Wednesday's headlines: Speculation that Winston Peters and Michael Laws are to relaunch New Zealand First; boy racer told by judge that he's dangerously close to being sent to prison; spotlight back on police safety.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports public anger forced Auckland City Council to back down on a hard-line enforcement of driving in bus-lane rules. A trial will now be held instead.
Also on the front page: call it espionage or call it downright cheeky, but the All Blacks' moves have been taken from under coach Graham Henry's nose.
An Australian photographer snapped Henry holding his tactical notes during a training session in Melbourne. A close-up of the notes reveal lineout and scrum moves ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Test.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says the daylight bashing of a community constable in Hawke's Bay has thrown the spotlight back on police safety.
Alan Daly of Clive was king-hit from behind by a man on Tuesday afternoon. A woman then stomped on him and smashed his police radio into his face.
Speculation is rife in the world of politics that New Zealand First leader Winston Peters and his former adviser Michael Laws are to team up again as part of a relaunch of the party.
In stories behind this week's Feilding plane crash: student Pat Smallman is said to have dreamt of gaining her pilot's licence, while instructor Jessica Neeson had a passion for aviation.
The Press
The Press reports a fracas over director fees for Christchurch City Council members has erupted, with mayoral candidate Jim Anderton calling for them to give up the $300,000 they collectively pocket.
A boy racer who skidded through an intersection as he fled police, has been told by a judge in the Christchurch District Court that he's dangerously close to being sent to prison.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports two leading orthopaedic surgeons say the current southern neurosurgery row needs to be resolved quickly and with common sense.
A former Invercargill woman on board a Pacific Blue flight which took off in near darkness and bad weather from Queenstown last month, thought the plane would crash into the Remarkables.
