14 Nov 2011

Morning Report: local papers

6:59 am on 14 November 2011

Monday's headlines: All Black Zac Guildford reported to be distraught over drunken antics in Rarotonga; quake survivor desperate to thank the man who saved her; 150th anniversary of The Otago Daily Times.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald leads with All Black Zac Guildford and his drunken antics in Rarotonga. The paper says he's 'hurting and ashamed' after running into a bar naked and assaulting patrons. It says Guildford's family believe his problems stem from his father's sudden death three years ago.

The paper also reports on the success of the Rena salvage operation, after all but the dregs of the grounded container ship's heavy fuel oil have been removed.

Waikato Times

'Zac at rock bottom' is the headline in The Waikato Times. It says while Guildford has admitted that he can't remember the incident, he's distraught over his actions.

It quotes NZRFU general manager Neil Sorenson who says while the facts have to be established, the important thing is to "help the guy" if he was in trouble.

Dominion Post

The Dominion Post has a large picture of Guildford with the headline 'Zac on the mat. What will they do with the drunken player?'

An employment expert says while his behaviours at Trader Jacks is a sackable offence, the NZRFU will stick by the player for now.

The paper also reports that New Zealand drivers are at their worst on their way to and from work. A breakdown of statistics of every crash for a year has revealed morning and afternoon peak hours are the most high pressured time, with Wednesday mornings between 8am - 9am the worst.

The Press

The Press also carries the Zac Guildford story. But the paper also shows a picture of a motorcycle rally under the headline 'In revving memory'.

More than 100 motorcyclists took part in the Tribute 29 Pike River Run on Saturday, touring West Coast towns in a tribute to the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine.

The other front page story is of Kris Pattrick, who survived February's earthquake. Ms Pattrick is desperate to find and thank the man who pulled her from the path of falling masonry on Colombo Street.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times leads with celebrations held for its 150th anniversary.

About 20,000 people flocked to the "Big Night In" at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday for a picnic and evening rock concert, the first community event to be held at the stadium.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull says the event was "a big thank you" to the people of Otago who paid for and owned the stadium.