Hackers who stole the credit card details of thousands of drivers from payment machines have forced a $4m system upgrade to be fast-tracked.

New Zealand's biggest shopping mall is planning a major expansion, including multi-storey apartments and office blocks to create a "mini CBD".

Auckland City Mayor John Banks is telling rugby fans to steer clear of Prime Minister John Key's "party central" on Queens Wharf and party elsewhere in the city.

A veteran councillor has apologised for foul-mouthed outbursts at two members of the public and a fellow official during a meeting.