Wellington, June 24 NZPA - If Auckland Mayor John Banks manages to win the super city mayoralty in October he can expect a pay rise of almost $80,000.

Wellington, June 24 NZPA - If Auckland Mayor John Banks manages to win the super city mayoralty in October he can expect a pay rise of almost $80,000.

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) comes widely into force late next week, but farmers from around the country are still hitting the streets in protest.

Wellington, June 22 NZPA - The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) comes widely into force late next week, but farmers from around the country are still hitting the streets in protest.

Wellington, June 18 NZPA - Tourism could be hit hard if local councils stop investing in it, the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) says.

Wellington, June 14 NZPA - A thousands-strong water protest in Christchurch yesterday has not weakened the Government's stance over its decision to sort Environment Canterbury's (Ecan) management problems itself.

Wellington, June 11 NZPA - With less than three weeks until the emissions trading scheme (ETS) starts, the ACT party is still determined to see it delayed.

Wellington, June 4 NZPA - The Government has got its legislation through Parliament to set up Auckland's new super city council but it was a far from unanimous vote and most parties opposed the bill.

By Peter Wilson of NZPA Wellington, June 3 NZPA - Parliament has passed the legislation that sets up Auckland's new super city council.

Wellington, June 3 NZPA - Discussion about the cost of looming redundancies resulting from the merging of councils in Auckland is premature and unfair to staff who are affected by the changes, says Local Government Minister Rodney Hide.