An application to build the controversial $1.5 million "lighthouse" sculpture on Queens Wharf has recommended not giving the public a say.

Inspiration for a new $1 million-plus Wynyard Quarter apartment display suite near Auckland's waterfront came from a Seattle urban regeneration promotion hub.

A car has smashed through a glass window into a busy central Auckland restaurant tonight. Police were called to the scene at 8.50pm, to find the Holden commodore inside Paradise Garden restaurant on Vogel Lane, near the Skytower. A police spokesman said there were about 15 people in the restaurant at the time, but neither customers, nor the car's male driver were injured.

Auckland Transport is accused of softening up rail commuters for slower trips on new electric trains by adding three minutes to its western line timetable.

Port protesters are targeting Mayor Len Brown to stop work on two huge wharf extensions into the Waitemata Harbour.

The Cornwall Park Trust Board has proposed sweeping changes to the leases on 110 Auckland properties it owns, including axing five-yearly mandatory house repainting demands.

A four vehicle crash in Auckland this afternoon has left a man with serious injuries after his car smashed into a pole on Queen St.

New research finds that Auckland's streets were the most notorious, but indoor sex workers were subject to more violence in Christchurch.

The new Fans versus Faves series will see newbie renovators pitted against past contestants and is due to start filming in the coming months.

A man jailed today for a violent kidnapping will be immediately eligible for parole having spent a year in custody.

Art critics are impressed with the controversial $1.5 million sculpture planned for Queens Wharf, but it has been labelled a monstrosity and joke by some.

The controversial $1.5 million "lighthouse" sculpture on Queens Wharf is being made more in keeping with its state house roots.

Three Auckland restaurant owners have appeared in court facing charges relating to the exploitation of workers.

Two of Auckland's most popular eateries are closed until further notice after a fire caused extensive damage to their joint kitchen.

A man has been arrested after two women suffered injuries from a sword in Auckland today, police say.

A woman has been found dead at Copthorne Hotel in central Auckland.

At least one of the high profile Auckland eateries where fire broke out today is "gutted", says celebrity chef Al Brown.

The latest public mural by Kiwi artist Owen Dippie is under way in central Auckland.

A multimillion-dollar contract to build two finger wharves at Ports of Auckland is up in the air because of legal and political manoeuvres.

Downtown Auckland faces big traffic and public transport challenges with construction on the $2.5 billion underground railway to Mt Eden starting soon.

A pedestrian who was believed to have sustained head injuries after being hit by a car in Avondale last week has been identified, police say.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown has stepped up a war of words with Ports of Auckland, accusing port bosses of keeping the council in the dark about two huge wharf extensions.

A woman hit so hard by a car she smashed the windscreen and dented its bonnet is sought by police, who hold grave concerns for her safety.

An investigation is underway after a pedestrian was hit by a car in Auckland last weekend in an incident that may have left the victim with head wounds.

Catherine Smith was 25 when she bought her first home in 1982 - a three-bedroom bay-fronted Ponsonby villa for $55,000.

An Auckland couple paid just $125,000 for a $1.57 million four-bedroom Grammar zone character Greenlane house yesterday.