Latest from Auckland Council

Residents misled by rates hike

A 9.9 per cent average rates rise for Auckland households from July is going down badly with residents and ratepayer groups.

Transport accord on council and Govt plans

Any agreement leading to funding would ask that local roading projects in outer suburbs and bus infrastructure be focus.

Chris Parker: No, Mike, house crisis is not our fault

Chief economist says Hosking has it wrong when he heaps all the blame for soaring house prices on the Auckland Council.

Councillors protest rate rise

Six councillors yesterday wrote to Len Brown concerned about the impact the household rates rise will have on ratepayers.

Kauri protest: Protected trees included in 'vegetation'

Letters sent to west Auckland iwi and local board members about a proposal to fell two large kauri trees in Titirangi did not mention the protected trees would be included in “vegetation” to be removed from the site.

Study on Auckland's port future could take a year

Len Brown’s office will offer more than $1m to fund a port future study that will take at least a year — not enough time to meet Ports of Auckland’s deadline.

'Gravitational pull' counters lending rules

New lending rules targeting Auckland residential property investors will cool the market - but the city's "gravitational pull" will counter any impact, John Key says.

Aucklanders to pay more for water

Watercare announced it is increasing the price of water and wastewater in Auckland by 2.5 per cent, just days after Auckland Council voted for a rates increase.

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.