Wednesday's headlines: Farmer drove home for help after breaking his neck; Waikato Federated Farmers president James Houghton says the Fonterra contamination scare is a storm in a teacup; new stadium in Christchurch might not be ready in time for 2017 Lions tour.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the story of a Northland farmer who after breaking his neck in a fall drove his quadbike home to get help.
Bill Paikea, 60, fell while stacking hay on his Maungaturoto farm on Monday and was unable to call for help as there was no cellphone coverage.
Renters in Auckland are paying up to $60 per week more than they were at the beginning of the year.
Warm winter temperatures are cited as the reason for the increase, with mild temperatures increasing the chance of people moving.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times dedicates its front page to the Fonterra contamination scare. The paper says up to 10% of products containing potentially harmful bacteria are still missing.
And Waikato Federated Farmers president James Houghton says the whole incident is a storm in a teacup. He questions why there needs to be a Government inquiry when no-one is dead or sick.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says Fonterra faces multiple enquiries and the possibility of a regulatory crackdown as politicians lose confidence in the Company.
Masterton sharemilker Andrew Bouton told the paper the contamination scare will damage farmers' incomes. He says confidence in Fonterra has been shaken and he wonders if the co-operative is still the best option.
The Press
The Press leads with the news that the timeline for the rebuild of a new stadium in Christchurch, could mean it's not ready in time for the 2017 British and Lions rugby tour.
CERA chief executive Roger Sutton said the schedule was indicative with more information due out before September.
And thieves have stolen, slashed and vandalised empty chairs memorial in Christchurch. The 185 white chairs represent the people killed in the February 2011 earthquake.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says 64 workers will have their working week reduced to four days after a decision by KiwiRail to take work offshore. EPMU organiser Mike Kirwood said the decision is another blow for the Dunedin economy.
And Otago has been basking in record-setting winter weather. NIWA figures show July was the warmest on record for much of the province.
