Top Scoop Stories December 22nd 2009 News Summary

Tuesday, 22 December 2009, 5:23 pm
Article: The Scoop Editor

LEAD STORY

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3.1% of GDP: NZ Posts Smallest Current Account Gap In 6 Years
New Zealand posted the smallest annual current account deficit in six years as the weak domestic economy trimmed profits at foreign-owned companies and sapped demand for imports.The deficit shrank to $5.72 billion in the 12 months ended Sept. 30, according to Statistics New Zealand. That’s down from the $10.37 billion gap in the year to June and down from $15.4 billion in the 12 months through September 2008. Economists had expected a deficit of $7.2 billion, according to a Reuters survey. More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/22/nz-posts-smallest-current-account-gap-in-6-years/

ALSO:

New Zealand: CAD fell to just 3.1% of GDP [2]

Year ended current account deficit falls [3]

Economists in line with Bollard on Q3 GDP growth [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00543.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0912/S00545.htm [3]

[4] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/22/economists-in-line-with-bollard-on-q3-gdp-growth/ [4]

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NZ POLITICS

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Justice System: Nationwide Inquiry Into Police Handling Of Child Abuse Cases
The Independent Police Conduct Authority’s inquiry into Police handling of child abuse cases will cover all of New Zealand, the Authority said today. The Authority was notified in June of delays in the Police response to child abuse cases in the Wellington District, in particular the Wairarapa. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0912/S00376.htm

Funding, harmonised with performance: The new Tertiary Education Strategy
The Tertiary Education Strategy 2010-2015 released today will ensure the sector is more responsive to the needs of students and employers, says Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley. “The new strategy outlines the Government’s priorities for the next... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0912/S00355.htm

Gordon Campbell: On The Govt’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:

Voluntary Sector welcomes dialogue on funding [2]

NZ Stock Exchange Disrupted Following Copenhagen [3]

Climate Activists Scale MFAT Building [4]

Leaders Have Failed To Act To Avoid Catastrophe [5]

Looking Back, Looking Forward [6]

Historic Moment, Historic Cop Out [7]

A step in right direction, but insufficient [8]

Part I [9]

14yo climate change protestor arrested in Wellington [10]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00276.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00268.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00269.htm [4]

[5] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00262.htm [5]

[6] - http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/copenhagen-looking-back-looking-forward/ [6]

[7] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00263.htm [7]

[8] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00265.htm [8]

[9] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00155.htm [9]

[10] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/world/30864.html [10]

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]

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BUSINESS SCIENCE & TECH

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Q3 GDP Growth: Economists In Line With Bollard
New Zealand’s economy probably accelerated out of recession in the third quarter, underpinning Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard’s decision to flag an earlier timetable for interest rate increases... More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/22/economists-in-line-with-bollard-on-q3-gdp-growth/

What Goes Up: NZ Dollar Extends Decline To Three-Month Low
The New Zealand dollar extended its decline for a seventh straight day amid continued unwinding of short positions in the U.S. dollar and as investors await data that’s expected to show the nation’s current account deficit... More »[1]

[1] - http://business.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/22/nz-dollar-extends-decline-to-three-month-low/

ALSO:

Food Authorities Playing Russian Roulette [2]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0912/S00275.htm [2]

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

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COMMENT

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Catherine Austin Fitts: NZ Banking System Overview
New Zealand banks and non-bank deposit-taking institutions are registered, supervised and monitored for compliance with New Zealand banking supervision policies by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (“Reserve Bank”). More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00207.htm

Dave Wolland: Getting The Pip
In winter and spring fruit prices usually rise along with tomatoes, but over the last few years I have been pleased to see apples and pears remain at affordable prices. Sadly, I heard in the news that apple and pear orchardists have been suffering to... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00200.htm

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

Torture In Afghanistan: New UK Court Orders
Reprieve, the legal action charity, the lawyers of which represent dozens of prisoners still held at Guantánamo, won a court victory in the case of the British resident Shaker Aamer, which appears to draw on the organization's success in securing a judicial ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0912/S00170.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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Scoop Review Of Books: Best of the Best of Lists for 2009
It’s that time of year when newspapers and magazines the world over publish their best of lists. So the Scoop Review of Books has decided to end the year with a best of the best of books list for 2009. Criminal - from the NY Times best graphic novels list... More »[1]

[1] - http://books.scoop.co.nz/

10 Reasons: Why Christmas Is Not The Season To Be Sexy
1 - Because you drink too much and Sam from accounting and/or the uptight and difficult PA down the hall you usually go out of your way to avoid ends up having the opportunity to ask if they can stay for breakfast…or you pass out in the stair well with th IT guys. More »[1]

[1] - http://sex.scoop.co.nz/2009/12/21/10-reasons-why-christmas-is-not-the-season-to-be-sexy/

Life Saving NZ: Water Safety Should Be Top Of Mind Holiday Season
Thousands of Kiwis are packing their bags and getting ready to hit the beach as the busy holiday season looms. Over 2.4 million people will visit New Zealand ’s most popular playground this summer – and Surf Life Saving encourages people to take ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0912/S00362.htm

Odd Combinations: Smashproof And Susan Boyle Top 2009 RIANZ Charts
South Auckland trios Smashproof broke into the record books with the longest running local number one single this year, and the run has seen them also become the highest selling single of the year. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0912/S00243.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/

For $400: Community Build Marae-Size Adobe Wood-Fired Oven
NorthTec tutor Grant Steven is working with the Te Rere I Tiria Community Trust in Moerewa to provide training in sustainable building and horticulture and enhance the local community’s health and wellbeing. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0912/S00279.htm

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WORLD

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DR Congo:Rebels Murder, Rape, Mutilate & Displace Thousands
In a 10-month rampage of killings, rape and mutilation in neighbouring countries that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, the rebel Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has killed some 1,300 civilians, abducted 1,400 more, including ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00565.htm

Israel: Occupation Forces Raided The Kan’an Home
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, masked soldiers entered Ni’lin and made their way to the Kan’an house. They did not announce their intentions, but instead began wrecking the property. Windows were broken with stones, the family car was ... More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00583.htm

ALSO:

Coordinator of the STWC in Israeli Jail [2]

Four more days of interrogation [3]

Free the anti-Wall prisoners! [4]

[2] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00584.htm [2]

[3] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00585.htm [3]

[4] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00586.htm [4]

India: Pro-Mining ‘Goons’ Harass And Intimidate
Human rights investigators in India have been harassed and intimidated by large gangs of men apparently paid to stop any outsiders reaching the site of a controversial proposed mine in India. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00578.htm

Philippines: Eruption Of Volcano Is Imminent
United Nations humanitarian officials are working with authorities in the Philippines to prepare for what scientists believe to be the imminent eruption of Mount Mayon, an active volcano within close reach of tens of thousands of people. More »[1]

[1] - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0912/S00582.htm

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

ENDS

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Top Scoop Stories December 22nd 2009 News Summary