Len Brown vigorously promotes Auckland but debatable how much his ability to be cheerleader is now compromised.

Dr Lindo Ferguson, a former Auckland civic leader and notable heritage campaigner, has died in the Far North, aged 90.

Dairy giant Fonterra has confirmed it is close to reaching a commercial deal with Auckland Council.

Len Brown has hinted at seeking a third Super City mayoral term in 2016, saying the factors that will guide him include the support of his wife.

Motorists wrongly ticketed in multi-occupancy vehicle lanes want Auckland Transport to use better detection tools such as thermal imaging.

Fonterra is buying the naming rights for Shed 10 on Auckland's Queens Wharf - and will use its Anchor brand, the Herald understands.

'I put this down as a mayor terrified of the real public.' Questions are being raised about the level of security surrounding Auckland mayor Len Brown.

This year presents exciting possibilities to deliver on the goals of the Auckland Plan, writes Auckland's Mayor Len Brown.

Charging documents for the private prosecution against embattled Auckland Mayor Len Brown have now been delivered to the city's district court.

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.

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.

It was a tumultuous and colourful year in politics, littered with downfalls, fiascos and failures, writes Bryce Edwards.

A round-up of some important and interesting items in the mainstream media and blogosphere that you might have missed over the last few weeks.