Friday's headlines: Work on damaged streets in Christchurch will be at an unprecedented level by the end of the year; Miss Universe NZ finalist helped save a man's life during a flight from Bangkok to Auckland; 20+ high school students from Wellington disciplined for using drugs and alcohol on a school ski trip.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald has spoken to the man whose ute was crashed into by two bank robbers driving a stolen car last week. The man had been on his way to Auckland to surprise friends and go out for coffee when the crash happened. He now faces an eight week stay in Middlemore hospital.
The paper also has the story of a Miss Universe New Zealand finalist, who helped save a man's life during a long haul flight from Bangkok to Auckland. The beauty pageant contestent, who is a fourth year medical student, was able to check the man's vital signs.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times leads with the headline, 'Labour Trio Full of Promises', and goes on to describe a US-style primary between the leadership hopefuls last night in Hamilton. The paper reports the evening was a good natured affair with a focus on regional development.
Meanwhile the paper reports that the Chief's new chief executive is a local lad born and bred. Andrew Flexman told the paper, he's always been a Chief's man at heart.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post leads with the story of a firefighter's desperate escape from a burning building in Petone last month. He told the paper that all he could think about as he was being dragged from the building was staying alive for his partner and their unborn child.
In other news: the paper reports more than 20 high school students from Wellington have been disciplined for using drugs and alcohol on a school ski trip.
The Press
The Press reports that work on damaged streets in Christchurch will ramp up to an unprecedented level by the end of the year. More than 20 extra crews will be brought in from next month and it's expected that by March they will be working on almost every street.
Also on the front page: the paper reports that a central city strip club will be knocked down to make way for parks and walkways. But the decision has got nothing to do with 'moral reasons', according to the Christchurch Central Development Unit.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports a worrying increase has been identified in the number of unregistered car traders. The New Zealand Transport Authority said unregistered operators bring all motor vehicle traders into disrepute.
And soaring dog ownership in Dunedin is fuelling a huge rise in the number of complaints over barking, fouling and aggressive pets.