John Banks has racked up an $11,523 bill for flowers in his current term - including a $60 bunch to the Mayor from office staff when he was ill.

Seven list MPs are receiving almost $41,000 each a year to run offices in their local communities but choose not to.

Rachel Glucina checks out the latest name being bandied about in the Auckland Super City mayoralty race.

Simon Prast is a man on a mission.

One of Auckland's most combative top businessmen is preparing to enter the Supercity mayoral race.

Supercity mayoral candidate Simon Prast has admitted to having used P.

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams is promising to inject his own colourful style of politics into the contest.

As MPs and the Auckland Regional Couincil butt heads over plans for "party central" on the city's Queens Wharf, John Key says he wants constructive discussions.

The fate of the Victoria Theatre in Devonport, which has more recently been a barren practice-room for local bands, is finally secured.

The $32m Viaduct Events Centre under construction is being put forward as an alternative "party central" for the RWC.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully has vented his frustration at the ARC's U-turn over the development of Queens Wharf.

The Prime Minister says he cannot see how the council could afford to restore a 98-year-old cargo shed.

A rail platform which won't be long enough for new three-car units to be used from 2013 can be extended in the future.