26 Jan 2010

Morning Report: local papers

7:14 am on 26 January 2010

Tuesday's headlines: Pylon land protest leads to lights-out; NZer nominated as winemaker of the year in the Der Feinschmecker awards - the Oscars of the wine industry; no plans to 'Monday-ise' public holidays.

NZ Herald

'Power Struggle - one man's protest and the lights go out' is the headline in The New Zealand Herald. A fire beneath pylons that led to Monday's power cuts in Auckland, is also pictured.

The paper reports the owner of the land beneath the pylons refused to allow Transpower crews access to fix the problem.

The paper also reports there are no plans to 'Monday-ise' public holidays that fall on a weekend - or move them to the next working day. This refers to Waitangi Day and Anzac Day.

The Dominion Post

The Dominion Post pictures a motif that's going to be used for the 2011 Rugby World cup, etched into the beach. It's said the motif is partially based on the hammerhead shark, because Maori consider them to be tenacious, like top rugby players.

A Masterton school has been warned for charging interest on outstanding 'donations' - and for making an $1100 lunch charge compulsory.

The paper reports positive internet comments about Michael Laws have been traced back to a company he owns.

The Press

The Press has a photo of a police officer with 58 dozen bottles found crammed into a hatchback vehicle.

And the paper reports on the Government's fast tracking some of a planned $730 million upgrade of motorways in Christchurch.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times pictures Rudi Bauer of Bannockburn who's the first New Zealander to be nominated as winemaker of the year in what's desribed as the Oscars of the wine industry - the Der Feinschmecker awards on 20 March.

The ODT also says ACC has put pressure on more than 40 long term claimants in Otago - who are being required to undergo further medical assesments.