Friday's papers: More than 200 insurance claims lodged so far since Wednesday night's quake; NZ placed on negative credit watch by ratings agency; Chief Justice Sian Elias on collision course with the Government.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the High Court ruling against the BNZ, described as New Zealand's biggest example of tax avoidance. Cases are still pending for the other three big banks with $2.4 billion in tax still outstanding.
A Dunedin mother of two, holidaying in Te Anau describes a roaring noise during Wednesday night's earthquake which forced her to evacuate her hotel room.
An Irishman who's just finished cycling around New Zealand in the hope of spreading love and kindness, says he's sad to leave despite being robbed twice and beaten up for wearing the wrong colours.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post features the decision by ratings agency, Fitch, to place New Zealand on negative credit watch due to high debt and the short term nature of much of the country's overseas borrowing.
Finance Minister Bill English says the downgrade will mean foreign investors will be asking a few more questions when the Government seeks to borrow further funds in the next few months. Police in Hamilton ask onlookers at crashes to respect police cordons after an investigating officer was nearly run over.
Rio, an 11-year-old border collie-cross. is pictured with a set of wheels that allow the partially paralysed pooch to keep on pounding the pavement.
The Press
The Press reports grocery prices are rising faster than inflation. While food is slightly up, inflation is down due to cheap flights and package holidays.
Chief Justice Sian Elias is on a collision course with the Government after slating its approach to sentencing rules and the rising prison population.
The paper also looks at expectations placed on Robbie Deans' Wallabies ahead of Saturday's rugby Test against the All Blacks.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says more than 200 insurance claims have so far been lodged following Wednesday night's quake, with more expected.
Retailers at the recently opened Wall Street Mall say the council has over promised and under-delivered on promises of large scale patronage by shoppers.
