Latest from Local Government

Auckland Council faces 'tough choices'

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says the council faces tough choices as part of a new 10-year budget that kicks off today.

Mayor 'toast' if credit rating falls

Len Brown's principal policy adviser James Bews-Hair says the Auckland Mayor will be "political toast" if the council's credit rating is lowered.

New tower in tune with wind

Some cynics think plans for the country's biggest new skyscraper are just a lot of hot air but an Auckland Council boss says wind is something to be avoided.

Bryce Edwards: The tricky business of mixing money and politics

It seems that many of our politicians are rather 'tricky' when it comes to mixing business, money and politics, writes Bryce Edwards.

Bryce Edwards: National's overconfidence problem

Bryce Edwards says it could be argued that continuing strong polling is turning National's strong self-assurance into arrogance.

Editorial: Justified annoyance at 'dangerous' heritage rule

Editorial: People usually reserve their greatest annoyance for things they believe have been imposed on them in a stealthy manner.

Stairway to the treetops

Climbing a man-made tree to see plants that live high in the forest canopy could soon be an activity on offer at Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Bryce Edwards: Labour and Cunliffe under harsh scrutiny

Just when David Cunliffe looked about to gather some serious momentum, revelations surfaced about his use of secret trusts for receiving political donations.

Trapped by power lines

With a downed tree blocking their way, and live power lines sparking off the rain-lashed roof and bonnet, Bruce McDonald urged his teenage daughter to remain calm.

Iwi's right to stall consents raises fears

A new rule requiring homeowners and businesses to seek iwi approval to work on sites of cultural and heritage value to Maori is set to be debated by councillors today.

12 Questions: Georgina Beyer

Bryce Edwards: The year of the blogger?

Will this election year be the 'Year of the blogger'? Politics lecturer Bryce Edwards examines the issue in his regular round-up of the political scene.

Richard Burton: Council must get serious about design

The council's claims of high levels of design control are illusory and don't stack up, writes Richard Burton. "Very few residential developments will require a resource consent."

Editorial: Helicopter trust should not challenge cut to grant

Editorial: In terms of fundraising, few organisations are in such a favoured position as the Westpac rescue helicopter service.

Shore wants its share of the party fun

The North Shore is losing popular events, like the Devonport Food and Wine Festival and Wag 'n Walk Day, says the area's former mayor.

Bryce Edwards: Cunliffe's critics are everywhere

Everyone's a critic when it comes to David Cunliffe at the moment, writes Bryce Edwards in his regular round-up of the NZ political scene.

Green Party suspends David Hay

The Green Party has suspended low-ranking candidate David Hay for attacking the party's leaders and releasing internal documents.

Brown's wife with him as he fronts up

Mayoress Shan Inglis yesterday accompanied her husband Len Brown to the Howick Military Tattoo - an event from which the mayor had been told to stay away.