Scoop: Top Scoops + Just Politics

Monday, 22 November 2004, 4:48 pm
Article: Alastair Thompson

TODAY’S TOP SCOOPS
LEAD STORY: SIS Bugs Maori: Sunday Star Times Confirms Scoop Investigation
APEC: NZ & China Issue Joint Statement on FTA
... But The Opposition Wants A Deal With The US
MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:
Powell Heads To Holy Land For A Final Push For Peace
INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:
STORY OF THE WEEK: Tariana Turia Calls In The SIS Inspector General
American Coup II: John Kerry Joins The Election Debate
American Coup II: Election Court Challenges Begin In Ohio

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!
Stateside With Rosalea: Improving American Democracy
Scoop Feedback: Lianne Dalziel To SPCS's David Lane
Uri Avnery: Bush & Sharon
John Roughan's Letter From Honiara
Bernard Weiner: Hard Right Turn Ahead
Richard E. Walrath: Phooey On The Flu
UQ Wire: An Update From Nicholas Levis
Sam Smith: US Media Is Not What It Used To Be
Kamala Sarup: AIDS Epidemic Continues to Spread
Douglas O'Rourke: A Eulogy To Colin Powell
Another Eyewitness Report From Iraq
Steven Hass: Speaking Of War Crimes
Suzan Mazur's Ongoing Battle With The Old Grey Lady

OTHER NEWS (Just Politics)
Battle Lines Drawn As Push For Civil Unions Draws Near
ACT's The Letter
English Digs Behind The Official Figures On School Zoning
Cervical Cancer Screening Failing Maori Women
No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba – Campaign Launch
CYF Telephone Tardiness Inexcusable Says Rich
Phil Goff Pleased With The Backpackers
Steve Maharey Talks TV
Greens Announce Victory In War On Smog
Matt Robson Talks Up The Drinking Age
Tizard Urged To Back Whenuapai Airport Plan
Sowry Blames Labour For Price Of Power
$$$ For New School Buildings
Katherine Rich Finds Some More Dodgy Spending

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...TODAY'S PHOTO STORY...

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00288.htm
Auckland Concert: Top Musicians Call For Justice For Zaoui.
Large images of Nesian Mystik, Dave Dobbyn, Don McGlashan.

LEAD STORY:
SIS Bugs Maori: Sunday Star Times Confirms Scoop Investigation

- Scoop Editors’ Note: In co-operation with the Sunday Star Times, Scoop publishes this investigation on Operation Leaf – how the SIS has bugged Maori MPs, networks and associates. The issue was first reported by Scoop's Selwyn Manning on Nov 11. See... SST: Spies Blow Whistle On SIS Bugging [1] ALSO: SST: Whistle Blown On SIS Operation Leaf [2] - SST: SIS ‘We could see it was for dirt collection’ [3] BACKGROUND SCOOP REPORTS: Scoop’s Exclusive Report: Intelligence Sources Say SIS Investigating Maori Party [4] Scoop’s Report Revealed SIS Gets Two Hours Scrutiny A Year [5] For reaction to Scoop's Scoop see...STORY OF THE WEEK [6]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00273.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00272.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00271.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00144.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/archive/scoop/stories/5a/2a/200409011535.92ce1b1a.html
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/index.html#sow

APEC: NZ & China Issue Joint Statement on FTA

- The President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao and Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark today announced that China and New Zealand will commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible. See... New Zealand-China FTA negotiations: joint statement [1] ALSO: - Prime Minister - NZ and China launch FTA negotiations [2] - Govt - Summary of the Joint China-New Zealand FTA Study [3] - Govt - Sutton delighted at progress towards China talks [4] - Greens - Donald Says Helen Clark Has Sold Out On Human Rights [5] - SEAFIC - NZ Seafood Industry Welcomes Prospect of China FTA [6] - TLN - Trade Network Welcomes APEC Developments [7] - China Trade Assn. - Business rewarded for securing trade with China [8] - CTU - Unions fear job losses from China trade deal [9] - Meat Industry - Meat Industry Welcomes China FTA Negotiations [10] - Fonterra - Fonterra Welcomes Trade Talks [11] MORE FROM APEC: - NZ - PM's Address at CEO APEC Summit in Chile [12] & Clark / Lagos talks strengthen ties [13] - USA - APEC Members Reaffirm Commitment to Bogor Goals [14] & US Committed to Advancing Doha Trade Talks - USTR [15]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00448.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00445.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00449.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00450.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00453.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0411/S00293.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0411/S00289.htm
[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0411/S00282.htm
[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00180.htm
[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0411/S00281.htm
[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/BU0411/S00280.htm
[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00447.htm
[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00446.htm
[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00235.htm
[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00232.htm

.. But The Opposition Wants A Deal With The US

- Prime Minister Helen Clark is dreaming if she thinks New Zealand is any closer to a free trade agreement with the United States, ACT New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Spokesman Ken Shirley said today. See... Actions Speak Louder Than Words, PM [1] MORE: - National - No progress for NZ in US FTA [2] - National - NZ benefits from AUSFTA a smokescreen [3]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00459.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00464.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00451.htm

MORE NEW ZEALAND HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00185.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00177.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00175.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0411/S00058.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0411/S00124.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/AK0411/S00125.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/SC0411/S00057.htm

Powell Heads To Holy Land For A Final Push For Peace

Well, as you know tomorrow I'll have an opportunity for the meetings with Prime Minister Sharon and Foreign Minister Shalom and other Israeli officials. The schedule is still being worked, and then we'll meet with Palestinian officials. ... See... Powell Remarks to the Press En Route to Tel Aviv [1] MORE POWELL: - Powell Presser With FM Ignacio Walker of Chile [2] - Powell IV Katherine Bauerle of El Mercurio, Chile [3] - Powell IV Maria Luisa Martinez of Univision TV [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00240.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00239.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00238.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00233.htm

INTERNATIONAL HEADLINES:

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00243.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00242.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00241.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00236.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00231.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00230.htm

STORY OF THE WEEK: Tariana Turia Calls In The SIS Inspector General

- ‘I have today, written to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Retired Judge, Hon. Paul Neazor, to ask him to initiate an immediate inquiry into the allegations made about the activities of the Security Intelligence Service’, co-leader of the Maori Party, Tariana Turia, said today. See... Maori Party calls on IG to investigate SIS [1] MORE REACTION: - Progressives - Select committee oversight of SIS, GCSB required [2] - Russell Brown - Hard News 22/11/04: Spooky [3] - Greens - Locke backs Brash / Peters call for SIS inquiry [4] - Don Brash - SIS allegations too serious to ignore [5] - Greens - Locke backs Brash / Peters call for SIS inquiry [6] & SIS allegations too serious to ignore, says Locke [7]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00475.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00470.htm
[3] - http://publicaddress.net/default,1678.sm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00462.htm
[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00457.htm
[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00462.htm
[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00444.htm

SCOOP SPECIAL REPORT - American Coup II

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00270.htm
2004 Exit Poll "Red Shift" As Seen In Vote Numbers

American Coup II: John Kerry Joins The Election Debate

- "It's unacceptable in the United States that people still don't have full confidence in the integrity of the voting process," Kerry stated calling into question the transparency and accountability of the US voting system. "Regardless of the outcome of this election, once all the votes are counted - and they will be counted - we will continue to challenge this administration," he said. See... John Kerry Calls for National Election Standards [1] and A Message from John Kerry - 19 November 2004 [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00280.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0411/S00237.htm

American Coup II: Election Court Challenges Begin In Ohio

- Ohio’s 2004 presidential vote will be challenged as soon as next week in the state Supreme Court, a coalition of public-interest lawyers announced Friday. See... Ohio Presidential Results to be Challenged [1] See also...Full Coverage of American Coup II [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00285.htm
[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/mason/features/?s=usacoup

SCOOP COLUMNS:
Hard News & More Is There!

- It's easy to forget that today's debates about culture and identity are not all new, and that the thinking of years past can be usefully applied today. I was alerted to Jim Traue's 1990 pamphlet Ancestors of the Mind by a friend who had had it ''kicking around the house''... See... Public Address 22/11/04 - Ancestors Of The Mind [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00287.htm

Stateside With Rosalea: Improving American Democracy

- Since every president of the US that ever there was, always says in his victory speech that he'll work hard to represent ALL the people, not just those who voted for him, why not make the vote for president a nonpartisan election? See... Stateside: Rosalea's Next Big Idea [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00286.htm

Scoop Feedback: Lianne Dalziel To SPCS's David Lane

- Lianne Dalziel, MP for Christchurch East, responds to the Society for the Promotion of Community Standards. See... Genuine and Stable Relationships are Important [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00455.htm

Uri Avnery: Bush & Sharon

- Uri Avnery - not very impressed with the new American administation - nevertheless thinks that Sharon may long back for the days when there was a scapegoat. See... Uri Avnery: Who's Next? [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00284.htm

John Roughan's Letter From Honiara

- The least noticed but most welcome change in public life since RAMSI's arrival in mid-2003, has been the flood of questioning, critical and insightful writings by the Solomons public. See... John Roughan: Solomons' Voice Returns! [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00283.htm

Bernard Weiner: Hard Right Turn Ahead

- Any hope that Bush&Co. might tack toward the center is gone. All signs points to more extremism in policy, more police-state tactics at home, more death and destruction abroad. See... Bernard Weiner: Bush Heads for the Bunker [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00282.htm

Richard E. Walrath: Phooey On The Flu

- That’s the title and attitude of our government on the flu vaccine shortage. Keep the problem out of the news--don't report on it and people will forget about it. Show pictures of the Marines taking Fallujah and broadcast the news that the backs ... See... Richard E. Walrath: Phooey On The Flu [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00281.htm

UQ Wire: An Update From Nicholas Levis

- Dear 9/11 Truth Seekers, It's Friday and a lot is going on... here's the latest on ''Justice for 9/11'', the Kevin Ryan story, and developments at 911Truth.org: See... UQ Wire: Spitzer Complaint, Ryan & 911Truth.org [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00279.htm

Sam Smith: US Media Is Not What It Used To Be

- I admit that I don't do my best media criticism before 7 AM while prone and subject to relapses into a unpredictable somnolent state where no one is trying ever so creatively to tell me what's important. See... Sam Smith: Morning Sickness [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00278.htm

Kamala Sarup: AIDS Epidemic Continues to Spread

- For the past decade, South Asia has been the second fastest-growing region in the world, after East Asia, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3 percent. The situation in South Asia deserved particular attention. See... Kamala Sarup: AIDS Epidemic Continues to Spread [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00277.htm

Douglas O'Rourke: A Eulogy To Colin Powell

- The good soldier of the Bush Administration is leaving an historic tenure as Secretary of State, and in his soul surely dwells an epic book about how modern war is made by warriors and wannabes. See... Douglas O'Rourke: Obstructed Colin [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00276.htm

Another Eyewitness Report From Iraq

- It never fails to get my adrenaline flowing when my hotel rumbles from a car bomb detonating in central Baghdad. See... Dogs Eating Bodies in the Streets of Fallujah [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00275.htm

Steven Hass: Speaking Of War Crimes

- Kevin Sites is a freelance journalist on assignment with NBC News in Iraq, and he is currently acting as the imbedded journalist covering the fighting in Fallujah. His video report, which was released this week and shows a U.S. Marine killing an insurgent. See... Steven Hass: Speaking Of War Crimes [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00274.htm

Suzan Mazur's Ongoing Battle With The Old Grey Lady

- The New York Times has now publicly admitted it plagiarized my classic 7/1/2003 report for the Progressive Review, "How Bush Got Bounced From Carlyle Board" in Ron Suskind's highly-publicized 2004 election cover story for the magazine. See... New York Times: The Paper of Record & Ripoff (II) [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0411/S00269.htm

http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00179.htm
NZers Advertise Their Support Of Civil Unions

Battle Lines Drawn As Push For Civil Unions Draws Near

- A full-page newspaper advertisement in support of the Civil Union Bill has appeared in the Sunday Star Times today. Over a thousand people have signed their names to the advertisement. See... Broad Support For Civil Unions Shown With Ad [1] MORE: - Maxim - Fastest 'Same-Sex Marriage' Law In The World [2] - Civil-Unions.org - Civil Union Bill Injures "The Public Good" [3] - Campaign Against Civil Union Bill [4]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00179.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00186.htm
[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00178.htm
[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PO0411/S00176.htm

ACT's The Letter

- In This Edition: Property prices Rising? - Donna Done - Greens Lost Most - Why So Greedy? - See... ACT's The Letter - 22 November 2004 [1] MORE COLUMNS: - Muriel Newman Newman Online – Foreshore & Seabed [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00467.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00469.htm

English Digs Behind The Official Figures On School Zoning

- Figures released by the Minister of Education directly contradict the Minister’s own public statements about the affects of his zoning policy, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English. See... Zoning: Mallard hides the true picture [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00460.htm

Cervical Cancer Screening Failing Maori Women

- The Maori Party is devastated, but not surprised, to learn of the failure of the national cervical cancer screening programme to reach Maori women. See... Cervical Screening Programme Disappointing [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00454.htm

No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba – Campaign Launch

- New Zealand’s rising rates of sexually transmitted infections will not just go away, Health Minister Annette King said today at the launch of a new youth sexual health campaign at Parliament. See... No Rubba, No Hubba Hubba campaign [1] and Launch of Sexual Health Campaign [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00477.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00478.htm

CYF Telephone Tardiness Inexcusable Says Rich

- "There is absolutely no excuse CYF can give that can explain away why it has not started recording telephone calls, some 12 months after pledging to do just that," says National's Social Services spokeswoman Katherine Rich. See... CYF delay on phone pledge is unacceptable [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00474.htm

Phil Goff Pleased With The Backpackers

- The number of young people from overseas able to work while on holiday in New Zealand will increase to at least 40,000 within two years, Foreign Minister Phil Goff and Immigration Minister Paul Swain announced today. See... More working holiday makers good news for NZ [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00479.htm

Steve Maharey Talks TV

- "This year 90 percent of us regularly watched documentaries you made reflecting our issues and stories. bro'Town and The Insider's Guide to Happiness not only attracted enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim, but also provoked lively conversation in offices and work places across the nation." See... Television production in the current environment [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00473.htm

Greens Announce Victory In War On Smog

- Government plans to tackle a silent killer on New Zealand roads are a victory for Green-Government co-operation on transport issues, the party's Transport Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says. See... Greens Achieve Action On Silent Smog Killer [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00472.htm

Matt Robson Talks Up The Drinking Age

- Overseas evidence shows that the most effective single step Parliament could take to curb binge drinking by teenagers is to raise the drinking age, says Progressive MP Matt Robson. See... Raising the drinking age is the best solution [1] MORE: - United Future - Adams: Focus on youth binge drinking a good thing [2]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00471.htm
[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00458.htm

Tizard Urged To Back Whenuapai Airport Plan

- ACT New Zealand Auckland Issues Spokesman Deborah Coddington is putting pressure on Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard to lobby her cabinet colleagues hard over the coming weeks to make sure Auckland gets a commercial airport at Whenuapai. See... Tizard Needs To Get Out And Bat For Whenuapai [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00465.htm

Sowry Blames Labour For Price Of Power

- National Party Energy spokesman Roger Sowry says figures released at the weekend show that householders are paying through the nose for Labour’s inaction on new power generation. See... Rising power bills reflect Govt inaction [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00463.htm

$$$ For New School Buildings

- More than 130 schools around the country are set to receive around $60 million to build new school buildings, Education Minister Trevor Mallard, announced today. See... Schools to receive $60 million for new buildings [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00461.htm

Katherine Rich Finds Some More Dodgy Spending

- National’s Social Services spokeswoman, Katherine Rich, wants an inquiry into nearly $50,000 worth of government grants given to a Manukau trust for a waka clubhouse that has not been built. See... Inquiry wanted into COGS, Lotteries grants [1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0411/S00452.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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