15 Oct 2009

Morning Report: local papers

7:12 am on 15 October 2009

Thursday's papers: NZ Govt needs to borrow $250 million per week; Air NZ to say sorry to families of those killed in the Erebus disaster; bashed and unconscious woman found in her home in Dunedin.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald reports the Government needs to borrow $250 million per week after the havoc wreaked by the recession.

Crown accounts for the year to June show an all-up deficit of $10.5 billion dollars, compared with a surplus of $2.4 billion the previous 12 months.

The debacle over the Rugby World Cup TV rights is back to square one, with major broadcasters now trying to work together on a bid the IRB may yet reject

Motorists and motorcyclists in particular face rises in accident compensation levies under proposed new charges.

Dominion Post

The Dominion Post says Air New Zealand will say sorry to the families of those killed in the Erebus disaster as part of the 30th anniversary commemorations.

Does anyone have a spare room fit for a king? A Bahraini official is in Wellington scouting accommodation for a possible royal visit for the World Cup football qualifying match against the All Whites next month.

The Press

The Press reports Maori Television is likely to lead free-to-air coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup after the Government backed down from plans to mount a counter-bid.

Motorcyclists says there will be loud protests against a proposed ACC levy increase of $500 on large machines.

A commercial pilot in Queenstown had to chase after his plane, with passengers on board, after it began speeding towards the runway without a pilot at the controls.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times says an average worker will have to pay $300 per year more if the Government passes legislation to cut ACC entitlements.

But if its amendment bill does not pass, an increase in levies advanced by ACC on Wednesday will be even higher.

A young woman who called for help after hearing noises in her family home in Dunedin on Wednesday was found by her mother, bashed unconscious, minutes later.