With the voters of Orakei having a bye for the ward seat on Auckland Council the focus shifts to the Local Board.

Spiralling rates and views blocked by high-rise developments may seem like First World problems to the poorest residents of Maungakiekie-Tamaki.

The gloves are off in the Waitemata and Gulf ward to claim the prize of what the incumbent Mike Lee calls the capital of Auckland.

After three years of trying to fit in with a fast city set, rural communities to Auckland's north are weighing up the worth of being under the Super City umbrella.

In the lead-up, the Herald is examining all 13 Super City wards, and analysing the big issues and contests.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown is promising a post-election review of council-controlled organisations (CCOs), which could see the number trimmed from seven to four.

The starter's gun for the Super City elections goes off tomorrow when candidate nominations open for the mayoral chain.