Monday's papers: Affidavit by David Bain; double killer given special permission to leave prison and visit dying mother in hospital; hospitality staff wanted on top skills list in Christchurch.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports convicted double killer Scott Watson was given special permission to leave prison and visit his mother in hospital. Bev Watson died on Friday and Chris Watson - who has always maintained his son's innocence - said the family want him at the service.
The paper also carries a picture of some of the students killed in the Sandy Hook massacre. Teacher Victoria Soto, also pictured, hid her pupils in a cupboard and told the killer her students where in the gym. She was shot dead - her students lived.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times leads with a warning from New Zealand lifeguard of the year Gary Hinds, that tourists are not getting the safety message. Mr Hinds said that if New Zealand wants more tourists to enjoy its beaches this summer then the Ministry of Tourism needs to invest in more lifeguards to keep them safe.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says a slew of Wellington restaurants are shutting their doors in the face of rising costs and tight fisted customers.
Also on the front page, Wellington is a region of nervous cyclists. Despite Mayor Celia Wade Brown leading the way, the paper says a new report to Wellington Regional Council identifies safety, difficult terrain, bad weather and convenience as the main barriers to pedal power.
The Press
The Press describe Ashburton as "dumbfounded" after a woman was found lying dead in a pool of blood in her home.
Sina Solomona, 22, was found with head injuries just inside the back door early on Saturday morning.
And the paper says cafe and restaurant owners desperate for staff want hospitality staff added to a list of skills urgently needed to get the city back on its feet.
ODT
Top story in The Otago Daily Times is the affidavit David Bain presented during his claim for compensation.
In the affidavit, Mr Bain said believes he might have become an international opera star on a par with Jonathan Lemalu.
He said when he first started singing lessons in 1992 his teacher told him he had a wonderful voice and could one day create a valuable career for himself but 13 years in prison put paid to that.
