Harriet Laughton is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post.
Harriet is based in Tauranga and covers general news in the Bay of Plenty region. This includes live and breaking news as well as producing in-depth Premium stories. She is a graduate of Auckland University of Technology's journalism programme, completing her Bachelor of Communication Studies in 2023 and joining NZME later that year. Harriet has a particular interest in reporting stories relating to young people in Aotearoa, social issues and the cost of living. You can contact Harriet at harriet.laughton@nzme.co.nz
'Ambitious plans': Uni seeks more student accommodation
The campus is expected to grow by about 500 students by 2028.
'Deep concerns': Principals react to maths curriculum changes
The new maths and literacy curriculum would kick off in Term 1 next year.
'A bit of glitz and glamour': Harcourts Dancing for Hospice this weekend
The performance will take place at the Energy Events Centre to a crowd of 2000 people.
Bay businesses gear up for cruise ship tourist rush
Local businesses are excited for the extra revenue cruise ships will bring.
Bay businesses gear up for cruise ship tourist rush
Local businesses are excited for the extra revenue cruise ships will bring.
$60,000 worth of gun supplies stolen from Rotorua store
Thieves broke into Gun Supplies Limited on Ti St.
Mother and daughter bridge duo an unexpected pair
The mother said she got “absolutely, totally hooked and addicted” with the game.
Running event expected to bring $2.5m boost to Rotorua economy
More than 3000 people are participating in Run the Forest on Saturday.
Les Misérables: The show will go on after three Covid cancellations
'Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise,' says theatre president.
Dancing for Hospice judge shares her three winning tips
'I’m always trying to look for that chemistry, that magic.'
'Sometimes it’s hard to smile': Hospo struggles through tough winter
The last year has been one of the 'most challenging periods', an industry leader says.
Sleep, stress and butter prices: Tough times hit hospo bosses' health
One business owner said the ongoing pressures kept him up at night.
Why a learner driver is 'glad' police pulled her over
How two frontline BoP cops came up with an app idea to help people stop reoffending.
'Transformational': Shared home ownership scheme could save families up to $170k
'They end up having a lot more cash each month as a family.'
Masseuse to the All Blacks: How Elly Hunt found success with her dream job
Working with New Zealand’s iconic rugby team was a pinnacle she never thought she'd reach.
Ex-addict says roadside drug testing wouldn't have stopped him – but NZ should still do it
During his time on drugs, he drove high 'every day' and wrote off about six vehicles.
Rubbish removal business donating useful kerbside items to charity
'One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.'
Why students say a $55m university campus is 'pretty empty'
Students say expensive parking and long commutes make online learning more attractive.
'Determined to own': How low-income renters could buy a home in pricey region
Shared-ownership scheme offers chance to buy 60% stake in a first home, with a 5% deposit.
Forest & Bird's first female president faces 'critical times' for conservation
'Conservation has always been an embedded value in me.'
'Pubs full of old people': Tauranga CBD nightlife 'dead', students say
Clubs were struggling to attract people, with dance floors often 'dead' on Fridays.
Kiwi ranger itching to get back to saving lions despite brush with stalkers
Tauranga man has already helped relocate two lions off a canned hunting farm.
Seal spotted 1km inland as 'silly season' begins in Tauranga
Juvenile seals can turn up in weird and wonderful places at this time of year.
'Thrilled': Local tourism hotspots earn awards
'When you get awards like this you get pretty stoked.'
'Living concept': Māori lunar calendar users share how they embrace ancient knowledge
'It’s about the cycle as a whole.'
Kindy teachers hit out over planned ECE changes
'It’s well accepted that good quality early childhood education has a big impact.'
Ball on a budget: How school students are keeping costs low
They kept their budgets low last year and have many tips on how others could do the same.
'Welcome back any time': Gang members ride through Ōpōtiki to commemorate former president
A motel manager said there were 'no hassles'.
'Out of control': Call to cull Canada geese fouling reserve with 'landmines'
The council says a cull can't be done in the urban area but it can take other actions.
Victim Support volunteer honoured for making a difference
She volunteers 30 hours a week on top of her fulltime job.
'Families are drowning': Tenants under pressure in NZ's priciest region for rents
'Landlords are trying to increase rents, but without the demand.'
'Baffling': Dad slates govt decision delay building Ōmokoroa a high school
Father says he'll move rather than make his kids bus up to 90 minutes into Tauranga.
What are your chances of seeing the aurora lights tonight?
It will gradually become cloudier towards midnight so watch from sunset.
Rare condition: The 'scary' and 'surreal' moment 18-day-old turned blue
'I wouldn’t wish it on anybody,' says his mum.
'Disengaged': Frustration for parents waiting for new school as lot stays empty
A dad says kids are stuck spending a 'stupid amount of time' on buses to get to school.
Chasing Colin: 74yo marathon runner eyes late friend's record
'I just know he’s sitting on my shoulder cheering me on.'
Watch: 'Never been so close' - 12-year-old surfer’s close call with shark
'Mum, I’ve never been so close a shark!'
'Lest we forget': What you need to know about Anzac Day services in Tauranga
Encouraging the younger generations to become involved in Anzac Day commemorations.
Ōmokoroa Community Board resignation sparks byelection
A byelection was needed as it was more than 12 months before the next local body election.
Bookings until 2027: The city taking conferences to a 'whole new level'
There's 'pent-up demand' for in the business events sector after Covid.
'Fantastic': Rebounding conference sector to pump $15m into city economy
The business events sector had 'rebounded strongly'
'Short-sighted': Why an expert believes the disposable vape ban is not working
$10 vapes are still on the market - only now they have an added feature.
'Heartbreaking': Elderly couple devastated after orchard plum trees stripped bare
The couple say the trees were “all that kept them going”.
A bargain hunter's guide to back-to-school shopping
'Uniforms are just so expensive and out of range for a lot of parents.'
Wishing to go fishing? Why 3 mates made a social media app for anglers, boaties
How a brainstorm at a BBQ sparked an idea for s
'Exponential' growth: Primary school's 'fight' for funding
'Last year we overspent $10,000 to $12,000 every two weeks.'
BYO drinks: How to have a beautiful wedding for less than $600
Couples who spend a little are 'just as married' as those spending a lot.
Mum’s warning after son’s scare at floating obstacle course in Tauranga
'I used all of my strength to push him to the side while trying not to get sucked in.'
Metal detectorists save the day after husband loses wife's ring
'It was like trying to find a needle in the haystack ... I thought I had lost it forever.'
'Tremendous': Final tally of foodbank donations in 2023 Christmas appeal lands
'We are so very grateful for the amazing support', says foodbank manager.
‘Sport is the way community survives’: Bruce Nairn awarded Queen’s Service Medal
50 years ago, this QSM recipient set target to volunteer 10 per cent of his working week.
'Don’t have the spare cash': Holidaymakers spending less in tourist hotspots
'Usually we would be booked out weeks in advance.'
So you want a big wedding? Two brides share how they handled ballooning budgets
Post-Covid inflation has caused the cost of some big weddings to almost double.
'Plenty of clear skies': Bay residents in for a long, hot summer
A dry summer with “plenty of clear skies”.
Santa’s little helpers: Meet the Bay of Plenty workers rostered on for Christmas Day
For some people Christmas Day is still a working day, but one with a difference.
Port of Tauranga makes generous foodbank donation
"We want to do whatever we can to help".
'A culture of giving': Tech business makes big donation to foodbank
Business owner says donations positively impact staff and create “culture of giving".
Christmas Appeal: Foodbank worker's passion for making a difference
“We try to give our clients as much choice as we can.”
'We love to be able to do our bit': Hundreds turn out of Zorb's can-for-a-ride day
More than 1750 cans were collected for the local foodbank.
Squash: Paul Coll through to New Zealand Open Men’s final
Coll is set to face England’s Marwan ElShorbagy, who is ranked eighth in the world.
'Flying week': Donations pour in for foodbank appeal
The Hits Christmas in the Park movie screening night set to further boost donations.
'Really tough': This restaurant used to seat 130. Now it's lucky to get 30
Cost of rice has doubled: 'We can’t afford to give even a single grain for free anymore'.
'Concerning': Mauao's base track defibrillator goes missing
The defibrillator on the base track has been missing since Sunday.
'It’s just iconic': Popular beachside shopping block closes for redevelopment
The Ōmanu shops are being redeveloped just as summer hits.
Black Friday deals: What local shops and big retailers have on offer
Local stores are joining the big retailers offering big pre-Christmas discounts.
'Vicious cycle': Beloved Tauranga bakery slashes staff to stay afloat
'I’m not certain about our future at all'.
Foodbank store gives clients 'control and ownership' over food choices
A financial mentor says Tauranga Community Foodbank's store is “mana-enhancing”.
Jump in foodbank demand means more hours for workers
“When I started working here, it surprised me so many different people needed support."
Surf's Up: Businessman selling $200k vintage surfboard collection
'One board went to five, five went to 10, and so on – end of story.'
She tracked a Facebook scammer: Her tips for spotting dodgy Christmas deals
The first sign of the scam was tricked buyers turning up on her mother-in-law's doorstep.