Latest from Local Government

Judge flexes muscles on blueprint hearings

Aucklanders have until the end of next month to lodge submissions on the city's new planning rulebook, or Unitary Plan, says Environment Court judge David Kirkpatrick.

Where are the Pacific entrepreneurs?

Pacific Islanders need to rediscover their entrepreneurial spirit, says the new minister tasked with turning around their job and education prospects.

Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: Fighting and debating inequality in 2014

David Cunliffe has sparked some big questions with his election year opening speech and 'Best Start' policy announcement, writes Bryce Edwards.

Bid to scupper huge sewer tunnel

'Come to our bake sale,' said a member of a group trying to raise $140k for a court appeal against a $950k sewer tunnel project.

Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: Electioneering in overdrive

How do we know it's election year? Bryce Edwards teases out the tell-tale signs that politicians are keen for your vote - and it stars with kissing babies.

Brown pressed to reveal payment

Expectations are rising for a settlement by Auckland Mayor Len Brown towards the $100,000-plus cost of a review into his extramarital affair to be made public.

Editorial: Brown's ability to fast-track rail weakened

As part of his platform for last year's local body elections, Mayor Len Brown said he would push for a 2016 start to Auckland's $2.86b city rail link. However, his ability to gain an early start to the rail link has been much reduced.

Len Brown set to resume 'mayor in the chair' sessions

Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: National's super-smart step to the left

John Key has once again shown himself to be the master pragmatist with an eye for winning votes, writes Bryce Edwards.

Len's plan: Fonterra to sponsor Shed 10

Fonterra is buying the naming rights for Shed 10 on Auckland's Queens Wharf - and will use its Anchor brand, the Herald understands.

Minor earthquake damage

Mayor hires a 'bevy of heavies'

'I put this down as a mayor terrified of the real public.' Questions are being raised about the level of security surrounding Auckland mayor Len Brown.

Len Brown: Six strategies for 2014

This year presents exciting possibilities to deliver on the goals of the Auckland Plan, writes Auckland's Mayor Len Brown.

Brown's wife target for legal action

Shan Inglis is now in the sights of Wellington man Graham McCready, who is considering laying a private prosecution against her over her husband's hotel upgrades and freebies.

Bryce Edwards: Political roundup: Dotcom's Internet Party - can it succeed?

Brown private prosecution papers filed

Charging documents for the private prosecution against embattled Auckland Mayor Len Brown have now been delivered to the city's district court.

Counselling for road users

Mayor faces new date: in court

Auckland's embattled mayor has a new date - with a courtroom - as a private prosecution is brought against him today for accepting hotel freebies.