Friday's papers: Government to get tough on law and order when Parliament sits next month; home loan interest rates slashed; Porirua celebrates the opening of an indoor stadium.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports that criminals will soon find it harder to get bail as the National Government moves to get tough on law and order. Justice Minister Simon Power says repealing bail laws passed by the Labour Government will be a priority when Parliament sits next month.
A retired Hamilton couple lost nearly everything on Thursday when their house exploded into flames during a renovation project. There's a photo of the devastation caused when solvent fumes hit the pilot light of a gas water heater.
Tony Veitch is discussing a return to sports broadcasting, possibly even before an assault case involving his former partner is finished.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says a Government scheme that sends parents of violent or misbehaving children to parenting courses is to expand to up to 15,000 more families.
A network of electric-car recharging stations and burying trolley bus wires are being considered by Wellington City Council as it looks at ways to future-proof the city.
A 20 year dream will be realised on Friday night when Porirua celebrates the opening of a $17.5 million indoor stadium, Te Rauparaha Arena.
The Press
The Press says New Zealand may have a growing wage gap with Australia, but not when it comes to being prime minister.
Barely in the top job for 24 hours, John Key has been awarded a pay rise that takes his annual salary to $393,000 - $4000 more than Kevin Rudd.
Home loan interest rates are being slashed: both Westpac and Kiwibank dropped their rates on Thursday.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says a forensic document examiner has told a Dunedin fraud case that all but one of the signatures on 29 cheques were not genuine.
One of Dunedin's oldest family businesses, 106 year old G&T Young Jewellery, is fighting for survival amid the economic downturn.
