Laura Smith is the Rotorua Daily Post's Local Democracy Reporter, shining a light on politics in the district.
Laura Smith is the Rotorua Daily Post's Local Democracy Reporter, shining a light on politics in the district. She has been with the Post since 2021. She previously reported general news for the Otago Daily Times and Southland Express and has been a journalist since 2019. It was in the deep south she found a passion for reporting on issues important to the communities she lives in. It was also where she purchased a pair of sparkly gumboots, which still sit by her desk ready for action, next to her camera and forest of pot plants. Laura moved to Rotorua to be a general reporter covering the Bay of Plenty, and enjoys writing about the environment, social issues and, of course, local politics. The latter has been her focus for the last year and while it provides few opportunities for sparkly gummies, the satisfaction she gets from writing on the actions and decisions that impact the people of Rotorua more than makes up for it.
Regional MPs object to Air NZ cutting 'vital' Wellington flights
Rotorua leaders welcome Auckland flights but worry about losing key Wellington service.
Cautious optimism in tiny town as iconic pie company given third life
The new owner was among 'a number of interested parties'.
Liquidators to run Maketū Pies as they seek buyer
The first liquidators' report indicates when creditors may be paid by.
'Unacceptable': Rural residents fight planned facility for reintegrating ex-prisoners
A 6-year-old service started by a reformed former drug lord proposes a move to Waikite.
'Rad' Rotorua skatepark project rolls closer to reality
Progress comes after those involved twice feared for its future.
'It hurts a lot': Locals react to potential closure of iconic pie business
"It's part of our life here."
'Grabbing his shotgun': Council granted injunction after threats, abuse reported
Local Democracy Reporting obtained the decision through the court.
'Urgent' issue for business travellers revealed in Rotorua survey
Rotorua Airport and Air NZ say they are working to address challenges.
Councillor slams new Rotorua sports strategy
The mayor says she is 'disappointed' with one councillor's position.
'Scandalous': Former TV host questions $29m Rotorua lake sewerage scheme claims
The council apologised for inaccurate information and explained its analysis.
Commissioner reveals when emergency motels decision due
Special hearing: Govt wants consents extended but others want most or all denied.
Drugs, theft, safety fears: Tourism village's emergency housing motel impacts
People of Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village have welcomed visitors for 200+ years.
Thieves, vandals target pools: Showers, basin stolen
Shower fittings and a wash basin were among items stolen.
Emergency housing: 'Battle-weary' Rotorua residents tell of distress
Motel use resulted in distrust and disbelief in agencies involved, a lawyer says.
Emergency motel issues 'significantly worse' if contracts end now – Ministry
The Government wants to keep operating them for another year.
Report card: How Rotorua Lakes Council scored over past year
The mayor also shared a message.
Call for freedom camping clampdown
Under-fire freedom campers say they do support local businesses on their travels.
'Looking after our legacy': What's next in fight to keep out clam invaders
'We’re going to do our best to ensure the danger to our lake and whenua doesn’t get here.'
Sewerage scheme dispute: Fence comes down at tapu lake
Members of the local iwi say they will continue to fight.
'Voices of the people': Man claims public comments censored
Limiting comments and feedback creates an echo chamber, says resident.
'Grinch' councillor quizzes teen reps on political affiliations
'Are there any [youth] councillors here that may be affiliated with the National Party?'
Lifeline: Surprise $25,000 grant helps keep country's busiest CAB open
'A knight in shining armour' came to save the day.
'A bit traumatic': Crankworx 2024 worth millions to city despite boycott blow
Between a boycott and sponsorship struggles, there were still successes and learnings.
CCTV spree: Rotorua CBD crime crackdown plan expanding to suburbs
It includes rolling out new cameras to catch and deter crims.
'Essentially... allocated nothing': Road funding snub frustrates mayor
'Rotorua seems to keep missing out.'
Pools or poo pipe? City debates where it should invest $2 million
The mayor says the community wants its spas back. But major project costs are climbing.
Pipeline protest: Council restarts legal action to protect work site
A protester says the council's issues could have been avoided if it listened better.
‘State-of-the-art’: Refurbished children’s unit opens at Rotorua Hospital
Health minister Dr Shane Reti opened unit on Tuesday.
Meeting digest: New dog rules set, Te Arawa-council committee in the works
The council debated for more than five hours in the public portion of the meeting.
'Bulls***' call as Rotorua council agrees lease offer for golf land
A controversial guillotine clause remains.
'Long overdue': Accessibility advocate backs 400% parking fine increase
He says the new fine, set to go live October 1, is a step in the right direction.
Council supports lake sewerage project continuing
Councillors voted to support project continuing in public-excluded part of meeting.
Dogs are 'family': Why vet says city's decades-old ban should go
He has set out to 'champion the good dogs and the good people'.
'Ripped to shreds': Woman mauled by three dogs calls for harsher penalties
Victim lobbies for stricter rules and enforcement after horror attack.
New lifejacket rule aims to minimise deaths on the water
Bay of Plenty boaties will need to don a lifejacket in boats under 6m while underway.
'Horrendous noise': Hunt neighbour '100% sick of' hounds howling at 2am
'I don’t want to be a grumpy neighbour, I don’t begrudge anyone their sport.'
'We will carry on': Boss at country's busiest CAB determined to keep doors open
Funding has been slashed by thousands of dollars.
'Serious concerns' over potential motel conversions for housing in Rotorua
Rotorua's mayor is worried motels could be turned into housing.
'Eyesore": Graffiti attacks triple - costing ratepayers $100k
'Our public spaces are meant for everyone to enjoy, and vandalism ... ruins this.'
City with 'best water' looks at how best to deliver it
New laws mean councils need to review how best to provide water services.
'Ghost dog': Owner who fought $300 fine questions city's canine data
It comes as the council spends $30k chasing owners of unregistered dogs.
'Beautiful, gentle soul': Rotorua acknowledges death of Kiingi Tūheitia
A long-time friend shares his sadness at the news of the king's death.
'The heart of Māoridom': Rotorua decides on Māori wards
About 60 people came to hear what the decision would be.
'Another Ihumātao': 100 attend hīkoi against sewerage pipeline
A group leader believes so long as iwi are on their land, work nearby cannot begin.
'Good shot': Could this region get the first Govt deal?
Neighbouring councils are 'ready to go' on a proposal.
'Stuff off you pathetic little troll': Nicola Willis hits back at abuse, threats
There is fear a normalised 'toxic environment' will impact female representation.
'Punitive': Congestion fees would punish struggling families - councillor
A Rotorua councillor says the solution to traffic gridlock is something else entirely.
'Locked out': Pipeline protestors met with cameras, fencing
A protestor says they are occupying their own land and have no plans to stop.
Community housing provider sought to take on pensioner flats
It hopes it will lead to better outcomes for its tenants.
Protecting paradise: The fresh push to stop rubbish being dumped on a sacred maunga
Kiri Danielle has cleaned up rubbish dumped on the mountain over the past 12 years.
Iwi group gets $30,000 to help with wallaby eradication work
The group is made up of seven iwi wanting to rid their whenua of the pest.
Lake Rotokākahi protest: Council injunction bid fails - for now
The decision came with a 'word of warning' to protesters.
'Resurrecting an old practice': Locals petition for natural burial site
Nearly 400 people want the option in Rotorua.
Dancing diary: Turbulence turns to steady progress in lead up to showtime
People's Choice has also opened - get voting now!
'Frustrated and ashamed': Mayor faces backlash for 'shut down' in meeting
The councillor involved in the exchange is New Zealand's longest-serving.
'Limiting': Few options for council with new Māori wards as bill passes
'I look at this with disdain to be honest,' Māori ward councillor says.
'We’re not here to censor them': Council adds public forums for first time
Speakers will have to stick to rules, however.
'This is a circus': Councillors chastised in heated golf lease debate
For three hours, councillors debated how to approach negotiations.
Public forums could be 'weaponised' - Mayor
Rotorua is considering adding public forums to meetings for what may be the first time.
Costume woes: Pricked fingers and tears of frustration result in unique ‘fit
OPINION: With a little luck nothing will rip, tear or fall down.
Neighbour reflects on loss of 'godsend' ex-reserve, councillor queries sale price
A trust bought the Clayton Rd site for $750,000 to build 10 affordable rental homes.
'Lives are at stake': Police, councils may lose access to NZTA cameras
A mayor says she fears 'disastrous consequences' if access is revoked.
Dancing for Hospice 2024: Bruises and showtime nerves lead to progress
We had our first taste of dancing in front of an audience.
'This isn't about cuts': Rotorua's council proposes restructure
It announced the change process on Friday after meeting staff.
'We are stronger than ever': First Māori trust board celebrates 100 years
Hundreds gathered to celebrate the centennial.
Affordable rental homes to be built on former reserve land
The land was bought for $750,000 last month.
New housing growth plan prioritises 'housing crisis' - Rotorua mayor
Housing density standards are set to sit on the council table again.
Fresh attempt to halt fluoridation works in Rotorua fails
It comes as orders to treat more of the city's supplies are considered.
Dancing for Hospice 2024: My noodle core hurts like hell
Our final move choreographed, it's time to get fit.
Real or myth? Young scientists seek truth in legend of star-crossed lovers
Could Hinemoa have really heard the sound of lover Tūtānekai's flute across Lake Rotorua?
'Critical time': Decision on golf course lease delayed
If approved, one option could mean it gets a year's notice to get off the green.
Councillor cites Nazi experiments in fluoride debate
Robert Lee said the lesson from Nuremberg was 'informed consent'.
Harcourts Dancing for Hospice: Dancer nerves on the up as the date draws nearer
The tummy is turning thinking about the big night.
'Quite emotional': Thousands gather at Lakefront to watch Matariki drone show
Rotorua's lakefront lit up in celebration of the Māori new year.
'Hopelessness and betrayal': Councillor backs call for sewerage scheme investigation
It comes as the council approves its 10-year-plan - and sets rates.
'It's lifting restrictions': New app combines tech, culture and science to reach youth
'They become the scientists ... become kaitiaki for our ngahere.'