Friday's headlines: Solid Engery holds public meetings over mine safety concerns; Couple describes terrifying escape from blaze; Rebels motorcycle gang moves in on Christchurch.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with what it headlines "Escape from Inferno."
A Far North couple who braved thick smoke and flying embers to escape the blaze moving fast towards their bach speak to the paper of the terrifying moment they thought they were going to die.
There are also photos of the devastation left in the wake of the Karikari Peninsula fire and of a police boat keeping watch on the spot where the helicopter crashed.
And the Herald understands David Parker's shock decision to withdraw from the Labour leadership race came after his running mate Grant Robertson decided to support rival candidate David Shearer.
Waikato Times
In The Waikato Times, Solid Energy has announced it will hold an urgent public meeting as claims of unsafe practices at the Huntly East Mine continue to mount.
Senior management will host the meeting for staff and stakeholders to discuss the safety regime at the plant.
Also on the front page, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters may decide to read a transcript of the teapot tape in Parliament and experts say there is little to stop him.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says hundreds of government buildings are at risk of being shut down and vacated as emergency seismic assessments reveal their earthquake risk.
There's also coverage of a new study into multitasking which spells bad news for men.
The study reveals that working mothers multi-task much more than their male counterparts, meaning men need to take on more housework and childcare.
The Press
The Press leads with police saying outlawed Australian motorcycle gang the Rebels are in Christchurch to set up a drug-dealing ring.
The paper also reports that the central city cordon will have shrunk to nearly half its original size by the end of the year.
And the WOW factor is arriving in Christchurch, with three local artists having their works chosen to be part of the World of Wearable Arts' Off the Wall exhibition.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports that the Otago Rugby Union will cut staff numbers and move from Carisbrook to Forsyth Barr Stadium as its non-rugby responsibilities go to Dunedin Venues Management Limited.
Chairman Wayne Graham describes it as a massive change for the union.
An experienced ambulance officer has been left with burns following an explosion at the St John depot in Dunedin.
And there's a photograph of a fatal crash between a motorcycle and a car on Forbury Road on Thursday night.
