Wednesday's headlines: Schools refuse to introduce national standards; defence spending cuts of up to $400 million sought; Christchurch faces an earthquake damage bill of $500 million.
New Zealand Herald
More than 200 schools are refusing to introduce part of the Government's mandatory national standards next year after voting "no confidence" in the system.
An ambulance answering an emergency call crashed with another vehicle in downtown Auckland; one ambulance officer has moderate injuries.
Dominion Post
Military chiefs have been told to slash up to $400 million from their annual budget as the Government unleashes a major defence overhaul.
A delay in the unveiling of the proposed route of an expressway through Kapiti has left affected property owners on tenterhooks.
The Press
Christchurch faces a potential $500 million repair bill for earthquake-damaged infrastructure but ratepayers won't be hit. Contractors are likely to start work in the four worst-hit areas before Christmas.
Otago Daily Times
An official information request by the newspaper has revealed that police have paid 1251 speed camera fines in the past five years and waived 1623.
About 8400 people went to the Wingatui races for the annual Melbourne Cup event.
