PRESS DIGEST-New Zealand newspapers - July 30
WELLINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - Following are some of the lead stories from New Zealand metropolitan newspapers on Thursday.
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)
Bank breaks ranks to cut fees: Banks are under pressure to scrap controversial fees that cost customers about NZ$100 million a year, with one already breaking ranks. - - - -
Bennett stands her ground: Social Development Minister Paula Bennett refuses to back down over revealing personal information about two beneficiaries, despite saying she regrets the outcry it has caused. - - - -
Payout steady despite price fall: Fonterra has held its payout forecast at NZ$4.55 a kilogram of milksolids for the 2009/10 season, despite a 10 cent fall in the milk price.
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Hoki oil prospect could equal Tui: The untested Hoki prospect far off the coast of Taranaki could hold an oilfield to equal the size of the 50 million barrel Tui field, New Zealand Oil & Gas (NZO.NZ) says.
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Warning poor will be hit by planned mobile charges: Vodafone (VOD.L) has warned that poorer households will be worst hit if the Commerce Commission proceeds with plans to regulate mobile termination charges. - - - -
NEW ZEALAND HERALD (www.nzherald.co.nz)
BNZ ends resented overdraft penalties: The Bank of New Zealand (NAB.NZ) plans to drop the highly unpopular penalty fees for customers who go over their overdraft limits.
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No plans to merge JBWere with BNZ: The New Zealand private wealth management arm of Goldman Sachs JBWere won't be merging with the Bank of New Zealand despite a deal by BNZ parent National Australia Bank to buy a major stake in the Australasian business.
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Kupe delay irks NZOG: New Zealand Oil & Gas (NZO.NZ) is frustrated with delays to commissioning of the Kupe field which it says will underpin revenue for the next 15 years.
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Telcos' rate cuts fail to impress: New mobile phone network 2degrees has dismissed Telecom (TEL.NZ) and Vodafone moves to cut termination charges - steps largely designed to stave off Commerce Commission regulation.
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