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Laura Smith
Multimedia journalist
The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Laura’s latest content
'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging
Why your house may lose its insurance.
'Why is it always the good ones?: Schoolboy killed in horror crash
Keanan was a year 13 student on his way to work experience when he crashed.
'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging
'Some communities really do have to act now' - Insurance Council.
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.
'Whoosh': Residents describe shocking moment their homes flooded
One resident described how a 'dirty river had run through the whole house'.
'Extremely harmful': Daunting snapshot shows extent of wallaby problem
The regional council wanted to show the impact populations had on farmers.
'Absolute crisis': Staff shortages hit aged-care sector
Consequences of low staff and funding have those in sector worried.
'The best news': Tourism industry looks to the next phase of pandemic recovery
The sector welcomes the news cruise ships can return but says there is work to do.
Staff shortage: Customers' wallets could bear the brunt of tourism and hospo vacancies
Businesses are working to balance absorbing costs and passing it on to customers.
Jewellery store owner burgled twice in a month: 'You can't let them win'
He has also questioned why there is no active monitoring of council CCTV in Rotorua.
'Lots of tears' for missing cat accidentally taken to the tip
The friendly tabby's family say they miss his cuddles and have not stopped searching.
Doggone: Missing pooch reunited with owner a year later
The canine is one of hundreds stolen or lost in the Bay of Plenty each year.
Rotorua event calendar 'better than it has been in years'
Those in the industry say there is a 'big appetite' for events.
'Forever out fishing': Police formally suspend search for missing fisherman
A rāhui will remain in place along the coast near Tōrere until further notice.
Revealed: The city Christopher Luxon believes 'needs to get sorted'
The National Party leader said crime and emergency housing motels would put visitors off.
'Equal voting rights' or 'apartheid': Submissions heard on Rotorua local bill
Mayor: 'Rotorua is unique, what suits us does not necessarily suit the rest of NZ.'
Rotorua Māori ward bill 'cannot be justified' - Attorney-General
The bill 'creates disparity in the number of people represented by ward council members'.
'Hard decision': Rich lister's record $10.2m sale of Mt Maunganui apartment
The penthouse price beats the previous record sale of a Mount home for $9.5m in July 2021.
Missing fisherman: Relative clings to hope man with 'massive heart' will be found
Police reassess plans as bad weather looks set to continue to hamper the search.
Air force helping with search for missing fisherman
The Ōpōtiki fisherman did not return from his Sunday trip when expected.
'Feeding frenzy': Explosion in people keen to head overseas
Border restriction changes have locals looking to book international trips again.
'She could have been paralysed': St John apologises after two-hour wait for ambulance
Injured footballer lay in agony on field with no pain relief.
Crunch time: Businesses owe $88.5m to IRD - and now face paying interest
'Another nail in their coffin': The interest-free loan period is coming to an end.
70-year love story: 'As long as there is breath in my body, I will be his carer'
Brian used to go past on his bike. I thought, 'He's not too bad, I'll keep my eye on him'.
'Absolutely gutted': Friends of missing doctor on search being suspended
With no new information, police suspended the search for the missing doctor.
'Systemic racism': Healthcare inequities frustrate community advocate
'It's not fair ... it's another system that's let them down.'
'He has been my rock': Friend of missing doctor holding on to hope
Tauranga doctor David Holland has been missing for nearly two weeks.
'We're all in shock': Friends of missing doctor say he is caring, generous
Police and friends want to hear from witnesses who were on Pāpāmoa Beach on Friday night.
'Every day I think, what am I going to feed the kids?: Cost of living 'squeeze' hits families
"Every day I think, 'What am I going to feed the kids?'."
Taking stock: Why are some supermarket shelves empty?
Staffing and supply issues mean shoppers face difficulties buying grocery basics.
'Parents are worried': Virus spread and fear causing school absentees
Bay of Plenty schools see large numbers of children learning from home as cases rise.
Gains on gains: Tauranga top for profit-making home resales
One property made nearly $3m in profit when sold for the first time in more than 20 years.
'Just horrendous': Staff shortages leave businesses stressed and scrambling
Bar owner losing $50,000 every week closed, says he tries not to show his stress at work.
Rainbow Springs to close permanently, but not all hope is lost
It's an institution for most New Zealanders and announcement is 'distressing'.
'Struggling to tread water': GPs battle burnout and doctor shortage
Bay of Plenty general practices face doctor burnout and vacancy-filling issues.
No relief in sight: Teachers face staffing pressure as Covid cases rise
Teacher shortages and parents not testing children concern Bay of Plenty teachers.
Winter chill: Holding out for border opening could make or break some businesses
The tourism sector is concerned visitor numbers won't rise if self-isolation rules stay.
On a knife-edge: Rainbow Springs may close for good
"As a child I remember visiting Rainbow Springs. It must remain open," says local MP.
Free pads and tampons in schools appreciated, hope for sustainable underwear option
Phase Two of the Government's free period product initiative will begin soon.
3500 earthquakes in a year: Tips for being prepared in this region's 'hazardscape'
Bay of Plenty residents are advised to plan in the event of an emergency.
'There is a lot of angst': First-time Mount festival adapting to red setting
Many Bay of Plenty events have been cancelled, but some are still planned to go ahead.
'Like a ghost town': Summer retail spending drops earlier than expected
Rotorua retailers have shared their experience of a sudden visitor spend decrease.
'Significant milestone': Iwi-led Covid isolation facility opens in secluded lodge
Lakes Lodge Okataina will be used as an iwi-led Covid-19 isolation facility.
'A lot more people in the water': Busy Bay beaches prompt words of caution this summer season
"Unseasonably warm" weather has Surf Life Savers predicting a busy summer.
Local iwi calls for visitors to stay away to protect community
Whirinaki forest DoC huts and campsite will be closed until February.
Rare measure to place rāhui on Whirinaki forest draws mixed reaction
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare has placed a rāhui on Whirinaki Te Pua a Tāne Conservation Park.
Family 'missing' again: Dad's supporter insists kids on 'typical Kiwi holiday'
A neighbour and good friend of Thomas Phillips has defended the father's actions.
'Best Christmas present': Families prepare for tearful reunions with Auckland loved ones
Families are reuniting with their Auckland based loved ones, just in time for Christmas.