Thursday's papers: Christchurch Arts Festival Trust in debt by up to $500,000; lumber mill to close - fears that dozens of other jobs linked to the plant could go; schoolboy broke his neck in shoulder-charge tackle.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald says Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has opened the door to privatised water deals. The paper says the Government is planning to make it easier for private companies to take over water and wastewater services from councils.
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, who not long ago anointed himself bishop of the church he founded, has now proclaimed himself the church's "spiritual father" and designated 700 male members of the church as "spiritual sons".
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says the young son of a Mongrel Mob member convicted of murdering Wanganui toddler Jhia Te Tua has died in unexplained circumstances.
A Wellington primary school principal whose teaching career spans more than 30 years, is facing 20 charges of child sex abuse.
A Porirua schoolboy who aped his rugby heroes with a hard-hitting shoulder-charge tackle, is lucky to be able to walk after the move broke his neck.
The Press
The Press reports a commissioner may end up running Canterbury Regional Council if an unprecedented investigation of its performance fails to make a difference. Two Government-ordered reviews were announced on Wednesday as the council's annus horribilis continues.
Police hope new laws widening the DNA net to include minor crimes will help solve a backlog of more than 8000 cases.
The Christchurch Arts Festival Trust has reportedly laid off most of its 18 staff and has up to $500,000 in debts.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says West Otago's biggest employer, Blue Mountain Lumber, which has endured several restructurings , will close its doors permanently on Friday, with 45 personnel out of work. There are fears dozens of other jobs linked to the plant could also go.
Three years after resigning as Ngai Tahu chief executive, Tahu Potiki has joined the board of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.
Waihola's sole watering hole went up in smoke on Wednesday morning in a blaze that has rocked the community.
