Wednesday's headlines: Asbestos being left in the ceilings of more than 4000 quake-damaged houses; German tourists seriously hurt in Cromwell Gorge; paranormal happenings at Hornby police station.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald devotes the entire front page to the bushfires in Australia, featuring a large photo of a raging bush fire at Carlton in Tasmania.
There are almost 200 bush fires in New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Homes and lives are at risk with worse expected as no rain is forecast.
In Sydney, the city is sweltering in record temperatures.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times also features a dramatic photo of a fire. It says multiple fires are closing in on rural settlements and coastal holiday spots throughout New South Wales.
The paper also talked to John Barnes who is leading a dozen firefighters who are heading to Tasmania. He said they face back-breaking work.
Dominion Post
The fires also feature on the front of The Dominion Post. Dunalley resident Bonnie Walker escaped the fire but has lost her home.
But the paper leads with lawyers saying the case of a man charged with careless driving causing the death of his pregnant wife's baby could be the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Lawyer Michael Bott said the charge seems heavy in the circumstances.
The Press
The Press reports on asbestos in the ceilings of more than 4000 quake-damaged houses, which will be left encased behind plasterboard. The region's leading medical advisor is describing the situation as a health "landmine".
Also making the front page are the bushfires across the Tasman and paranormal happenings at Hornby police station.
ODT
The front page of The Otago Daily Times reports two young German tourists were seriously hurt when they lost control of their vehicle in the Cromwell Gorge.
And the paper has spoken to the daughter of a diabetic fruit and vegetable company worker who says the stress of being wrongly fired contributed to her father's death seven months later.
