Government considers Bangkok rescue; Key hints at business tax holiday; Recession could be over next year, forecasters say; All Blacks to meet their nemesis after 2011 World Cup draw made; and more
Under the bold headline Get us out of here, the Herald leads with news the government is considering chartering an Air New Zealand plane or sending the Air Force to get the 200 New Zealanders stranded in Thailand out of the country. John Key says getting New Zealanders on commercial flights remains the priority, but the other contingency plans are being considered.
There will be no cuts to the 30 percent company tax rate, but the government is considering a tax holiday for small and medium businesses, John Key said yesterday. The Herald reports that a holiday from provisional tax proposed before the election by NZX and the New Zealand Institute was no under active consideration. Key predicted that economic growth next year would be "close to zero".
The government is considering double-bunking – putting two inmates in a single cell – as a way of coping with their policies of stricter bail laws and longer sentences. The Otago Daily Times quotes the Sensible Sentencing Trust's Garth McVicar endorsing the plan as a way to make prison life less appealing. But prison guards and advocacy groups are warning of increased violence if inmates are forced in together, the DominionPost reports.
The recession could be over as early as the first half of next year, according to the New Zealnd Institute of Economic Research. The NZIER expects the country's growth to have remained negative throughout the year to March 2009, but to lift to 1.6 percent by March 2010 and 3.3 percent by 2011. BNZ and ANZ National however are less optimistic.
The ODT has the story of a former Dunedin man staying at the Oberoi hotel in Mumbai who rang his wife and children to say goodbye as the sound of gunfire echoed up to his room from the hotel's lobby. Phil Sweeney however was rescued 40 hours later and is now safely home on the Gold Coast.
Police say more people are drinking and driving this Christmas party season and have started a nationwide blitz. Prosecution figures grew from 29,302 to 33,188 between 2006 and 2007. Police fear this year's figures will be higher again, with young men still their biggest concern.
Finally, the draw for the 2011 Rugby World Cup was made in London yesterday, with the All Blacks due to meet their nemesis France in the pool play. Tonga will also be in the ABs group. England, Scotland and Argentina are the top teams in Pool B; Australia and Ireland will clash in Pool C; while South Africa, Wales and Fiji will compete for qualification out of Pool D.