Mayoral contenders Phil Goff and Vic Crone both say they will tap private investors to pay for an Auckland light rail system if central government fails to fund it.

They are plastered on fences any highly visible open space, but how much of an impact do campaign billboards have on the final election results?

Improvements to public transport are top of the agenda in Albert-Eden-Roskill.

COMMENT: Mark Thomas used to run a fancy up-market eatery overlooking the Ferry Buildings. He should have stuck with it.

Sprucing up tired town centres, public safety and managing ongoing residential growth are the biggest concerns for Manurewa-Papakura ward voters.

The Campaign for Better Transport organised the public meeting for the candidates to put forward their transport policies for Auckland.

Auckland mayoral candidate Mark Thomas is effectively stepping out of the mayoral race and concedes it is "inevitable" Phil Goff will win.

It's the battle of the bruisers. Mike Lee versus Bill Ralston for the coveted Waitemata and Gulf seat.

Businesswoman Vic Crone is becoming noticeably absent at Auckland mayoral debates.

Mayoral debate front runner Phil Goff talks user-pays, Auckland infrastructure and 45 years of marital fidelity.

Do ethnic minorities need their own political parties and separate electoral seats?

US presidential hopeful Donald Trump is being used to lure younger Tauranga voters to a Meet the Candidates evening next week. Tauranga

The last thing Auckland needs is a mayor elected on a mandate to pursue a needless extravagance for no better reason than he or she promised it.

COMMENT: As we prepare to yawn our way through another round of local government elections, spare a thought for the masochists fighting to represent you.

Environmental issues are expected to be raised at an Auckland mayoral debate in Titirangi this evening.

Proposed new powers for Local Government Commission are anti-democratic and could result in forced amalgamation, opponents of new bill say.

John Palino's three major policies are: "reduce rates" - now that has an appealing sound - but how?

Super City reporter Bernard Orsman takes a look at some of the key match-ups that will determine the outcome of October's elections.

Mayoral candidate Phil Goff has launched a bold plan to plant a million trees and shrubs in Auckland.

There are 17 people in the running for the Auckland Council's top job.

Nominations for positions on the various local government bodies representing Rotorua residents ended today at midday, now the real

COMMENT: Let's hope this election we might see some long-standing or well-known names step down and some new brooms.

Auckland has made heavy weather of its plain need for dense development.

Auckland's Unitary Plan will be transformative for the city with proposals allowing enough commercial and industrial development to let business thrive: expert.

If you believe you can do a better job for your district, city or community, now is the time to put your hand up.