In Friday's papers: more on the NZ First donation controversy; Otago District Health Board faces a $7.3 million deficit; National plans changes to the controversial school zoning system.
NZ Herald
The paper says the mysterious big-money donation that spurred Winston Peters' infamous "no" press conference was $80,000. It went towards helping to put right New Zealand First's wrongful spending at the last election. The New Zealand Herald also devotes much of its front page to the speech by Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin. The paper reports how the Grey District Council wanted to dig up a the body of a dog buried in its owners garden to confirm it was dead, following an attack on a fur seal.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says New Zealand First failed to declare more than $150,000 channeled through the Spencer Trust since 2005, including $80,000 last year that is now the subject of a police complaint. The paper also says police now strongly believe Kaye Stewart was murdered and have resorted to interviewing two television psychics in a desperate search for a new lead. The paper reports Michael Reeves, the Managing Director of failed Lombard Finance and Investment company, had a Masarati as a company car. The car has now been sold by receivers.
The Press
The paper says the National Party plans changes to the controversial school zoning system, which some educators fear could signal a return to the rich schools getting richer and the poor getting poorer. The Press reports the tourism industry fears the Rugby World Cup will deter traditional tourists from visiting New Zealand in 2011, although the confirmation of Christchurch as host for two quarterfinals will bring a short-term boost.
Otago Daily Times
The ODT says board members at Otago District Health Board were told yesterday tough times lie ahead and costs will have to be reduced in the face of a budgeted $7.3 million deficit. The Otago Daily Times also says Dunedin indie rock band Straitjacket Fits has joined Johnny Devlin in the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.
