Seattle's an economic engine, a leader in sustainability and a hub for culture and creativity, writes Dr Ann Bartos and John Mauro. It could easily be Auckland.

We have a huge growth challenge in our city, but with that challenge we have an equally great opportunity, writes Auckland mayoral candidate Joe Palino.

Support for the draft Unitary Plan is "melting faster than snow in sunshine" amid widespread anxiety over intensive housing proposals.

Consultants have been paid $1.6 million for work on Auckland Council's Yard 37 marine precinct development.

Public submissions on Auckland Council's draft unitary plan close this week. View a map of the draft unitary plan here.

The draft plan and the housing accord have led to fear, uncertainty and distrust in both the process and in those promulgating the plan, writes Christine Rose.

Whether it's walls of apartments on the ridges overlooking Browns Bay or 18-storey high rises in Newmarket, the council is facing a chorus of complaints.

Intensification of housing needs to be matched by intensification of amenities, writes Dr Jamie Hosking. It must be sensitive to heritage and design values,

SkyCity's rivals say its pokie machines will earn more if Auckland Council heeds calls for a regional sinking lid policy on gaming venues.

Residents of central Auckland fringe suburbs such as Mt Eden, Parnell and Orakei are getting riled at their streets becoming free parking lots for commuters.

A public meeting of about 500 people has told the Auckland Council to rethink its intensification plans for the city, start listening to communities and stop spinning.

Sometimes it takes an outside eye to reveal the full extent of a change in circumstance.

Half of suburban Auckland could be built up with three-storey apartments and residents will have no say when developers move into their street.

Auckland plans to spend $4.8 billion over the next 10 years on water projects as the city's population grows.

A little expansion or a step too far is the choice facing Aucklanders with the release of the latest plans to reclaim more of the Waitemata Harbour for port operations.

Mayor Len Brown and his deputy Penny Hulse pushed hard for quotas for affordable housing to be included in the accord, but the Govt refused, writes Brian Rudman.

106,060 number of households whose rate rises are less than 2.9 per cent In a political twist, a centre-right move to give the disabled free access to swimming pools was defeated by the centre-left on Auckland Council, including Mayor Len Brown, yesterday

Auckland Council and the Government have struck a deal to fast-track plans to free up land for residential department.

Beaches, civic plazas and on-street cafes will be made voluntarily smokefree across the Auckland region, under a draft council plan.

Auckland Council's draft Unitary Plan is under attack as people engage with its implications for their backyards and neighbourhoods, writes Joel Cayford. The question confronting city planners and councillors should be how to fix the plan,

The Auckland Council has approved a 2.9 per cent rates increase this year.

Auckland water retailer Watercare Services says it can hold its charges for households and businesses during 2013-14 because of lower costs.

Auckland rates will rise on average by 2.9 per cent this year under Mayor Len Brown's inflation-sensitive budget to be put to the council tomorrow for approval.