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Kiri Gillespie
Assistant News Director and Multimedia Journalist
Kiri Gillespie is the Assistant News Director and a Multimedia Journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times, covering local politics in Tauranga.
I’m Kiri Gillespie – Assistant News Director and Multimedia Journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times. You could say I'm a people person. I worked in hospitality and tourism in Rotorua before embarking on a career in journalism. Having cut my teeth in newsrooms in Rotorua, Wellington and Gisborne, I joined NZME in 2010, based in Tauranga. In 2011, I led coverage of the ever-developing Rena saga - the disaster of the grounding and the political hot potato it became. Over the years I've seen and covered some of the biggest stories affecting the Bay of Plenty including the fallout that resulted from the PSA bacterial disease that affected orchards in the region, the fall from grace of political and musical heroes, cocaine drug busts, Anthrax scares - you name it. These days I mostly cover the tumultuous world of Tauranga's civic and political landscape that form much of the city's issues. As the city's population spirals, so do its growing pains that cannot go unchecked. Being a voice for the underdog is a big part of what drives me, and decisions made in local council chambers affect everyone. As the whakatauki goes: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? The people, the people, the people.
Check out Kiri’s latest content
New council CBD office building to 'push the boundaries' in Green Star bid
The council's new build will be several stories high and built mostly out of timber.
Take two for controversial Marine Park research facility gains support
There has been a slight shift in support for the project since it was last consulted on.
Why this teacher started walking almost an hour to work
"It's reflecting on them what good looks like and that together we can make a change."
Audit NZ gives council funding warning as 13.7pc rates rise approved
"Uncertainty" surrounds future funding plans for Tauranga's biggest projects.
Tenby Powell on cancer and life after resigning as Tauranga mayor
'It's a good time to take stock: what have I done since my operation?'
'Clear and compelling case' for ferry service, but it could cost $17m
A business leader says in his view the study makes "no new progress".
Council staff salaries set to rise 7.9 per cent despite $11.2m deficit
The council will decide today on its Annual Plan, which also includes a rates rise of 5.8%
Simon Bridges' tips for successor Sam Uffindell
The advice comes as MPs claim a shift in the community: "National is back, big time".
Sam Uffindell 'very, very honoured' with new MP role, lists priorities for city
Tauranga's next MP begins his first day of duty today after resounding victory.
National 'back in business': National's Sam Uffindell Tauranga's next MP
The National candidate received more than double the next candidate's votes.
Byelection day: Where you can cast your vote
Where to vote, who's allowed to be there, and what are the rules for candidates?
Noise, drunken antics: Residents air concerns in liquor licence fight
But Hide's owner says he has no plans to become a "tavern".
New $170m stadium idea 'waste of money' - Bob the Builder
It's a tale of two stadiums: Which should Tauranga choose?
Where Tauranga byelection candidates stand on LGBTQIA+ issues
Candidates share their views about same-sex marriage, conversion therapy and pride.
Protest and 'fascism' claim at byelection debate
A candidate was booted out, a man launched a protest and another was removed by security.
No housing, but maybe a hospital: Next step for racecourse land decided
The move has gained support from city commission despite Tauranga housing shortage.
Cannabis and military training: byelection candidates' fixes for gang violence
Others believe poetry, the Bible, or working with rather than against gangs were answers.
Comment: In these strange and angry times, be the driver of change
OPINION: I've often wondered: how bad are things going to get before they get better?
'Significant' bus driver shortage means reduced services here to stay, for now
There are at least 1000 fewer run runs each day.
Bus bashing: Driver concussed after violent racial attack at stop
'He took a number of punches to the face.'
'I will not back off': Councillor defiant amid calls for resignation
'If they have an issue with it, they can take it up with the Local Government Minister.'
Consultant hired to review whether retirement homes should pay less in council fees
Developers are facing a 15 per cent increase in contribution fees to the council.
'I think it's fair': BOP regional councillor moves to Christchurch
Stacey Rose says he will have better time management from the South Island.
'Unfortunate situation': Bar temporarily becomes a cafe after liquor licence issue
The bar traded for three months without a liquor licence, now it can't sell booze for now.
Vehicle impounds and $500 fines for gangs, promises byelection candidate
The proposed Bill would ban gangs from riding convoy on city streets.
New school locations confirmed, architects appointed
The schools are planned with initial rolls of 500 and 800.
Tsunami sirens plan abandoned, considered too unreliable
Concerns were raised people relying on sirens would be let down in an emergency.
'Struggling': Bay Oval seeks nearly $2m lifeline to stay afloat
"We are essentially not only burning the candles from both ends but the middle as well."
'Huge cost': Concerns as $303.4m civic rebuild plans approved
But the project has been heralded as a once in a lifetime opportunity the city deserves.
'Once in a lifetime opportunity': Council approves $303.4m CBD rebuild
But another $21m is being considered for environmental "enhancements".
Tauranga byelection: Q+A with the candidates seeking Simon Bridges' seat
A teacher, retired pilot, Cabinet minister and retirees are among those running for MP.
Free fares slashed to tackle bus violence - cages for bus drivers discussed
It's hoped the move will stop a spate of youth violence at Tauranga bus stops.
Tauranga by-election: 12 candidates in the running as minor parties meet
The list includes three of five parties in Parliament, minor parties and independents.
'Wasteful spending': Winston Peters won't stand in Tauranga byelection
Peters said this morning his party came to the decision "after serious consideration"
'Doesn't cut the mustard': Under-fire police step up bus stop patrols after attacks
But a local leader says the 'softly, softly' police response 'doesn't cut the mustard'.
'Obvious concern': Locals weigh up Uber over buses following attacks
Anyone with information is asking to contact police and quote file number 220514/2327.
Family in 'absolute shock' after man killed in suspected homicide in Tauranga
Police called to a disorder incident; when they got there they found a body.
'Distraught': Youths forcibly board bus, smash mirror, racially abuse driver
The youths forced their way on board, hurled racial abuse and smashed a bus mirror.
'Walking roughshod over us': CBD landlords left out of bus stop move talks
The relocated bus interchange is expected to be operational from next month.
CBD transformation: $1.5b in developments planned for 'empty' city centre
PLUS: What locals think about the CBD, and an academic view on what investment can do
'We got nothing': Resident's last-ditch effort for action
The presentation prompted an apology from commission chairwoman Anne Tolley.
'Unaffordable': Developers balk at proposal to charge homes $2500 a year
The concerns were some of many regarding big changes facing the city.
Civic precinct, infrastructure funding and rates: People to say what they think
The council received nearly 1200 written submissions, some are being spoken to today.
'Absolute rort': $41.65m elder housing portfolio sold for less than half its value
The 'appalling' sales prompted concerns the money from them would be wasted
Meet man vying to be Tauranga MP for National
Sam Uffindell has a vision for Tauranga and says he's the right man to make it happen.
'Get a grip and back off': Bridges fires parting shots
Bridges calls out key entities for not doing their 'fair share' in Tauranga
Boycott begins: Bus drivers refuse key pick-ups after knife incident
'It's gotten to the point where we are now dealing with significant weapons...'
New homes for revamped former Bella Vista site welcomed
The new development comes five years after 21 sites were abandoned due to safety fears.
Social housing leaders welcome Kāinga Ora's elder housing buy-up
But a resident just wants to know if her rent will go up: 'I'm quite stressed about it.'