescue Package And McCully’s Washington Trip
Barack Obama came to London seeking a fresh spending package to revive the global economy and – despite European objections that tighter regulation and not more money was the way to go – he has got... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/03/campbell-g20-package-mccully%e2%80%99s-washington-trip/

John Minto: West Papua, A Neighbour Needs Our Help
Neles Tebay (pronounced Tibuy) is a charming man. His eyes sparkle mischievously as he speaks and his thick accent and dark Melanesian skin add resonance to his words. With his mobile face and lively eyes he reminds me of Desmond Tutu. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00035.htm

Maya Schenwar: The Fall Of The Presidential Pardon
In the last throes of the Bush presidency, reporters and citizens alike waited restlessly for the announcement that many were sure would come: the long list of pardons for administration officials at risk of prosecution, GOP pols mired in scandal (hello, ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00037.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Health: Smoking Kills 5000 Kiwis a Year
Oncologist David Hamilton says it’s a tragedy that 5000 New Zealanders die each year because of tobacco use. Speaking in support of the new smokefree education approach Face the Facts, Dr Hamilton says people have difficulty comprehending such a large ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00014.htm

Music: The Lady Killers Are Being Released
THE LADY KILLERS are being released! BE VERY AFRAID! The iconic Kiwi entertainers Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch, Jackie Clarke & Taisha are The Lady Killers and they’re releasing their debut live album BLACK IS BLACK on April 20. Featuring 14-tracks ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00068.htm

Quality Of Life: Turns Out You Really Can't Beat Wellington ON A Good Day
The biennial Quality of Life survey of New Zealand’s 12 biggest cities undertaken by research company Nielsen in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development, rates Wellington City highest for quality of life (95 percent), with 98 percent saying they feel safe in their homes at night and 99 percent during the day. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00058.htm

ALSO:

Hamiltonians less stressed; Quality of Life survey [2]

Wellingtonians proudest of their city [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00060.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/20440.html [3]

Sport: PM Announces Weet-Bix Tryathlon World Record
After a successful New Plymouth event attended by over 1,400 local kids, the 2009 Weet-Bix Tryathlon series has successfully broken the record for being the largest children’s sporting event in the world, as verified by the International Triathlon ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00050.htm

Brain Drain: Kiwis Flee NZ for Gay Scene, To Find Jewish Lovers
Pots of gold are not the primary reason for New Zealanders emigrating, new research indicates – and it won't be money that draws them back. Adventure and experience of other cultures are main motivators for moving, not economic advancement, according ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00037.htm

Entertainment: Topp Twins To Tour NZ With New Show
New Zealand’s well-loved entertainers, Jools and Lynda Topp, have a lot to celebrate this year. As well as a theatrical release of their first feature film, the Topps are celebrating 25 years in show business, and a double half-century as twin sisters. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00033.htm

NZ Film: The Last Great Snail Chase Global Premiere
At the end of the world where whales roam the streets and you still gotta go to work. The Last Great Snail Chase is about the lives and troubles of young people living on the brink of the end of the world in Wellington, New Zealand. Alice is in her ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00032.htm

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WORLD

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Foreign Affairs: 90% Of Countries Missing From G20 Summit
The simple fact of globalisation dictates that all countries, the world over, have been affected by a tsunami of crises – of finance and food, of energy and the environment. Equally, all have an interest in what goes into the G20 meeting, and what comes out of it. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00034.htm

ALSO:

G20 Summit: Progress on Jobs [2]

London G20 Results: "More Ambitious Than Expected" [3]

G20 Leaders Must Discuss Barriers to Press Freedom [4]

The G20 and Latin America [5]

PM Hails Global Plan For Recovery And Reform [6]

Bloggers To Make History At G20 Summit [7]

Financial Turmoil Could Trigger Dvlpmt Catastrophe [8]

Obama and Brown optimistic as they meet before the start of G20 summit [9]

Police say man found dead in G-20 protest camp [10]

Money panel: what does G20 mean for us? [11]

Dozens arrested in G20 protests [12]

Symbols of capitalism targeted as London G20 protests turns violent [13]

Where's Michelle Obama's handbag? [14]

Obama doesn't let jet-lag put him off role as G20 star performer [15]

G-20 to give US$1 trillion to IMF, World Bank [16]

bFM: Deady & Manning - What's Going On At The G-20 [17]

Wallace & Manning: EU Prepares For “Decisive” G-20 [18]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00091.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00072.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00039.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00037.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00042.htm [6]

[7] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0903/S00484.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00035.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20295.html [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20304.html [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/20310.html [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20338.html [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20329.html [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20318.html [14]

[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/20317.html [15]

[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/20336.html [16]

[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00012.htm [17]

[18] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0903/S00298.htm [18]

Jet Li: Martial Arts Actor Takes On UN Role
New York, Apr 3 2009 12:10PM Martial arts expert and international film star Jet Li was named today as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), which has lauded his efforts on global disaster relief and support for the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00060.htm

International Concerns: Concerns About Rwanda, Australia And Sweden
New York, Apr 3 2009 6:10PM A group of independent United Nations experts today expressed concern over the judicial system in Rwanda, the terms of Australia’s Anti-Terrorist Act and violence against women in Sweden, after reviewing the state of civil and ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00070.htm

Foreign Affairs: Aid To Myanmar Not Enough To Meet Existing Needs
New York, Apr 3 2009 1:10PM The level of humanitarian assistance that is currently being provided in Myanmar is much lower than the actual needs of the people, a senior United Nations relief official said today at a donors meeting in Yangon, calling ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00093.htm

US Politics: Truth, Crimes, Commissions, And Hope
Good news is being taken as bad. Vermont constituents of Senator Patrick Leahy report that he's finding very little support for his proposed truth and reconciliation commission from Republicans or Democrats in the Senate. Numerous people have taken this as bad ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00038.htm

War Crimes: Evidence That Israel Violated International Law
New York – Israel violated international law by targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, misusing weapons, deliberately denying medical care to the wounded and attacking medical personnel, the National Lawyers Guild Delegation to Gaza said ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00043.htm

Philanthropy: $1 Trillion Pledge To Rescue The World’s Poorest
New York, Apr 2 2009 4:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the $1.1 trillion package committed by leaders of the Group of 20 (G-20) nations in London, stressing that developing nations must receive the funds needed to stem the onset ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00050.htm

Genocide: Situation In DR Congo ‘Fluid And Volatile’
New York, Apr 2 2009 5:10PM Despite recent positive gains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including action against armed groups and the integration of rebels into the national military, the situation remains “fluid and volatile” ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00051.htm

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Top Scoop Stories April 6th, 2009 News Summary