PRESS DIGEST-New Zealand newspapers - March 30

WELLINGTON, March 30 (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)

Carrying the bag: The Government is investigating plans to sting shoppers with a 5-cent charge for every plastic supermarket bag. - - - -

Demand for fixed funding lifts rates: Homeowners are rushing to fix their mortgages rather than waiting for rates to fall further, pushing up mortgage rates.

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Interest in waste services assets: As the Transpacific Industries (TPI.AX) recapitalisation saga drags on across the Tasman, several parties are eyeing the waste services company's New Zealand assets.

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Sky TV described as 'recession-resistant': Sky Television (SKT.NZ) shares emerged from a tumultuous week of changes in the broadcasting industry sharply up, but still trading at a bargain price, according to a research report by Forsyth Barr.

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Carpet wool payback 'three years away': Wool Partners International expects its new plan to market carpet wool will bring farmers an increase in income in about three years but they will have to dip into their pockets first. - - - -

NEW ZEALAND HERALD (www.nzherald.co.nz)

Mounting concerns for grassroots democracy in Auckland: Concerns are mounting that the local in local government has been overlooked in the report by the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

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Brakes go on some tax rule: Two tax changes due on Wednesday are among a clutch of reforms being delayed as the Government struggles with a complex tax bill.