A security firm previously criticised for 'spying' on activist groups are among one of three firms hired to manage the recent Occupy Auckland protests.

Auckland Council has entered a partnership with Tomizone to expand its Auckland Wi-Fi network but access will cost users, unlike Wellington Council's free Wi-Fi initiative

Work on the Viaduct Harbour bridge for pedestrians and cyclists at Wynyard Quarter is starting this week as part of the $100 million of construction in the region in the year to June 2011.

The bridge, Wynyard Crossing, will link the Wynyard Quarter development with the eastern Viaduct.

This week the old Team New Zealand building at Halsey St is being removed, with a plaza to be constructed in its place where bridge-crossers will step back on to land.

Auckland Regional Council is appealing Auckland City Council’s independent commissioners’ decision to allow a 13 storey hotel to be built at its 114 Quay St site.

Downtown Auckland Britomart developer Cooper & Co won approval from independent commissioners for resource consent to build a high rise hotel at the site where its 1970s Seafarers building now stands.

This would involve increasing the height limit in the area from its existing 24 metre maximum up to 55 metres.