Aucklanders wondering when they will become inhabitants of "the world's most liveable city" have suffered a triple-serving of key service meltdowns in one week.

Not long ago I wondered here whether we need more than one government in a country where the whole population is no larger than an average city in the world.

Len Brown hitched up his pants. Well, he thought, here we go. Here we go again. He surveyed the scene before him like Caesar in the senate of Rome.

If I were a bit doddery on my feet, or wheelchair-bound, I suspect I'd be delighted to be able to totter around the summit of Maungawhau/Mt Eden at my own pace.

A judge has blasted one of Auckland's most prolific tagger's signature as "visually-offensive, third-rate artwork" - but stopped short of sending him to jail.

The Government and the Auckland Council are at loggerheads over a start date for the $2.4b underground City Rail Link, and that's only going to add to the cost.

Auckland Council has been told it already has power to ban street prostitution from spots such as Hunters Corner after a bid to get Parliament to change the law failed.

Nearby coastal areas are reaping the benefits of a buoyant Auckland property market, with homeowners beginning to use extra equity to buy baches, experts say.

What has happened to the all the eels at Western Springs? There are still some ugly catfish but no friendly eels for the kids and me to feed, writes a reader.

Controversy has dogged the development of the Wero Whitewater Park. It was rejected by the former Manukau City Council five years ago.

Auckland Council's major events funding body is interested in working with Team New Zealand to secure hosting rights for the America's Cup Qualifying regatta ahead of the challenger finals and 35th Cup match in Bermuda.

Housing Minister Nick Smith and Auckland Mayor Len Brown are talking up the first year of the Auckland Housing Accord.

The Govt is eyeing Australian moves against foreign property speculators amid fresh claims they are forcing Kiwi first-home buyers to the property sidelines.

Who's in line to challenge Len Brown to become Auckland's next mayor? The Herald has analysed the early possibilities.

Alexandra Park's chief executive Dominique Dowding said apartments would be for sale from February and she predicted occupation of the Green Lane West Rd places by the end of 2016.

Real estate industry experts have labelled the latest residential property revaluations dangerous, with calls for the mass appraisal system to be overhauled or scrapped.

Auckland Council has begun pursuing the prosecution of window washers found to be in breach of the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw.

Auckland homeowners made wealthy by their latest Auckland Council valuations are borrowing to do up their houses.

Mike Hosking asks, "Am I the only one who thinks things around Auckland Council are getting hopelessly out of control?"

The story of the Monterey pine that stood on Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill for more than a century took another turn when a man alleged to have tried to sell its remains on Trade Me was charged with theft.

Auckland Council staff are opposing a public referendum on whether to charge motorway tolls or raise fuel taxes and rates to fill a multibillion-dollar transport funding gap as allegedly too costly and confusing.

Ryman Healthcare's application to build a retirement village in Greenlane has drawn strong community reaction both for and against the $100 million-plus project.

A trust that funded Auckland Mayor Len Brown's election campaign and kept donors' identities secret is under police investigation.

Valuable harbour views from 28a Newell St made it the top pick for contestants Jo and Damo Neal on reality show The Block NZ.

US hotel chain the new operator of a luxury $200 million Auckland waterfront hotel to be developed by a Chinese property group.

Auckland Council staff say $25 million of "avoided costs" have been saved by switching technology providers early.

New details can be revealed about an Auckland Council IT project with soaring costs

An Auckland Council IT project considered key to delivering the promised savings of the "Super City" model faces a budget blowout of up to $100 million.

Plans to save New Zealand's first skyscraper, the Civic Building on Aotea Square, or demolish it have been outlined to councillors and the media today.