The New Zealand Herald jettisoned the trails that typically appear above the masthead to give space to the court decision, giving prominence to an image of Anna Macdonald with her father Bryan Guy. It boasts a seven-page special inside.

In Wellington, the Dominion Post devotes its above-the-fold image to Anna Macdonald, with an inset headline, like the Herald’s, focusing on “broken hearts”.

The Christchurch Press goes with the dramatic words that Scott Guy’s widow Kylee cried out in court.

The Waikato Times clears its front page, too, but it’s the acquitted Ewen Macdonald given prominence. Its headline, “Not guilty but still locked up”, refers to the fact that Macdonald will remain in custody to await sentencing for charges of arson and criminal damage to which he has pleaded guilty.

The word “doubt” dominates the front page of the Manawatu Standard.

And over in the Wairarapa, at the mighty Times-Age, how did they cover the big story about events in the neighbouring province?