Thursday's headlines: Real estate listings across in Auckland down 21%; Wellington jeweller seriously injured after chasing robber; sausage sizzle fee dropped.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the headline 'Shortage of housing at four year high'. The paper says real estate agents have taken to cold calling owners for listings. Figures issued on Wednesday show listings across New Zealand are down 15% on this time last year, with Auckland down 21%.
The paper also carries a large picture of Wellington jeweller Ernest Waterworth, who has serious facial injuries after giving chase to a robber. However, Mr Waterworth, 85, vows to return to work, despite having possible broken bones.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times reports a $200 million expansion of The Base and Te Awa will start this year, adding shops, offices and a medical campus. The new development will be on 11 hectares of Tainui land.
Actor Matthew Fox who was in Hamilton on Thursday shooting scenes for British director Peter Webber's latest film, Emperor.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post reports Titanic director James Cameron has bought more than 1000 hectares of land in south Wairarapa, with a view to moving there ''indefinitely'' with his family.
The paper also reports Occupy Wellington has cost ratepayers at least $50,000 and the bill could climb. Wellington City Council says the amount includes legal fees, security contractors and remedying damage to land.
The Press
The front page of the The Press is devoted entirely to Wednesday's protest rally outside the offices of Christchurch City Council. The paper says protest organisers are threatening further action, including a rates revolt, if changes are not made.
The Government has been given a fortnight to respond to their demands, including midterm elections, before further plans are made.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports on a home invasion incident in Wanaka on Tuesday night, in which a man was attacked with a wheelbrace and demands were made for drugs and money.
Sausages, bread and onions are back on the menu - sans red tape - after Dunedin City Council ditched plans to impose a $16 fee on charitable sausage sizzles.
