15 Jun 2012

Morning Report: local papers

7:59 am on 15 June 2012

Friday's headlines: Family's heartbreak over fake internet messages; state of Wellington water in decline; Otago University boosted Dunedin economy by nearly $780 million last year.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald leads with a family's heartbreak over fake messages. The last message Javed Mills' family got from him via the internet, was that he would not be home for Christmas 2009. However, last week police delivered the news that they believed Mr Mills had been killed that year and the messages were written by someone trying to make it seem he was still alive.

The paper also reports Eden Park will become the premier venue for all big rugby, league and soccer matches. However, Test cricket will move to a new oval outside the main North Harbour stadium.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times says it looks increasingly likely that the first generation of ''super mayors'' will be elected next October after the first reading of the Local Government Act Reform Bill this week. It aims to narrow councils' areas of business, improve and standardise their financial reporting; and end the current ''first among equals'' status of mayors.

Move over soccer: hoof ball has come to town, making its debut at Fieldays on Thursday. Take four horses, a paddock and a giant soccer ball and you have the latest sports craze.

Dominion Post

The Dominion Post dedicates its entire front page to the declining state of Wellington's water, with new research blaming overuse, pollution and degradation.

A series of reports says that although water is the most pressing issue, there are also concerns about agricultural soil quality, and air pollution from woodburning fires.

The Press

The Press reports a Christchurch man recovering from triple bypass surgery is among 20 tenants who have been given seven days to get out of houses in New Brighton damaged by the earthquakes. An engineering evaluation has revealed the building do not meet the minimum seismic capacity.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times says an economic report has revealed The University of Otago boosted the Dunedin economy by nearly $780 million last year, equating to an estimate 16% of Dunedin's gross domestic product.

Dunedin's new stadium will host the world's largest indoor rodeo show outside Las Vegas. And negotiations are underway for The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac to perform at the stadium, in what would be exclusive New Zealand shows.