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.
Quorum 'glitch': Councillor absences force submission hearing to pause
The council says it happens 'very rarely', and the mayor says absences were valid.
'Moved around like cattle': Rough sleepers in makeshift CBD camp trespassed
The council says the operation was necessary due to antisocial behaviour.
'Unsafe levels': Toxic gas concern closes events centre office
Rotorua's council is investigating the source and monitoring gas levels.
'They just want to play': Kids miss out as sports field vandalism issue grows
A retired cop aims to track down those responsible for damage to his club's grounds.
'Right and proper': Rotorua council agrees to return land to whānau
Councillors decided to return the land rather than sell it.
One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours
Tauranga mayor backs having the conversation, saying it's time to 'put egos aside'.
Lakeside holiday home owners face big sewerage bills
Their bills have been reduced, but it's not the significant cut many hoped for.
Regional ratepayers to fund $3.58m loan for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Debate on the final split of the controversial scheme's $32.3m cost begins today.
Controversial plan to move prisoner reintegration facility takes next step
It comes as the council investigates the facility's activities at its current site.
How Rotorua's air pollution transformation defied expectations
Once breathing NZ's worst winter air, the city has shed its 20-year-old 'polluted' label.
Rotorua locals have their say on city's future
Councillors hear of 'a Rotorua success we should all be proud of'.
On The Up: Glowworms, luxury and manaakitanga - Rotorua's ambitions for a brighter future
City moving out of the twin shadows of Covid and emergency housing debate.
Mayor seeks extra $3.5m from regional council for $32.3m sewerage scheme
Residents have also described the 'unbearable stress' of the costs they face.
'Removed that barrier': Change for overseas visitors announced
It aligns New Zealand rules with Australia's translation requirements for visitors.
Rotorua drivers hit with month's parking fees in one day
The council has apologised for any 'short-term inconvenience' the issue caused.
How this city is bucking the national trend for new home builds
Half of the new homes were social housing or affordable rentals.
'Not a trivial matter': Lake Tarawera locals push for lower sewerage costs
Residents' group has three non-negotiable funding conditions, including a maximum cost.
1200 delegates, 16,000 meetings, $3m spend: City 'buzzing' for TRENZ
New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event begins in Rotorua on Tuesday.
'Political bias': Rotorua debates LGNZ membership value
The annual subscription for 2025/26 will be $93,458, up about $8000 on the prior year.
Why this rural town expects a big crowd at its special Anzac Day service
Between 500 and 600 people, including Australians, are expected to attend.
Pioneering Māori pilot aims for message of aroha in Anzac Day speech
The city's service will include a speech from the country's first female Māori RNZAF pilot
Speed limit proposal dropped on Rotorua highway after community push
Other successful reversals to 100km/h include the journey to Whakatāne.
'Incompetence': Reserve neighbour slates delay to fell rotting tree
He says it shouldn't have taken him 'jumping up and down' to have it cut down.
Fresh court action against Rotorua council sewerage scheme expected
The council has restarted construction on stage one and says it will take four weeks.
Landowners renew fast-track bid for Kaituna hydro scheme
The group's chief executive has provided fresh details of its plan.
Supermarkets, liquor outlets fight bid for freeze on new bottle stores
A health official says Rotorua's alcohol-related harm is now above the national average.
'Big deal': Hopes for change as city adopts first accessibility policy
About 25% of Rotorua’s population, roughly 20,000 people, have disabilities.
Final kilometre of Tarawera sewerage pipeline work to restart
Works were paused in February during Environment Court proceedings.
Council assessing Rotorua lake weed build-up
Rotting weed can cause a strong smell and build-up happens after bad weather.
Rotorua public feedback sought on draft annual plan, water service options
Public can provide input until May 5 on the council's new feedback website.
Mayor raises security concerns after abusive messages
The discussion was prompted by a protester's emotional outburst in a public meeting.
Legal bid to halt sewerage pipe works fails in Environment Court
The decision comes less than two weeks since an urgent hearing.
Rotorua water to be fluoridated by Friday
The council will also make two temporary sources of unfluoridated water available.
New automated gate to guard Lake Ōkataina against gold clam
The gate cost $32,669, and was funded by local councils and Biosecurity NZ.
‘Heartstring stuff’: Former politician wants reserve returned to whānau
'We think it’s appropriate it comes back to our whānau.'
‘Failed to achieve anything meaningful’: Why councillor won’t seek re-election
Revealed: Which Rotorua councillors say they will – or won't – stand in local election.
‘Curly issues’: Judge’s Tarawera decision ‘as soon as possible’
A decision on works would be made in weeks rather than months.
‘Hungry for customers’: New way for public to have their say planned
Council chief executive wants 'customers' at the centre of the organisation's thinking.
Rotorua’s suggested ‘rates swap’ labelled ‘unfair’ by deputy mayor
Deputy mayor says it makes district council look like "bad guys" with a rates rise.
$180m retirement village approved under fast-track consent
'The economic impacts of the development are significant.'
Operation Trolley: Why Rotorua’s top cop says opposition worked
Police positive that many homeless had since referred to agencies.
Hundreds sign petition to keep busy stretch of highway 80km/h
Mayor is urging NZTA for safety improvements on the highway stretch.
Local water services: Should Rotorua go it alone?
Options include an in-house model or partnering with other councils.
Should the night market move? And who should pay more for the new sewerage scheme?
What the council wants public feedback on this year.
Urgent hearing: Judge orders halt to Tarawera pipeline works
He's troubled by both the council and the group opposed to the works.
Should new booze shops be allowed in Rotorua?
The proposals include a three-year freeze on new off-licence approvals.
Sewerage scheme funding ‘feels like an open chequebook’ - former Fonterra chairman
The Tarawera Reticulation Scheme could cost residents $38,000 to $41,700.
‘We made history’: Pipeline protesters say they’re staying
It comes after seven arrests overnight as construction work restarted.
Arrested protesters not charged as police remain at worksite
It comes as an iwi group makes a last-minute legal move to stop the works.
Rotorua considers new bottle store freeze to tackle alcohol harm
It comes as the city sets a new national record for liquor licence opposition.
Lakes mates: Neighbours team up for regional deal bid
'Working with our friends down the road.'
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."