Three art-deco homes in St Heliers at the centre of a furore over Auckland's heritage preservation are unlikely to be relocated, Auckland Council chief executive says.

The Whakatane District Council faces turmoil with the possibility of 10,000 residents defecting to neighbouring Kawerau.

Matt McCarten gives the Slow-Learner Certificate to Pansy Wong and the Giant-Killer Prize to Pete Hodgson, among other awards.

This time last year, Auckland City mayor John Banks was rubbishing a poll showing Manukau mayor Len Brown 11 points ahead in the race for the Super City mayoralty as "shonky".

Balmoral residents have suffered a further blow in their 3 1/2-year battle to stop a McDonald's restaurant being built on the western edge of the shopping centre, fronting Balmoral Rd and Wiremu St.

Electronic ticket for seamless travel due to debut in March.

Independent MP Chris Carter was going to use his international travel perk for an overseas holiday but cancelled it after media found out, it was reported last night.

Auckland Transport is being asked to consider running bus lanes down the middle of Dominion Rd while reviewing an $84 million upgrade project.

Transport Minister says many questions remain over $2 billion-plus project.

The Pacific Pearl's captain can't wait to let his superiors know how quickly P&O Cruises' newest superliner cuts through the seas.