Threat to crush boy racers' cars for repeat offences moves forward; plan for 5 cent charge for every plastic supermarket bag; South Island fugitive William Stewart is styling himself "Billy the Hunted One".
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald says a threat to crush boy racers' cars for repeat offences has moved forward with the Government drafting legislation aimed at getting their souped-up vehicles out of circulation. Police Minister Judith Collins says legislation currently being written would allow courts to order the crushing of cars.
Officials suggest that giving girls and women the emergency contraceptive pill for free may have reduced the number of abortions performed by the Auckland District Health Board.
Dominion Post
The paper reports the Government is investigating plans to sting shoppers with a 5 cent charge for every plastic supermarket bag. Based on a "polluter pays" scheme, the initiative would push grocery shoppers to reduce the one billion plastic bags used each year.
The Dominion Post carries a story of young mother Stacey Stevens who did not think twice before confronting an accused kidnapper in suburban Wellington after the man had grabbed a young girl at an intersection.
The Press
The paper says Earth Hour momentum has rubbed off on the Government, which last night promised to announce new energy-efficiency measures. The lights-out event saw power use sharply drop all over the country on Saturday night, as people in 44 cities, districts and regions turned off lights and appliances to call for action over climate change.
The Press reports slippery South Island fugitive William Stewart appears to be enjoying his new-found notoriety. He broke into a farm smoko room at Teddington and helped himself to a meal, then carved his thanks into the dining table, describing himself as "Billy the Hunted One."
Otago Daily Times
The ODT reports the Dunedin Town Hall last night on Sunday night echoed to the sound of a clapping crowd vociferously opposed to the proposed stadium.
The paper says Otago and Southland economies could be nearly $500 million poorer this year compared to last because of lower milk prices for dairy farmers.
