Latest from Local Government

Phil Goff on being mayor of Auckland

After announcing he will stand for Auckland mayor, Phil Goff shares his thoughts on how he would run NZ's largest city.

Dismay over pool fence rule change

Allowing the side of an infinity pool to count as a fence is among a raft of safety changes that opponents fear could lead to more children drowning.

Who will be the next Auckland mayor?

Incumbent Len Brown's announcement that he will not stand again has left the field wide open for next year's local body election.

'Toot - Len Brown Sux' sign sold

A vociferous Auckland protester's soon-to-be redundant anti-Len Brown sign has sold in an online auction this morning.

Supersized mall battle

Owners of a popular Auckland shopping mall are trying to push through plans to almost double its size, without the public being able to have a say.

Cartoon: World toilet day

Phil Goff formally announces he will run for Auckland Mayor.

Auckland for sale: Councillors push on

The partial or full sale of Auckland Airport and Ports of Auckland are the big ticket items

Andy Asquith and Andrew Cardow: Local politicians, fly your colours

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.

Wharf stoush hits port's books

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

Mike Hosking: Len Brown was a fantasist and wasn't up to the job

COMMENT: The writing was on the wall for outgoing mayor Len Brown and his fanciful schemes, he just needed Phil Goff to show him the door, writes Mike Hosking.

Ree Anderson: What's needed to build homes for Auckland

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

Water giant celebrates pipe dream

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.

Editorial: Feeble end to mayoralty of much promise

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

Cartoon: The Len Brown Hangover

Interactive: How will NZ cope with rising sea levels?

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

Editorial: No surprise housing accord has been a flop

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

Brown's decision brings relief

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.

Brian Rudman: Maori board hops over the law

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