Design professionals and Aucklanders are unimpressed with the designs for Queens Wharf.

Councils are staring at an estimated $6 billion legal bill to fix the country's leaky homes - with the crushing debt falling on ratepayers.

Parliament passes legislation setting up Auckland's new "Super City" council by a vote of 64 to 58.

Ngati Whatua says there is enough support for Maori Super City seats within the National Party to warrant a conscience vote.

The Government has bowed to local pressure and decided not to change the Rodney District boundary.