Top Scoop Stories July 1st, 2009 News Summary

Wednesday, 1 July 2009, 5:25 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Gordon Campbell: Paula Bennett’s Welfare Abuse
To date, the government’s response to the recession has been faulted on the demand side – for not giving sufficient stimulus to the economy, as reflected in its wilful misdirection of most of the April tax cut money to the top tier of incomes... The lack of proper planning and funding for social welfare provision has been just as disastrous. More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/07/01/gordon-campbell-on-paula-bennett%E2%80%99s-welfare-abuse/

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NZ POLITICS

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ALSO:

Questions For Oral Answer - 1 July 2008 [2]

Today In Parliament 01.07.09 [3]

Questions And Answers - 30 June 2009 [4]

Today In Parliament: 30.06.09 [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00013.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00019.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00004.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00330.htm [5]

Banking: No Interest In Rates Inquiry
Today the Finance and Expenditure Committee, by majority, voted against initiating an inquiry into the relationship between the official cash rate and short term interest rates. The committee also decided, by majority, not to initiate an inquiry into recent banking practices, including a particular focus on retail interest rate margins. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00023.htm

ALSO:

Government MPs sink bank inquiry [2]

Banks repatriating ‘enormous amounts’ [3]

Disclosure regulations for financial advisers [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00020.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00028.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00026.htm [4]

Do You Know Your Energy? "Green Day" Declared In Parliament
The Green Party is optimistic about the future of biofuels now that the Government has signalled support for the Green’s Sustainable Biofuel Bill... “Today is Green Day in the House, as every single bill being considered today is a Green Party bill,” Ms Fitzsimons said. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0907/S00016.htm

New Months: Beer Tax, Other Things Change On 1 July
New Zealanders face a price increase on their favourite alcoholic beverage, says Hospitality Association Chief Executive Bruce Robertson. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00719.htm

ALSO:

FBT rate for low-interest loans falls [2]

Funding boost for early childhood education [3]

Release details on insulation package now [4]

Treatment funded to save patients and money [5]

Cardiovascular disease gets funded treatment [6]

Greater access to life-extending lymphoma drug [7]

Govt’s package welcomed by social services sector [8]

Newmarket grows by over 50% from tomorrow [9]

Organic Advisory Programme Ends [10]

More Bus Services For South Taranaki [11]

Character Housing Maintenance Grant [12]

Unleash your inner film director and win! [13]

Schizophrenia Fellowship has makeover [14]

Regions suffer as frontline services go [15]

John Key’s naivety exposed [16]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00294.htm [2]

[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00432.htm [3]

[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00001.htm [4]

[5] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00174.htm [5]

[6] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00122.htm [6]

[7] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00093.htm [7]

[8] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0905/S00263.htm [8]

[9] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00720.htm [9]

[10] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00692.htm [10]

[11] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00358.htm [11]

[12] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00277.htm [12]

[13] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00216.htm [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0907/S00001.htm [14]

[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00436.htm [15]

[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00429.htm [16]

Public Health: Govt Parks Private Hospital At Bottom Of Cliff
The Public Health Association (PHA) says the Government's plans for District Health Boards (DHBs) to work more closely with private hospitals misses the point. National Executive Officer Dr Gay Keating says the most effective way to reduce waiting lists ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0906/S00172.htm

ALSO:

Hospitals to make smarter use of private sector [2]

Ryall: IPAC meeting speech notes [3]

The PM on Private Hospitals, Afghanistan and Sushi [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00412.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00415.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00326.htm [4]

Gordon Campbell: National Tested On National Standards
The current struggle between school principals and Education Minister Anne Tolley over national standards has the hallmarks of a rushed and insuffiently funded process... The reality is that 90% schools already conduct testing – and it is by no means clear that further standardisation will enhance the learning environment. (ALSO: More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/29/national-education-tests-and-michael-jackson/

ALSO:

Anger Over National Standards Consultation [2]

League tables a sideshow [3]

Mallard to meet principals, union re league tables [4]

John Key on Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and skiing [5]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/ED0906/S00082.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00409.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00404.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/politics/23822.html [5]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Not-So Greasies: Chip Group Calls For Best Practice Frying
As business booms for chip shops around the country, the Chip Group is urging shop owners to adopt best practice frying techniques for the health of their customers. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00716.htm

ComCom: Time To Regulate Mobile Termination Prices
The Commerce Commission today released its draft report recommending that the mobile termination prices should be regulated. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00703.htm

ALSO:

ComCom proposes regulation of termination rates [2]

Mobile charges are too high - ComCom [3]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/30/comcom-proposes-regulation-of-termination-rates/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/23877.html [3]

Deregulation: Kiwifruit Suppliers Prefer Monopoly, Thanks
Kiwifruit Suppliers representing over 90 percent of kiwifruit supplied to ZESPRI have today confirmed that they support the Single Point of Entry structure in response to statements from Turners & Growers to media over the weekend. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00700.htm

ALSO:

ZESPRI To Review Report [2]

Re: Turners and Growers comments [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00687.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00686.htm [3]

Statistics: Imports Down, Exports Up
The trade balance for May 2009, when measured as a percentage of exports, recorded the largest surplus since June 1993, Statistics New Zealand said today. The surplus of $858 million, or 21.7 percent of exports, resulted from a large drop in imports combined with a moderate rise in exports. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00661.htm

ALSO:

NZ posts fourth straight monthly trade surplus [2]

Non-residential building bolsters consents [3]

Exempt Agriculture from ETS: Joint NZIER Report [4]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/29/nz-posts-fourth-straight-monthly-trade-surplus/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00662.htm [3]

[4] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/17/exempt-agriculture-from-ets-joint-nzier-report/ [4]

Employment: Fletcher Building To Close Kumeu Mill
The National Distribution Union is challenging Prime Minister John Key and NZ corporate giant Fletcher Building to take proactive action to deal with the 41 jobs lost as a result of the decision of Fletchers to close its Kumeu mill in the PM’s Helensville electorate. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00285.htm

ALSO:

Mayor looks to the future for Kumeu workers [2]

Fast food jobs - Govt contempt for young workers [3]

41 jobs lost with Fletcher plant closure [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00354.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00295.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/23749.html [4]

GDP: Economy Not Doing So Good
Economic activity, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), was down 1.0 percent in the March 2009 quarter, Statistics New Zealand said today. On an annual basis, GDP decreased 1.0 percent for the year ended March 2009, the first annual decline in economic activity since the year ended June 1992. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00617.htm

ALSO:

NZ economy contracts more than expected [2]

NZ economy contracted for fifth straight quarter [3]

Export sector where jobs, growth will come [4]

GDP figures show business is hurting [5]

GDP: greater scale and urgency needed on jobs [6]

Real economy continues to slow [7]

NZ dollar gains before GDP, greenback weakens [8]

First annual economic decline since 1992 [9]

[2] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/26/nz-economy-contracts-more-than-expected/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00620.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00376.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0906/S00381.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0906/S00291.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0906/S00624.htm [7]

[8] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/26/nz-dollar-gains-before-gdp-greenback-weakens/" target="_blank [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/23744.html [9]

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COMMENT

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‘Returning’ Iraq: The Withdrawal Of US Forces
No one genuinely likes liberators. After the initial enthusiasm wears off, the term ‘occupation’ rapidly succeeds it. The English writer Malcolm Muggeridge noted how British soldiers were purposely precluded from a prominent role in the liberation ... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00014.htm

ALSO:

Out of Iraq – Maybe [2]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00017.htm [2]

Michael Collins: A Matter Of Trust - Mexico's Legislative Elections
In the wake of Felipe Calderon’s surprising electoral win over Andrés Manual Lopez-Obrador in 2006 Presidential Elections, demonstrators protesting alleged election fraud occupied the center of Mexico City from July through December. On three occasions, crowds... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00012.htm

A United Opposition: Hezbollah After The Elections
While on the surface the pro-US team here did preserve its ‘majority’ the Hezbollah led opposition actually won the election by nearly ten percent of the popular vote. Of approximately 1,495,000 votes cast on June 7, 815,000 voted for the National Lebanese... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00013.htm

Martin LeFevre: Hobbits and Human Evolution
Most people have heard of the Hobbits, and I don’t mean the creatures from Tolkein’s imagination. I mean the strange little island hominid in Java that co-existed with modern humans as recently as the Dutch colonial period. More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00007.htm

ALSO:

King of Popping [2]

The Bank [3]

Hide covers crude oil worker [4]

Collins goods train [5]

Tegucigalpa June 28th 2009: Emotions, Reflections [6]

Al Giordano: Day Two of the Coup in Honduras [7]

2 Battalions Turn Against Honduras Coup Regime [8]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00004.htm [2]

[3] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00262.htm [3]

[4] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00235.htm [4]

[5] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00234.htm [5]

[6] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00337.htm [6]

[7] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00336.htm [7]

[8] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00335.htm [8]

Gordon Campbell: National Education Tests
The current struggle between school principals and Education Minister Anne Tolley over national standards has the hallmarks of a rushed and insuffiently funded process. No one can object to the nominal aim of national... More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/29/national-education-tests-and-michael-jackson/

Uri Avnery: Between Tel Aviv And Tehran
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of Iranian citizens pour into the streets in order to protest against their government! What a wonderful sight! Gideon Levy wrote in Haaretz that he envies the Iranians. And indeed, anyone who tries these days to get Israelis in... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00011.htm

Michael Jackson: The Issue Of Ownership
The death of a celebrity tends to be a shock in a society which values it as an achievement onto itself. It produces addled reactions. The latest was Jamie Foxx’s idea that Jackson was a black man who was owned by America’s black community... More »[1]

[1] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0907/S00008.htm

ALSO:

The Obligatory Michael Jackson Column [2]

NIL [3]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0906/S00325.htm [2]

[3] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/29/national-education-tests-and-michael-jackson/ [3]

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LIFESTYLE

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Entertainment: King Kapisi And Live Band to Tour NZ
Perennial Samoan hip hop artist King Kapisi heads out on tour with his band throughout July and August in the lead-up to the release of his fourth album Hip Hop Lives Here, due out in September. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0907/S00003.htm

ALSO:

NIL [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00322.htm [2]

Squeeze Box: Kiwi Wins Primus Ikaalinen Accordion Champs
Kiwi accordionists Grayson Masefield has taken out the top prize, the Primus Ikaalinen International Accordion 2009 in the 5th Sata-Hame Soi International Accordion Festival held in Ikaalinen, Finland over the last week. This popular international accordion ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00305.htm

Scoop Books: Kiwis In The Spanish Civil War
In Spain, the pamphlet-poem that raised hundreds of pounds for British supporters of the Republican government in 1937, WH Auden saluted the young men and women who made the journey to the ‘arid square’ of Iberia to defend the Republicans against Franco’s fascist insurrection: More »[1]

[1] - http://books.scoop.co.nz/2009/06/28/from-the-edge-of-annihilation/

Film: Tom Scott’s "Separation City" Premieres in Wgtn
World Premiere at Embassy in Wellington on Wednesday August 5 (Opens in Cinemas everywhere from Thursday, August 6, 2009 Hoyts Distribution NZ Ltd and the NZ Film Commission are proud to announce Tom Scott’s “Separation City” will celebrate a World ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00279.htm

Bang Bang Clang... Wail: Strike and Saxophonist Collaborate
Strike Percussion are regular performers at Downstage, most recently with their hugely popular shows Strike Elemental (2008) and Strike Soundsystem (2009 NZ Fringe Festival). Adam Page Solo was a hit at the 2009 NZ Fringe Festival winning ‘Best Music’ ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00277.htm

Words: Ian Wedde Takes Michael King Residency
Distinguished Wellington poet, novelist and critic, Ian Wedde, has been selected for a six month writer’s residency in Auckland starting in July. The residency is a partnership between The University of Auckland, Creative New Zealand and the ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00274.htm

ALSO:

Words Come Alive on Montana Poetry Day [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00276.htm [2]

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WORLD

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UNESCO: Chinese Mountain Inscribed On World Heritage List
New York, Jun 28 2009 6:10PM A sacred Buddhist mountain in China and a British aqueduct and canal are among several sites that can now boast membership on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00487.htm

Drug Day: Drug Users Demand Dignity
On the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking , drug users gathered outside Shastri Bhavan (New Delhi, India), to reject “sham” programmes for addiction and demand meaningful involvement in policies. Protesting torture and ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00470.htm

ALSO:

Greater Efforts To Curb Illicit Drug Trafficking [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00454.htm [2]

Rest in Peace: The Death Of The King Of Pop: Jackson Dies Aged 50
At 12:10 local time (CA) the King of Pop Michael Jackson was rushed to hospital after dropping to the floor at his LA home. The King of Pop was pronounced dead shortly afterward. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00447.htm" name="jackson

ALSO:

Honduras Requests OAS Examination [2]

Honduras; Future Of The Country, And C-America [3]

COHA Responds to the UN World Drug Report [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00474.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00475.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00471.htm [4]

Activism: Statement On Sweep Operation In Puncak Jaya
June 22 - Disturbing information has reached WPAT from a variety of sources of a very serious situation now transpiring in Puncak Jaya, West Papua. A ''sweep operation,' reportedly carried out by Indonesia's mobilized police or ''Brimob,'' has killed several ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00325.htm

ALSO:

The Masters of Terror [2]

No Ties With The Indonesian Military [3]

Military Allies - Push Jakarta for Accountability [4]

Prisoner Abuse & Military Build-Up In West Papua [5]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00410.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00421.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00440.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00444.htm [5]

Tyrannical Allegiance: Burma: News Blackout On North Korean Ship
The Burmese junta's censorship board has banned all internal media from publishing news about the Kang Nam 1 - a North Korean ship scheduled to dock near Rangoon in the next few days. The Kang Nam 1 is believed to be carrying arms and potentially ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00397.htm

ALSO:

Burmese Junta's Growing Nuclear Ambition [2]

[2] - http://scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0906/S00322.htm [2]

ENDS

Scoop

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Top Scoop Stories July 1st, 2009 News Summary