4 Jul 2013

Morning Report: local papers

7:04 am on 4 July 2013

Thursday's headlines: Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker no longer willing to defend city council chief executive Tony Maryatt; referendum on water flouridation likely in Hamilton; throwing a stick for your dog to fetch is dangerous and should be banned.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald leads with the results of a new study which has found 60% of parents are concerned at the amount of TV advertising aimed at preschoolers.

Their fears include concern that advertising encourages materialism and pressures parents to buy products.

And veterinary experts say throwing a stick for your dog to fetch is dangerous and should be banned.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times says a referendum on water flouridation is likely. A petition calling for a referendum has obtained the 1500 enrolled city voters needed and the council will consider the issue at a meeting on Thursday.

And the paper has a photograph of the moment a race attendant was knocked to the ground by a racehorse at Te Rapa on Wednesday.

Dominion Post

Prime Minister John Key is pictured in The Dominion Post listening to Kim Dotcom during the Intelligence and Security Select Committee hearing on Wednesday. The paper says the German internet website operator is shocked at Government plans to extend the powers of the GCSB.

Police plan to expand their speed-camera network, as they move from film to digital cameras. The paper suggests a minimum of 56 cameras could be put in place around the country - a considerable increase from the existing number.

The Press

The Press leads with the headline ' an appalling situation' and has a photo of Mayor Bob Parker.

The paper says the council's chief executive Tony Maryatt has lost his closest ally with the mayor no longer willing to defend him. It says Mr Maryatt is on indefinite paid leave amid questions about his role in the consenting crisis.

And Cheryl Tovizi the mother of murdered woman Alexsis Tovizi, has spoken of how her daughter paid with her life in a textbook case of domestic violence.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times leads with the headline 'House of Pain: $3.4 million loss'. Mayor Dave Cull has told the paper the decision by the city council to buy Carisbrook is regrettable. The size of the financial loss was made clear on Wednesday after a deal to sell the stadium to Calder Stewart went unconditional.

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith is pictured. He has re-signed with Otago and the All Blacks for another four years.