Friday's papers: "get tough" education policies detailed by National; NZ scores badly for accidental injury and death among children; Otago Regional Council looks to restrict itself to "core activities".
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald says National is rushing to pass into law its "get tough" education policies including plans to fine the parents of children who avoid school. It would cost them $300 the first time, and $3000 for subsequent truanting.
Black Caps opener Daniel Flynn became the first batsman in a Test in New Zealand to be given out after an appeal to a third umpire in the stands. The new challenge rule means LBW decisions can be gone over again in slow motion on television.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post says pressure is building for price and rate cuts from supermarkets, banks and at the petrol pump. But it warns consumers should not expect relief any time soon as falling commodity prices will take time to bring local food prices down.
Public health experts say an attitude of "she'll be right" is harming children. New figures show New Zealand scores badly for the rate of accidental injury and death among children.
The Press
The Press leads with incoming law changes which mean schools will have to publicly reveal pupils' annual test scores.
Under a bill tabled in Parliament, schools will have to provide parents with the test data and officials will be able to use it to make comparisons and and possibly punish schools that don't perform.
The Press also says relief from soaring food prices is months away. Police are photographed on dawn raids which saw more than 200 arrests made on outstanding warrants in Christchurch and North Canterbury.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times says the Otago Regional Council is looking to restrict itself to "core activities", a move which would disqualify it from projects such as the Otago Stadium in future.
Kern Tyson of Trinidad & Tobago is pictured commentating on the cricket with his wife's help because he's blind.
