1 Feb 2012

Morning Report: local papers

10:53 am on 1 February 2012

Wednesday's headlines: Rental bidding war in Auckland; 15 districts have either stagnant or declining populations of young adults; seal sighted 15km inland.

NZ Herald

The New Zealand Herald welcomes Auckland's 1.5 millionth resident with a large picture of Emily Van Wonderen, who was born on Monday. Emily is the Herald's nominated resident, after statisticians said a baby born this week would hit the milestone.

The paper also reports on desperate rent tactics with Auckland tenants saying they are trapped in a bidding war in a city choked for rental properties, as consents for new housing hit a 46-year record low.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times reports that the number of Waikato council employees receiving six figure salaries has skyrocketed in the past five years - with numbers doubling at two councils. Council watchdogs have slammed the salaries as ''excessive'' and out of touch with economic realities.

The paper also reports that 15 districts across the country - including Otorohanga, Waitomo and South Waikato - have either stagnant or declining populations of young adults, with a notable loss of women in the more fertile age range.

The Dominion Post

The Dominion Post leads with the headline 'Evicted'. However, the paper says Occupy Wellington protesters are insisting they will not be moved and are vowing to return to the inner city.

The paper also reports that a drink-driver has had his conviction dismissed after arguing that his breath test was skewed by his asthma inhaler.

The Press

The Press leads with more growth for the town of Rolleston, with 164 hectares of nearby farmland with subdivision plans for 150 houses, being offered for sale by Selwyn Plantation Board.

And the lawyer for former Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall has questioned the Labour Department's prosecution of him. The paper says Whittall's legal team would challenge whether some of charges were laid outside the six-month time frame allowed by law.

ODT

The Otago Daily Times reports that the prospects for Cromwell Motorsport Park were significantly advanced on Tuesday, when Queensland-based racing enthusiast Tony Quinn bought the company.

And a seal had the cattle going on the Taieri on Tuesday. The paper carries a picture of the New Zealand fur seal in a paddock. It was spotted about lunchtime on a Maungatua Road farm, near Berwick, having travelled 15km inland along a flood channel to the farm.