COMMENT: This week I am cranky; spicy, radishy, salty, swashbuckling. Here's a quick and dirty summary of a few of the arguments I have had.

Gary Osborne one of 31 with restrictions on calling or sending emails to Auckland Council.

The Herald met up with five Local Board members, to find out what makes them tick, their hopes and aspirations for Auckland.

Among the illegally dumped Christmas trees was one found wedged up a larger tree.

A descendant of early businessman George Court who lived in a historic homestead in Mangere Bridge is "horrified" the property could be demolished.

Auckland public transport users will see a small bump in some fares later this month.

COMMENT: We all want better roads, rail and walking and cycling facilities, but almost no one wants to dig deeper into their pockets.

Devonport shopkeepers have turned to bicycles to promote their stores after a council push to cut down on signboards cluttering up the footpath.

The wrapping has finally come off New Zealand's most expensive sculpture - but some visitors on Auckland's waterfront are puzzled about what to make of it.

COMMENT: Let's set the facts straight; the Albert-Eden Local Board is not removing golf from Chamberlain Park. That was never on the agenda.

No residential street received more noise complaints this year than this one.

The final piece to Auckland's inner city cycleways were announced today.

Hundreds of litres of diesel spilled from a truck's fuel tank in a Dome Valley crash this morning.

Uncle tells of the moment he found his 4-year-old autistic nephew floating in his neighbour's pool.

It's a $1 million problem for Auckland Council who are left to clean up after rogue operators.

Auckland's mayor has said he's open to building a pontoon-like structure whose consent was put on hold by the council earlier this month.

COMMENT: Goff keeps the local economy pumping during the day, but what about at night?

A little boy who loves his rubbish truck driver got to give his hero an early Christmas gift.

Auckland Council's new property boss looks to the UK for ideas for Super City.

Auckland Council's events agency Ateed committed half a million dollars to Duco Events to help fund boxer Joseph Parker's world title fight.

A popular Kiwi campsite was closed for three weeks after an ant infestation.

Ateed chairman David McConnell outlines the vision and the process behind the development of the Auckland Story.

Lucy Schwaner earned $1600 despite quitting within minutes of being sworn in as a member of the Howick local board.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and his finance chairman Ross Clow are at loggerheads over a proposed 2.5 per cent rates rise next year.

Waterview's wonderful motorway connection is exciting but more catch-up is needed, writes Liam Dann.

The beautiful beastly creatures of Australia will roam a new enclosure at Auckland Zoo.

Six million passengers used Auckland's ferries this year, and they're expected to get even more popular.

Tim McCready talks priorities for the new Auckland Council and mayor with ANZ's Patrick Brockie and John Vetter.

Auckland Council has put in an indicative bid for the $1 billion housing infrastructure fund.

COMMENT: Great to hear that new mayor Phil Goff plans to herd the cats into the home paddock for a stern lecture on who is boss.