Hurricane Gustav awaited; National wants PM to name election date; more than 200 nurses needed in Canterbury.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with New Orleans, saying the city is under lockdown and braced for the worst that Hurricane Gustav can throw at it. A deserted interstate highway and a resident waiting to be evacuated are pictured on the front page.
Disgraced former police assistant commissioner Clint Rickards could face a Law Society interview panel in his quest to become a lawyer.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says National has stepped up the pressure on Prime Minister Helen Clark to name an election date. But the paper says Miss Clark threw the leadership issue back at John Key yesterday by ridiculing his claim to be like Barack Obama.
The paper also features the Ross family who were incensed to be fined $200 after their son put rubbish from his car into a council litter bin during a cleanout.
The front page features New Zealand's highest paid boss: Telecom chief executive Paul Reynolds, who gets $4.8 million a year.
The Press
The Press says Canterbury needs more than 200 nurses as serious shortages push staff to near breaking point.
Further problems are hitting the building of the South Island's tallest tower, with cracks in concrete cladding and problems with contractors amongst the issues.
Half a metre of rain is forecast for the West Coast over the next few days.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times leads with Climate Change Minister David Parker saying about $180 million is likely to flow to households through compensation payments for power price rises under the Government's emissions trading scheme.
Ocean Springs deputy Sheriff Michael Hurring, formerly of Dunedin, is pictured waiting for Hurricane Gustav to arrive on the US Gulf Coast.
