New Zealand's largest local authority has failed to win the backing of almost half of small businesses, who say are unhappy with the Auckland Council's support.

Nikki Kaye and Jacinda Ardern are rivals for Auckland Central. But with Green candidate Denise Roche in the equation, the battle won't be straightforward.

Prime Minister John Key has poured cold water on Auckland Mayor Len Brown's plans for a $2.4 billion inner-city rail loop.

When Auckland councillors met on Wednesday after Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully's seizure of key parts of the waterfront, Mayor Len Brown invoked the classic World War II poster encouraging Londoners to "keep calm and carry on".

Community safety promoters put worries about $330,000 reduction to city council.

The decision that the Government take control of Auckland's waterfront following Friday's RWC...