WELLINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Following are some of the lead stories from New Zealand metropolitan newspapers on Monday.
Stories may be taken from either the paper or Internet editions of the papers.
Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
DOMINION POST(www.stuff.co.nz)
Agency to rule on new cures: A powerful agency will decide which treatments to provide at public hospitals under a major revamp of the health system.
- - - -
US looks to closer relations with NZ: New Zealand and the United States are looking toward a 'second stage' in their relationship through increased co-operation across a broad front, including defence.
- - - -
Nats scotch plan to buy 20 homes for ministers: Officials have proposed buying up to 20 new houses for government ministers on the taxpayer to avoid more controversy over ministerial perks.
- - - -
Banks not out of the woods yet says ratings service: The outlook for New Zealand's banking system remains negative for at least the next 12 to 18 months, reflecting the impact of weaker local and global economies on the asset quality of the banks, says Moody's Investor Services.
- - - -
SCF not another Hanover: Investor: The worst case for South Canterbury Finance is that millionaire shareholder Allan Hubbard winds up the company before the expiry of the government guarantee to protect investors, Kapiti Coast finance industry commentator Chris Lee says.
- - - -
Pyne Gould tipped to raise NZ$160m: Pyne Gould Corporation may want to raise about NZ$160 million from shareholders, a finance industry source says.
- - - -
NEW ZEALAND HERALD (www.nzherald.co.nz)
Recipe for affordable tax cuts: Tax cuts are possible if the Government changes the way it buys goods and services, a report shows.
- - - -
Bombshell plan for reform has Ryall squirming: Health Minister Tony Ryall is distancing himself from a controversial recommendation that would in effect resurrect a part of National's 1990s health system.
- - - -
Future of dairy taking shape: The development of the world's first global dairy futures market could cement New Zealand's position as an industry leader, NZX says, but there are doubts that farmers will have the financial sophistication to use it.
- - - -
Bank will fight IRD despite paying up: Dutch-owned rural lender Rabobank New Zealand has paid NZ$14.4 million to the Inland Revenue Department which it believes is the amount the tax authority will seek to recover from it over its use of structured finance transactions.
- - - -
US investors to review support for South Canty: The downgrade of South Canterbury Finance's credit rating to junk level by Standard & Poor's will trigger a review of a US$100 million ($147 million) private placement facility in the United States.
- - - -
((Wellington newsroom tel +64 4 471 4234, fax +64 4 473 6212 wellington.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)) Keywords: NEWZEALAND PRESS (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
Stories may be taken from either the paper or Internet editions of the papers.
Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
DOMINION POST(www.stuff.co.nz)
Agency to rule on new cures: A powerful agency will decide which treatments to provide at public hospitals under a major revamp of the health system.
- - - -
US looks to closer relations with NZ: New Zealand and the United States are looking toward a 'second stage' in their relationship through increased co-operation across a broad front, including defence.
- - - -
Nats scotch plan to buy 20 homes for ministers: Officials have proposed buying up to 20 new houses for government ministers on the taxpayer to avoid more controversy over ministerial perks.
- - - -
Banks not out of the woods yet says ratings service: The outlook for New Zealand's banking system remains negative for at least the next 12 to 18 months, reflecting the impact of weaker local and global economies on the asset quality of the banks, says Moody's Investor Services.
- - - -
SCF not another Hanover: Investor: The worst case for South Canterbury Finance is that millionaire shareholder Allan Hubbard winds up the company before the expiry of the government guarantee to protect investors, Kapiti Coast finance industry commentator Chris Lee says.
- - - -
Pyne Gould tipped to raise NZ$160m: Pyne Gould Corporation may want to raise about NZ$160 million from shareholders, a finance industry source says.
- - - -
NEW ZEALAND HERALD (www.nzherald.co.nz)
Recipe for affordable tax cuts: Tax cuts are possible if the Government changes the way it buys goods and services, a report shows.
- - - -
Bombshell plan for reform has Ryall squirming: Health Minister Tony Ryall is distancing himself from a controversial recommendation that would in effect resurrect a part of National's 1990s health system.
- - - -
Future of dairy taking shape: The development of the world's first global dairy futures market could cement New Zealand's position as an industry leader, NZX says, but there are doubts that farmers will have the financial sophistication to use it.
- - - -
Bank will fight IRD despite paying up: Dutch-owned rural lender Rabobank New Zealand has paid NZ$14.4 million to the Inland Revenue Department which it believes is the amount the tax authority will seek to recover from it over its use of structured finance transactions.
- - - -
US investors to review support for South Canty: The downgrade of South Canterbury Finance's credit rating to junk level by Standard & Poor's will trigger a review of a US$100 million ($147 million) private placement facility in the United States.
- - - -
((Wellington newsroom tel +64 4 471 4234, fax +64 4 473 6212 wellington.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)) Keywords: NEWZEALAND PRESS (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.