Sharper-than-expected rise in unemployment; plea from Otago University Vice-chancellor for students to behave themselves; international study ranks NZ third fattest nation.
NZ Herald
The paper leads with a sharper-than-expected rise in unemployment with numbers on the dole almost three times what they were last year. The New Zealand Herald reports a father and his two children were found safe and well after becoming lost on a pig hunting expedition in Northland. An English study finds swearing could be an effective form of pain relief.
Dominion Post
A report on police concerns about drunk teenage girls dominates the front page with news that 19 young women have been sexually assaulted in Wellington this year alone. The home of the New Zealand High Commission in London faces a $150 million refit, more than the building's $127 million value. Inside, the Dominion Post has a story on large numbers of whales being attracted to Cook Strait by the full moon.
The Press
The Press leads with an international study ranking New Zealand the third fattest nation after Mexico and the United States, which has prompted criticism of the Government's scrapping of good nutrition programmes. Figures show Christchurch businesses doing well with the Garden City named the most recession-proof of the three main centres. The paper reports a mother and her two daughters are discovered dead in their Haumoana home.
Otago Daily Times
The ODT has a plea from Otago University's Vice-Chancellor for students to behave themselves or risk devaluing their degrees. The request is contained in an email sent to all students. It is countered by the student union which is fighting to reinstate several students removed from campus because of their conduct. The Otago Chamber of Commerce criticises the City Council over a slow response to last month's snowfall when roads were kept closed for longer than expected.
