The so-called debate on Auckland's draft Unitary Plan has become disconnected from the big-picture narrative that it serves: that contained in the overarching Auckland Plan, which aims to transform Auckland into the "world's most liveable city".

It was built as the pinnacle of luxury and outstanding architectural design but is now at the centre of bitter battles, as residents lurch from one scrap to the next.

Police are searching in Parnell for a man who led officers on a chase before dumping his motorbike and fleeing on foot.

Twelve months ago I asked the question, "When were NZTA going to put reflectors on the moveable median barrier of the Auckland Harbour Bridge".

Firefighters raised a record $471,000 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand by racing up 51 flights of stairs to the top of the country's tallest building.

Ngati Whatua o Orakei is preparing for a big Auckland real estate development push, after its treaty settlement and commercial restructuring.

Celebrant Jan McCallum tells Elisabeth Easther what she loves about living in St Marys Bay. The friendly folk, abundant local parks and the wonderful Mercy Hospice where she volunteers are just a few of her favourite things.

A helicopter which went down in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour was the first of its kind and was due to feature in a helicopter expo in Russia in a few days.

Prime Minister John Key has offered "an unreserved apology'' to any Wellingtonian offended by his comment that the capital city was "dying".

Police have appealed against the discharge given to the mother who left her children in a SkyCity Casino carpark while she and her partner gambled for two hours.

A male cyclist was taken to hospital with minor injuries after being hit by a car in Auckland's Herne Bay this morning.

Donna McIntyre and kids glide across the ice at Mission Bay.

Dave Watson tells Elisabeth Easther what he loves about living in Mt Eden - and asks not just what his community can do for him, but what he can do for it.

So, you think your child's funny? Danielle Wright talks to the kids comedy industry to find out how you can encourage your children to make people, other than their mum and dad, laugh.

A house has subsided after a sewage drain is suspected to have collapsed during heavy rain in Grey Lynn in Auckland this morning.

Ivan Davies tells Elisabeth Easther what he loves about living in Burswood, a little known gem in East Tamaki's crown.

Auckland's economy grew by 2.8 per cent last year, ahead of its 10-year average and powered by finance, professional services and

UPDATED Police are still searching for a car involved in a hit and run that has left a teenage boy in an Auckland hospital overnight.

Auckland people are being warned to allow extra travel time around the city today because of big sporting events.

With more than 50,000 people living in Auckland's CBD, it's no longer just the retailers and the businesses being inconvenienced, writes Brian Rudman.