Top Scoop Stories December 21st 2009 News Summary

Monday, 21 December 2009, 5:34 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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Climate Change: Activists Blockade NZ Stock Exchange

Protesters blockaded the New Zealand Stock Exchange this morning frustrated with global inaction on climate change and critical of market-based systems being proposed to tackle the problem. Activists occupied an office on the second floor of the exchange and nine people were arrested blockading the south entrance to the building.Another group of protestors scaled the Foreign Affairs and Trade building and unfurled a large banner singling out Fonterra as an environmental terrorist. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00188.htm

ALSO:

NZ Stock Exchange Disrupted Following Copenhagen [2]

Climate Activists Scale MFAT Building [3]

Leaders Have Failed To Act To Avoid Catastrophe [4]

Historic Moment, Historic Cop Out [5]

A step in right direction, but insufficient [6]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00268.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00269.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00262.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00263.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00265.htm [6]

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NZ POLITICS

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Mining: Coromandel Assessed As Unsuitable For Mining

A peer-reviewed Landscape Assessment of the Coromandel Peninsula completely contradicts statements by Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee, that some Coromandel conservation land presently close to mining has low conservation values and could be mined for gold. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00271.htm

ALSO:

National's Holiday Theft Punishes Poor Children [2]

Government To Cut Holiday Entitlements [3]

Holidays Act Changes A “Lose-Lose Move” [4]

Holidays Act up for modernisation [5]

Hysteria over cashing holidays echoes nanny state [6]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00274.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00273.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00505.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00504.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00527.htm [6]

Gordon Campbell: The Government’s Plans For Welfare Reform

At a time of the year when family care and social generosity should be on everyone’s mind, we find Finance Minister Bill English announcing the government’s intention to get tougher on welfare in 2010. More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/21/campbell-on-the-govt%E2%80%99s-plans-for-welfare-reform/

ALSO:

Plans to devolve funding for ‘at risk’ families [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00347.htm [2]

It's Official: Wh?anganui

The official geographic name for the city of Wanganui will be the alternatives ‘Whanganui’ or ‘Wanganui’, Minister for Land Information Maurice Williamson announced today. “My intention to assign... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00329.htm

ALSO:

Media’s Role in Wanganui/Whanganui Debate [2]

Word of the Year Announcement: The Whankernui Factor [3]

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos. [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00330.htm [2]

[3] - http://publicaddress.net/default,6378.sm#post6378" target="_blank [3]

[4] - http://pundit.co.nz/content/dont-blame-me-i-voted-for-kodos" target="_blank [4]

I know That Guy! Key Addresses Copenhagen Conference

Madam President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. New Zealand came to Copenhagen with great hope of achieving a binding agreement that had developed and developing countries working together to respond to the challenges of climate change. [Image: TV3 News] More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00323.htm

ALSO:

Copenhagen: In come the heads of state [2]

John Key hints at leadership at Copenhagen [3]

Postcard from Copenhagen - a Green Party podcast [4]

Cautious Welcome to Copenhagen Outcome [5]

Copenhagen and NZ's ETS [6]

[2] - http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/copenhagen-in-come-the-heads-of-state/ [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00242.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00324.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00344.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00181.htm [6]

Gordon Campbell:Peter Jackson, And Catching Up With The Aussies

Comments Peter Jackson made at the press conference for his recent Lovely Bones premiere in Wellington – which, in odd counterpoint to the recent 2025 Task Force report by Don Brash, highlighted an alleged need for New Zealand to keep up/catch up with Australian incentives on offer, or imminent. More »[1]

[1] - http://gordoncampbell.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/18/campbell-peter-jackson-and-catching-the-aussies/

ALSO:

Full interview with Peter Jackson - part 2 [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/entertainment/30762.html [2]

Prevention: Drivers Of Crime A Whole-Of-Government Priority

The Government is to make addressing the drivers of crime a whole-of-government priority, Justice Minister Simon Power and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples announced today. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00315.htm

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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International Trade: Thousands Of Animals Die In Live Export Disaster

The drowning of 30,000 animals during the sinking of the Panamanian-flagged ship Danny F II near Lebanon last week serves as a harsh reminder to the New Zealand Government of why it should not allow this country’s live sheep trade to resume. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00522.htm

Smellie Sniffs The Breeze: Taking Our Lumps At Copenhagen

Watching the Copenhagen climate change summit from Wellington today brings to mind the Pineapple Lumps ad where the Kiwi turns up late, hits the button, and is delighted to receive a toothsome booby prize while other countries make off with the riches. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/18/smellie-sniffs-the-breeze-taking-our-lumps/

Winged Death: Top Predator Makes Spectacular Return To Capital

Conservation staff at the groundbreaking ZEALANDIA eco-sanctuary in Wellington believe they have found the first New Zealand falcons to have hatched in the city since the species disappeared as a breeding population in the Seventies. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00259.htm

ALSO:

Trust buys 28 farms in South [2]

Key’s climate fund a missed opportunity [3]

Global Alliance can find solutions, enhance rep. [4]

Science is Key to Reducing Agricultural Emissions [5]

Activists disrupt NZCarbon Exchange meeting [6]

NZ camps out in support of Copenhagen protest [7]

Copenhagen: Looking for a breakthrough – it’s in the leaders’ hands [8]

NZ’s emission reduction target downgraded [9]

Climate Change Undermining Human Rights [10]

Climate Change Ticking Time Bomb For Food Security [11]

Don’t hold REDD hostage in Copenhagen, IUCN [12]

[2] - http://www.odt.co.nz/the-regions/otago/86523/trust-buys-28-farms-south?page=0%2C0" target="_blank [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00309.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00310.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00430.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00230.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00234.htm [7]

[8] - http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/copenhagen-looking-for-a-breakthrough-its-in-the-leaders-hands/ [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00220.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00468.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00473.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00467.htm [12]

Climate talks deadlocked as clashes erupt outside

- More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/30727.html

ALSO:

Copenhagen, NZ's ETS [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0911/S00181.htm [2]

Capital Taskforce: Report Calls For Financial Adviser Regulation, Partial Asset Floats

Retail investors need warning labels on high risk products, simpler disclosure documents, and a deeper range of choices to put their money into, says the Capital Markets Development Taskforce, in its report released this morning by Commerce Minister Simon Power. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/16/taskforce-calls-for-financial-adviser-regulation/

ALSO:

Tax crucial to capital markets reform [2]

Govt welcomes final report on capital markets [3]

Taskforce report vindicates Labour’s approach [4]

Taskforce feared stalking horse for privatisation [5]

Capital markets report a step in right direction [6]

Kiwi Party Backs call for partial sale of SOEs [7]

TOWER Welcomes Capital Market Devlpmnt Taskforce [8]

Capital markets recommendations positive [9]

Cameron Taskforce Report Encouraging [10]

Taskforce report promising but devil in detail [11]

PM to issue response to capital markets review [12]

CMD taskforce offers its recommendations [13]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00271.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00258.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00279.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00278.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00378.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00223.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00405.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00404.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00398.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00395.htm [11]

[12] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/16/pm-to-issue-response-to-capital-markets-review/ [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/business/30715.html [13]

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COMMENT

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Death Of A Dissident: Hosein-Ali Montazeri

Grand Ayatollah Hosein-Ali Montazeri has passed into the history of the Iranian Revolution as he was, potentially at least, about to create another. Thirty years ago, he was a vital figure in unseating the Shah, and well placed within the circle of the Ayatollah ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00197.htm

Connie Lawn’s Column: Snowed In

A Russian leader once said, the best way to conquer America is to dump a few inches of snow on Washington, D.C. Then the people panic, the city and suburbs are paralyzed and nothing gets done. That is only partially true in this, the great snowfall of... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00196.htm

Martin LeFevre: Global Warming As Metaphor

The verdict is in. Copenhagen proved that national governments and international institutions, even led by the wunderkind Barack Obama, cannot and will not provide an adequate response to the man-made ecological crisis. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00195.htm

Workers Risking Job Losses: House Passes $154 Bill

With heavy defections from Blue Dog Democrats, the House of Representatives still narrowly passed Wednesday evening, 217 to 212, a $154 billion jobs package. It included funds for states to retain front-line workers, aid to the unemployed and transportation ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00177.htm

Allen Roland: Are You Really Unemployed And Does Anyone Care?

It's all a game of deception in Washington where the truth often lies buried under meaningless and deceiving figures. No where is that more obvious than in the bureau of labor statistics. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00176.htm

Gordon Campbell: Peter Jackson, And Catching The Aussies

The most recent pointers we have on Jackson’s thinking about the local film industry were comments he made at the press conference for his recent Lovely Bones premiere in Wellington – which, in odd counterpoint to the recent 2025 Task Force report ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00173.htm

Ramzy Baroud: The Lobby Within

A just and peaceful solution to the protracted Palestinian-Israeli conflict is only possible when the US ceases to block every attempt made towards it. This assertion might raise many questions, for example, just how is one to define a just and peaceful resolution? And for what reasons would the... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00175.htm

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LIFESTYLE

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Like Rugby Superphospate: Grassroots Rugby The Winner In RWC

The organisers of the Rugby World Cup have pulled out all the stops to bring the cream of international rugby to grassroots New Zealand, Rugby World Cup Associate Minister Gerry Brownlee said today. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00338.htm

ALSO:

Western Springs Stadium hub for RWC 2011 teams [2]

Christchurch Welcomes Teams [3]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0912/S00312.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0912/S00309.htm [3]

Scoop Review Of Books: The Birth Of Suburbia

Like most early New Zealand settlements, Wellington was sited on the edge of a good harbour... By 1900 it was overcrowded, land prices were rising, and new suburbs were urgently needed on or beyond the hills. More »[1]

[1] - http://books.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/15/the-birth-of-suburbia/

Spare Room Link: Avatar Review

James Cameron’s Avatar has been hyped for years now and heralded as the next big thing in movie making. And with good reason; visually this 3D epic is pretty damn mind-blowing… More »[1]

[1] - http://www.spareroom.co.nz/2009/12/16/avatar/

ALSO:

NZ Should Join Australia To Censor Internet [2]

Chirst Almighty: Late Shows Added [3]

God a 'hard act to follow' according to new billboard [4]

Catholic Church outraged over billboard [5]

Catholic church reacts to controversial billboard [6]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00232.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00247.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/30709.html [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/30753.html [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/national/30736.html [6]

Red Carpet On Courtenay Place: Lovely Bones Premiere Images

Wellington's Courtenay Place was closed off and carpetted today to celebrate the NZ Premiere of Peter Jackson's latest movie, Lovely Bones. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00131.htm

ALSO:

Lovely Bones NZ Premiere [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00133.htm [2]

Statistics: Christmas Dinner Should Cost A Dollar Or Two Less

To mark the festive season, Statistics New Zealand has estimated the cost of traditional and barbecue Christmas dinners for a family of two adults and two children. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00193.htm

ALSO:

Giving to charity can make Christmas a happy one [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00199.htm [2]

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WORLD

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Copenhagen: Historic Moment, Historic Gathering And Historical Cop Out

The ‘climate deal’ announced in Copenhagen today is a triumph of spin over substance said Oxfam International. The agreement – which was announced by the US, India, China and South Africa - has not been endorsed by the EU and many other countries. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00540.htm

Sexual Orientation: Argentine Same-Sex Marriage Debate Returns

In 2002, Argentina was at the forefront of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights debate when it became the first country in the region to allow same-sex civil unions. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00539.htm

Animal Rights: Ricky Gervais Applauds Move To Ban Bullfighting

As a direct result of a citizens’ advocacy campaign in Catalonia, local politicians have approved a debate on changes to the Catalan Animal Protection Law. Currently, all animals except bulls and horses used in bullfights are protected by this legislation. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00551.htm

Media: Tsunami & Bushfires Most Closely Followed Storie

The Samoan tsunami was the most closely followed news story in 2009 followed by the bushfires that devastated Victoria in February. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00554.htm

Rainbow Warrior Attacked: Climate Change Denialists Use Greenpeace Tactics

Global warming skeptics from CFACT yesterday pulled off an international climate caper using GPS triangulation from Greenpeace's own on-board camera photos to locate and sail up long-side of the infamous Greenpeace vessel, Rainbow Warrior. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00522.htm

Defending Whales : Japan Deploys LRAD Against Sea Shepherd Helicopter

Southern Ocean - Sea Shepherd’s ship Steve Irwin is ten days at sea after departing Fremantle, Australia, and has had a Japanese tail ship for nine of those days, the Shonan Maru No. 2. This Japanese security ship is reporting the Steve Irwin’s location, ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00514.htm

ALSO:

Copenhagen: half-baked text and unclear substance [2]

Climate Change Deal Marks An 'Essential Beginning' [3]

Ban Entreats Leaders To Seal Climate Deal [4]

Copenhagen chains Prometheus to murder mankind [5]

UNESCO Unveils Its Plan To Counter Climate Change [6]

‘No Regrets’ Climate Change Policy Needed [7]

Climate Talks: Friends Of The Earth Was Suspended [8]

Greenpeace Delivers Message To World Leaders [9]

3°C Temp Rise And $100bn For Climate Finance? [10]

Copenhagen Spoof Shames Canada; No Joke! [11]

“Make Or Break” For Copenhagen Climate Talks [12]

Climate Change Driving Displacement [13]

Global warming and efforts to save forests [14]

Climate Change Ticking Time Bomb For Food Security [15]

UN Embarks On Low-Carbon Future [16]

Results Of Two Years Of Climate Talks [17]

Access To The Bella Centre At Copenhagen [18]

Coral Triangle Ministers Call On Copenhagen [19]

Broad Operational Agreement on Climate Change [20]

Multi-Year Commitments For Sustainability [21]

Ban Arrives In Copenhagen [22]

Clean Energy Technology Announcements [23]

2009: Majority Of Disaster Deaths Climate-Related [24]

Global Greens forum to address global warming [25]

Strong targets in Copenhagen [26]

Global Greens call for sound climate agreement [27]

Rudd government’s carbon cheat strategy [28]

British admit: Copenhagen intends genocide [29]

UN Climate Talks Back On Track [30]

It’s Now Or Never In Bid To Curb Climate Change [31]

Champions of safe clean transport at Copenhagen [32]

Copenhagen: The State Of Play [33]

Effects Of Climate Change Heard By World Leaders [34]

Adapting To Climate Change In The Pacific [35]

Species On Climate Change Hit List Named [36]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00549.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00536.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00526.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00498.htm [5]

[6] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00500.htm [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00509.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00512.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00515.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00516.htm [10]

[11] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00456.htm [11]

[12] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00485.htm [12]

[13] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00487.htm [13]

[14] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00480.htm [14]

[15] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00473.htm [15]

[16] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00462.htm [16]

[17] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00461.htm [17]

[18] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00460.htm [18]

[19] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00459.htm [19]

[20] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00444.htm [20]

[21] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00432.htm [21]

[22] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00430.htm [22]

[23] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00428.htm [23]

[24] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00414.htm [24]

[25] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00420.htm [25]

[26] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00422.htm [26]

[27] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00424.htm [27]

[28] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00425.htm [28]

[29] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00378.htm [29]

[30] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00380.htm [30]

[31] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00390.htm [31]

[32] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00409.htm [32]

[33] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00418.htm [33]

[34] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00297.htm [34]

[35] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00355.htm [35]

[36] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00350.htm [36]

ENDS

Scoop

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Top Scoop Stories December 21st 2009 News Summary