28 Aug 2013

Morning Report: local papers

7:06 am on 28 August 2013

Wednesday's headlines: Almost $250 million owed in child support payments in Waikato; businessman in Christchurch found guilty of kidnapping two burglars he caught stealing petrol; nurses ration patient care at Wairarapa and Hutt hospitals.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald reports that police are speaking to people that murdered couple Glenys Stanton and Trevor Waite met through a website for outdoor enthusiasts. The paper said officers will also be examining texts, emails and other online activity as part of the investigation into the double homicide.

Four of the five major big banks have told the paper they have had an increase in home loan inquiries ahead of new low-deposit restrictions, due to come into effect in October.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times says parents in the region owe almost $250 million in child support payments. The paper reports that many parents blame crippling penalty repayments for their mounting debt with Inland Revenue.

Police have begun an inquiry into a hot-or-not website, which asks users to rate photographs of Hamilton Girls High School students based on their looks.

Dominon Post

The Dominon Post leads with the headline 'Nurses ration patient care'. A nursing shortage at Wairarapa and Hutt hospitals means that when staff are stretched, patients may not be bathed or changed.

And the paper says any hopes the Goverment might support a runway extension at Wellington airport has been dashed by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce.

The Press

The Press reports on the conviction of Christchurch businessman David Clemence after a six day trial. He was found guilty of kidnapping two burglars he caught stealing petrol.

An accommodation, office and retail complex 50 metres high could replace the Hotel Grand Chancellor. The hotel was one of Christchurch's tallest buildings before its demolition as a result of earthquake damage.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times says former Dunedin MPs Pete Hodgson and Katherine Rich are being enlisted to help save jobs at Agresearch. Both were named on Tuesday as members of a working party seeking to save 85 jobs at Invermay.

And the commercial printing business Wicklffe is cutting 19 jobs at its Dunedin operation. A spokesperson said a period of consolidation was always going to happen following the acquisition of Taieri Print.