Bernard Orsman

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Bernard Orsman

Huapai resident Steph Deacon cannot fathom how the council could approve plans for seven townhouses on a property flooded in 2023. Photo / Michael CraigSevere thunderstorms, followed by torrential flooding, forced Steph and Brendon Deacon to abandon their home, grab their two young children, and kayak to safety in the middle of the night when the Kumeū River overflowed onto their Huapai property in 2021.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Bernard Orsman

Auckland house prices have fallen by 9% between council valuations. Property values in Auckland’s outer suburbs have held up better than the 9% regional drop. Properties closer to the city centre saw valuations fall by about 14%, resulting in lower rates. Council chief finance officer Ross Tucker said rate changes depend on how property values compare to the 9% average fall. Property values in Auckland’s outer suburbs have fared best in the latest council valuations, but it comes with higher rates.

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Bernard Orsman

The CVs are a massive source of fascination for property-mad Aucklanders. Photo / Michael CraigAucklanders will receive new property valuations from this week, affecting 630,000 properties. The valuations will set rates, rising by 5.8% from July 1. Average Auckland property values peaked at $1.58m in January 2022, but returned to 2021 levels by May last year. Auckland’s average residential property values have plummeted by nearly 10%, new council valuations show.

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Bernard Orsman

Desley Simpson confirms she will be supporting Mayor Wayne Brown at October's local body elections. Photo / Alyse WrightDesley Simpson supports Mayor Wayne Brown’s re-election bid and will remain his deputy if successful. Opinions are mixed; some praise Simpson’s skills, while others doubt her influence on Brown’s leadership style. Kerrin Leoni, the only confirmed mayoral challenger, criticises the partnership, citing concerns about Brown’s past behaviour.

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Bernard Orsman

Anne Batley-Burton is running for the Waitematā Local Board to combat CBD crime and oppose suburb intensification. She aims to make desexing and microchipping of cats free, citing her experience with a cat sanctuary. Batley-Burton is on the centre-right Communities & Residents ticket alongside six other candidates.