Latest from Local Government

Mood for change in Hauraki Gulf

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.

Cartoon: Auckland Council trashing heritage

Rudman: Paula Bennett's free pass for cowboys

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

Christine Fletcher: Phil, can you save our city?

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

House of menace shut down

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

Tenants to march on Beehive

State house tenants from around New Zealand plan to march on Parliament against Government plans to sell 1600 houses in Tauranga and Invercargill.

Council salary rises ease off

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

Christchurch breakfast off at a gallop

New Zealand Cup and Show week was previewed in Christchurch yesterday with a business breakfast to celebrate the annual event's influence in the region.

Gang kingpin gets $52K contract

Council takes leap of faith to give another chance to Black Power member who was jailed for assault and grievous bodily harm.

Historic college shifted for new town

Wesley College to be demolished and relocated elsewhere for new small town hosting thousands of new homes.

Bill McKay: New design for Freyberg Place misses the mark

The council is planning to redesign Freyberg Place. This is one of our most urban public places but the vision we've seen in the Herald is for a bush walk.

Council aims for a waste-free city

Used nappies, beer bottles, takeaway cups, your Herald - all items that are likely to end up in the bin once they're finished with.

Catherine Smith: Community gets behind guerrilla garden concept

If you met nurse Lisbeth Alley or former landscaper Robyn Laurenson on the street, the word guerrilla would probably not be the first description you would reach for, writes Catherine Smith.

$64m facelift for Aotea Centre

"It's not the world's most beautiful building."

Arts fight back at the square

The city's arts, culture and civic precinct around Aotea Square is fighting back against the drift of corporate offices, apartments, shops and restaurants.

'Everybody else knew about it but us'

Auckland councillors have been kept in the dark about a Maori word being added to the name of a new development agency for the Super City.

Got some panuku? The council does

A Maori word has been added to the name of a development agency for the Super City at the eleventh hour.

Warning: Pupil poaching will rise

Demographic changes could see central Auckland schools pull in more students from areas already losing thousands.