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.
'It hurts a lot': Locals react to potential closure of iconic pie business
"It's part of our life here."
'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.'
'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.'
'It's lifting restrictions': New app combines tech, culture and science to reach youth
'They become the scientists ... become kaitiaki for our ngahere.'
'National treasure': Lake faces environmental 'disaster', advocates claim
'It is an absolute disgrace we have infrastructure that has failed.'
'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.
Battle against kōura-killing lake invaders takes centre stage
Work to protect taonga species highlighted as iwi celebrates 100 years of its trust.
'All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest
When the probe went down, the wasps came up.
'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.
'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.
'Very sorry': Emotions high as rural residents fight to save 'heirloom' halls
'I beg for you not to condemn our building.'
'Icon' or 'eyesore'? High-and-dry Lakeland Queen given removal deadline
'This historical site is in danger of becoming an old scrapyard.'
Gold clam pest invasion prevention in Rotorua 'fast-moving', council official says
Councillors have asked how the district's lakes would be protected.
'Unfettered destruction': Joint iwi effort aims to rid the whenua of hungry wallabies
Eight Rotorua iwi aim to bring back birdsong by training 13 men and women in pest control.
'They really are a problem': Fence aims to stop destructive pest spreading
If not controlled, wallabies can cause millions of dollars in damage.
Rural Rotorua community could soon get life-saving medical device
Rotomā is one of the last lake communities to receive a community board-funded defib.
Flooding, road closures and rescues: Thunderstorms lash Rotorua
'Quite a bit of water in a short period of time.'
Upcoming symposium to float ideas for lake weed eradication
Lake weed in Rotorua has caused issues both to local amenity and lake health.
'The family farm is at risk': Emissions plan worries Bay farmers
Bay of Plenty farmers say it might alter future generations' decision to farm.
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.
'Like something out of The Omen': Roaming dog pack has resident living in fear
After four months of menace, she says she doesn't know to do.
Poisoned? Why are so many birds dying on the shores of Lake Rotorua?
A local store owner says it had been a big issue over the last few months.
'Extremely harmful': Daunting snapshot shows extent of wallaby problem
The regional council wanted to show the impact populations had on farmers.
Budget ag-sector splash out 'grandiose money spending', farmer says
His comments come after the announcement of the first ever Emissions Reduction Plan.
'Localised extinctions' something to prepare for as plant disease remains
Five years on, a Bay of Plenty grower says people still don't know what myrtle rust is.
'Struggling to tread water': GPs battle burnout and doctor shortage
Bay of Plenty general practices face doctor burnout and vacancy-filling issues.