The Dominion

Friday, 17 March 2000, 10:16 am
Article: Alastair Thompson

Cannabis Reform – Valuable Stamps – WINZ Consultant – Bowls Champs – False Rape – Icecream – Inside Political Headlines – Editorial: Pope

CANNABIS REFORM: The Dominion leads with a report that the Government will review the legal status of cannabis during this term of Parliament, Health Minister Annette King said yesterday. The story is accompanied by a panel quoting PM Helen Clark, Annette King, Nandor Tanzsos, Wyatt Creech, Ron Mark, Tony Ryall and Stephen Franks on the issue – with the exception of NZ First and Ron Marks all parties represented appear to have an open mind on the issue.

Also on the front page:

- VALUABLE STAMPS: a report that a rare collection of New Zealand stamps has fetched $1.7 million at a London Auction;

- WINZ CONSULTANT: a report that Social Services Minister Steve Maharey knew that Work and Income NZ had hired a director of a consultancy firm as its acting human resources manager but raised no concerns till questioned about it this week;

- BOWLS CHAMPS: a report that a solitary bubble of bubbly was all New Zealand’s newest world champions were allowing themselves to celebrate their victory in the triples championship at the women’s World Bowls in Australia last night;

- FALSE RAPE? a report that three men convicted in 1996 for the rape and sodomy of a woman – in two separate pack incidents – are still in prison more than a year after evidence that the accusations may have been fabricated;

- ICECREAM: a report that New Zealanders could end up eating icecream made of chicken fat under the new food standards code, says icecream maker Tip Top.

Inside Political Headlines:

- Chilean deal doubtful without Australia;
- Job for ex-Timberlands man “untenable” – minister;
- Douglas tipped to retain role;
- PM’s signature was sought for Lotto chief’s pay;
- Peters pulls out of MMP review;
- Tobacco company vows to defend court action;
- Wintringham disagrees with Clark over use of consultants;
- Driver education key – Goshe.

EDITORIAL – POPE: The Popes’ courageous decision to apologise for 2000 years of history will have wide ranging impacts.

© 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.

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