A sporting disaster involving football superstar David Beckham was the wrong event at the wrong time and for the wrong price, a review has found.

Franklin residents will be split between the new Auckland Supercity, Waikato and Hauraki district councils.

$10.9m estimate for shared paved area is more than bigger city projects have cost.

Auckland's council employees are showing more interest in joining trade unions because they are worried about jobs in the new Super City.

Auckland voters are expecting rates hikes as a result of the Supercity restructure - with many bracing for major cost blowouts.

Creating an 800m public promenade along Auckland's Quay St has been suggested as an alternative to "party central" plans for Queens Wharf.

A long spell of dry weather is likely to lead to more fire bans being put in place.