The enthusiasm of Auckland Council's tourism and events arm to pull World War I commemorations into its orbit has prompted a councillor to warn it against "muscling in".

A local board has had to go it alone in appealing against a proposed new liquor store opposite a Mangere school, after the Auckland Council refused to back the appeal.

Rising interest rates, LVR restrictions and the onset of winter have taken the heat out of the housing market, according to just released QV figures.

Making a dollar entertaining and trading in streets and parks is about to involve more red tape and expense, with Auckland Council proposing to tighten controls.

'We're only trying to make a living.' Intersection windscreen washers say a police and council crackdown won't force them to ditch their brushes and bottles.

High profile violent crimes against dairy owners boiled over into frustration for the Manukau Indian Association today.

Auckland's cash-strapped council is spending thousands of dollars a year moving desks and chairs for mayor Len Brown and his councillors.

Private beach and bush land near Piha has been added to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park in a $3 million purchase by Auckland Council.

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.

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.

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.

AMt Eden man's problems with Auckland Council over his neighbours' renovations have been backed up by others telling of fights across the city.

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.

A High Court judge found a leading firm of architects does not have a "watertight" defence in a leaky building case over a Waiheke Island house.

Auckland Council's new 10-year budget includes proposals for major cuts to key transport projects, parks and community services, in a bid to save billions.

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.