Latest from Local Government

Drivers face $2 motorway toll

Aucklanders could pay a motorway toll of about $2 under a congestion-busting plan being unveiled by Mayor Len Brown today.

Unitary Plan: No need to 'lawyer up'

People do not have to be lawyered up to participate in the Unitary Plan process, says the judge chairing the independent hearings panel.

Farmer sells in disgust at $50k rates

'Horrific" rates of nearly $50k a year on land still being grazed by livestock prompted the $37.9m sale of one of Auckland's largest land lots.

Richard Benge: Govt must paint brighter picture for all

On election night, re-elected Prime Minister John Key pledged he would lead a third-term Government "for all New Zealanders".

Miracle on Queen Street

Santa has been saved, with a family-owned company pledging money to keep him on Auckland's main street.

Editorial: Elderly, poor hardest hit by draconian council ban

According to the Auckland Council, a planned ban on domestic open fires and the use of old wood burners from 2018 will not involve excessive costs.

John Clements: City that's big but far from super

What is Auckland Council's mandate? According to the royal commission on Auckland governance, amalgamation would provide better services through well co-ordinated resources that, with economies of....

Dear Santa, so sorry you've been sacked

Aucklanders are facing Christmas without the city's larger-than-life Santa. The big man's banned after Heart of the City said it couldn't afford the $180k installation.

Open fireplaces to be blocked up

Domestic chimneys will have to be cemented up or blocked in other ways before a house with an open fireplace can be sold under the Auckland Council's planned air-quality bylaw.

Fading dream of first home

Auckland housing affordability has deteriorated dramatically, with first-home buyers facing higher costs and fewer affordable properties in nearly every suburb.

Strategy pays off for Auckland City's investment arm

Bryce Edwards: Are Labour's 'pale, male, stale' days done?

With Nanaia Mahuta entering the race to be Labour leader, Bryce Edwwards asks if the days of the party’s ‘pale, male, and stale’ leaders are over.

Weed killer shuts water dams

Watercare has had to come clean after a whistleblower detailed the closure of two dams supplying Auckland's water for four months due to traces of herbicide.

Agency backs 125-year deals

Waterfront Auckland has defended its Wynyard Quarter leasehold deal where apartment owners can pre-pay ground rent for 125 years.

'Fixer' leaves major legacy behind him

Mark Ford, who has quietly and efficiently been responsible for ensuring Aucklanders have high-quality water and wastewater disposal, has lost a long battle with illness.

Long-serving Watercare head dies

Watercare chairman David Clarke has paid tribute to the company’s former chief executive, Mark Ford, who died earlier today after serious illness.

Bryce Edwards: Andrew Little on track to be Labour leader

Andrew Little has huge momentum at the moment, judging by what's being reported in the media and discussed in leftwing circles

Fluoride in water supplies not subject to Medicines Act