The Mt Albert byelection has given Jacinda Ardern the street credibility to give Labour a fresh young face in its leadership.

Some say the Government's water-quality proposals are not ambitious enough, but others - including farmers - are cautiously optimistic.

The troubled Yachting New Zealand high performance centre has hit another hurdle, with the national body likely to have to reapply for funding.

A veteran Auckland councillor is concerned change is being held back by political fears of activating young voters.

Lawrence Yule will take on Labour candidate Anna Lork for the seat.

Plans to spend up to $70 million on a boutique cricket oval for test matches at Western Springs has received a knock back from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff.

With a week to go, the Mt Albert byelection is shaping up as the quietest and most inconsequential on record.

Don Brash returns to the same place, Orewa, to deliver the same sort of speech, but this time as spokesman for Hobson's Pledge.

The Government is backing locally controlled urban development authorities to fight the slow speed of new city housing and infrastructure.

Comedian Guy Williams says his MCing of the Labour-Greens State of the Nation event was one of his best-ever gigs.

The Otago Regional Council's very existence is on the line as the Dunedin City Council considers the merits of a unitary council for the city.

Political Roundup: Should politicians be free to hop in and out of elected office when it suits their career interests?

Devonport shopkeepers have turned to bicycles to promote their stores after a council push to cut down on signboards cluttering up the footpath.

Former North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams has shifted to Taupo and is now taking guests and his and wife Jane's Fairbairn House.

The Horowhenua mayor's troubles are likely to only get worse, following a deputy mayor pick that left the council bitterly divided

Labour appear quietly thrilled about the prospect of a National Party without John Key.

Businessman Roshan Nauhria has for years donated to political parties but he has now put that financial muscle behind his own People's Party.

A Council executive has responded to backlash against the spending of $500,000 on a new slogan, saying it is a small part of a bigger "Auckland Story".

As a high school drop-out and teenage parent, Dunedin 19-year-old Ryan Jones has not followed the most conventional path to politics.

Is this the shortest term in office ever? Lucy Schwaner was sworn in, then walked out less than half an hour later

A hundred metres away from the mayoral pomp and ceremony of Phil Goff being sworn in, a group of homeless men were bedding down for the night.

COMMENT: The idea that a perfect brand, will magically make citizens feel great and suck tourists and businessmen down to this country, seems rather silly.

The chairman of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Doug Leeder explains that the water quality issue is a problem everybody needs to get their heads around, whether they live in a rural or urban environment. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A hike in the freedom camping season is upon us - and so too the many perceptions that plague this travelling community. The thrifty

Work to uncover answers on the Havelock North water contamination incident which caused over 5000 people to become ill is under way

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall wants a debate around how local government is funded in the future. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall wants a debate around how local government is funded in the future. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Labour stalwart Phil Goff's pick of Franklin councillor Bill Cashmore as Auckland deputy mayor signals a centrist path ahead.

Auckland Council boss Stephen Town says he shares the agenda of new Auckland Mayor Phil Goff for a turnaround in council performance. Goff

The tourism industry and other groups are tackling freedom campers messing up popular tourism spots