The possibility of a Parnell park being traded as prime waterfront real estate in a Treaty of Waitangi claim settlement has prompted an outcry from groups.

Auckland's housing supply shortage will continue because the new Unitary Plan has not gone far enough, one expert says.

Auckland Council's highlights of the past year include a $1.3 billion spend on improving community facilities.

Auckland mayor Len Brown has finally endorsed a "living wage" for council workers - two weeks after his chief rival unexpectedly appeared to support the idea.

The Herald asked the 15 mayoral candidates for Auckland to answer three key questions in their own words.

Slow start a worrying sign as survey shows many Kiwis feel they don't know candidates.

For the first time in my life, I'm finding it hard to argue against those who can't be bothered voting in the upcoming election, writes Brian Rudman.

Wellington City Council is reviewing its parking ticketing systems after claims it's 'double-dipping' in order to make more money.

Housing Minister Nick Smith and Auckland mayor Len Brown were in their own homes before they left university. We asked them how they did it.

On the eastern edge of the Travis Wetland, a nature reserve in Christchurch's urban northeast, Lianne Dalziel, high-end camera in hand, is stalking a potter of pukeko.

Mayors throughout the country will become more powerful under new law changes set to come into action after October's local elections.

The 21 winners of Auckland's health board elections will be required to induce GPs to check more patients' hearts and offer more help to quit smoking.

Some high profile candidates in Auckland's local body elections are angry their profiles were left out of a booklet that goes out with voting papers.

Four years since the creation of Whau - carved from areas previously managed by two different councils - residents still struggle to identify themselves as one ward.

As local body voting papers go out, the Herald examines the Super City's wards, analysing the big issues.

Mayor Len Brown is promising a rates rise of 2.5 per cent next year with inflation at 0.7 per cent - its lowest level in 14 years.