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.
Grand plans: Motel owners defy tough economy with $4.2m upgrade
They want to keep investing and have confidence things will ease.
‘Deeply thankful’: Hindu community celebrates new garden initiative
Find out if there is a public reserve community garden you can get involved in.
Holiday house hike: Group to assess impact of targeted rate
A working group to be set up to recommend improvements.
Call for order amid heated fluoride debate at Rotorua council
The ministry's head dentist defended fluoridation, citing safety and health benefits.
'Like Meremere raceway': Boy racers terrorise residents
'Someone’s going to get really hurt.'
‘Safe, effective and affordable’: New health minister backs fluoridation stance
Council will make a decision soon on whether to turn on the fluoride taps on March 28.
‘Rich Māori culture’: Rotorua to host major indigenous health conference
Over 600 health professionals, researchers, clinicians, advocates and families will visit.
Which Rotorua roads' speed limits will rise
One local says one proposal could result in injuries – or deaths.
How these 12 young leaders aim to shape their city’s future
Rotorua's Youth Council has welcomed its latest cohort of achievers and leaders.
'Thrilled': Iwi renews council role after 'significant absence'
The new committee can make recommendations, but not decisions.
'Capitalising on community goodwill': Bins removals rubbished as more set to go
The council says it could lead to 'significant savings' and less waste.
Rotorua emergency housing motel wind-down: Where will tenants go?
The commissioner highlights ministry 'assumptions' about Rotorua's housing pipeline.
Revealed: The dates each Rotorua emergency housing motel must close
Resource consents for seven motels extended despite public objections.
'Trailblazer' on upskilling Kiwis in AI: 'We don’t have to be based in New York'
'A lot of NZ companies would love to do business outside of NZ and we are now doing that.'
Rubbish or good idea? Residents weigh in on kerbside collection changes
Locals divided on changes: some support, others worry about fewer red bin collections.
Uncovered: 100-year-old discovery in Rotorua Museum renovation
The heritage find was made during building strengthening works.
'He'll be watching': The legacy of the Rotorua rangatira on the 20 cent coin
His legacy spans 300 years, he's travelled oceans, and he's on our 20 cent coin.
‘Brave in challenging times’: Mayor, councillors share their views on 2024
Some believe progress has been made, others not so much.
Lifejackets, speeding, no-go zones: What water patrols are looking out for
The Bay of Plenty maritime team will be checking for rule compliance.
Bin removal at popular lake causes two-year stink
The holiday park says staff pick up a bag of rubbish a day from the carpark opposite.
'These little things mean a lot': Rural projects transform community spaces
New footpaths, swings and CCTV have upgraded a number of Rotorua's rural areas.
Has this beloved golf course been saved? Depends who you ask
A heated council debate includes claims of 'coercion' and 'disrespectful' behaviour.
'Warms our hearts': Profits from Maketū Pies to fund community training, say owners
Local praise as Maketū Pies profits to aid Te Arawa youth training.
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.
'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.