Latest from Auckland Council

Warning: Worst hit will revolt on rates

The rise in Auckland rates will put tremendous pressure on families, say councillors.

Brian Rudman: Nick Smith, drop the club and listen

Auckland Council deserved a considered answer to the legitimate question of who's going to pay for roading, sewerage and water connections, writes Brian Rudman.

Submissions open for Queens Wharf sculpture

Public submissions have begun on an application to build the controversial $1.5 million "lighthouse" sculpture on Queens Wharf.

Window washer took swipe at hearse

Two funeral directors say someone may be killed in increasingly angry disputes between motorists and window washers.

Rate hikes to hit poorer areas

People in many of Auckland's poorest suburbs will pay dearly for a transport and general rates package costed at $214 for the average household.

Auckland Council to set budget

The Auckland Council meets today to make final decisions on its new 10-year budget, including a rates increase of 9.5 per cent for households.

Mike Hosking: Smith should roll over the council

The last thing Nick Smith needs is Auckland Council holding the Government to ransom over special housing sites, writes Mike Hosking.

Mt Smart stadium debate continues

The Mad Butcher and mayor of Auckland butted heads over the ongoing Mt Smart stadium debate this morning.

Auckland transport levy to go ahead

Auckland's mayor says he thinks a transport levy would be going ahead after a council meeting today.

Kauri battle: Tavares pleads guilty

Michael Tavares has entered a guilty plea in the Waitakere District Court for wilful trespass.

Editorial: Transport levy only option open to mayor

Burned-out house target for new bylaw

A fire-gutted derelict house has been described by neighbours as a glaring example of the need to crack down on unkempt and nuisance properties.

Average rates hike put at $200

The average Auckland family will have to find an extra $200 a year from July to pay for Mayor Len Brown's latest budget plan.

Council's port compromise

Auckland Mayor Len Brown used his casting vote to accept a compromise proposal by the city-owned port company to stop extending the shorter of its two wharf extensions.

Auckland to get Rainbow Advisory Panel

Auckland Council has voted to set up a Rainbow Advisory Panel today.

Swney sentencing delayed

Auckland businessman Alex Swney will have to wait to find out how long he will spend in jail.

Port land an 'unrealised goldmine'

Ports of Auckland is sitting on land with a commercial value of $2.2 billion, far greater than its $76 million value for port use, says an economist.

Council vetoes living wage plan

Auckland Council staff have told a local board that it cannot pay the "living wage" to its swimming pool attendants because it would set a precedent for other council workers.