Friday's headlines: schoolgirl rugby match called off after brawl involving players, spectators and reserves; child wellbeing in NZ rated among worst in the developed world; Cuba St Carnival cancelled for next year.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald says two Auckland schoolgirl rugby teams have been suspended after a brawl in which players were joined by spectators and reserves rushing in from the sideline.
The game between Mt Roskill Grammar and Glendowie College was called off eight minutes into the second half.
Also on the front page: a juror's misconduct is reported to have derailed a sex abuse trial involving two young complainants. The case has now been rescheduled.
And a bitter family row over a will may have been the catalyst for one of the worst gun rampages in British history.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post reports New Zealand is said to be a great place for children if their parents have a good income, live in a warm dry house and are well educated.
But among the rest, a new report indicates that child wellbeing is rated among the worst in the developed world.
Organisers say the Cuba St Carnival - described as "New Zealand's biggest street party" - has been cancelled for next year because Wellington City Council will not commit to funding it.
The annual Kaimanawa wild horse muster will now take place every two years because animal numbers are at more sustainable levels.
The Press
The Press reports on a New Zealand woman who hunkered down in a pub as the British taxi driver on his deadly rampage passed within 100 metres of her.
The other front page story is also from overseas: the paper's Fairfax correspondent Paul McGeough was on one of the Gaza aid ships when they were stormed by Israeli commandos. He was detained, deported and finally reached Istanbul on Wednesday, from where he reports on events surrounding the raid.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says Health Minister Tony Ryall has announced that an out-moded neonatal intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital and an acute mental health ward will be transformed through a funding injection of $24.4 million.
And a secret report which suggests closing 17 small racecourses throughout New Zealand, including several in Otago and Southland, is being criticised.
