Aucklanders have until the end of next month to lodge submissions on the city's new planning rulebook, or Unitary Plan, says Environment Court judge David Kirkpatrick.

An advertisement that poked fun at Auckland Mayor Len Brown's extramarital affair has been cleared by the advertising watchdog as humorous and satirical.

A private prosecution alleging bribery against Auckland's embattled Mayor Len Brown has been stalled at the Auckland District Court.

As part of his platform for last year's local body elections, Mayor Len Brown said he would push for a 2016 start to Auckland's $2.86b city rail link. However, his ability to gain an early start to the rail link has been much reduced.

Icecream makers are worried by revelations that the Auckland Council is negotiating a 10-year deal to give Tip Top selling rights at public pools, parks, the waterfront and events.

Protesters at Auckland Zoo's demolition of a Japanese garden are demanding firm plans for its replacement, possibly on the city's tourist trail or the Botanic Gardens.

Len Brown vigorously promotes Auckland but debatable how much his ability to be cheerleader is now compromised.

Crab fishers leaving a beach strewn with chicken carcasses have outraged residents and conservationists at Omaha.

This year presents exciting possibilities to deliver on the goals of the Auckland Plan, writes Auckland's Mayor Len Brown.

Embattled Len Brown faced hecklers today during his first public appearance of the year.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will make his first public appearance of the year tomorrow at the opening of the $17.5 million transport interchange at Panmure.

Shan Inglis is now in the sights of Wellington man Graham McCready, who is considering laying a private prosecution against her over her husband's hotel upgrades and freebies.

Charging documents for the private prosecution against embattled Auckland Mayor Len Brown have now been delivered to the city's district court.

Auckland's embattled mayor has a new date - with a courtroom - as a private prosecution is brought against him today for accepting hotel freebies.

The mayoral office is working on ways to rebuild Len Brown's shattered reputation after his sex scandal.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown is lying low and refusing to say exactly when he will resume public duties after his sex scandal, undeclared hotel stays and censure.

Cheeky visitors walking away from the Hillary Trail have been taking their very own keepsake to remember the great man.

Health authorities are urging people to check the quality of their favourite beach or swimming spot before diving in this summer.

The councillor caught out on a junket to the Gold Coast declared the trip to officials - but concedes he may have done so after a call from a journalist.

One of the most puzzling aspects of the Len Brown scandal is when he found time to cheat on his wife, says former North Shore City mayor-turned-MP Andrew Williams.

The pressure on Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer has eased after it was found that a free trip he took to Port Douglas was declared in the council gift register in 2011.

Residential prospects should never have entered university-council deal for much-needed sporting facilities, writes Brian Rudman.

Auckland councillor Dick Quax, an outspoken critic of Mayor Len Brown, has called on him to withdraw from hosting Prince William and wife Catherine early next year.

Peter Bromhead's take on the Len Brown verdict.

The scandal that has dogged Len Brown could be having an effect on the mayor doing his job - he has lost a vote on a core policy and failed to keep a promise made to voters at the local body elections.

In a tumultuous week for the Auckland Council, one particularly good piece of news for the people of the city slipped largely under the radar.

The spotlight on Len Brown's transgressions has flushed out yet another culprit in the shape, ironically, of Cameron Brewer, one of the Mayor's chief critics.

What the councillors said about the Len Brown verdict.

The Brown hearing was more akin to a show trial, writes Brian Rudman.