To say that NZ local politics is devoid of party affiliation is absurd. Here in Auckland we have witnessed well-known National Party and Labour Party political operatives standing and winning seats, writes Andy Asquith and Andrew Cardow.

Ports of Auckland has released its annual review, giving more insight into the stoush over Bledisloe Wharf extensions and its soft profit result.

Members of the Flat Earth Society may still claim climate change doesn't exist.

Mr Brown's office today pro-actively released details about his office spend following an Official Information Act request from councillor Cameron Brewer.

Developers of Auckland's tallest and most striking new office tower have told investors that plans are advancing well.

COMMENT: Announcement that Len Brown is going to the world climate change conference in Paris will anger many.

Tough allocation criteria make it near-impossible for most people to even get on the state house waiting lists. The private rental market is a tough place to enter when you're down and out, writes Sue Bradford.

Attendees will be asked to light candles to commemorate the victims in Paris, and there will be a condolences book for people to leave a message of support.

The cost of cleaning the windows at Great Barrier Island airport is surprising.

The Council does not build the homes. That is the role of the private development and community housing sectors, writes Ree Anderson.

When the Auckland Council was formed in November 2010, Watercare went from being a wholesaler to seven councils to a retailer for 450,000 customers.

Seldom has New Zealand seen, at any level of politics, a rise and fall as rapid as that of Len Brown.

New interactive maps have shown how projected sea-level rise under different climate change would transform our coastlines and inundate low-lying areas.

Auckland house prices have been driven by speculative demand as much as - or probably more than - a shortage of supply.

Len Brown's announcement has been met with relief by council members who say they can focus on milestone decisions for the region's future.

It's rare for politicians to admit their mistakes. Particularly one as recent as Auckland Council's unelected Maori Statutory Board, writes Brian Rudman.

Richie McCaw was granted the Freedom of Auckland by Mayor Len Brown yesterday - the first time the honour has been bestowed since the birth of the Super City five years ago.

Fire safety issues have stopped construction on the first 20 terraced homes at Auckland's biggest affordable housing project.

A sea wall is to be built at one of Auckland's most popular beaches in a $5 million plan to try to stop storms ripping out chunks of its grassy park and currents carrying away its sand.

It bemuses me the way the major political parties go to so much trouble to disguise their interest in running Auckland Council, Brian Rudman writes.

The Auckland Council intends to hold a debate and a vote on whether to oppose exploratory oil drilling in an area of seabed off the west coast.

All-hours ban on drinking liquor in streets, carparks and playground.

Four years ago the Hauraki Gulf Forum's "State of our Gulf" report warned of widespread decline in the condition of its water and birds and marine life.

The Auckland Council has been struggling to work out how to preserve the city's heritage in housing.

Council's bloopers tape shows why asking Aucklanders to trust builders and developers is a step too far, says Brian Rudman.

Christine Fletcher writes an open letter to Phil Goff, warning him of the "shambles" in its local government as he considers standing for mayor.

Authorities seek to force out dodgy inhabitants after alleged kidnapping and gunshots at Mark Lyon's 15 Karaka St building.

The rise in pay packets for Auckland Council's top brass has slowed this year, according to a Herald survey.