Thursday's papers: $36 million lottery jackpot won by lucky punter in Masterton; Otago Regional Council decides not to go ahead with $31 million HQ; baby whales entertain onlookers at St Heliers Bay.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald leads with the death of a three-day-old girl after she was prescribed paracetimol for flu and sent home from a medical centre in Henderson. The death has been referred to the coroner.
A number of people have offered to help a Glen Innes family that has been burgled seven times in two years.
A pod of baby whales are pictured entertaining onlookers at St Heliers Bay.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post devotes its front page to the $36 million lottery jackpot won by a lucky punter in Masterton.
Millionaire businessman Sam Kelt has been discharged without conviction for an assault incident in a Hastings bar. Judge Bernard Kendall found the assault proven, but minor, and discharged Mr Kelt.
The Press
The Press leads with the opening of the trial of Clayton Weatherston, accused of the murder of Sophie Elliott. He has admitted manslaughter and his lawyer told the jury they must decide whether the accused is a cold-blooded killer or a man who was provoked and out of control.
Two people are dead and a third is fighting for his life after their car collided with a train near Rakaia.
AMP initially refused to reimburse a Timaru woman whose parked car was hit by a vehicle driven by one of their own agents, describing the incident as "an act of God". But the insurance company has now changed its mind.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports the Otago Regional Council has decided not to go ahead with a $31 million waterfront development, but is instead considering another option for new council offices.
In the Weatherston trial: lawyer Judith Ablett Kerr has told the jury that it was the emotional pain of his torrid and tumultuous relationship that provoked the fatal attack.
A new Catholic primary school at Arrowtown has been approved by the Queenstown Lakes District Council despite opposition from residents.
