Latest fromBrian Rudman on Auckland
Cost of Cup too heavy to carry alone
COMMENT: Auckland ratepayers need others to help stump up for Auld Mug rematch in 2021.
Brian Rudman: A war over war memorial
Brian Rudman suggests a more fitting memorial is a WWII-style wooden camp for homeless.
Brian Rudman: Beware water experts
COMMENT: Outside the Hunua and Waitakere forest reserves and the Waikato River, Auckland water supply options are limited, says Brian Rudman.
Brian Rudman: Hotels owe us bed tax
COMMENT: The hoteliers want you and I continue to pay while they sit back and reap the benefits, writes Brian Rudman.
Brian Rudman: Why the young don't vote
COMMENT: Willie Jackson is on a crusade to drag poor and young non-voters into political system for "the health of our democracy." And good luck to him.
Rudman: Alternative facts virus hits housing
COMMENT: Govt's answer to failure to conquer city's rising crisis? Friendlier data .
Rudman: Key's Everest-like dream stranded
COMMENT: Last July, then Prime Minister John Key donned his Pied Piper cap and set a goal which popped up in papers all round the world.
Rudman: Aucklanders are kicking up a stink
COMMENT: Aucklanders are a hypocritical bunch. We pollute our precious inner harbour beaches, we have to drive for hours seeking somewhere to relax.
Brian Rudman: Job for Dawkins at Ateed
COMMENT: A bigger question is, do we really want to encourage grumpy old elitists like Dawkins to settle here in great numbers.
Brian Rudman: Jump off the brandwagon
COMMENT: The idea that a perfect brand, will magically make citizens feel great and suck tourists and businessmen down to this country, seems rather silly.
Rudman: Mayor Goff scores own goal
COMMENT: New mayor Phil Goff needs to act fast to stop unelected officials running Auckland, writes columnist Brian Rudman.
Rudman: PM quick to deflate Goff's tyres
COMMENT: Poor Phil Goff. He's hardly jumped into his new Nissan Leaf mayoral limousine for a honeymoon whirl, when old foe John Key punctures front tyres.
DoC predator-free campaign fails to ignite
COMMENT: If the success of the rat-kill on Rakitu Island is anything to go by, NZ is unlikely to be clear of pests by 2050.
Brian Rudman: Distrust and apathy
COMMENT: Auckland Council has had an attack of the Mills & Boons and decided LOVE is the solution to its most pressing problem.
Brian Rudman: In the race, but not to win
COMMENT: Mark Thomas used to run a fancy up-market eatery overlooking the Ferry Buildings. He should have stuck with it.
Rudman: Who would stand for local govt?
COMMENT: As we prepare to yawn our way through another round of local government elections, spare a thought for the masochists fighting to represent you.
Rudman: Council must stay cool to build
COMMENT: There's a cargo cult hysteria erupting over the magical cure-all abilities of Auckland Council's proposed unitary plan.
Young have far greater say if they vote
COMMENT: The present young seem to have missed out not just on the direct action gene, but the voting gene as well.
Rudman: Only obstacle is Govt's denial
COMMENT: It's not the "how-to" that's a problem. It's the Government's refusal to admit there is a crisis.
Rudman: Axing rail makes fix a future problem
COMMENT: We shouldn't be closing off options when the only "solution" on the table is a pie in the sky light rail system.