Friday's headlines: DoC considering opening national parks to private accomodation businesses; anti-abortion doctors challenge Medical Council guidelines in court; Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos promises to bankroll the soccer team for the next decade.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports anti-abortion doctors have gone to court to challenge Medical Council guidelines on how physicians with personal objections to abortion, must deal with patients. Among the group is believed to be Dr Mary English, the wife of Finance Minister Bill English.
In a separate story, Mr English has poured cold water on hopes of a cut in the top income tax rate to 30%.
A woman was arrested, strip-searched and locked in a cell after a paperwork error meant she was not told of a scheduled court appearance.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says the Department of Conservation is considering opening national parks to private businesses which could provide accomodation including luxury meals, hot showers and comfortable beds.
Wellington Phoenix soccer team owner Terry Serepisos, has promised to bankroll the club for the next decade - despite the recession forcing him to scale back his property ventures.
The Press
The Press also leads with the DoC story and quotes Conservation director-general Al Morrison as saying "this is not about Disneyland or Club Med in national parks". He says national parks will not be turned into theme parks.
The top personal tax rate is unlikely to fall below 33 cents according to Mr English.
And the mother of a baby whose body was found in the shed of a boarding house, has been charged with not reporting the child's death.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says 29 people died while taking part in adventure tourism activities over the past five years.
Former All Black Wayne Graham is a leading contender to be elected chairman of the Otago Rugby Union next week, replacing Ron Palenski who is expected to stand down.
