Wednesday's headlines: Contact Energy exits Waikato coastal windfarm project with 168 turbine; doubts raised about repairing Christchurch town hall; blood from a dog used to save a sick cat.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports on a police investigation into a company calling itself GoogleDirectory.
The paper says the firm which launched last month, has no links to the giant internet company. It says the directory now has more than 100,000 business listings including some state agencies.
In other news: blood from a Labrador dog was used to save a sick cat in Tauranga. Vet Kate Heller said it was an emergency and there weren't any other options available to save Rory the cat.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times leads with the headline 'billion dollar backtrack'. The paper says Contact Energy has backed out of a windfarm project on the west coast of Waikato. The 168-turbine project was expected to create more than 1000 jobs and inject $180 million into the economy there.
Police on Tuesday night were hunting a dangerous fugitive wanted in relation to a series of aggravated robberies in the city last week.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post leads with the results of the latest Fairfax Media-Ipsos poll which shows 75% of respondents are worried about plans to allow the GCSB to monitor New Zealanders. The paper says just over half of those surveyed say they trust the Government to protect their right to privacy while maintaining national security.
And the paper reports on concerns from Wellington City Council that people who raced out onto the street immediately after the quake on Friday, put themselves in more danger.
The Press
The Press says the future of Christchurch town hall hangs in the balance, as doubts are raised about repairing the damaged building. The paper says $127 million has been set aside for repairs, but that some councillors are now suggesting only the auditorium is worth saving.
In other news: plans have been unveiled for a $70 million lakefront town centre at Pegasus, in North Canterbury.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports on a new $20 million student hostel planned for Dunedin. The paper says Ngai Tahu is behind the hostel plans, and a spokesperson told the paper talks are already under way with potential investment partners.
Skier Toby Kravet, 72, warded off hypothermia and death, by repeating four sets of exercises as he lay in the snow near Treble Cone on Monday night. He was later rescued and treated for two broken legs.
