12 Oct 2009

Morning Report: local papers

7:08 am on 12 October 2009

Monday's papers: biggest football crowd in New Zealand history wanted in Wellington for a return match against Bahrain, to determine which team will go to the World Cup; dole numbers down; bus dispute continues in Auckland.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald says more than 9000 children will start their first day back at school without buses to get them there.

Talks between NZ Bus and unions representing its drivers continued throughout the weekend, but ended on Sunday night without agreement.

On the economy: the dole queue has shrunk for the first time this year, raising hopes that employment might pick up sooner than expected.

Dominion Post

The Dominion Post reports water meters could be introduced in Wellington if water consumption is not cut.

On the disappearance of toddler Aisling Symes: Inspector Gary Davey has pleaded for whoever took her to ring him personally.

The All Whites want the biggest football crowd in New Zealand history in Wellington on 14 November for a return match against Bahrain, to determine which team will go to the World Cup.

The Press

The Press says medical departments at Christchurch Hospital are set to play musical chairs as managers struggle to find space to cope with a huge increase in demand.

A man was crushed after the van on which he and four others were "car surfing" rolled on Okains Bay beach.

All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen is upbeat about the team's chances of making the World Cup, after a 0-0 draw with Bahrain on Sunday (NZT).

ODT

The Otago Daily Times the fate of eight people last seen heading out to sea at Kaka Point, south of Balclutha, in kayaks and an inflatable dinghy remains a mystery, despite an extensive search operation.

The ODT says the beaches of Dunedin are again under threat, this time from a flood of contaminants streaming off the hills.

Dunedin City Council staff have confirmed levels of faecal contamination have come close to closing St Clair beach in the months since a $37 million outfall pipe at Tahuna was completed.