Latest from Auckland Council

Progressive seeks action in Devonport

For more than two years, Progressive Enterprises has wanted a new Countdown on its Devonport land.

Call for ban on new liquor stores

A two-year ban on new liquor stores in Auckland's CBD is being proposed by the council in its newly released draft alcohol policy.

Bus lane eyed for eco cars

Allowing electric cars in bus and high-occupancy vehicle lanes is being suggested to encourage more drivers to take advantage of renewable power generation.

Building a better city waterfront

The reuse of rainwater, secure bike parking and community gardens are part of a concerted effort to make Wynyard Quarter the leader of sustainable urban development in New Zealand.

Matariki this year gets risque

An R-rated burlesque haka has been added to this year's Maori New Year line-up.

Adams seeks major changes to Unitary Plan

Environment Minister Amy Adams is seeking major changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan, which she says will not provide enough houses and make housing even more unaffordable in its current form.

Brian Rudman: Ashes to ashes ... then let's not get too officious about the next step

Demanding that bereaved families gain official permission before scattering the "cremains" of a loved one in a public place is a proposal that is doomed to fail, writes Brian Rudman.

Employee helped herself to public purse

Ratepayers are almost $20,000 out of pocket after a former Auckland Council employee helped herself to the public purse to buy items she couldn't otherwise afford.

Council delay decision on Hobsonville rezoning

A 20ha block of land at Hobsonville set aside for the marine industry will now be used for housing after a vote by Auckland councillors today.

Dilemma of last farewells

Only death and taxes are certain in life but anyone who has buried a loved one knows the tax lingers longer than the living.

Dig in, it's Arbor Day

Get out the gumboots and spades, urges Dionne Christian, and plant natives to spruce up the region's parks.

E for eeek: Eateries with poor grades

Popular ethnic restaurants, catering companies, sushi shops and butchers are among nearly 90 Auckland eateries with below par food hygiene.

Revealed: NZ's richest and happiest

Raking in the country's highest household incomes is not making Aucklanders feel happier or more financially secure than other New Zealanders.

Surprise bid for prime CBD parking spot

The operators of Tournament Parking have made a surprise offer of $75 million today to buy the downtown carpark from Auckland Council.

Key: Banks is honest, has 'options'

Prime Minister John Key continues to back John Banks as "an honest man" and says he still has "options" despite being found guilty of knowingly filing a false electoral return.

Self-styled watchdogs claim Banks' scalp

Self-styled public watchdogs Penny Bright and Graham McCready claimed their biggest scalp yesterday as Act MP John Banks was found guilty of electoral fraud.

Battle over commuters' city parking

Residents' groups ringing central Auckland are ganging up on the city's transport authority to banish commuter parking from their streets.

Verdict blights Banks' 34-year career

Today's guilty verdict has ended John Banks' 34-year political career at least three months earlier than he would have hoped.