Friday's headlines: Nelson flooding likely to put more pressure on Government disaster funding; shoppers spending more this year than last; school's out for summer.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the headline 'Wet and Wild', accompanied by a picture of debris left by the Nelson flooding. The paper says a flash flood swept an elderly man sitting in his armchair from his home, as surging water destroyed roads and carried away caravans, shipping containers and homes.
Former Bridgecorp director Rod Petricevic is spending Christmas in Queensland during an adjournment in his trial, much to the anger of investors who lost $490 million in his company's collapse.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times says tills are ringing with Christmas, with retailers enjoying a festive flurry as shoppers spend more this year than last. Shopkeepers in the region had electronic sales of almost $145 million over the last two weeks.
Pest exterminators are battling a plague of vermin, including cockroaches and rats, as rain continues to fall on Waikato.
Dominion Post
'Shocked into Saving' is the headline in The Dominion Post, which reports the global financial crisis and a hangover from a borrowing binge over the past decade have scared Kiwis into saving.
For the first time since 2000, households spent within their means and actually put away some money, according to Statistics New Zealand figures.
The paper also reports a Dominion Post employee was abused by two young men moments before Radio New Zealand journalist Phillip Cottrell was attacked just up the road. A statement to police and a detailed description of the two men was given to police.
The Press
The Press says the Nelson flooding is likely to put more pressure on Government disaster funding, with slips bringing more problems than the flooding itself.
The paper also reports holiday campers are trapped at the Totaranui campground, after mudslides closed the only access road.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times also reports on retailers looking forward to a strong Christmas season after news that spending in Otago in recent weeks is well up on the corresponding period last year.
Dunedin police are disappointed after issuing 80 infringement notices in seven hours on Thursday during a campaign to cut speed in residential areas.
And school's out for the summer, with a large picture of Flag Swamp school pupils making a dash for holiday freedom.
