Wednesday's headlines: $90 'ash cash' certificate revenue used to fund parties for hospital doctors; fashion designer Ashley Fogel folds after more than four decades; Christchurch City Council staff granted 11 days extra paid leave by chief executive.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald says teenage girls are now slightly more likely to binge drink than boys of the same age.
A survey by Massey University's public health unit has found that among 16 to 17-year-old drinkers, 28% of girls, as against 25% of boys, drank at least eight standard drinks in a typical session last year.
And the Law Commission wants to address the ''injustice'' of laws allowing trusts to be used for property avoidance when couples separate.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times reports hospital doctors throughout the country are charging grieving families for cremation certificates and then spending the proceeds.
In some areas the doctors charge up to $90 in 'ash cash', for just a few minutes' work.
The paper the revenue is often used to fund junior doctors' social club events.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post also features the 'ash cash' story, saying that as a result of its investigation, district health boards are scrambling to scrap the practice.
Also on the front page, Ashley Fogel, a stalwart of Wellington fashion design, has folded after more than four decades in the industry.
The designer is to discontinue his label and close his Miramar factory, saying slow business and competition from overseas have taken their toll.
The Press
The Press reports Christchurch City Council is being pressured to conduct a full inquiry into a decision by chief executive Tony Marryatt to grant staff extra paid leave.
The board of the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce has written to Mayor Bob Parker and city councillors asking for a full and detailed inquiry into what it calls Mr Marryatt's unilateral action in awarding employees 11 days of extra leave.
And there's a wrap on Cup Day, with a record turnout of 25,000 punters leaving Addington officials smiling.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports "Police to cut jobs in the South." Ten non-sworn jobs are to be be cut in the South, a move the district commander says will get police on to the front line.
I Survived, a TV programme which tells the stories of everyday people suddenly confronted by extreme danger, is now one of the more popular shows in the United States. Made by NHNZ, formerly known as Natural History New Zealand, the programme is celebrating its own tale of survival with a 100th episode.
