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.
'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.
'Good shot': Could this region get the first Govt deal?
Neighbouring councils are 'ready to go' on a proposal.
'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.
Dancing diary: It's not all about the dance
People's Choice has also opened - get voting now!
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.
'We’re not here to censor them': Council adds public forums for first time
Speakers will have to stick to rules, however.
'This is a circus': Councillors chastised in heated golf lease debate
For three hours, councillors debated how to approach negotiations.
Public forums could be 'weaponised' - Mayor
Rotorua is considering adding public forums to meetings for what may be the first time.
Costume woes: Pricked fingers and tears of frustration result in unique ‘fit
OPINION: With a little luck nothing will rip, tear or fall down.
Neighbour reflects on loss of 'godsend' ex-reserve, councillor queries sale price
A trust bought the Clayton Rd site for $750,000 to build 10 affordable rental homes.
'Lives are at stake': Police, councils may lose access to NZTA cameras
A mayor says she fears 'disastrous consequences' if access is revoked.
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
It announced the change process on Friday after meeting staff.
'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
The land was bought for $750,000 last month.
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
It comes as orders to treat more of the city's supplies are considered.
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
Could Hinemoa have really heard the sound of lover Tūtānekai's flute across Lake Rotorua?
'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
Robert Lee said the lesson from Nuremberg was 'informed consent'.
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
Rotorua's lakefront lit up in celebration of the Māori new year.
'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
'They become the scientists ... become kaitiaki for our ngahere.'
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
OPINION: As if learning how to dance professionally wasn't enough ...
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
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
The response: 'You're gonna take that tapu home with you'
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
What an eclectic bunch of dancers we are.
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
Skatepark, elder housing, aquatics: What council decided in 10-year plan deliberations.
'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
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
Council says legal action follows interference with construction of $29m scheme.
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
Derby star shares personal story to explain why her home town needs a new skatepark.
'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
'It is an absolute disgrace we have infrastructure that has failed.'
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
“All they’re doing is committing their community to abject poverty.”
'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
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
The council says the online abuse and threats were to attendees 'including children'.
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'
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
CCO has struggled to complete jobs, hire staff and stick to budget.
'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
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'
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
'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
'It’s a huge, huge rates increase,' one man said.
'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'
About 200 people went to a council-community hui to learn why.
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
'I know the economy is tough, but you’ve still got to provide services'