Supporters of the Takapuna waterfront camping ground turned out in force last night in a bid to push for its long-term lease on public reserve and a facelift.

A naval officer approved an $80k renovation for a cliff-top $3.15m heritage villa owned by the taxpayer - then moved in once the work was completed.

A Chinese couple have taken a novel approach to quickly building Auckland homes - using a crane to swing four new units into place over just two days.

Auckland Council announced that revised plans for a Yachting New Zealand centre on Takapuna Beach reserve are supported by the majority of public submissions.

Plans for a high-performance sailing centre on a Takapuna Beach reserve in Auckland have drawn solid opposition from those trying to keep the site as a camping ground.

Jon Rennie and Nick Strauchan of Athfield Architects show off the new $7.8m Devonport Library.

The design of Devonport's new library is just purr-fect for its resident cat.

Unsecured seating is being blamed for the large number of passengers injured when an Auckland ferry hit Devonport wharf yesterday, jolting many to the floor.

A surf boat crew will stage a symbolic row down Auckland's North Shore tomorrow, as they prepare for a commemorative international race in Turkey next year.

The strong wind gusts which tore through Devonport last night were caused by a sudden collapse of air, like someone "pulling a plug" on the storm, MetService says.

Air New Zealand has cancelled several flights to provincial centres as wild weather moves down the country.

State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur's Pass was closed overnight because of snowfall in the region. Arthur's Pass to Otira remained closed to towing vehicles.

A violent squall tore through the Auckland suburb of Devonport last night, lifting roofs , flattening trees and frightening residents.

Strong winds have caused significant but localised damage on Auckland's North Shore this evening.

Devonport Heritage is fighting against the seaside suburb becoming a fake heritage tourist precinct and has called for a special conservation area for commercial areas to keep it authentic.

Elisabeth Easther talks to navy veteran Fred Wilson as he prepares for Anzac Day events, and asks what he loves most about living in Devonport.

Fresh, hearty and local food, prepared with care.

Danielle Wright cheers up her weekend with a visit to the Devonport Bunker for a folk club ukulele jam.

Relationship with Auckland council on right path as mayor deals with old political divide

Cate Foster walks through some naval history.