A tenants' watchdog has warned rent increases risk pricing people out of Auckland's heated housing market, sparking homelessness and social problems.

A new 10-year, $60 billion budget for the Super City is on shaky ground a day out from the final vote.

A new 10-year, $60 billion budget for the Super City is on shaky ground days out from a final vote.

A period of public consultation has resulted in a policy substantially changed from the draft proposals, much to the dismay of the police and health authorities.

Several Auckland councillors expected to abstain from a budget vote this week to avoid plunging the Super City into a financial crisis are coming under fire.

Auckland's largest public transport operator has issued a final warning to a driver who tried alerting the city's deputy mayor to safety concerns about illegal car-parking on a bus stop.

Len Brown is being urged by a senior councillor to accept a court ruling on controversial wharf extensions and instruct Ports of Auckland to do the same.

Hoons are smashing barriers, driving cars on to sports fields and leaving a trail of destruction through parks and reserves in South Auckland.

One of the world's richest men is eyeing a role in the redevelopment of Auckland, says mayor Len Brown.

The very public matter of a new public space to replace the privatised Queen Elizabeth Square came up at a public meeting yesterday - and referred to a secret workshop.

Who better to breathe new life into the abandoned Civic Administration Building than mega music store Real Groovy Records, asks Brian Rudman.

Government plans to fill vacant Crown land with houses are being lambasted by Labour as a fiasco after one of four would-be Auckland sites turned out to be largely council-owned.

Auckland Council has upset the city's Hindu community by trying to hold the Auckland Diwali celebrations a month before the actual religious festival.

Auckland Council should follow the lead of Fonterra, which is laying off hundreds of staff in response to low dairy prices, says Orakei councillor Cameron Brewer.

A small crowd of about 50 people have turned out at a public meeting in Auckland tonight to discuss looming rates increases.

There is no sign of a new public space to replace the privatised Queen Elizabeth Square, says the Waitemata Local Board.

Auckland councillors have agreed to lessons to improve their governance skills - a more urgent need is for them to learn how to be better politicians, writes Brian Rudman.

An urgent warning has been sounded for the trees remaining in Auckland's concrete jungle after researchers found there's scant protection left to save them from development.

The port company has a history of making development decision blunders, writes Kim Goldwater. These have been brought about by an ad hoc approach to the planning of port expansion.

The Auckland Council deserves kudos for starting to publish details about the spending of ratepayer money.

Labour MP and possible mayoral contender Phil Goff has joined prominent Aucklanders in a second open letter calling on Ports of Auckland and Auckland Council to stop port expansion.

Aucklanders could soon be able to enjoy a beer or a wine legally while picnicking at Takapuna Beach.

More than $100m worth of surplus city-owned land has already been sold and the council says another $250m worth has been cleared for sale.

Auckland ratepayers are coughing up $23.8 million in the region's biggest leaky building case.

A possible ban on alcohol advertising on Auckland Council buildings and land will proceed as part of an alcohol harm reduction policy.

Auckland Transport believes parking fines are no longer effective and calls for an increase to deter offenders.

Auckland Council may follow the example of its transport arm and ban the advertising of alcohol on its land and buildings.

Film-makers face an average 20 per cent hike in Auckland Council fees if they want thundering surf scenes like those in The Piano.

Auckland Council is entering a new era of openness by publishing details about the spending of ratepayer money, says chief executive Stephen Town.

Bus passengers are offered better weather protection and solar-powered lighting from a new range of shelters due for consideration today by Auckland Transport's board.