The New Zealand Herald

In the mid-1980s New Zealand sold its national rail assets to private industry in hopes of developing a profitable, efficient rail network. With deteriorating infrastructure and a desire for greener transit, the government has decided to buy it back.

As commuters face delays and frustrations with aging infrastructure, the government in Auckland, New Zealand has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in its regional rail system.

Classified by Nicaragua's government as a "Autonomous Area", the town of Bluefields, population 50,000, has an official unemployment rate of 85%. The primary industry is finding abandoned bags of cocaine that drift in from the sea.

After touring Seaside, Florida, a New Zealand developer is taking inspiration back home and developing two master-planned communities with garden parks and communal areas. Plans are underway to bring New Urbanism to New Zealand.

Over 100,000 people in 30 countries urges countries to combat global warming.

While planners claim that protecting traditional retail centres will maintain vibrant local communities, places do not create communities -- people do.

John Roughan argues that precisely because of Auckland, New Zealand's natural beauty, it is the ideal place for urban sprawl.

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand is sprawling at a rapid rate.

Tony Blair to urge U.S. to sign Kyoto Treaty.

While Steven Ames was invited to create a plan for Auckland, numerous critics have attacked the Oregon-based planner, claiming "smart growth has failed."

Local opposition to poorly designed apartments threatens the "compact city" growth strategy for Auckland region.