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.
![Dancing for Hospice 2024: Bruises and showtime nerves lead to progress](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's lifting restrictions': New app combines tech, culture and science to reach youth
'They become the scientists ... become kaitiaki for our ngahere.'
![Three, two, one, jump! Children make a splash at opening of leisure pool](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Three, two, one, jump! Children make a splash at opening of leisure pool
The mayor described it as years in the making.
![Dancing Diary: My brain can't always keep up with my feet](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dancing Diary: My brain can't always keep up with my feet
OPINION: As if learning how to dance professionally wasn't enough ...
![Rotorua CBD crime: What the latest police data shows](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua CBD crime: What the latest police data shows
Six months ago, a safety hub opened in the CBD - has it made a difference to crime stats?
![Rotorua Museum restoration secures extra funding, construction set to start](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua Museum restoration secures extra funding, construction set to start
A project years in the making, the museum is set to be humming with activity very soon.
!['We'll f***ing kill you': Claims of death threat in clash over sacred lake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We'll f***ing kill you': Claims of death threat in clash over sacred lake
The response: 'You're gonna take that tapu home with you'
![Former PM calls out Kāinga Ora criticisms, says it has been 'unfairly targeted'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Former PM calls out Kāinga Ora criticisms, says it has been 'unfairly targeted'
'I think there's been a bit of a beat-up here.'
![Dancing diary: personalities revealed and bones left intact during week six](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dancing diary: personalities revealed and bones left intact during week six
What an eclectic bunch of dancers we are.
![Top teen skateboarder stoked as council does a 180 on new skatepark](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top teen skateboarder stoked as council does a 180 on new skatepark
He dreams of being able to train and compete on a smooth surface in his hometown.
![Sewerage scheme decision drives up rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sewerage scheme decision drives up rates rise
Skatepark, elder housing, aquatics: What council decided in 10-year plan deliberations.
!['Highly debated' holiday rental charge gets green-light](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Highly debated' holiday rental charge gets green-light
But some hosts could pay thousands less than first proposed.
!['Hell of a lot better': Millions more in council money for sewerage scheme](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Hell of a lot better': Millions more in council money for sewerage scheme
Ratepayers will pay a greater share to reduce costs for households involved in the scheme.
![Rotorua Lakes Council seeks injunction to stop Tarawera scheme interference](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua Lakes Council seeks injunction to stop Tarawera scheme interference
Council says legal action follows interference with construction of $29m scheme.
![Dancing Diary: Who would have thought stepping would be so tricky?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dancing Diary: Who would have thought stepping would be so tricky?
OPINION: This week has been a struggle.
!['Saved my life': How roller skating helped woman conquer drugs and alcohol](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Saved my life': How roller skating helped woman conquer drugs and alcohol
Derby star shares personal story to explain why her home town needs a new skatepark.
!['Things happened quickly': how Tuesday's wild weather unfolded](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Things happened quickly': how Tuesday's wild weather unfolded
'A reminder of how quickly things can happen during weather events'
!['National treasure': Lake faces environmental 'disaster', advocates claim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'National treasure': Lake faces environmental 'disaster', advocates claim
'It is an absolute disgrace we have infrastructure that has failed.'
![Lightbulb moment: We're getting into the swing of Dancing for Hospice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lightbulb moment: We're getting into the swing of Dancing for Hospice
OPINION: It's all coming together, step by step.
![Rotorua communities say council kept them in the dark on rising project costs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua communities say council kept them in the dark on rising project costs
“All they’re doing is committing their community to abject poverty.”
!['Kick-ass Rotorua': business community shares desire to see vibrancy in tourist city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Kick-ass Rotorua': business community shares desire to see vibrancy in tourist city
And a plea made to those not using AI - 'Don’t get left behind'.
!['Unsettling time': 30 jobs proposed to go at forestry research institute Scion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unsettling time': 30 jobs proposed to go at forestry research institute Scion
CEO says it doesn't have enough work in the pipeline to retain current staffing levels.
!['Abuse and threats': Inside the decision to cancel library's drag queen event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Abuse and threats': Inside the decision to cancel library's drag queen event
The council says the online abuse and threats were to attendees 'including children'.
![Dancing diary: first week of lessons down, hard work begins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dancing diary: first week of lessons down, hard work begins
Nerves, thrills and laughs are in abundance in the hospice fundraiser.
![Rotorua BnB host says rates hike for holiday rental owners 'beggars belief'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua BnB host says rates hike for holiday rental owners 'beggars belief'
She says for renting her backyard tiny home out for a third of a year she'll pay $5k more.
!['How has InfraCore made it through this far?': CCO boss explains $1m deficit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'How has InfraCore made it through this far?': CCO boss explains $1m deficit
CCO has struggled to complete jobs, hire staff and stick to budget.
!['Monumental': Funding secured to fix and reopen Rotorua Museum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Monumental': Funding secured to fix and reopen Rotorua Museum
Construction will begin in June, and the mayor has offered a possible completion year.
![Rotorua's $3 billion, 30-year plan to fix aging pipes, roads and more](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua's $3 billion, 30-year plan to fix aging pipes, roads and more
It follows decades of 'chronic underspending' on infrastructure, one councillor says.
![Public push to save the Lakeland Queen: 'The heartbeat of the lake has gone'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public push to save the Lakeland Queen: 'The heartbeat of the lake has gone'
A new society has been formed aimed at getting the tourist attraction back on water.
!['They have taken us for fools': Councillor hits out over homeless motels](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They have taken us for fools': Councillor hits out over homeless motels
'We've been taken to the cleaners by these agencies,' he says.
!['Taking all the revenue': Anger over proposed rating change for Airbnb-type accommodation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Taking all the revenue': Anger over proposed rating change for Airbnb-type accommodation
'It’s a huge, huge rates increase,' one man said.
!['The smell is quite rancid': Rotting lake weed takes over lakefront](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The smell is quite rancid': Rotting lake weed takes over lakefront
Stormy weather has again washed ashore a large amount of the now decaying weed.
![At least $14k then, up to $88k now: Lake locals furious at 'horrendous blowout'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
At least $14k then, up to $88k now: Lake locals furious at 'horrendous blowout'
About 200 people went to a council-community hui to learn why.
![Call for begging ban after report 10 tourists 'physically accosted' at cafe](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Call for begging ban after report 10 tourists 'physically accosted' at cafe
But one tourism operator says this is an isolated incident and most have good experiences.
!['Devastated': Widow pleads to save late husband's dream from cost-cutting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Devastated': Widow pleads to save late husband's dream from cost-cutting
'I know the economy is tough, but you’ve still got to provide services'
![Public worry on community safety a key challenge, Rotorua council's new boss says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public worry on community safety a key challenge, Rotorua council's new boss says
He sat down with Local Democracy Reporting to share how his first weeks were.
![Rotorua workers reach new agreement after strike action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua workers reach new agreement after strike action
Pay deal for InfraCore staff follows nine months of talks between unions and bosses.
![Battle against kōura-killing lake invaders takes centre stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Battle against kōura-killing lake invaders takes centre stage
Work to protect taonga species highlighted as iwi celebrates 100 years of its trust.
!['$84 a week to live in own homes': Ratepayers face 10.24 per cent rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'$84 a week to live in own homes': Ratepayers face 10.24 per cent rates rise
'This is what we want to do – but will you be happy paying that price?'
!['Overworked and underpaid': They care for the land that cradles the dead, but don't get a living wage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Overworked and underpaid': They care for the land that cradles the dead, but don't get a living wage
They left their parks and cemeteries, to swap spades for protest signs.
![Workers at 'lowest paying local council employer' to strike tomorrow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Workers at 'lowest paying local council employer' to strike tomorrow
More than 70 workers will down tools for eight days.
![Drag queens' Rainbow Storytime cancelled over 'safety concerns'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Drag queens' Rainbow Storytime cancelled over 'safety concerns'
Decision follows 'hostile dialogue' and 'rapid spread of misinformation'.
!['It's a sad day for Rotorua': Iconic tourism business in liquidation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'It's a sad day for Rotorua': Iconic tourism business in liquidation
What liquidators say the tourism company owes.
![Councillors clash over Rainbow Storytime event, drag queen hits back at criticism](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors clash over Rainbow Storytime event, drag queen hits back at criticism
Protest and counter-action signalled for library reading session.
!['All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest
When the probe went down, the wasps came up.
!["It just blasted": Unusual plumes of steam and bubbles from geothermal bore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
"It just blasted": Unusual plumes of steam and bubbles from geothermal bore
“All of a sudden something happened and it just blasted.”
!['No robust evidence' Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices, agency says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No robust evidence' Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices, agency says
A councillor disagrees, referencing locals’ 'terrible, sad and upsetting stories'.
!['Couldn't move': Allergic woman trapped in home as 'millions' of wasps swarm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Couldn't move': Allergic woman trapped in home as 'millions' of wasps swarm
She's happy to help pay for pest management, but there's just one problem.
![Maggots, rats, poo on the walls: Tenants paid up to $600pw at 'disgusting' lodge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Maggots, rats, poo on the walls: Tenants paid up to $600pw at 'disgusting' lodge
The lodge owner says: 'You can't please everyone'.
![Lakeland Queen saga: Decision-making process a 'slap in the face of democracy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lakeland Queen saga: Decision-making process a 'slap in the face of democracy'
Call to disband committee that decided dry-docked paddle steamer must leave reserve.
!['Concern and uncertainty': Will treasured community hall be demolished?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Concern and uncertainty': Will treasured community hall be demolished?
The community was told demo plans were under way but council now says it's still deciding.
!['Told to move on': Rough sleepers describe restless nights in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Told to move on': Rough sleepers describe restless nights in Rotorua
With homeless people asked to leave reserves, does Rotorua need a night shelter again?
![87 tyres were dumped in a 'gorgeous' stream. Gary wasn't having it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
87 tyres were dumped in a 'gorgeous' stream. Gary wasn't having it
He made it his mission to clean the stream of rubbish - all in one day.
!['Very sorry': Emotions high as rural residents fight to save 'heirloom' halls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Very sorry': Emotions high as rural residents fight to save 'heirloom' halls
'I beg for you not to condemn our building.'
![Tiny school's win in fight to protect students from 'appalling behaviour'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tiny school's win in fight to protect students from 'appalling behaviour'
The school fought to stop intensification impacting children's privacy.
![Mouse poo, dripping seafood juice and undercooked kai - food safety officers' worst NZ finds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mouse poo, dripping seafood juice and undercooked kai - food safety officers' worst NZ finds
Local councils have shared how they go about ensuring food hygiene.
![Lakeside 2024: Rain no show-stopper for packed Lakefront concert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lakeside 2024: Rain no show-stopper for packed Lakefront concert
Local and Aotearoa performers entertained the thousands on Saturday.
![Changes, revenues and costs: Your guide to city parking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Changes, revenues and costs: Your guide to city parking
Costs are more than income from parking.
!['We didn’t give consent': Fears sewerage scheme could pollute sacred lake](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We didn’t give consent': Fears sewerage scheme could pollute sacred lake
'Drilling through and sucking up stuff - our tūpuna are underneath this ground.'
![Boatie fears he may lose foot after boat ramp injury, flesh-eating bacteria](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Boatie fears he may lose foot after boat ramp injury, flesh-eating bacteria
He said doctors told him they found some of the bacteria 'had been dissolving the flesh'.
!['Icon' or 'eyesore'? High-and-dry Lakeland Queen given removal deadline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Icon' or 'eyesore'? High-and-dry Lakeland Queen given removal deadline
'This historical site is in danger of becoming an old scrapyard.'
![Aggressive pups and deadly dog disease fears spark change at Rotorua's pound](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Aggressive pups and deadly dog disease fears spark change at Rotorua's pound
Rotorua's council explains why it removed its dog drop-off box.
![New Rotorua council chief executive announced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Rotorua council chief executive announced
It comes four months after the previous leader's resignation.
![What tourism minister and Rotorua mayor talked about on Redwoods ride](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What tourism minister and Rotorua mayor talked about on Redwoods ride
Matt Doocey and Tania Tapsell caught up on issues during a mountainbike ride.
!['Kicking the can down the road’: Double-digit rates rises possible](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Kicking the can down the road’: Double-digit rates rises possible
A challenge was put to council staff to reduce a possible 14 per cent rise this year.