Bernard Orsman
Auckland Reporter
Bernard Orsman is the New Zealand Herald's Auckland and Super City reporter.
Bernard Orsman has been covering local government issues in Auckland since 1998. He covered the Auckland City Council beat through the Christine Fletcher, John Banks and Dick Hubbard terms before turning his attention to the creation of the Super City. Bernard was previously based in the Press Gallery at Parliament for nearly six years. He joined the Herald in 1990 after a stint on New Zealand News UK in London. Bernard studied politics and mathematics at Victoria University before graduating from Wellington Polytechnic School of Journalism. You can contact Bernard at bernard.orsman@nzme.co.nz.
Check out Bernard’s latest content
Deadly volcanic eruption clouds could travel 15km across Auckland – research
New research challenges current estimates of hazard zones.
'Fix the cracks': Auckland man claims home damaged by roadworks vibrations
AT is conducting vibration tests after complaints about noise and shaking.
Backers abandoned $200m Auckland Arena project over council hurdles: sources
Extended timelines and complexities on public land were major hurdles.
Mayor learned of billionaires' arena project collapse while holidaying in Fiji
Wayne Brown was in Fiji when the Auckland Arena backers withdrew.
100,000 homes built in seven years – does Auckland still have a housing crisis?
The median house price in the city is now about $1 million, 7.5 times the median income.
Akl councillor proposes ban on residential helipads after Mowbray’s $24m home greenlit
Treating helipads the same as cars and bikes is socially destabilising, says Mike Lee.
'Massively disappointed': Helipad approval sparks backlash
Council received 1400 submissions; more than 1300 opposed the helicopter flights.
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray's contentious helipad approved for $24m home
The application has been granted subject to a raft of conditions.
'Really good thing': PM backs 110km/h speed limit for Pūhoi motorway
More than 7900 submissions supported the new speed limit, with 94% in favour.
Where did 8000 passengers go? The latest forecasts for $5.5b City Rail Link
The initial capacity is lower than earlier forecasts of 27,000 passengers.
Craig Lord joins forces with councillors for local election push
It's Westwards versus Labour in the Waitākere and Whau wards.
Tower zones: Aucklanders split as map shows where 15-storey buildings could go
Housing lobbyists welcome govt's train station plan but community leaders worried.
Auckland Museum's top attractions closed indefinitely due to asbestos
The two galleries are planned for renewal for the centennial of the 1929 building.
Govt instructs Auckland Council to allow 15 storeys-plus buildings near key train stations
The Government says previous density requirements don't go far enough.
'Blows my mind': Flood-prone development sparks community outrage
Auckland Council says its hands are tied by planning laws, which will change soon.
Auckland’s long-awaited new property valuations released
Aucklanders can find out their home's new CV from today.
Auckland residential property values drop 9%, new CVs to be released this week
Rates will rise by 5.8% from July 1, based on new valuations.
'Class act': Councillors react to Simpson not contesting Auckland mayoralty
Kerrin Leoni doubts Desley Simpson can change Wayne Brown’s leadership style next term.
'Not just a pretty face': Auckland reality TV star to fight crime through local politics
She advocates for free cat desexing and microchipping in Auckland.
$383k road safety project paused to consider fresh options
The project would have closed the town's main road for 30 days.
Westmere helipad opposition 'alarmist and unhelpful', says rich-listers' lawyer
The couple propose up to 10 flights per month, during low-tide windows.
Auckland rates and water bills to rise by $324 from July
Rates will jump by 5.8% and water bills by 7.2%.
'Time to pass the torch': Auckland councillor retires after 30-year stint
Sharon Stewart has been in local government since 1995.
Confidential Auckland blueprint tackles housing intensification, flood risks
The new rules aim to protect against floods while boosting housing near transport.
Ex-Kāinga Ora boss pops up as private sector developer, eyeing Parnell
Andrew McKenzie is now a director in a company buying properties in Parnell.
Release date set for Auckland's long-awaited property revaluations
The new CVs are due out in the week June 9-13.
The billionaires’ helipad, the 'Rolls Royce', and the neighbourhood rumour
'I was mortified to think I could be bought off' one local said about the gossip.
'Over-the-top reaction': Tensions flare at Westmere helipad hearing
Dr Mels Barton alleged illegal tree removal on the couple's Westmere property.
'Gorgeous, beautiful site': Opposition mounts against Westmere helipad plan
Waiheke Island, with 64 helipads, is a lesson for Auckland, says Julie Stout.
Watercare spends $11m on consultants for delayed $1.12b project
Some works are significantly behind schedule, the Watercare board heard.
'That's their problem': Helipad row heats up in affluent Auckland suburb
Every concern has been addressed, said one supporter of the helipad.
'Every concern addressed': Support for Ali Williams' and Anna Mowbray's helipad plan
One supporter says there is no precedent preventing this helipad from proceeding.
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray plan to use helicopters during two-hour window while birds feed
A four-day hearing has started into the application, which has drawn 1400 submissions.
How a young engineer pulled off one of NZ's largest public sector scams
Swindled public agency hunts missing $1m as ex-staffer faces big prison lag.
High-profile businessman Sir Bob Jones has died
He died in Wellington today and is survived by three sons and six daughters.
Heated council meeting suspended during fiery debate over Western Springs' future
Aucklanders will now have a say on Western Springs.
'Only prudent': Speedway lawyer calls for pause on Western Springs plans
Including speedway in public consultation is fair and reasonable, says top lawyer.
Aucklanders to weigh in on $300m stadium vs rugby club plan at Western Springs
The TAU board prefers the Auckland Arena's 12,500-seat stadium proposal.
'Extraordinary experience': Auckland art gallery director steps down
Lacy finishes up on June 15 to recharge the batteries.
NZ First vows action over Waitākere Ranges 'co-governance' plan
The Waitākere Ranges belong to all Aucklanders, says NZ First and Act.
Mill Rd highway receives $91.1m for design, consents in first stage
The funding has been approved by the NZ Transport Agency board.
'Error of judgement': Auckland mayor fined for phone use while driving
Brown admitted the offence and apologised for the error of judgement.
'Significantly reduced' protection: Heritage advocates fear for Auckland villas
RMA reforms are another step toward the death knell of heritage, says Allan Matson.
What submitters say about Anna Mowbray, Ali Williams' helipad application
All 1397 public submissions are out: 91% or 1277 opposed, 108 supporting, 12 are neutral.
'Messy': Why Auckland property valuation delays could mean fluctuating rates for homeowners
Time is short for the release of new valuations to set rates, says councillor Chris Darby.
Wayne Brown questions why Cabinet ministers get limos but he doesn't after driving offence
Wayne Brown has not heard from the police about the video call on his phone.
Watch: Auckland mayor probed by police for video call while driving
The mayor this morning apologised for his 'error in judgement'.
Auckland property valuations delayed again, could be 18 months outdated
The valuations are a source of fascination for property-mad Aucklanders.
Speedway court battle: Controversial Auckland Council move faces legal challenge
After 97 years at Western Springs, speedway held its last race event on March 22.
‘Goldilocks charge’: Debate heats up over Auckland congestion pricing to help ease gridlock
The impact of congestion charges on low income earners is raising concerns.
Western Springs stadium battle: Rugby club and promoters v Ali Williams, Anna Mowbray
The rugby club and music promoters propose a 50,000-person concert venue and sports hub.
Auckland’s big stadium gamble: Eden Park needs millions for redevelopment
The stadium debate will never go away, says councillor Mike Lee.
Live: ‘NZ’s national stadium’: Eden Park wins showdown with waterfront, Helen Clark slams move
The vote saw the rival Quay Park waterfront stadium proposal miss out.
South Auckland set for major new hospital project
Middlemore Hospital has been under intense pressure for years.
‘Something is not right’: Auckland water project cost blows out from $420m to $1.1b
The price represents good value for Aucklanders, says Watercare boss.
‘Moon crater’: Health Minister Simeon Brown bumps hospital pothole up waiting list
The pothole joins the health waiting list for surgery, one person said.
Auckland’s stadium battle: Eden Park, Quay Park projects unfeasible without public funding - report
Two proposals will go before councillors on Thursday.
‘Need a better debt collector’, says Akl mayor as AT struggles to collect millions in fines
Queen St is the biggest trap for fines, with $11m worth issued in one year.
Billionaire couple’s seawall dispute at $24m waterfront property
The council ordered the pair to stop any more reclamation of coastal marine area.
How Britomart was transformed from neglected site to Auckland’s coolest precinct
Britomart values Auckland's past, present and future, says Christine Fletcher.
‘You just end up hating’: Homeowners fume over road crossing issues
Marlene Person said she watched a glass of water vibrating on the table.
Calls for change: Petition demands police bodycams after man’s death
Family members allege police violently assaulted Faasala Samu Matue.
‘Critical challenge’: Auckland faces soaring transport subsidy costs
Bus subsidies increased from $2.72 to $4.70, trains from $4.56 to $12.01.
‘Water torture’: Tremors plague locals at new pedestrian crossing, officials agree to rip it up
Speeding buses is causing mini tremors, says one resident.
Mayor Brown calls for halt on $60.5m Auckland city centre project
The road works are for a temporary cycleway and bus stop.
Mayoral challenge? Desley Simpson testing Wayne Brown’s patience, insiders say
Simpson says she's not interested in intrigue by alleged insiders.
'Back me to finish the job': Wayne Brown announces re-election bid for Auckland Mayor
Let me finish the job: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown announces plans for a second term
Locals urge river cleaning as Auckland town faces relocation due to flood risk
'I can't recall the last time work was done on the river,' says McDonald.
Wayne Brown to announce mayoral re-election bid on Wednesday
Brown will announce his plans at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
‘No cavalry coming’: The Auckland town facing relocation due to flood risk
There is no cavalry coming to save the town, says local politician Guy Wishart.
‘Lazy, sloppy, negligent’: Couple slams council over disputed home assessment
Kim Spark has lost 10kg over the past year from the stress.
Mayor sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ as first train runs through $5.5b CRL
The CRL will be a game-changer for Auckland, says Auckland Minister Simeon Brown.
‘My Jandals saved me’: Taupō man evades lightning injury
Bruce Wilson said he could hardly see for an entire day after the lightning strike.
Wine industry pioneer Peter Babich dies at 92
Babich had vision, integrity, and passion for his family and the wine industry.
Wayne Brown meets Desley Simpson for first time since she eyes his job
Dozens of supporters want Desley Simpson to run for mayor.
Wayne Brown quashes reports he expects Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson to step down
Brown and Simpson are expected to meet over the next day or two.
‘Fraudulent’ letter on moving speedway from Western Springs flagged with SFO
Councillor John Watson said the process of moving speedway has been inept.
Green co-leader Marama Davidson returns to work after breast cancer treatment
'I am grateful, beyond words, for the aroha and support,' the MP says.
'Desley for mayor': Simpson not ruling out Auckland mayoralty bid, campaign website registered
Simpson told the Herald it was a 'bit soon' to make a decision.
CV delays: Auckland homeowners endure long wait for new property valuations
The data was initially planned for release late last year.