Planning has started for a giant tent to be erected on Queens Wharf for the Rugby World Cup on the site of one of two 98-year-old cargo sheds.

Mayor Tim Shadbolt believes Invercargill voters would favour his political experience over the singing career of challenger Suzanne Prentice.

Time-consuming and unproductive "distractions" involving Tim Shadbolt's council are behind Suzanne Prentice's bid to become Invercargill's new mayor.

The Auckland Regional Council has been ordered to pay almost $100,000 to a developer.