Friday's headlines: Average income for Maori men in Australia is more than $10,000 higher than in New Zealand; frustration in Christchurch over the pace of the rebuild; power prices in Waikato region have risen 4% in the year to May.
NZ Herald
The New Zealand Herald reports on a mystery man who's been making offers on luxury houses north of Auckland, before disappearing. The Real Estate Institute says the case is unusual and it's not clear how the man will benefit.
The paper also reports that Sir Owen Glenn may be reconsidering his role in the family violence enquiry he has funded, following accusations he assaulted a women a decade ago. The board of the inquiry is reportedly expected to make an announcement on Friday.
Waikato Times
The Waikato Times leads with a story about rising power prices in the region, and residents who have been left in the cold after defaulting on bills.
Power prices in the region have risen 4% in the year to May, higher than the national average. The paper talks to one Dinsdale family who believe their childrens' health it at risk because they can't afford to use heaters.
Dominion Post
The Dominion Post reports that a growing number of Maori are finding success across the Tasman. Data from the latest Australian Census shows the average income for Maori men in Australia is more than $10,000 higher than in New Zealand and the number of births suggests conditions there are good enough to stay and raise families.
The paper also reports that bank profits continue to climb, reaching $A1 billion in the March quarter. But the union representing bank workers say those profits are being made by pressuring staff to meet sales targets.
The Press
The Press leads with the deaths of four people in eight days on Canterbury roads, with the police calling it a "bad week" for the region.
The paper also reports that Christchurch residents continue to be frustrated by the slow progress of the rebuild, despite $5 million being spent repairing the city every day.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority chief executive Roger Sutton said the rebuild is getting up to speed and the organisation is on the cusp of releasing timeline for its major central city projects.
ODT
The Otago Daily Times reports that Southern District Health Board has spent almost $400,000 on ongoing legal costs relating to convicted fraudster Michael Swan.
The paper also features a picture of a Hairy Maclary look alike celebrating the character's 30th birthday at that Dunedin public library.
