Latest from Local Government

Sam Judd: Auckland's water threatened by poo?

Treated sewage from Hamilton is discharged into the Waikato River near Hamilton, and much further down, Auckland City is taking water, writes Sam Judd.

Brian Rudman: Desist or resign - words port bosses never heard

Since the early days of European settlement, Auckland politicians have been dreaming up ways of dumping spoil in the harbour to create more land.

'Govt put pressure on us'

The Salvation Army says it felt pressured into carrying out expensive, time-consuming research on buying unwanted state houses because the Government repeatedly referred to the charity as a likely buyer.

Second council panel member quits

Another member of the Ethnic People's Advisory Panel has resigned, with reports at least two of the nine remaining panellists are on the verge of quitting.

Port plans to woo Aucklanders

Ports of Auckland is planning an offensive this week to sell its expansion plans to Aucklanders, using the carrot of releasing Captain Cook Wharf for public use.

Brown loses support on port expansion

The majority of Auckland councillors now want a rethink on the controversial proposed expansion of the port.

Govt should help councils with consents

A think tank report into unlocking planning obstacles faced by miners says central government needs to fund local councils for handling complex resource applications.

Bottle shops face council freeze

Bottle shops and supermarkets near some Auckland schools may have to stop selling alcohol between 3pm and 4pm each day.

Nats make beeline for Northland

This is what scrabbling for survival looks like. It's a lazy Sunday in Mangawhai and there are a lot of National Party people about.

Top Kiwis back harbour protest

Prominent business leaders, sailors, architects, musicians have signed an open letter demanding that Ports of Auckland 'stop stealing our harbour'.

Peter Bromhead: National's bridges offer adds salty edge to byelection

The pork barrels now being rolled out by an apprehensive National Party squaring up to the Peter Pan of politics has turned the Northland byelection into an unusually interesting event.

Morepork around Northland

Brewer, Goff eye mayoralty

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer has given the strongest hint yet of standing for the Auckland mayoralty.

MP backtracks after bullying accusation

National MP Shane Reti initially defended himself against bullying claims, but later apologised.

Editorial: Amiable Goff good choice for city mayor

The revelation that even key members of Mayor Len Brown's campaign team have urged him to step down at the next election has prompted a significant development.

AT raises cash fares, Hop card incentive

The council body is doubling the cash fare for CityLink buses to $1 from March 29 and imposing a 50c charge for Hop card users now able to ride them free.

Len Brown loses backing of allies

Key members of Len Brown's campaign team are turning their attention to other left-leaning candidates at next year’s local body elections.

Cartoon: The Mayoral dump