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.
Iconic boat owner told to build new jetty, gift it to iwi, lease it back
The paddle boat was once a common sight on the lake.
'Stop our children being a political rugby ball': Teacher's message to candidates
One teacher believes a lack of a cross-party shared vision is 'destroying our future'.
'The water just goes up': The lakeside community being slowly swallowed
Flooded homes, threatened highways, and months of anxiety for lakeside residents.
Mongrel Mob death: New laws aimed at cracking down on gangs used for first time
East Coast MP Kiri Allan says her community was in "anguish and fear".
‘Offensive’ Stop Co-Governance Tour to go ahead in Tauranga, for now
Tauranga council will continue to allow a controversial tour to use its venue, for now.
'The most incredible boss': 'Stunned' Bay politicians react to PM's resignation
One MP said he was 'as stunned as the rest of the country'.
Bay harbourmaster team issue hundreds of breach notices in recent months
Boaties and lake users have weighed in on why they think people break the rules.
Grab the tent and don't forget the torch, we're going camping
The first thing to do is check the forecast - you don’t want to be caught out unawares.
'Worst' summer in 19 years: Campgrounds, farmers brace for even more wet weather
Already the amount of rainfall in Tauranga is five times more than what it was last year.
Bay of Plenty car crash leaves power line hanging over road
There were no injuries reported but thousands have been left without power.
Have that return-to-work dread? You're not alone
Experts share their tips for managing stress after the holidays.
Sandy beaches, luscious forests and fab food; the Bay of Plenty has got it all
Not-so-intrepid adventurer Laura Smith explains how you can holiday local this summer.
Hip-hop and R&B fans 'gutted' by last-minute Juicy Fest cancellation
Some had spent thousands of dollars travelling to Tauranga for the star-studded event.
'They are the brave ones': Campers wait out the storm
MetService has forecast a further 180 to 240mm of rain over the coming days.
Batten down the hatches: Beaches close as wind and rain worsens
Beaches remain closed as more wind and rain is driven into the Bay.
Windy and wet weather thwarts summer plans in the Bay
Concerts were canned, beaches closed and camping plans cut in yesterday's weather.
UB40 concert cancelled, campers clear out, beaches close as forecast worsens
A heavy rain watch has been upgraded to a warning and campers are starting to clear out.
'Chaotic' Boxing Day on the cards for Bay retailers
A good Boxing Day can help retailers set themselves up for a successful 2023.
Lake speeding crackdown: 'Stupid' rulebreakers can't miss new signs, says resident
The markers were installed at Lake Rotoiti and Lake Ōkāreka.
Flooding, road closures and rescues: Thunderstorms lash Rotorua
'Quite a bit of water in a short period of time.'
Bay business house events having a great day at the office
Hammers and hard drives are being switched for golf clubs and darts.
Cruise ships: Daily reporting of Covid-19 cases critical, epidemiologist says
The comment comes as a major cruise company ups its Covid rules as cases surge.
'An absolute treat': Pods of orca take Tauranga cruise
Seeing the orca was a brilliant way to start the day for some.
Bay builders' work recognised at national awards
The builders of two Tauranga properties shared what it felt like to win.
Bus company 'sorry' after $15k of camera gear disappears en route to Tauranga
The company has since apologised for his experience and says it will help police.
'It's got four wheels, it's here': Hundreds of cars park up for All USA Day
There was a large variety of vehicles on display, the hosting club president says.
Where there are hungry people, there are hungry animals
This is what one Bay pet foodbank says having shared how in demand their services are.
'Back like the old days': Backpackers welcomed back to the Bay
Backpackers have returned and hard-hit hostel owners are breathing a sigh of relief.
'Thankful for any protection': Retailers set to get slice of $6m fund to fight ram raids
Equipment will include bollards, fog cannons, alarms, roller doors and cameras.
Worker shortage: Business leaders call for change to student allowance rules
One says, "anything is going to help" businesses find staff.
What's the beef? Bay farmers urged to submit on Govt ag emissions proposal
Beef + Lamb NZ reps met with locals to discuss what they think needs to change.
Revealed: Which town broke its record for the warmest October night
More muggy nights are expected, and so is the rain.
Widening of MSD scope 'absurd', opposition says
But others in the Bay have welcomed the additional support, which included youth.
Rollin' for the rainbow: Bay of Plenty roller derby groups to compete in fundraiser
Funds will go to Gender Dynamix, whose building burned down earlier this year.
Unclaimed WWII taonga to be returned to whānau
The last 28th Māori Battalion soldier has praised the mahi, but says it took too long.
Majestic return: First international cruise tourists in two years arrive
Majestic Princess is the first of over 100 cruise ships scheduled to visit the region.
Tahiti to Tauranga: 'Momentous step' as region to welcome first cruise ship
It is the first time since the pandemic began a cruise ship has docked in Tauranga.
'The family farm is at risk': Emissions plan worries Bay farmers
Bay of Plenty farmers say it might alter future generations' decision to farm.
Slow start to spring for housing market as prices drop, but agents optimistic
'Hopefully we're coming out of a difficult time but who knows with interest rates.'
Bus driver shortage: Transport minister says 'chronic challenge' a 'crisis'
The sector gathered this week to discuss issues and solutions, including recruitment.
Bus drivers wages boosted in bid to tackle shortages
The decision was made to attract overseas drivers and tackle shortages.
Bay businesses with big ideas dive into deep end and pitch plans for growth
Three local businesses shared their experiences and why they need the money.
Eaten to death: possum numbers leave iconic pōhutukawa at Lake Rotoiti 'skeletal'
But the local community is fighting back with a new project to save the precious trees.
'Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang': Gunshots unnerve residents, shot woman critical
The woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition early on Sunday morning.
Rotorua 'Disneyland' for mountain bikers but Bay clubs say there is more cash to be had
Some in the Bay say investment in the growing sport means more money spent locally.
Police targeting drivers' cellphone use
Thirty two fines were handed out in an hour and a half last week.
Conservation week 2022: Bay groups work to improve the environment
This year's theme is taking action for nature.
Travel agents work long hours as understaffed offices keep up with demand
Some have reported business is better than it was pre-pandemic.
What's going on at Whakaari/White Island? Large plumes spotted from volcano
People have reported seeing large plumes rise high above the volcano.
'He is a legend': Cliff Curtis devastated by uncle's death
Actor shares his memories of uncle Taa Toby on the first day of his tangi.
Painting the town yellow: The potent pollen mixes getting up everyone's noses
Experts explain what that yellow dust is that has been coating our cars lately.
'Kiwi innovation shining': Climate Change Minister hears duo's e-bus dreams
James Shaw toured the Tauriko workshop where a variety of electric buses are being built.
Empty chambers? Low council nominations prompt concern
Councils are hopeful to see a "flurry" of nominations before they close on Friday.
Business pressures: The top tensions keeping BOP business owners up at night
A new survey has given an overview of business confidence and experiences
'We can't wait': Tourism businesses excited for their ships to come in
About 100 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Tauranga between October and April.
300 rental applications in two months, what it is like to rent in NZ's most expensive region
Struggling renters have shared their stories on what it's like to rent in the Bay.
Optimism amidst realism: Bay businesses react to this weekend's border opening
It is the first time in more than two years the border will be fully open.
Ōmokoroa 'death trap' highway set for upgrades, aimed to enable thousands of new homes
"Everyone knows this road is a death trap and it needs to be fixed."
Death in the air: Hundreds sent to an early grave
New figures reveal just how the Bay's air impacts health.
There's gold in them hills, frogs too. But just how many?
Report shows rare frog population estimates have hopped from thousands to millions.
'Pokies plague': The region with four of the five worst gambling areas revealed
The region has some of the highest gambling spending in the country by population.
'Gnarliest' yet: Flu hitting worse than Covid, Bay bosses say
"Business owners don't get sick days ..."
Burling heads to UN to fight for oceans
Sailing legend on a mission to advocate why our oceans need protection.
Regional council digest: Schoolboys present, ferries debated, rates rise adopted
Rates set and transport troubles debated; two meetings summed up.
Worst time for first-home buyers since 1957 - report
It's official, millennials have it harder than boomers.
'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging
Why your house may lose its insurance.
Bay of Plenty residents are jetting off to greener pastures
Thousands are expected to head abroad this year as they look for life and work experience.
Winter whale watch: Why now is your best chance to see whales in the Bay
Head to high ground this weekend, grab the binoculars and spot the cetaceans.
'Why is it always the good ones?: Schoolboy killed in horror crash
Keanan was a year 13 student on his way to work experience when he crashed.
'I'm chomping at the bit': Tauranga MP ready for extra education portfolio work
Labour list MP Jan Tinetti has been described as the party's 'rising star'.
Tearful reunion as Tim the tabby found almost two months after trip to tip
The unfortunate feline hitched a ride to the transfer station and scarpered.
'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging
'Some communities really do have to act now' - Insurance Council.
Cinema sector prepares for more action
New titles and customer confidence in going out is helping put bums on seats.
Catastrophic: Exodus of Kiwi workers expected to hit hospitality sector
Survey shows 38% of businesses have staff planning an OE when borders open.
How did this Cambridge cat turn up in Pāpāmoa?
How did a kitty cat make its way 100km to Pāpāmoa?
'Extremely harmful': Daunting snapshot shows extent of wallaby problem
The regional council wanted to show the impact populations had on farmers.
'Absolute crisis': Staff shortages hit aged-care sector
Consequences of low staff and funding have those in sector worried.
'The best news': Tourism industry looks to the next phase of pandemic recovery
The sector welcomes the news cruise ships can return but says there is work to do.