Thursday's headlines: ''Judgment Day'' for Auckland mayor; budget blowout over cycle safety in Wellington; Jedi Knight unhappy that the Jedi faith was not deemed a legitimate religion in the Census.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the story of a young woman who was told she was terminally ill with cancer. Carrie Watt has since been given the all clear after family and friends helped her raise money for specialist treatment. She says it's the best Christmas present ever.
And the paper continues its coverage of Len Brown's woes with the headline, "Judgment Day."
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times also continues its coverage of a legal high shop in Hamilton. The front page is dedicated to describing the street scene outside the shop for its readers and also speaks to some of the shop's customers.
The front page also has an editorial setting out the paper's position on a 'puff shop' on Grey Street -- it says the shop must go.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post leads with news that the plan to make Wellington a safer place to be a cyclist already faces a budget blowout. The paper reports that managing car parking needs along with accommodating cyclists will put pressure on the city's budget.
The front page also carries a picture of a Jedi Knight from Wellington who is disgruntled because the Jedi faith was not deemed a legitimate religion in the Census.
The Press
The Press reports that Summerset is committing $200 million to develop two retirement villages in Christchurch. The paper says this will pit the company against Ryman Healthcare which is already established in the city. But Ryman has told the paper there is room in Christchurch for both operators.
The front page also has a picture of former children's TV presenter Olly Ohlson as he packs up his Christchurch house ready to move to Dunedin. The paper says he has left his Brooklands home after a lengthy battle over zoning and insurance.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports there is concern that Foodstuffs will cut employee numbers in Dunedin ahead of opening of a new centre in Christchurch. The paper says Foodstuffs initially spoke of job losses, but has since said no decision has been made about its Dunedin facility.
And a brief deluge on Wednesday had central Dunedin on standby again as a mop-up continued following Monday's storm.
