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.
Mayoral challenge? Desley Simpson testing Wayne Brown’s patience, insiders say
Simpson says she's not interested in intrigue by alleged insiders.
'Back me to finish the job': Wayne Brown announces re-election bid for Auckland Mayor
Let me finish the job: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown announces plans for a second term
Locals urge river cleaning as Auckland town faces relocation due to flood risk
'I can't recall the last time work was done on the river,' says McDonald.
Wayne Brown to announce mayoral re-election bid on Wednesday
Brown will announce his plans at the Royal Yacht Squadron.
‘No cavalry coming’: The Auckland town facing relocation due to flood risk
There is no cavalry coming to save the town, says local politician Guy Wishart.
‘Lazy, sloppy, negligent’: Couple slams council over disputed home assessment
Kim Spark has lost 10kg over the past year from the stress.
Mayor sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ as first train runs through $5.5b CRL
The CRL will be a game-changer for Auckland, says Auckland Minister Simeon Brown.
‘My Jandals saved me’: Taupō man evades lightning injury
Bruce Wilson said he could hardly see for an entire day after the lightning strike.
Wine industry pioneer Peter Babich dies at 92
Babich had vision, integrity, and passion for his family and the wine industry.
Wayne Brown meets Desley Simpson for first time since she eyes his job
Dozens of supporters want Desley Simpson to run for mayor.
Wayne Brown quashes reports he expects Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson to step down
Brown and Simpson are expected to meet over the next day or two.
‘Fraudulent’ letter on moving speedway from Western Springs flagged with SFO
Councillor John Watson said the process of moving speedway has been inept.
Green co-leader Marama Davidson returns to work after breast cancer treatment
'I am grateful, beyond words, for the aroha and support,' the MP says.
'Desley for mayor': Simpson not ruling out Auckland mayoralty bid, campaign website registered
Simpson told the Herald it was a 'bit soon' to make a decision.
CV delays: Auckland homeowners endure long wait for new property valuations
The data was initially planned for release late last year.
Warm weather drying out ground could be the reason for old water main bursting
Warm weather may have dried out ground, leading to pipe burst.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown kicks up a stink after waterfront pool declared unsafe for swimming
Actual testing of the pool is needed, says the mayor.
The seven Auckland beaches you shouldn't swim at this summer - and all the rest you can
Whether you're heading out for a morning dip or a family day at the beach, check Safeswim.
National's first wave of major new roads, and how existing projects are tracking
National has juggled the new roads it plans to build first from its pre-election list.
'End of an era': High-profile Auckland restaurant put into liquidation on Christmas Eve
Vivace's Mandy Lusk has been warning about the state of the sector.
'We are broken': Auckland mum devastated after freak cycling accident claims husband’s life
Gemma Gordon has been widowed with two young children.
Tourism bosses told Wayne Brown his CCO reforms stood to lose $2m for major events
The mayor changed his plans after hearing from tourism bosses.
Cyclist dies after crash in Auckland suburb of Stanley Point
Investigations continue into the cause of the crash.
Summer closures of Auckland roads and public transport tipped to cause major disruption
'We're working to keep Auckland moving,' says AT's Stacey van der Putten
Wayne Brown set to seek second term with polls showing he's a hit with voters
His ratings have probably improved since the CCO reforms, says the mayor.
Stadium wars: Battle continues between Eden Park and waterfront proposals
Both stadium options face big hurdles – especially over who will foot the bill.
End of the road for Eke Panuku: Auckland Council votes to abolish urban regeneration body
Auckland Transport is the next CCO in Wayne Brown's sight.
Tropical Xmas party awaits 200 Auckland Council staff hours after vote to scrap their organisation
Abolishing Eke Panuku is part of Mayor Wayne Brown's CCO reforms.
Mayor Wayne Brown has change of heart over running major events like SailGP
Councillors are expected to approve CCO reforms on Thursday.
Fresh concerns about completion date of Auckland’s $5.5b City Rail Link
Alarm bells have already rung about cost and time blowouts.
'Surgical change': Transport Minister, mayor wield knife to reform Auckland Transport
Local Boards, not AT, will decide projects in their communities.
Auckland's $2b storm recovery fund coming under pressure
The extra buyout costs will potentially leave less money for storm resilience projects.
'Can’t have police on every bus': Two assaults on Auckland bus drivers in one hour
Attacks started during Covid-19 and getting worse, says union leader.
'Cock-up': Auckland Council CEO says CRL report on blowouts not meant for public
Human error to blame for the CRL report being made public says Phil Wilson.
Urgent meetings over City Rail Link concerns, French executives flying in
Senior politicians have been alerted to a lack of confidence in the CRL's time and cost.
Port of Auckland’s $100m project to expand into the Waitematā Harbour endorsed
The agreement keeps rates down and returns land to the public, says Wayne Brown.
Auckland Mayor and minister wrestle over future of AT
There are still sticking points between the two Browns, says one political source.
'An eyesore': Could ferry-charging equipment ruin Queens Wharf?
Heritage New Zealand would like the building modelled on the historic sheds.
Watercare staff attend urgent meetings after bosses blindsided by reforms
Dozens of Watercare staff are impacted by the mayor's proposals.
Leave us alone: CCOs oppose Mayor Wayne Brown’s bold plan for reform
Auckland Transport lobbied to keep its statutory independence from political tampering.
Wayne Brown proposes stripping back AT’s functions in draft budget
The CCO reforms are not a 'slash and burn' mechanism, says the mayor.
Up to 30,000 expected: Hīkoi numbers could dwarf 2022 Parliament protest
The hīkoi is expected to be on the scale of the seabed and foreshore hīkoi 20 years ago.
Mum hears screw or brace come loose during son's rollercoaster ride at A&P show
A man fixed the rollercoaster by hand then carried on running it, the mother said.
Act calls for Auckland Transport to stop 'free rides' on buses due to violence risk
AT introduced a de facto travel-free policy in 2020, says Act MP Parmjeet Parmar.
Transport Minister in advanced talks with Mayor Brown to ‘reform’ Auckland Transport
The two Browns agree on the need to overhaul the city's transport authority.
Auckland bus attack leaves driver in hospital with fractured ribs and eye damage
The attack occurred at St Lukes bus hub on Saturday evening.
AT on the chopping block in bold plan by Mayor Wayne Brown
Watercare is the only CCO not impacted by the drive for greater political control.
Auckland Council starts 'deconstructing' red-stickered homes – how does it work?
So far, 42 homes have been moved, recycled or demolished.
'Driving me nuts': Mum of newborn fuming at three years of dirt bike bedlam
There are an enormous number of complaints in reserves, says Local Board chairman.
Trashed and abandoned social housing complex in Auckland to be demolished, says Kāinga Ora
After 20 years, the complex leaks and needs seismic strengthening says Kāinga Ora.
Former speedway operator Bill Buckley ‘really p***ed off’ at motorsport’s exit from Western Springs
New football club Auckland FC linked to iconic stadium.
'Blindsided': Speedway hits back at Auckland Council after being forced out of Western Springs
Speedway will race at Western Springs this summer season for the last time.
Who's watching you? Auckland's surveillance camera network revealed
As new hi-tech equipment arrives, the Herald does a stocktake on the city.
Watch: Sneak peek at new City Rail Link underground tunnels and stations
The $5.5 billion project is tracking toward operating the first passenger trains in 2026.
Bombshell letter delays council decision on moving speedway from Western Springs
"We appear to have conflicting information," said acting Mayor Desley Simpson.
Dalton's decision: Wayne Brown says Team NZ boss will decide where next America's Cup is held
Saudi Arabia is the early frontrunner to host the next America's Cup.
Repair costs for Wynyard Quarter bridge blow out
The structure is on track to reopen in December, says Eke Panuku.
Public to have say on richlister's helipad plans for Westmere home
Consultants for the couple said environmental effects will be less than minor.
Auckland property valuations delayed by council until next year
Valuations will be tricky this year for storm-damaged properties, says real estate agent.
Auckland Council defers fortnightly rubbish collections for trial and more consultation
Fortnightly rubbish collections have been delayed until 2028 at the earliest.
Onehunga residents cannot drink local water for several more years due to traces of banned chemical
Auckland University researchers found drinking water is largely free of banned chemical.
$265k mirror sculpture disappears from Auckland CBD
Auckland Council is scoping a new site for the artwork.
Crew abandoned stricken ship in darkness, rescued from lifeboats in heavy seas
All 75 aboard the ship have been accounted for.
HMNZS Manawanui sinking: Commander credited with saving lives after Navy ship ran aground
All 75 aboard the ship have been accounted for.
The 60 West Auckland residents with flood-destroyed homes stuck in ‘grey area’ for financial aid
Councillors support motion for solutions to aid storm victims after 20 months of waiting.
KiwiRail promises to cut Auckland train delays in time for CRL opening
Improving confidence in Auckland rail is important, says Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
Auckland's controversial overnight parking charges delayed to 'December at earliest'
One CBD resident said the changes would cost at least $11,000 a year.
'A cesspit': Country estate residents fed up over incomplete sewage plant
Residents of Whitford Manor Estate told the Herald the sewage smell is revolting.
'Disgraceful': Mayor slams council staff over $263,000 beach stairs bill
Mayor says it doesn't fit the ‘better, faster, cheaper' message he wants at the council.
Auckland councillor calls for rethinking 'delusional' plan to halve car use by 2030
The plan called for 'supercharging' cycling and massive uptake in electric cars.
Stink over sewage from Auckland housing development goes to court
Watercare plans to truck sewage away at three other housing developments.
For the chop? Future of renowned Westmere Butchery up in the air
Businesses complain of cycle lane disruption while others welcome greater safety.
AT board ignores wishes of Mayor Wayne Brown and hands CEO large salary and bonus scheme
The AT board also ignored Brown's wish for a contested recruitment process.
Three more Auckland housing developments to have sewage trucked away
'It’s like Rotorua but a little bit more potent,' said one resident.
'Makes me sick': Auckland homeowner furious over sewer line, manhole on his property
People think they can do anything and get away with it, says Tomasz Malarczyk.
Former National minister Maurice Williamson to be appointed to AT board
Williamson is unashamedly pro-car and pro-roads.
Councillor blames trains, anti-car agenda and construction works for Auckland CBD gridlock
Cities can fail and Auckland is on the road to failure, says Mike Lee.
Sewage trucked away from hundreds of Auckland homes with no proper connection
Summer is potentially going to be really smelly, one homeowner says.
Auckland booze crackdown: Supermarket sales end at 9pm, cut-off time for bars
It makes sense to have a local say on where and when alcohol is sold, says Wayne Brown.
Wayne Brown's plan to 'dethrone' Auckland Transport in major CCO shake-up
We ask for information from AT and don't get it, says the mayor.