Aucklanders have until the end of next month to lodge submissions on the city's new planning rulebook, or Unitary Plan, says Environment Court judge David Kirkpatrick.

Pacific Islanders need to rediscover their entrepreneurial spirit, says the new minister tasked with turning around their job and education prospects.

David Cunliffe has sparked some big questions with his election year opening speech and 'Best Start' policy announcement, writes Bryce Edwards.

'Come to our bake sale,' said a member of a group trying to raise $140k for a court appeal against a $950k sewer tunnel project.

How do we know it's election year? Bryce Edwards teases out the tell-tale signs that politicians are keen for your vote - and it stars with kissing babies.

Expectations are rising for a settlement by Auckland Mayor Len Brown towards the $100,000-plus cost of a review into his extramarital affair to be made public.

As part of his platform for last year's local body elections, Mayor Len Brown said he would push for a 2016 start to Auckland's $2.86b city rail link. However, his ability to gain an early start to the rail link has been much reduced.

John Key has once again shown himself to be the master pragmatist with an eye for winning votes, writes Bryce Edwards.

Which political parties can work together to produce a new government out of this year's general election? That's the question of the moment, writes Bryce Edwards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Mike Sabin's family and career experiences have helped his first term as a backbencher.