Bernard Orsman is the New Zealand Herald's Auckland and Super City reporter.
Bernard Orsman has been covering local government issues in Auckland since 1998. He covered the Auckland City Council beat through the Christine Fletcher, John Banks and Dick Hubbard terms before turning his attention to the creation of the Super City. Bernard was previously based in the Press Gallery at Parliament for nearly six years. He joined the Herald in 1990 after a stint on New Zealand News UK in London. Bernard studied politics and mathematics at Victoria University before graduating from Wellington Polytechnic School of Journalism. You can contact Bernard at [email protected].
'Can’t have police on every bus': Two assaults on Auckland bus drivers in one hour
Attacks started during Covid-19 and getting worse, says union leader.
'Cock-up': Auckland Council CEO says CRL report on blowouts not meant for public
Human error to blame for the CRL report being made public says Phil Wilson.
Urgent meetings over City Rail Link concerns, French executives flying in
Senior politicians have been alerted to a lack of confidence in the CRL's time and cost.
Port of Auckland’s $100m project to expand into the Waitematā Harbour endorsed
The agreement keeps rates down and returns land to the public, says Wayne Brown.
Auckland Mayor and minister wrestle over future of AT
There are still sticking points between the two Browns, says one political source.
'An eyesore': Could ferry-charging equipment ruin Queens Wharf?
Heritage New Zealand would like the building modelled on the historic sheds.
Watercare staff attend urgent meetings after bosses blindsided by reforms
Dozens of Watercare staff are impacted by the mayor's proposals.
Leave us alone: CCOs oppose Mayor Wayne Brown’s bold plan for reform
Auckland Transport lobbied to keep its statutory independence from political tampering.
Wayne Brown proposes stripping back AT’s functions in draft budget
The CCO reforms are not a 'slash and burn' mechanism, says the mayor.
Up to 30,000 expected: Hīkoi numbers could dwarf 2022 Parliament protest
The hīkoi is expected to be on the scale of the seabed and foreshore hīkoi 20 years ago.
Mum hears screw or brace come loose during son's rollercoaster ride at A&P show
A man fixed the rollercoaster by hand then carried on running it, the mother said.
Act calls for Auckland Transport to stop 'free rides' on buses due to violence risk
AT introduced a de facto travel-free policy in 2020, says Act MP Parmjeet Parmar.
Transport Minister in advanced talks with Mayor Brown to ‘reform’ Auckland Transport
The two Browns agree on the need to overhaul the city's transport authority.
Auckland bus attack leaves driver in hospital with fractured ribs and eye damage
The attack occurred at St Lukes bus hub on Saturday evening.
AT on the chopping block in bold plan by Mayor Wayne Brown
Watercare is the only CCO not impacted by the drive for greater political control.
Auckland Council starts 'deconstructing' red-stickered homes – how does it work?
So far, 42 homes have been moved, recycled or demolished.
'Driving me nuts': Mum of newborn fuming at three years of dirt bike bedlam
There are an enormous number of complaints in reserves, says Local Board chairman.
Trashed and abandoned social housing complex in Auckland to be demolished, says Kāinga Ora
After 20 years, the complex leaks and needs seismic strengthening says Kāinga Ora.
Former speedway operator Bill Buckley ‘really p***ed off’ at motorsport’s exit from Western Springs
New football club Auckland FC linked to iconic stadium.
'Blindsided': Speedway hits back at Auckland Council after being forced out of Western Springs
Speedway will race at Western Springs this summer season for the last time.
Who's watching you? Auckland's surveillance camera network revealed
As new hi-tech equipment arrives, the Herald does a stocktake on the city.
Watch: Sneak peek at new City Rail Link underground tunnels and stations
The $5.5 billion project is tracking toward operating the first passenger trains in 2026.
Bombshell letter delays council decision on moving speedway from Western Springs
"We appear to have conflicting information," said acting Mayor Desley Simpson.
Dalton's decision: Wayne Brown says Team NZ boss will decide where next America's Cup is held
Saudi Arabia is the early frontrunner to host the next America's Cup.
Repair costs for Wynyard Quarter bridge blow out
The structure is on track to reopen in December, says Eke Panuku.
Public to have say on richlister's helipad plans for Westmere home
Consultants for the couple said environmental effects will be less than minor.
Auckland property valuations delayed by council until next year
Valuations will be tricky this year for storm-damaged properties, says real estate agent.
Auckland Council defers fortnightly rubbish collections for trial and more consultation
Fortnightly rubbish collections have been delayed until 2028 at the earliest.
Onehunga residents cannot drink local water for several more years due to traces of banned chemical
Auckland University researchers found drinking water is largely free of banned chemical.
$265k mirror sculpture disappears from Auckland CBD
Auckland Council is scoping a new site for the artwork.
Crew abandoned stricken ship in darkness, rescued from lifeboats in heavy seas
All 75 aboard the ship have been accounted for.
HMNZS Manawanui sinking: Commander credited with saving lives after Navy ship ran aground
All 75 aboard the ship have been accounted for.
The 60 West Auckland residents with flood-destroyed homes stuck in ‘grey area’ for financial aid
Councillors support motion for solutions to aid storm victims after 20 months of waiting.
KiwiRail promises to cut Auckland train delays in time for CRL opening
Improving confidence in Auckland rail is important, says Transport Minister Simeon Brown.
Auckland's controversial overnight parking charges delayed to 'December at earliest'
One CBD resident said the changes would cost at least $11,000 a year.
'A cesspit': Country estate residents fed up over incomplete sewage plant
Residents of Whitford Manor Estate told the Herald the sewage smell is revolting.
'Disgraceful': Mayor slams council staff over $263,000 beach stairs bill
Mayor says it doesn't fit the ‘better, faster, cheaper' message he wants at the council.
Auckland councillor calls for rethinking 'delusional' plan to halve car use by 2030
The plan called for 'supercharging' cycling and massive uptake in electric cars.
Stink over sewage from Auckland housing development goes to court
Watercare plans to truck sewage away at three other housing developments.
For the chop? Future of renowned Westmere Butchery up in the air
Businesses complain of cycle lane disruption while others welcome greater safety.
AT board ignores wishes of Mayor Wayne Brown and hands CEO large salary and bonus scheme
The AT board also ignored Brown's wish for a contested recruitment process.
Three more Auckland housing developments to have sewage trucked away
'It’s like Rotorua but a little bit more potent,' said one resident.
'Makes me sick': Auckland homeowner furious over sewer line, manhole on his property
People think they can do anything and get away with it, says Tomasz Malarczyk.
Former National minister Maurice Williamson to be appointed to AT board
Williamson is unashamedly pro-car and pro-roads.
Councillor blames trains, anti-car agenda and construction works for Auckland CBD gridlock
Cities can fail and Auckland is on the road to failure, says Mike Lee.
Sewage trucked away from hundreds of Auckland homes with no proper connection
Summer is potentially going to be really smelly, one homeowner says.
Auckland booze crackdown: Supermarket sales end at 9pm, cut-off time for bars
It makes sense to have a local say on where and when alcohol is sold, says Wayne Brown.
Wayne Brown's plan to 'dethrone' Auckland Transport in major CCO shake-up
We ask for information from AT and don't get it, says the mayor.
Council battles Māori advisory board over new Watercare chair
Auckland Council says the appointment complies with the rules.
Main street meltdown: How NZ’s high streets are changing
We take a walk down some of New Zealand's high streets.
New open-air, waterfront swimming pool for Auckland this summer
The new pool will have four swimming lanes and a jumping platform.
Four iconic Auckland buildings get earthquake-strengthening funds
The Leys Institute in Ponsonby has been closed since 2019 due to cracking and bowing.
Traffic management boss says industry not to blame for road cone mania
We do not charge for road cones, says Traffix managing director Michael Eremin.
Mum of young Kiwi pilot killed in plane crash in Australian Outback recalls son’s dream
The former Auckland man kept his watch set to NZ time so he knew when to ring home to mum.
Young Kiwi pilot killed in plane crash in Australian Outback
Adam Snell was only 22 when his Cessna plane crashed into a paddock.
Govt pledges to repair 95% of potholes within 24 hours
The Government agreed on new pothole repair targets with NZTA and roading contractors.
$50 weekly public transport fare cap introduced in Auckland on Sunday
The fare cap will help with the cost of living, says mayor Wayne Brown.
'Worse than Covid': Popular cafe faces bleak future from new roadworks in Auckland CBD
'We are at the point of sinking,' says cafe owner Richard O'Hanlon.
'Not a good look': AT CEO on board of company that got $800k in transport contracts
Any potential conflicts of interests meticulously dealt with, says former AT chairman.
Govt puts the heat on Auckland Transport’s road cone spend
AT is looking at way to reduce traffic management costs.
Revealed: Details of Labour’s $229m bill for Auckland axed light rail
Two engineering firms pocketed $64m for working on light rail.
All Blacks great fights to stop Ponsonby Rugby Club being booted out of Western Springs
Ponsonby has produced 48 All Blacks – more than any other club.
Plans abandoned for $400m wastewater plant near Manukau Harbour
Glenbrook residents are ecstatic, saying they chased Watercare away.
Auckland motorists face peak-hour time-of-use charges as fuel tax is scrapped
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says cash from congestion charges should be spent locally.
'We have chased them away': Rural community's win over wastewater plant plan
Watercare has six days to decide whether to appeal or abandon the plans.
July 1 financial pain - where you'll be hit in the pocket from Monday
Wayne Brown struck a deal with Simeon Brown for lower water bills.
KiwiRail: Expect more passenger disruptions on Auckland trains
At some point there will be disruptions for passengers, KiwiRail says.
Weekly rates and water now $100 for average household in Auckland Council's 10-year Budget
Doing nothing is changing nothing, says Independent Maori Statutory Board member.
‘Get on with it’: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urges councillors to get on and pass the budget
The Mayor arrived at the meeting wearing a Coastguard cap saying 'Rescue Auckland'.
AT boss apologises to Mayor Brown over controversial CBD parking charges, delays rollout
AT plans to charge for weekends, including overnight on Sundays, and public holidays.
Labour joins calls for more accountability from AT after handling of parking charges
The reputation of AT is challenging for the public, says Shana Halbert.
'Poor effort': Mayor blasts AT over CBD parking charges controversy
"You weren't put in there to be an apologist," the mayor tells AT chairman.
Transport Minister backs mayor: AT needs 'greater accountability' after CBD parking hike
Simeon Brown agrees with the mayor over greater accountability from AT.
Editorial: Why Wayne Brown scrapped plans for a Ports of Auckland lease
OPINION: Wayne Brown's decision was driven by a simple equation.
'It's a man's world': Auckland councillor pleads for women’s voice in transport planning
Women have a different life to men, says Angela Dalton.
Mayor Wayne Brown bins long-term lease for Port of Auckland, sticks with status quo
The Auckland Mayor earlier warned that the 'manure hits the fan' if nothing changed.
Financial case has not been made to lease Port of Auckland, says economist
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown agreed to commission the report after requests by councillors.
PM, Auckland Mayor reveal how much Watercare bills will rise
This is the first deal struck under the new Local Water Done Well programme.