Latest from Auckland Council

$104K legal bill in rates debt battle

Auckland Council has racked up more than $100,000 on lawyers in an ongoing battle with activist Penny Bright over $33,372 in unpaid rates and penalties.

Len Brown escapes parking fine

Mayor Len Brown has avoided a parking fine despite his chauffeur-driven mayoral car snapped in a Nuffield Street loading bay.

St James Theatre back in limelight

A new documentary about the initial restoration of Auckland's historic St James Theatre will premiere next month.

Brian Rudman: Bicultural hang-up skews city arts plan

Auckland's point of difference is not the glories or supremacy of one ethnicity over another, but our place in the Pacific as a smorgasbord of cultures and ethnicities, writes Brian Rudman.

Auckland Council could exceed staff budget again

Auckland Council cannot give an assurance that staff costs - which blew out $63 million in the past year - will stay within budget this year.

Council crackdown on shoddy building

Concern about shoddy building work in Auckland has prompted the appointment of a full-time council investigator to lay complaints with professional licensing bodies.

Food waste collection strikes a green note

A proposed Auckland-wide food waste collection has been extended in parts of the City and the number of homes taking the service is growing.

City defends $63m staff blowout

A $63 million blowout in staff costs is being downplayed by Auckland Council staff, who say savings in other areas have led to an $80 million budget surplus this year.

Bill McKay: New design for Freyberg Place misses the mark

The council is planning to redesign Freyberg Place. This is one of our most urban public places but the vision we've seen in the Herald is for a bush walk.

Auckland Transport 'can't accommodate growth'

Auckland Transport has less money to spend on capital works this year, says chief executive David Warburton.

Auckland to miss out on online voting

Aucklanders won't be able to choose their next council at the click of a mouse because it is too big.

$4.2b to be invested in Auckland's transport

The Government and Auckland Council have today signed off terms of reference setting out how central and local government will work together to develop the city's transport system.

Ralston considers running for Council

Media personality Bill Ralston says he is seriously looking at running for a seat on Auckland Council next year.

Firefighter fumes over parking fine

An Auckland firefighter fined for parking his engine at a bus stop has hit out at what he calls over-zealous traffic wardens.

Court refuses City Rail Link appeal

A major roadblock has been unblocked after the Environment Court refused to rule in favour of a powerful landlord.

Council driver busted for illegal park

Auckland Transport wardens who fined more than two dozen residents for parking on footpaths were not so quick to nab a council driver for doing the same thing.

Council stands firm on heritage

The Auckland Council is holding the line on rules to protect the city's built heritage after being advised they are a burden on landowners seeking to develop their properties.

Bowls clubs could also be sold

A review of Auckland Council's sport and recreation assets not only involves 13 golf clubs valued at $200 million-plus, but also all the council's bowling clubs.