Monday's papers: US putting pressure on New Zealand over Afghanistan; raise in the age of eligibility for superannuation to 67 mooted; national cycleway announcement expected.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the war in Afghanistan and reports the United States putting pressure on New Zealand to contribute more. Its new ambassador to NATO is warning this country should act as an ally in case it ever needs US military support.
A new study says lifting the age of eligibility for superannuation to 67 could save future taxpayers at least $100 billion in the next 50 years. Prime Minister John Key is expected to announce construction beginning by summer on the first legs of a national cycleway.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post leads with research from the Families Commission about ways for households to cut debt.
Film maker Peter Jackson says the entire film industry is in a "fragile state" and has confirmed The Hobbit is yet to secure financial backing. And there's a picture of the new Mr and Mrs Brown, Dennis and Robyn, who finally got married after being together for 40 years.
The Press
The Press reports Christchurch Hospital has admitted failures in monitoring the condition of a young soldier who died earlier this year. The family of Clinton Botha say they intend to lodge a complaint with the Health & Disability Commissioner.
The Mountain Safety Council warns that "fools" are carrying on skiing in the back country despite avalanche risks and putting the lives of rescuers at risk.
Spectators are pictured crowding around Daniel Carter after his first match, a club rugby game, since rupturing his Achilles tendon in January.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says the cycleway work to be announced by the Government is expected to include a route from Lake Wakatipu to Bluff.
Dunedin City Council hopes it's got through the worst of the winter weather threatening dunes at Middle Beach and St Kilda.
To mark Maori Language Week, the ODT looks at a Regent Street flat where the four students mostly speak te reo.