Top Scoop Stories April 17th, 2009 News Summary

Friday, 17 April 2009, 5:19 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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PSA: NZ Must Reject OECD's Public Privatization Call
“It’s beyond belief that the OECD is calling on New Zealand to privatise essential public services at a time when governments around the world are bailing out the private sector because of its financial mismanagement,” says Public Service Association national secretary Richard Wagstaff. (Image: Parliament grounds by Alastair Thompson.) More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00141.htm

ALSO:

Full Report From The OECD (pdf) [2]

Government moves on challenges highlighted by OECD [3]

OECD report highlights need for a real plan [4]

OECD Prescription Is The Problem, Not The Solution [5]

OECD's health prescription welcomed by HFANZ [6]

OECD recommends a greater investment in medicines [7]

Report On NZ Health System Ideological Bonkers [8]

OECD's health prescription welcomed by HFANZ [9]

NZ central bank needs to cut rates further: OECD [10]

OECD prescription for ACC a step back for NZ [11]

OECD report highlights pressure on National, says Goff [12]

[2] - http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0904/102009041E.pdf [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00207.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00209.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00143.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00042.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00044.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00040.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00041.htm [9]

[10] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/17/nz-central-bank-needs-to-cut-rates-further-oecd/ [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00151.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/20837.html [12]

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NZ POLITICS

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Pattrick Smellie: Bill’s Biggest Budget BugBear
Of all the big numbers floating around these days, the one that worries Finance Minister Bill English most is government debt. Actually, that’s not quite true. Government debt is the most worrying of all the available worrying numbers that English can actually do anything about. And it’s clear from two recent statements - responding to regular IMF and OECD reviews of the New Zealand economy - that this will be a key theme for his first Budget on May 28. … More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/17/pattrick-smellie-bills-biggest-budget-bugbear/

Spike Mountjoy: Auckland Papers Launch Campaign Against "Supercity"
Auckland's major community newspapers are urging city residents to fight Government plans for the ''supercity'' with an email campaign directed at members of parliament. This week's Aucklander, a local paper delivered free with The Herald, carries the editorial ''Bomb Parliament! – ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00156.htm

ALSO:

"Bomb Parliament!" [2]

Who Stole Our Voice? [3]

Key all over the place on the Maori seats [4]

Sharples ensuring Maori-Crown relationship [5]

[2] - http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/story.cfm?storyID=3797099" target="_blank [2]

[3] - http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/2339294/Who-stole-our-voice" target="_blank [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00219.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00214.htm [5]

Housing: PM's Electorate Gets Fewer Affordable Homes
The Government’s decision to significantly scale back plans to build affordable homes in Hobsonville is a backtrack and raises serious questions about its avowed commitment to supporting New Zealand families into home ownership, says Labour’s Housing spokesman George Hawkins. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00198.htm

ALSO:

John Key Answers Question Regarding State Houses (2006) [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0606/S00216.htm#housing [2]

Environment: "Government Helps Pioneer Climate Scam"
The Government should not be congratulating itself on supporting one of the biggest climate change solution scams around, says Greenpeace. This follows an announcement that the New Zealand government is becoming a founding member of the Global Carbon ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00137.htm

ALSO:

NZ joins international climate change initiative [2]

Green light for environmental footprinting centre [3]

Kyoto news “no reason for complacency” [4]

Veitch’s Guilty plea a step in the right direction [5]

Guilty plea could have come earlier [6]

Veitch should contribute to anti-violence work [7]

Veitch's Supporters Take Us Back To The Dark Ages [8]

Broadcaster Tony Veitch sentenced for assault of ex-girlfriend [9]

Veitch's victim Kristin Dunne Powell delivers her victim statement [10]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00200.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00194.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00150.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00138.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00139.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00146.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00149.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/entertainment/20801.html [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/entertainment/20808.html [10]

Gordon Campbell: Seeking A Legitimate Government In Fiji
Qarase’s mandate, and the methods by which he gained it, were always dubious - and addressing the patent inadequacies in the Fijian voting system has been a genuine reason for delay in calling elections. How much of this delay has been genuine and how much not? More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/04/16/gordon-campbell-on-events-in-fiji/

ALSO:

Fiji - The Media, The Judiciary, And The Constitution [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00153.htm [2]

Carbon: Kyoto Deficit Recalculated To Surplus
New Zealand is now expected to exceed its Kyoto target by 9.6 million tonnes – a surplus worth an estimated $241 million, Climate Change Minister Nick Smith announced today. Dr Smith today released the 2009 Net Position Report for the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2008-2012). The results for 2009 are in contrast to 2008 which projected a deficit of 21.7 million tonnes. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00178.htm

ALSO:

Govt wary of latest Kyoto estimates [2]

Kyoto Credits and Carbon Storage [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/20809.html [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00154.htm [3]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Lycopene: Tomato Sauce Better Than Tomato
Eating a raw tomato may not be the best way to release all its healthy antioxidants into the body. Research by Plant & Food Research, in collaboration with Lincoln University, has shown that lycopene, an antioxidant ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0904/S00026.htm

Employers: Bank Freezes Pay For Staff & Cuts Executive Pay
ASB Freezes Pay For Staff & Cuts Executive Pay To Protect Jobs • Pay Freeze for Staff earning over $50,000 per annum • Executive Salary and Bonus Cuts • Reduced Work Hour Option for ASB Staff • Redundancy Still ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00327.htm

ALSO:

Keeping staff in work – GOOD, Freezing wages - BAD [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00337.htm [2]

Environment: Foodstuffs Introduces Plastic Bag Charge
17 April 2009 - Foodstuffs announced today that it is introducing a charge of five cents per plastic bag at its New World and Four Square stores nationwide, and PAK’nSAVE stores in the South Island from 3 August 2009. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00145.htm

ALSO:

"Good stuff Foodstuffs!", Greens say [2]

At last supermarket chain gets real! [3]

Mayor congratulates Foodstuffs on new bag charge [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00212.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00338.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00215.htm [4]

Employers: Teach Your Workers To Read And Reap The Benefits
Employers who take practical action to boost employees’ literacy and numeracy will be recognised for the first time in this year’s EEO Trust Work & Life Awards. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00293.htm

ALSO:

Vocational Education and Training Research Forum [2]

Better protection proposed for at-risk NZ birds [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00300.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0904/S00201.htm [3]

Internet: Kiwi Design Firm Nominated For Webby
Auckland based multidisciplinary design firm, Alt Group’s Create an Effect campaign, which was devised to raise the profile of New Zealand TVC production companies, has been nominated for the Best Associations Award in the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00280.htm

ALSO:

The Hyperfactory dominates Webby’s nominations [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00302.htm [2]

Air New Zealand: Zeal 320 Talks Break Down
The EPMU and Air New Zealand subsidiary Zeal 320 Ltd concluded mediation this morning at 1.15am without agreement. The union is seeking a new collective agreement to cover 250 flight attendants flying Tasman and Pacific routes on Air New Zealand’s A320 fleet. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00262.htm

ALSO:

EPMU Zeal negotiations [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00267.htm [2]

Economy: Overall Retail Sale Values Up, Thneed Sales Down
Retail sales values in New Zealand unexpectedly rose 0.2%m/m in February, marking the first rise in five months. The modest rise, though, followed a sharp 1.2% decline in January, revised down from a previous estimate of -1.1%. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0904/S00254.htm

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COMMENT

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Paul Buchanan: A Word From Afar - On Denuclearization
Barack Obama’s promise to commit his administration to the global elimination of nuclear weapons is the political equivalent of comfort food: it is easily digested and gratifying in stressful times. Although pacifists have welcomed the promise, most security experts have reacted with skepticism that the goal can ever be reached. This essay evaluates the reasons why. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00148.htm

ALSO:

Obama allows travel, money transfers to Cuba [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/20789.html" target="_blank [2]

National’s Broadcasting Policy: Expedient Fictions
The government’s formal announcement of its decision to discontinue the Reviews of Regulation for Digital Broadcasting and introduce no measures to regulate competition in the television market has again demonstrated its political determination not to ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00090.htm

Bill Berkowitz: Iowa OKs Gay Marriage, What Will California Do?
Has Iowa adhered to its long history of justice or is preventing two men from marrying each other no different than prohibiting a man from marrying his house plant. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00098.htm

John Kozy: The Flaw Of Supply And Demand
As a boy, I developed an absorbing interest in how things work, and every time a household gadget failed to work properly, I dismantled it, noting where each part went and what function it played in the device. In pursuing this interest, I discovered... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00099.htm

Holy Week Serial: The Passion Of Christ
Through the season of Lent 2009 Scoop has published a serialisation of Katya Rivas' "The Passion" in 25 parts.
More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00080.htm

ALSO:

Katya Rivas: The Passion Parts 6-10 [2]

Katya Rivas: The Passion Parts 11-15 [3]

Katya Rivas: The Passion Parts 21-25 [4]

Katya Rivas: The Passion Parts 16-20 [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00095.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00107.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00115.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00109.htm [5]

Bush Crimes: Murder Trumps Torture Says Bugliosi
(April 6, Wash. DC) The legendary Los Angeles County prosecutor and top selling true crime author, Vincent Bugliosi, continues to make the case that he argued in detail in his New York Times best seller, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder . ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00097.htm

Martin LeFevre: Can Humanity End Genocide?
Probably the single greatest test of the so-called international community is whether it can prevent or stop genocide and ethnic cleansing. By that measure over the last 20 years, the states that collectively comprise the United Nations have failed miserably. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0904/S00082.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Digital Remembrance : ANZAC Poppy Field To Grow Online
From today New Zealanders at home and abroad can get an ANZAC poppy sent directly to their mobile phone by making a donation online. For every poppy sent, another is planted in the online field of remembrance at www.anzacpoppy.com, says RNZRSA chief executive, Stephen Clarke. … More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00226.htm

ALSO:

Ports of Auckland stops to remember [2]

Trans Tasman Battle – 6 years in the waiting [3]

From Papanui To Passchendaele [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00230.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00235.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00216.htm [4]

Pacific Music: Lady 6 And Nesian Mystik Award Finalists
The finalists for the 2009 S³ Pacific Music Awards have been announced with Ladi 6 and Nesian Mystik both named in four categories each. Ladi 6 is a finalist for her highly anticipated and long awaited debut solo album, ‘Time is Not Much’ in the Pacific Blue Best Pacific Female Artist, Niu FM Best Pacific Urban Artist and the S³ Best Pacific Music Album categories... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00217.htm

Music: Deerhunter Announce First Tour Of NZ
"A massive, psych‐heavy, art‐damaged four piece, and one of the most inspired new bands we’ve heard in quite a while...not to mention their absolutely fucking insane live shows. ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00222.htm

Theatre: Young Playwrights Inspired By Life Not Couches
Playmarket, New Zealand’s largest script development agency is proud to publically announce the winners of the tenth New Zealand Young Playwrights Competition. The young playwrights are: third time winner Kate Morris (who’s script Sketch already ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00213.htm

Books: Big Katherine Mansfield Bio In The Works
The first definitive biography of the writer Katherine Mansfield for two decades is to be published by Penguin Group (New Zealand). Written by English biographer Kathleen Jones, Katherine Mansfield: The Story-teller will be published by Penguin ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00212.htm

Knitting: Kiwis To Create Giant Baby Blanket
The UN Children’s Fund is calling on Kiwi knitters to get their needles clacking as part of a nationwide attempt to construct a giant baby blanket and raise awareness of AIDS in the developing world. People all around ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0904/S00128.htm

Mental Health: Online Depression Support Expanded
The Ministry of Health website www.depression.org.nz has launched newly created content to supply practical information to help people experiencing depression, including video clips from several New Zealanders who talk about what worked for them. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0904/S00037.htm

Conservation: Mana Island, Zealandia Voted Top Restoration Sites
Mana Island and ZEALANDIA, the focus of world-leading conservation initiatives, are among the top 25 ecological restoration sites in Australia and New Zealand. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0904/S00019.htm

ALSO:

Tiritiri Matangi voted top restoration site [2]

NZ Restoration Projects Impress Panel [3]

Tolaga Bay Wharf gets an upgrade [4]

Problems at the Karori wildlife sanctuary [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0904/S00018.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0904/S00020.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0904/S00194.htm [4]

[5] - http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=4529 [5]

Web-Innovation: Kiwi Cooking Site Launched
Cooked provides a place for foodies to find inspiration, discuss recipes and post their own along with a photo of the finished product. While the are many websites offering free recipes Cooked aims to build a community of food lovers. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0904/S00189.htm

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WORLD

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Scoop Global Financial Crisis News: Australia Needs Real Infrastructure
The $43 billion Kevin Rudd plans to spend on a high-speed broadband network would pay for enough large-scale water infrastructure projects like the Bradfield Scheme, and the Clarence River Scheme, to drought-proof most of Australia and fully replenish ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00263.htm

Climate Change: Climate Change Deal In Copenhagen
Brussels, 15 April 2009 (ITUC OnLine): A trade union initiative for integrating social justice within the transition to a low carbon economy has been launched by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in the negotiations under the United Nations Framework ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00264.htm

Security: 72,000 Operatives To Watch Over Madrid 2016
Madrid, 14 April 2009 - A large integrated presence of more than 63,000 members of the Spanish Brigades and Forces of the department for State Security, Armed Forces, Municipal Police, Fire Brigade and SAMUR Civil Defence will be charged with guaranteeing ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00237.htm

No Justice: Burmese Cyclone Relief Workers Jailed
On Friday a special court, convened in Rangoon's infamous Insein Prison, sentenced six Cyclone Nargis relief workers to prison terms ranging from two to four years. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00236.htm

Activism: West Papuans Rally In Australia
SUMMARY: In solidarity with those who have been shot, detained or jailed for flying the Morning Star flag in the troubled Indonesian Province of West Papua, supporters of the Free Papua Movement gathered today outside the Indonesian Consulate. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00233.htm

War Funds: Tax Day Protests Against The War Economy
Brooklyn, NY ¬ On Wednesday, April 15, at post offices, federal buildings, and public squares around the country, last minute taxpayers and passers by will be met with signs demanding “Taxes for Peace Not War!” Handouts will explain what the government ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00227.htm

Mainstream Media: Sarah Palin's Bizarre Religious Beliefs
Last spring, when the mainstream media's feasted on Pastor John Hagee's anti-Semitic and anti-Catholic sermons, Senator McCain was forced to repudiate the Pastor's endorsement. Why then did the mainstream media give Sarah Palin a pass regarding her -- some would ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0904/S00226.htm

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Top Scoops Headlines

Top Scoop Stories April 17th, 2009 News Summary

Top Scoop Stories April 17nth, 2009 News Summary

LEAD STORY

NZ POLITICS

BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

COMMENT

LIFESTYLE

WORLD

Scoop

Contact Scoop

COMMENT

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