Wednesday's headlines: Meridian to spend $190 million upgrading power stations in the Waitaki Valley; top 10 most expensive court cases of the past decade listed; boy, 13, was the driver of a car in a fatal crash.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says Meridian Energy is going to spend up to $190 million upgrading power stations in the Waitaki Valley, to generate more electricity with the same amount of water.
There are mixed emotions after heavy rain in Otago: it was welcome relief for some farmers while others were worried by rising lake and river levels.
The rain meant that several events were cancelled or postponed, including the first day of the national bowls championships in Dunedin and the Hawea picnic races.
The Press
The Press also covers the wild weather which swamped South Island homes and campsites, forcing some campers to flee.
A restaurant in central Christchurch is pictured with the tables set and the roof caved in after the earthquake on Boxing Day. "t is headlined 'Another miracle of quake timing'.
Violence has been reported on the streets of Kaikoura, where a woman was bitten by another woman and her brother had his jaw and arm broken.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post reports that police say a 13 year old boy has come forward, saying he was the driver of a car which crashed south of Wairoa on Monday morning, killing a passenger.
The paper says that the boy was woken up to drive guests who'd been drinking home from an all-night wedding party - and could now face charges.
The Privacy Commissioner is keeping an eye on a case in California where the Apple is being sued over claims that its iPads and iPhones are sending users' personal information to advertising companies.
NZ Herald
In The New Zealand Herald, a young mother describes how she and her family were caught up in a crash south of Hastings on Monday, which involved three cars and a truck and trailer unit.
The paper also reports that changes to the legal aid system will mean that accused criminals who access the funds won't be able to choose their defence lawyer.
The Herald also lists the top 10 most expensive criminal cases and civil cases of the past decade.
