Auckland Council's new rule on wearing lifejackets in small boats kicks in at Labour Weekend but needs a law change before it can be enforced with the issuing of tickets.

Michael Barnett writes: Two things stand out in arguments about how to fund Auckland's $2.6 billion City Rail Link, and other expensive new or upgraded infrastructure.

Tributes are flowing for the civil servant credited with buying more public land in New Zealand than anyone else.

Many Aucklanders believe the best way to deal with looming budget cuts by the Auckland Council is to reduce staff and salaries, according to the latest Herald-DigiPoll survey.

Auckland's "black budget" council is spending $53m to move more than a third of its 6,000 staff - including Mayor Len Brown, his staff of 20 and councillors - into new digs.

Cameras stationed at intersections are said to be capable of giving Auckland Transport more accurate information about traffic flow and congestion than is now available.

Auckland International Airport has sold US$250 million of bonds at what it says is the lowest borrowing margin for a facility of its kind for a decade.

Agroup of Auckland councillors have managed to retain a business-class-travel perk, but a bid to give them free parking has been voted down.

Of all the plans for Queens Wharf, none has invited as much debate as the planned $1.5m sculpture of a state house featuring a 4.5 tonne Venetian glass chandelier.

Auckland's successful Northern Busway has been set back by a Government decision to exclude an extension to Albany from an $815 million package.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown hailed his first 10-year budget in 2012 as the foundation block to transform Auckland once and for all.

Finances for the plan to create the world's most 'liveable' city are so parlous, it appears, that to fund what Auckland needs Brown may need to break a promise, writes Paul Little.

Aucklanders are told something has to go if the mayor is to keep rates from rising beyond his election promise. Aucklanders should not listen to this, writes John Roughan.

Over the next 11 months, the Auckland Council, in consultation with Aucklanders, will develop the next 10-year budget 2015-2025, otherwise known as the Long-term Plan.

Housing New Zealand wants to lift building restrictions around hundreds of its historic and "special character" homes across Auckland to allow for development.

A simple Unitary Plan of self-determination is appealing, but land use choices are riddled with unintended consequences, writes Geoff Cooper.

The chickens have come home to roost for the Len Brown-led Auckland Council after four years of big spending and debt-fuelled budgets.

Cutting back funding for park maintenance, reducing library hours and scrapping inorganic rubbish collections are among options being considered by Auckland Council.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown may break a key election promise to hold overall rates increases at or below 2.5 per cent this term.

People wanting to scatter their loved ones' ashes in public places will be able to continue to do so following a council backdown.

Aucklanders will be given clear choices, including tolls and congestion charges, to pay for big transport projects in a black budget being partly unveiled today.

Some operators in Auckland's sunbed industry need to get up to speed with strict new R18 rules before they get burned, an informal survey shows.

Auckland has become the nation's first city to ban under-18s from using sunbeds, and commercial sunbed operators will now need a licence.

Until three days ago I didn't know what it was like to be refused transport, writes Cherie Howie.

A controversial shuttle service for Auckland Transport staff was little used this week.

The Auckland Council and its transport agency are inviting ridicule with a trial of shuttle buses for their staff.

Public transport bosses in Auckland spent $356,000 to improve their public image - even as they lined up a special shuttle so staff don't have to travel on buses and trains.

Aucklanders could be issued with an arts passport that includes reduced travel costs to arts and cultures events in the city.

Strong measures to consider keeping a central Auckland square in public ownership before it could be privatised have been soundly defeated by the Auckland Council.