Latest from Local Government

Candidates' visions should not be too set

The last thing Auckland needs is a mayor elected on a mandate to pursue a needless extravagance for no better reason than he or she promised it.

Rudman: Who would stand for local govt?

COMMENT: As we prepare to yawn our way through another round of local government elections, spare a thought for the masochists fighting to represent you.

Mayoral candidates to be tested in debate

Environmental issues are expected to be raised at an Auckland mayoral debate in Titirangi this evening.

Local Government bill 'undemocratic'

Proposed new powers for Local Government Commission are anti-democratic and could result in forced amalgamation, opponents of new bill say.

Beware these mayoral promises

John Palino's three major policies are: "reduce rates" - now that has an appealing sound - but how?

Anger over Canterbury DHB gagging policy

Canterbury District Health Board members say an archaic piece of policy that gags them from speaking to media should be scrapped or reviewed.

Battleground Auckland

Super City reporter Bernard Orsman takes a look at some of the key match-ups that will determine the outcome of October's elections.

Affordable housing has no easy fix

Special housing areas, it turns out, are not making many more houses more "affordable".

Auckland mayoral candidates up to 19

The Electoral Office has added business school owner Susanna Kruger to the list of candidates standing for the Auckland mayoralty.

Challenge to 'pale and male' status quo

A fresh-faced 20-year-old is stepping up to challenge the "pale, stale and male" status quo in Auckland politics.

Unitary Plan panel delivers right answer

Auckland has made heavy weather of its plain need for dense development.

Proposals will let Auckland thrive

Auckland's Unitary Plan will be transformative for the city with proposals allowing enough commercial and industrial development to let business thrive: expert.

Young have far greater say if they vote

COMMENT: The present young seem to have missed out not just on the direct action gene, but the voting gene as well.

Editorial: Local elections your chance to bring change

If you believe you can do a better job for your district, city or community, now is the time to put your hand up.

Ruapehu candidate workshops help council hopefuls

More than 30 people attended two candidate workshops in the Ruapehu area recently for those interested in standing in the local body

City struggles with costs for underground pipes

The Christchurch city council is facing a multi-billion dollar problem as it tries to find an insurer and options to cover the network of underground pipes.

Tava Olsen: A hot solution to traffic congestion

Auckland doesn't need to wait for better public transport - the right toll system could ease gridlock now.

Raybon Kan: Now only road tolls can save us from ourselves

Often, driving in Auckland, I feel like I'm in a failed state. Have warlords taken over?