Bus drivers are probably underpaid but the time is not right to bring them into line with workers in similar occupations, ERA says.

Most of the expensive nikau palms in Queen St are malnourished, full of bugs and will die without urgent care, says a tree expert.

It's been a tough week for Auckland's public transport and commuters. Both sides talk to the Herald about the impact of the dispute.

Friends and family will gather tomorrow to remember bubbly 2-year-old Aisling Symes.

Auckland's main bus fleet is due back on the roads, but a week-long lockout of drivers has left community leaders seething over damage to the credibility of public transport.

Residents are concerned one of NZ's most popular beach spots may become a concrete jungle under plans which could allow for higher development.

A woman was thrown out of a meeting on the North Shore's beach poisonings when she hurled objects at a Department of Conservation speaker.

Aisling Symes' parents say their daughter's funeral will include family tributes and music in her memory.

NZ Bus and the drivers' unions will continue industrial talks tomorrow, but bus services will resume after seven days of disruptions.

Locked-out Auckland bus drivers meet this morning to consider a third-party recommendation on settling their five-month pay dispute.

An ERA facilitator is set to make a judgement in NZ Bus's industrial dispute with its drivers tomorrow morning.