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.
'A cesspit': Country estate residents fed up over incomplete sewage plant
Residents of Whitford Manor Estate told the Herald the sewage smell is revolting.
Govt pledges to repair 95% of potholes within 24 hours
The Government agreed on new pothole repair targets with NZTA and roading contractors.
Plans abandoned for $400m wastewater plant near Manukau Harbour
Glenbrook residents are ecstatic, saying they chased Watercare away.
Auckland Fish Market could be sold and turned into waterfront apartments
The Fish Market started in 1904 selling fresh fish and seafood.
'S*** or potato'?' Tiny Auckland community's fears over new wastewater treatment plant
The plant threatens one of the last remaining scallop beds, says Jim Jackson
Bottom trawling ban for Hauraki Gulf to be unveiled by Govt
Scientists have long warned about overfishing and pollution in the Gulf.
National to scrap $14.6b light rail project
National could adopt a version of light rail in Auckland.
‘The road is safe’: Assurance given to Transport Minister on Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway
The summer floods activated a landslide on the motorway.
'Potentially a safety risk': Minister to be briefed on Pūhoi-Warkworth motorway
The slope above one section is shifting up to 30cm a week at times.
'Literally moving mountains': What it’s like to drive the new $880m 'holiday highway'
The undulating and curved motorway has spectacular scenery.
Back on track: More of Waitākere Ranges reopens this summer
Canine wonders get to the root of killer disease.
Auckland Council rejects Govt's water reform model
Phil Goff says the Auckland Council is not about to hand over $11 billion of water assets.
If Auckland can get a new bridge, Ashburton should get one too - mayor
Auckland always gets a better deal than Ashburton, says the local mayor.
Manawatū coast surprise: Third venomous sea snake turns up
The latest sea snake was found on a beach by an 11-year-old boy looking for shells.
The West Coast town that got a new pub light after 150 years
Reefton has a rich heritage as a gold mining town.
'It was massive': Huge mako shark leaps on to boat roof
'I told my mate to gas the boat to get out of here.'
Caught short: Watercare added no extra supply before drought crisis
A 2013 report for Watercare said the city faced security of supply issues by 2020.
Two dairy farms want enough water for nearly half of Auckland
Greenpeace says Aucklanders should be the first cab off the rank for Waikato water.
$224m: What Auckland's drought crisis is set to cost
Auckland councillors were reportedly gobsmacked at the $224m cost from Watercare.
Tainui objects to Auckland taking more water from Waikato River
Phil Goff and Tainui leaders are at odds over taking more water from the Waikato River.
Drought bites: Goff confirms mandatory water restrictions looming
Watering gardens, washing cars and water blasting houses could incur a heavy fine.
11,000 tell AT their views on speed limits plans for Auckland
The Automobile Association has called for a more balanced approach to lower speeds.
Govt poised to make big call on moving Ports of Auckland to Northland
The Government will consider two major reports around shifting the port to Northland.
Savings from exiting Super City: breakaway group
North Rodney will get huge benefits from leaving the Super City, says breakaway group.
South Auckland satellite city grabs Govt's attention
Plans for a new city in South Auckland have caught the attention of the Government
Plan ahead for the long weekend
Motorists heading away for Labour Weekend are being told to drive safely and expect delays
Goats running wild in Queenstown
WATCH: Feral goats are running wild in the tourist mecca of Queenstown.
Which towns will become mini cities?
Auckland is preparing for a new housing boom on the rural fringes of the city.
Homes could go for huge water plant
Residents of Oratia are fighting a proposal by Auckland's water company to take their homes for a $300 million-plus water-treatment plant.
Fonterra nears deal
Dairy giant Fonterra has confirmed it is close to reaching a commercial deal with Auckland Council.
Len's plan: Fonterra to sponsor Shed 10
Fonterra is buying the naming rights for Shed 10 on Auckland's Queens Wharf - and will use its Anchor brand, the Herald understands.
Houses gobble up city's most productive land
Auckland has lost 4 per cent of its most fertile rural land to housing over the past two decades and is set to lose more under the strain of a million more residents.
Deal brings land opening closer
Auckland Council and the Government have struck a deal to fast-track plans to free up land for residential department.
Queen St nikau 'may die'
Most of the expensive nikau palms in Queen St are malnourished, full of bugs and will die without urgent care, says a tree expert.