Len Brown's announcement has been met with relief by council members who say they can focus on milestone decisions for the region's future.

It's rare for politicians to admit their mistakes. Particularly one as recent as Auckland Council's unelected Maori Statutory Board, writes Brian Rudman.

Richie McCaw was granted the Freedom of Auckland by Mayor Len Brown yesterday - the first time the honour has been bestowed since the birth of the Super City five years ago.

The Government is proposing a governance model similar to the Auckland Council for regions that have voted to reject a Super City-like structure.

Lyttelton Port Co, which was taken private by Christchurch City Council last year, is suing insurance broker Aon for $184 million over the handling of its policies during the 2010 and 2011....

Fire safety issues have stopped construction on the first 20 terraced homes at Auckland's biggest affordable housing project.

A sea wall is to be built at one of Auckland's most popular beaches in a $5 million plan to try to stop storms ripping out chunks of its grassy park and currents carrying away its sand.

It bemuses me the way the major political parties go to so much trouble to disguise their interest in running Auckland Council, Brian Rudman writes.

The Auckland Council intends to hold a debate and a vote on whether to oppose exploratory oil drilling in an area of seabed off the west coast.

Four years ago the Hauraki Gulf Forum's "State of our Gulf" report warned of widespread decline in the condition of its water and birds and marine life.

Council's bloopers tape shows why asking Aucklanders to trust builders and developers is a step too far, says Brian Rudman.

Christine Fletcher writes an open letter to Phil Goff, warning him of the "shambles" in its local government as he considers standing for mayor.

Authorities seek to force out dodgy inhabitants after alleged kidnapping and gunshots at Mark Lyon's 15 Karaka St building.

State house tenants from around New Zealand plan to march on Parliament against Government plans to sell 1600 houses in Tauranga and Invercargill.

The rise in pay packets for Auckland Council's top brass has slowed this year, according to a Herald survey.

New Zealand Cup and Show week was previewed in Christchurch yesterday with a business breakfast to celebrate the annual event's influence in the region.

Council takes leap of faith to give another chance to Black Power member who was jailed for assault and grievous bodily harm.

Auckland's point of difference is not the glories or supremacy of one ethnicity over another, but our place in the Pacific as a smorgasbord of cultures and ethnicities, writes Brian Rudman.

Auckland has grown by around 100,000 people since amalgamation in 2010, writes Auckland's Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.That's the population of Lower Hutt.

Rangi Tikitiki's is tired of "being a refugee in my own country", he's been on a waiting list for a Housing NZ home since before he began camping at the park.

New Zealand has such a rich history of extraordinary and ground breaking women in sport, politics, academia and the arts, writes Cathy Casey. How should we celebrate their achievements?

We don't need the bureaucrats' religiosity to get things opened.

Sharp contrasts between Auckland and Wellington rail costs are blamed by a consultant on differences in each city's passenger services.

Wesley College to be demolished and relocated elsewhere for new small town hosting thousands of new homes.

The council is planning to redesign Freyberg Place. This is one of our most urban public places but the vision we've seen in the Herald is for a bush walk.

Used nappies, beer bottles, takeaway cups, your Herald - all items that are likely to end up in the bin once they're finished with.

If you met nurse Lisbeth Alley or former landscaper Robyn Laurenson on the street, the word guerrilla would probably not be the first description you would reach for, writes Catherine Smith.

"It's not the world's most beautiful building."

The city's arts, culture and civic precinct around Aotea Square is fighting back against the drift of corporate offices, apartments, shops and restaurants.