Auckland's embattled mayor has a new date - with a courtroom - as a private prosecution is brought against him today for accepting hotel freebies.

The mayoral office is working on ways to rebuild Len Brown's shattered reputation after his sex scandal.

Broadcaster Willie Jackson is taking legal action after failing to secure one of two urban Maori positions on the Independent Maori Statutory Board.

Former National Party President Michelle Boag is the latest figure on the political right to rule herself out of seeking Act's nomination to represent Epsom in this year's election.

Cycle deaths on Auckland's roads reinforce the need for faster action on critical transport projects, says the city's chamber of commerce.

Minor parties are likely to play a central role in this year's election campaign, but the 2014 election year could be the year of the 'micro party', writes Bryce Edwards.

A bruised and bleeding Mosgiel woman blames the Dunedin City Council for her seeing in the new year at Dunedin Hospital.

An official Auckland Transport survey reveals the horrifying number of red-light runners at some of the city's busiest intersections - and most were cyclists.

Cycling campaigners fear more deaths or injuries in downtown Auckland unless an off-road bikeway being built through Grafton Gully is extended to the waterfront.

On Tuesday I arrived very early on the scene of a cycle versus truck fatality in Auckland, writes Lance Wiggs. The sight of a person lying motionless in the street with mangled bicycle in the background is chilling enough.

The donor who stumped up $240,000 to build a foreshore pathway past holidaymakers' homes has been accused of putting up the money to help preserve his own patch of paradise.

"He actually was a really great mentor." Bevan Chuang says she still looks up to Len Brown, and hopes to move on from last year's sex scandal.

Michalis Rokas - European Union Charge d'Affaires talks to political editor Audrey Young.

Tourism chief Martin Snedden is fighting construction of a concrete cycleway running past the family holiday home even though it is considered a boon for tourists.

He may have failed to become Auckland's first Pasifika mayor, but now the Rev Uesifili Unasa has his sights set on furthering his political career - at a national level.

New Zealanders would rather have an internet tycoon feed their cat while they're on holiday than an under-fire mayor and two former right-wing politicians, a poll shows.

The pressure on Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer has eased after it was found that a free trip he took to Port Douglas was declared in the council gift register in 2011.

What Brown did destroyed his reputation. He may resign after he has had the summer to ponder his options. But I suspect he won't, writes Matt McCarten.

When Santa packs his sleigh in the next couple of days, it's fair to assume he won't be needing a lot of space for parcels for one Len Brown.

Auditor-General Lyn Provost is the right person to take inquiries into Len Brown's relationship with the SkyCity hotels and casino operator to the obvious next stage.

What the councillors said about the Len Brown verdict.

The manner in which Mr Brown has brazened it out with the council and the people this week shows he doesn't really get that his tide has gone out. The city needs a new leader.

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer, who has been baying for Mayor Len Brown's blood for not declaring gifts, has admitted not declaring a four-day junket to the Gold Coast.

The Brown hearing was more akin to a show trial, writes Brian Rudman.

Amid calls of "shame on you'' from the gallery, Auckland Mayor Len Brown was thrown a lifeline by his councillors when they voted to censure him but did not hold a vote of no confidence.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says his council's decision to censure him today was "fair but very firm" and appropriate.