Free entry is being blamed for overcrowding so bad that disappointed swimmers are being turned away from Auckland pools.

Auckland Council's water company says it will start bringing in "much fairer" waste-water charges for 22,000 businesses from July next year.

Ambitious plans to create a $150 million world-class marine industry precinct at Hobsonville near a vast new housing estate have met with a limp reception.

Judges Bay beach is a wonderful place to go now that the council has refurbished it but there are many dogs on the beach.

A proposal for a private helipad on the Spencer estate beside the Waitemata Harbour has drawn 129 objections.

The Auckland Council is sitting on secret documents used to draw up a new planning rulebook for the city and instructed its top lawyer to keep them hidden from the public.

Traffic engineering is probably the only realistic solution to Auckland's congestion, writes John Roughan. "The busway, like the bridge, is fine."

The desire of both National and Labour to rule Auckland directly is clear to see, writes Tony Holman.

Auckland homeowners could become about $24 billion richer under Auckland Council's proposed Unitary Plan as the value of sections will shoot up.

"Why should under-25s, with nothing but a desire for a romantic stroll in the park, be driven out for nothing more than the crime of having acute hearing?" asks Brian Rudman.

The Auckland Council is sticking to a tight timetable on a new planning rulebook, despite claims it is a rushed process and misgivings about high-rise apartments and infill housing on more than half of the city's residential land.

A controversial decision to cap Orewa and Browns Bay apartment living heights at four storeys is up for review during debate of Auckland Council's new planning rule book.

At the end of Hugo Johnson Drive, just about opposite the old Southdown Freezing Works site and the co-gen facility, there is an odd little "park".

A former council call centre operator has been charged with milking more than $43,000 from more than 80 customers' credit cards.

A young Auckland councillor has posted on his Facebook page a link to a blog containing personal attacks on critics of the city council's new planning rulebook.

Auckland Council and its web of agencies employ 143 communications, public relations and marketing staff and in its first two years spent $60 million on getting the word out about itself.

"What controls will be imposed to ensure the good design of the new terrace housing and apartment blocks?" asks Brian Rudman. "What noise controls will be set in place?"

Auckland Council will test water running off a new artificial sports field after fears were raised that a layer made from recycled car tyres leached toxic chemicals.

Intensification isn't just about getting more height; it's about being smarter with what we have, writes Rob Hutchison.

Auckland Council has handed a map to the Milford Residents Association and urged it to have a go at drawing an appropriate location for higher-density housing.

Six major retailers are decrying the unitary plan, accusing Auckland Council of trying to design shops and force everyone on to public transport.

Red tape is about to take the spice out of the ethnic food served up to thousands of Aucklanders each year, say some festival operators.

A new rulebook that sets out to build high-rise apartments and turn rural land into housing is becoming a tough ask for Auckland Mayor Len Brown and his deputy Penny Hulse.

House buyers and sellers are more protected from dodgy agent dealings than before.