New Zealand / Regional

Morning Report: local papers

07:54 am on 11 July 2012

Wednesday's headlines: Immigration NZ staff accused of using client database "like a dating site"; stocks of Vegemite ran out this week at supermarkets in Auckland; demolition of Anglican cathedral in Christchurch delayed.

NZ Herald

The NZ Herald leads with Immigration New Zealand staff accused of using a confidential client database "like a dating site".

A former staff member told the paper that staff sometimes accessed client records to look at information on wealthy and interesting clients, and joke about which would make a good boyfriend.

The paper also reports that Vegemite has now been hit by supply problems.

Stocks of the Australian-made yeast spread ran out this week at several supermarkets in Auckland due to a computer problem.

Waikato Times

The Waikato Times reports that as many as 80 Waikato jobs could be on the line if KiwiRail proceeds with proposed job cuts.

It also reports the views of an Australian world champion base jumper that a new flying suit may have contributed to the fatal fall of New Zealander Alan McCandlish.

Dominion Post

Dominating the front page of The Dominion Post is coverage about the views of a Massey University scholar who says "fat hatred" should be banned like racism or sexism.

The scholar has organised New Zealand's first fat studies conference which begins in Wellington on Thursday.

The paper also reports a fitness instructor who says while fat people have had a rough time, many gyms now embrace classes for overweight clients.

And the paper trumpets the victory of a Wellington builder who won a High Court battle over a $221 parking fine.

Brett Mainey parked in a temporary disabled park that he says was marked after he parked. The High Court agreed and set aside the ticket.

The Press

The Press leads with the delaying of the Anglican cathedral demolition in Christchurch while the Government considers an independent report saying it can be saved.

The paper also reports that the cathedral could be saved with more than $50 million in private funding and international donors would support plans to stabilise and rebuild the earthquake-damaged landmark

ODT

The Otago Daily Times reports the University of Otago has approached the Government about its concerns that cutting allowance eligibility for postgraduate students could reduce its numbers.

It also reports a $30 million supermarket with four fuel pumps has been approved for Frankton Flats by the Environment Court.

The resource consent will include specific conditions relating to Pak'n Save's distinctive yellow and black signs.

The paper features photos from the Cadbury Couture event where designers create garments from chocolate wrappers.