Auckland has a choice if it wants to open up more of its waterfront - let the port expand into the Waitemata Harbour or lose cargo to Tauranga and Northland.

Port of Tauranga is signalling another record profit and is frustrated at a new Maori court challenge.

Auckland Council is considering cutting the number of unelected council-controlled organisations from seven to four.

The Maritime Union denies claims it will lose its dominance in the Ports of Auckland dispute due to the emergence of a new union.

Quay St will become a "stunning" pedestrian-friendly boulevard within three years, says Waterfront Auckland.

"There is real excitement about the waterfront and Aucklanders are asking us: 'What's next?' Bob Harvey explains.

Waterfront Auckland has released its "placemaking" ideas for Queens Wharf, a set of temporary activities to make the large area an active space.

Only one in 78 visitors to Auckland visits the waterfront, figures from local authorities show, and that's a fraction of world-class waterfronts.

Experts say Auckland needs to learn from its mistakes and not pass up another opportunity to turn the waterfront into a highlight of the city.

More than three-quarters of Aucklanders questioned in a Herald poll want more wharf space opened up to create world-class public areas on the waterfront.

Auckland ratepayers are being asked to chip in $16.8 million for the local marine industry to get a bigger slice of servicing superyachts.