Monday's headlines: Contact Energy might sell some properties on the lower Clutha; car hit by freight train at level crossing; new home sought for political puppets.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports on the results of its own DigiPoll survey canvassing what age people should be allowed to buy alcohol. More than half of those polled supported raising the purchasing age to 20 and a further 25% supported raising the age for liquor stores and supermarkets but keeping it at 18 for restaurants and bars.
The paper also reports that beneficiaries who refuse or fail drug tests while applying for jobs, will have their welfare cut from mid-2013 under the Government's next round of welfare reforms.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times leads with a large picture of a crumpled car in a paddock, after it was hit by a freight train at a level crossing outside Hamilton on Sunday.
Police say the train driver repeatedly sounded his horn as he watched the car move forward, but it failed to stop.
A man had to be cut from the vehicle and is in a serious condition in Waikato hospital.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says ratepayers could pick up most of the costs associated with Wellington's largest leaky-building battle - a claim of up to $20 million over the St Paul's apartment block.
A new home is being sought for 20 political puppets previouly deisplayed at the Backbencher Pub, which was damaged by fire recently. The puppets used to be on the Public Eye TV programme.
The Press
The Press reports green-zone residents in Sumner want protection against falling rocks before moving back into their homes. Residents gathered on Sunday morning to share their concerns, with many calling for rock-catching fences to be put up and the hillside reforested.
The paper also features a picture of India Broomhall, aged five, and her brother Finlay holding a mummified rat their dog had been playing with on their lawn. Measuring 73cm nose to tail, the rat was originally mistaken for a rabbit or possum and had to be finally identified by a vet.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times leads with news that Contact Energy, one of the biggest owners of land and assets along the Clutha River, is considering selling properties it no longer requires.
The company announced in May it had withdrawn plans for hydro developments on the Clutha river. Now Contact says it has identified some properties in the lower Clutha that it might sell.
