Bernard Orsman is the New Zealand Herald's Auckland and Super City reporter.
Bernard Orsman has been covering local government issues in Auckland since 1998. He covered the Auckland City Council beat through the Christine Fletcher, John Banks and Dick Hubbard terms before turning his attention to the creation of the Super City. Bernard was previously based in the Press Gallery at Parliament for nearly six years. He joined the Herald in 1990 after a stint on New Zealand News UK in London. Bernard studied politics and mathematics at Victoria University before graduating from Wellington Polytechnic School of Journalism. You can contact Bernard at bernard.orsman@nzme.co.nz.
![Govt pledges to repair 95% of potholes within 24 hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt pledges to repair 95% of potholes within 24 hours
The Government agreed on new pothole repair targets with NZTA and roading contractors.
![$50 weekly public transport fare cap introduced in Auckland on Sunday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$50 weekly public transport fare cap introduced in Auckland on Sunday
The fare cap will help with the cost of living, says mayor Wayne Brown.
!['Worse than Covid': Popular cafe faces bleak future from new roadworks in Auckland CBD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Worse than Covid': Popular cafe faces bleak future from new roadworks in Auckland CBD
'We are at the point of sinking,' says cafe owner Richard O'Hanlon.
!['Not a good look': AT CEO on board of company that got $800k in transport contracts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Not a good look': AT CEO on board of company that got $800k in transport contracts
Any potential conflicts of interests meticulously dealt with, says former AT chairman.
![Govt puts the heat on Auckland Transport’s road cone spend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt puts the heat on Auckland Transport’s road cone spend
AT is looking at way to reduce traffic management costs.
![Revealed: Details of Labour’s $229m bill for Auckland axed light rail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: Details of Labour’s $229m bill for Auckland axed light rail
Two engineering firms pocketed $64m for working on light rail.
![All Blacks great fights to stop Ponsonby Rugby Club being booted out of Western Springs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks great fights to stop Ponsonby Rugby Club being booted out of Western Springs
Ponsonby has produced 48 All Blacks – more than any other club.
![Plans abandoned for $400m wastewater plant near Manukau Harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Plans abandoned for $400m wastewater plant near Manukau Harbour
Glenbrook residents are ecstatic, saying they chased Watercare away.
![Auckland motorists face peak-hour time-of-use charges as fuel tax is scrapped](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland motorists face peak-hour time-of-use charges as fuel tax is scrapped
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says cash from congestion charges should be spent locally.
!['We have chased them away': Rural community's win over wastewater plant plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We have chased them away': Rural community's win over wastewater plant plan
Watercare has six days to decide whether to appeal or abandon the plans.
![July 1 financial pain - where you'll be hit in the pocket from Monday](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
July 1 financial pain - where you'll be hit in the pocket from Monday
Wayne Brown struck a deal with Simeon Brown for lower water bills.
![KiwiRail: Expect more passenger disruptions on Auckland trains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
KiwiRail: Expect more passenger disruptions on Auckland trains
At some point there will be disruptions for passengers, KiwiRail says.
![Weekly rates and water now $100 for average household in Auckland Council's 10-year Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Weekly rates and water now $100 for average household in Auckland Council's 10-year Budget
Doing nothing is changing nothing, says Independent Maori Statutory Board member.
![‘Get on with it’: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urges councillors to get on and pass the budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Get on with it’: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urges councillors to get on and pass the budget
The Mayor arrived at the meeting wearing a Coastguard cap saying 'Rescue Auckland'.
![AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout
AT plans to charge for weekends, including overnight on Sundays, and public holidays.
![Labour joins calls for more accountability from AT after handling of parking charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Labour joins calls for more accountability from AT after handling of parking charges
The reputation of AT is challenging for the public, says Shana Halbert.
!['Poor effort': Mayor blasts AT over CBD parking charges controversy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Poor effort': Mayor blasts AT over CBD parking charges controversy
"You weren't put in there to be an apologist," the mayor tells AT chairman.
![Transport Minister backs mayor: AT needs 'greater accountability' after CBD parking hike](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Transport Minister backs mayor: AT needs 'greater accountability' after CBD parking hike
Simeon Brown agrees with the mayor over greater accountability from AT.
![Editorial: Why Wayne Brown scrapped plans for a Ports of Auckland lease](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Editorial: Why Wayne Brown scrapped plans for a Ports of Auckland lease
OPINION: Wayne Brown's decision was driven by a simple equation.
!['It's a man's world': Auckland councillor pleads for women’s voice in transport planning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's a man's world': Auckland councillor pleads for women’s voice in transport planning
Women have a different life to men, says Angela Dalton.
![Mayor Wayne Brown bins long-term lease for Port of Auckland, sticks with status quo](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mayor Wayne Brown bins long-term lease for Port of Auckland, sticks with status quo
The Auckland Mayor earlier warned that the 'manure hits the fan' if nothing changed.
![Financial case has not been made to lease Port of Auckland, says economist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Financial case has not been made to lease Port of Auckland, says economist
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown agreed to commission the report after requests by councillors.
![PM, Auckland Mayor reveal how much Watercare bills will rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM, Auckland Mayor reveal how much Watercare bills will rise
This is the first deal struck under the new Local Water Done Well programme.
!['Understandably unsettling': Auckland Council boss axes 14 top jobs, including execs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Understandably unsettling': Auckland Council boss axes 14 top jobs, including execs
The senior executive team has been cut from nine to seven roles as part of a $4m saving.
![Aucklander convicted of tax charges wins right to build beside heritage-protected boat sheds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Aucklander convicted of tax charges wins right to build beside heritage-protected boat sheds
Ōrākei Local Board was unsuccessful in getting the plan publicly notified.
![Ferry service to be trialled following Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ferry service to be trialled following Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge closure
Ferries will not replicate bridge's capacity, says Eke Panuku.
![Auckland councillors considering solutions to avoid water bills rising by 25 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland councillors considering solutions to avoid water bills rising by 25 per cent
Wayne Brown is confident a solution will be found.
![Eden Park expected to be crowned Auckland’s main stadium at formal vote next month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eden Park expected to be crowned Auckland’s main stadium at formal vote next month
Auckland Council has no money for Eden Park's multimillion-dollar upgrade.
![Families of Kiwi soldiers who escaped Nazi-occupied Greece remember the help of young boy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Families of Kiwi soldiers who escaped Nazi-occupied Greece remember the help of young boy
Geroge Bizos was 13 when he helped Kiwi soldiers escape from Greece.
![Dog poo dumped in exclusive Auckland suburb at site of removed council bin](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dog poo dumped in exclusive Auckland suburb at site of removed council bin
Hundreds of rubbish bins are being removed as a cost-cutting measure.
!['We have a way to go': Firefighters’ internal review of Cyclone Gabrielle and Auck flood response](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We have a way to go': Firefighters’ internal review of Cyclone Gabrielle and Auck flood response
Fenz has set up specialist rescue teams for severe weather events.
![Dangerous building notice to evacuate high-rise ‘distressing for residents’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dangerous building notice to evacuate high-rise ‘distressing for residents’
The 16-storey tower is located on Albert St, a block back from Queen St.
![Erica Stanford battles council to save North Harbour Stadium](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Erica Stanford battles council to save North Harbour Stadium
But there are no plans to demolish the Albany stadium, says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
!['Bullying tactics': Auckland mayoral adviser apologises after LinkedIn outburst](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Bullying tactics': Auckland mayoral adviser apologises after LinkedIn outburst
Johnston's language is akin to that of a social media troll, say the two councillors.
![Exclusive poll: Who Aucklanders want to run city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive poll: Who Aucklanders want to run city
Simon Bridges is not ruling out a political comeback.
![Auckland ratepayers subsidise $15m towing fees over five years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland ratepayers subsidise $15m towing fees over five years
The subsidy is about $200 for every vehicle towed.
!['Like screaming banshees': KiwiRail investigates ‘lubrication strategy’ for trains](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Like screaming banshees': KiwiRail investigates ‘lubrication strategy’ for trains
Remuera residents are being kept awake by the screeching trains.
!['Seamless': Auckland Council allows manager to work remotely on Gold Coast for 6 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Seamless': Auckland Council allows manager to work remotely on Gold Coast for 6 months
The manager returns to Auckland regularly at their own expense, says the council.
![Auckland slowdown: Delays expected at rail crossings when City Rail Link opens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland slowdown: Delays expected at rail crossings when City Rail Link opens
Irked motorists could end up taking risks at level crossings, says Auckland Transport.
![Prominent figures oppose plan by Wayne Brown for long-term lease to run Port of Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prominent figures oppose plan by Wayne Brown for long-term lease to run Port of Auckland
It's an embarrassing letter from a group of self-importants, says the mayor.
![Thousands of Auckland roads affected by Minister’s speed limit reduction reversal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thousands of Auckland roads affected by Minister’s speed limit reduction reversal
AT says on roads with lower speeds, fewer people have died or been injured.
![Housing Minister grants Auckland Council one-year extension to devise new intensification rules](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Housing Minister grants Auckland Council one-year extension to devise new intensification rules
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's been pushing for an extension, now Chris Bishop's granted it.
![Come a long way: Latest tour of $5.5b City Rail Link shows progress](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Come a long way: Latest tour of $5.5b City Rail Link shows progress
After years of disruption, the finishing touches are coming together.
![Bernard Orsman: Wayne Brown’s battle for Auckland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bernard Orsman: Wayne Brown’s battle for Auckland
OPINION: The Crown holds the purse strings. The mayor needs to understand that.
![First train tests on Auckland’s $5.5b City Rail Link this year, but commuter services still two years away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
First train tests on Auckland’s $5.5b City Rail Link this year, but commuter services still two years away
Trains have to be tested for fire and terrorist scenarios.
![Auckland's rail network rebuild blows out to $550m](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland's rail network rebuild blows out to $550m
How rail projects are funded and who pays for what is being reviewed this year.
![Wayne Brown calls on Chris Bishop to stop 'dopey mandate' on housing intensification](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wayne Brown calls on Chris Bishop to stop 'dopey mandate' on housing intensification
Chris Bishop said he will respond soon to the Auckland Mayor's request.
![Senior Auckland Council jobs on the line: Response to Brown's call to cut bureaucracy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Senior Auckland Council jobs on the line: Response to Brown's call to cut bureaucracy
Wayne Brown welcomed the refresh to cut top jobs.
![Auckland Council wants Govt to fund Eastern Busway after regional fuel tax axed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland Council wants Govt to fund Eastern Busway after regional fuel tax axed
The loss of the tax leaves a $1.2b hole in transport funding.
![Explained: Mayor's $3-4b war chest to secure council's financial future, disaster response](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Explained: Mayor's $3-4b war chest to secure council's financial future, disaster response
It's not sensible to have all your eggs in two baskets, the council treasurer says.
![Auckland’s worst choke points revealed: Extra buses put on as March Madness bites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland’s worst choke points revealed: Extra buses put on as March Madness bites
Public transport is meant to be better for the city, but it sucks, says one commuter.
![ASB bank warns Pasifika community of scams at upcoming Polyfest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
ASB bank warns Pasifika community of scams at upcoming Polyfest
Scammers set up false Facebook pages linked to Collins' funeral.
![Paula Bennett confirms she is eyeing up Auckland mayoralty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Paula Bennett confirms she is eyeing up Auckland mayoralty
Wayne Brown: Local government shouldn't be a dumping ground for failed politicians.
![Crackdown: $5k fine for wearing gang patch in public under new law](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crackdown: $5k fine for wearing gang patch in public under new law
Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell make announcement.
![Developer still to pay $3m to Auckland Council after buying landmark skyscraper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Developer still to pay $3m to Auckland Council after buying landmark skyscraper
The $3m deal was the fire sale of the century, says councillor John Watson.
![Average Auckland household facing $613 increase to rates and water bills this year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Average Auckland household facing $613 increase to rates and water bills this year
Rates could rise by 7.5 per cent and water bills 25.8 per cent.
![AT building 28 pedestrian crossings on a single project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
AT building 28 pedestrian crossings on a single project
Mayor Wayne Brown says AT has "lost the plot" on crossing costs.
!['No food safety issues': Restaurateurs hit back over Auckland Council hygiene ratings](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No food safety issues': Restaurateurs hit back over Auckland Council hygiene ratings
Customers can come into the kitchen and be the judge, says one restaurateur.
![Mayor Brown disturbed by AT's failure to rebuild Meola Rd - AT boss dodges questions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mayor Brown disturbed by AT's failure to rebuild Meola Rd - AT boss dodges questions
Dean Kimpton refused to answer queries over the failure, insisting on written questions.
![Football boss blasts AT over extending major road closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Football boss blasts AT over extending major road closure
Extended shutdown of road also set to impact Auckland's Big Gay Out this month.
![Residents fume as major Auckland road closure extended](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Residents fume as major Auckland road closure extended
AT assured residents the road would be open no later than the day after Waitangi Day.
![‘Living nightmare’: Neighbour on AT's pedestrian crossing debacle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Living nightmare’: Neighbour on AT's pedestrian crossing debacle
My house and driveway have suffered cracks from heavy vehicles, says Nina Kristensen.
![‘Temporary cash deficit’: Auckland Council set to approve $130 million bailout of Watercare](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Temporary cash deficit’: Auckland Council set to approve $130 million bailout of Watercare
Auckland floods and Ōrākei sewer collapse among reasons for the deficit.
![AT spends $600k installing pedestrian crossing - and then ripping it up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
AT spends $600k installing pedestrian crossing - and then ripping it up
AT boss Dean Kimpton admits "we are very aware of concerns" about high costs.
![NZ has become more divided over Treaty of Waitangi - Seymour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ has become more divided over Treaty of Waitangi - Seymour
Seymour compared his Treaty bill to women getting the vote and ending apartheid.
![AT says 'excessive noise' to blame for new pedestrian crossing being ripped up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
AT says 'excessive noise' to blame for new pedestrian crossing being ripped up
'Somebody needs to take responsibility and be fired,' says one Three Kings resident.
!['They make them. We break them': Crossing designed to last 40yrs ripped up after just one](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They make them. We break them': Crossing designed to last 40yrs ripped up after just one
Apart from the cost of putting it in, what's it costing to remove, says a local.
![Wayne Brown says AT has lost the plot over pedestrian crossing costs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wayne Brown says AT has lost the plot over pedestrian crossing costs
AT is spending $490,000 turning a crossing into a crossing, says Mayor.
![Pedestrian crossings are cheap to build in Wellington, why do they cost a fortune in Auckland?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pedestrian crossings are cheap to build in Wellington, why do they cost a fortune in Auckland?
"That is not gold plated" - AT boss Dean Kimpton defends $490,000 pedestrian crossing.
![Grieving father describes ‘horrific’ pain of losing only daughter in bus station tragedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Grieving father describes ‘horrific’ pain of losing only daughter in bus station tragedy
The woman was seen arguing with a man then running for a bus when the accident occurred.
![Former transport minister slates Nats for scrapping Auckland light rail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former transport minister slates Nats for scrapping Auckland light rail
Michael Wood says the new Government is running a double standard.
![Exclusive: Bold plan for 55,000-seat stadium on Auckland waterfront](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive: Bold plan for 55,000-seat stadium on Auckland waterfront
The benefits far outweigh the costs over 50 years, says Richard Dellabarca.
![Auckland’s long-running stadium debate has a new game plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland’s long-running stadium debate has a new game plan
There's a glimmer of hope to resolve the stadium merry-go-round.
!['Freed from distress and financial pressure': Cyclone-hit homeowner one of first bought out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Freed from distress and financial pressure': Cyclone-hit homeowner one of first bought out
Auckland Council is working on more than 2200 damage assessments.
![AT's plans to spend up to $300,000 on pedestrian crossing in Blockhouse Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
AT's plans to spend up to $300,000 on pedestrian crossing in Blockhouse Bay
Wayne Brown and Simeon Brown are on the war path over costs.
![Watch: Brawl outside Auckland pub leaves one person with critical injuries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Brawl outside Auckland pub leaves one person with critical injuries
These fights will keep happening without more police on the beat, says CBD resident.
![Auckland rail network to close down from Boxing Day and reopen from mid-January](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland rail network to close down from Boxing Day and reopen from mid-January
Bus services will replace the trains during the rail closures.