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Laura Smith
Local Democracy Reporter
Rotorua

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.

Check out Laura’s latest content
One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours
Bay of Plenty Times

One council to rule them all? Rotorua to explore options with neighbours

03 Jun 09:45 PM
Regional ratepayers to fund $3.58m loan for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme
Bay of Plenty Times

Regional ratepayers to fund $3.58m loan for Tarawera Sewerage Scheme

27 May 06:40 PM

Debate on the final split of the controversial scheme's $32.3m cost begins today.

'He'll be watching': The legacy of the Rotorua rangatira on the 20 cent coin
Bay of Plenty Times

'He'll be watching': The legacy of the Rotorua rangatira on the 20 cent coin

03 Jan 03:55 PM

His legacy spans 300 years, he's travelled oceans, and he's on our 20 cent coin.

Lifejackets, speeding, no-go zones: What water patrols are looking out for
Bay of Plenty Times

Lifejackets, speeding, no-go zones: What water patrols are looking out for

25 Dec 04:00 PM

The Bay of Plenty maritime team will be checking for rule compliance.

'Warms our hearts': Profits from Maketū Pies to fund community training, say owners
Bay of Plenty Times

'Warms our hearts': Profits from Maketū Pies to fund community training, say owners

09 Dec 09:49 PM

Local praise as Maketū Pies profits to aid Te Arawa youth training.

Cautious optimism in tiny town as iconic pie company given third life
Bay of Plenty Times

Cautious optimism in tiny town as iconic pie company given third life

05 Dec 04:13 AM

The new owner was among 'a number of interested parties'.

Liquidators to run Maketū Pies as they seek buyer
Bay of Plenty Times

Liquidators to run Maketū Pies as they seek buyer

29 Nov 04:00 AM

The first liquidators' report indicates when creditors may be paid by.

'It hurts a lot': Locals react to potential closure of iconic pie business
Bay of Plenty Times

'It hurts a lot': Locals react to potential closure of iconic pie business

25 Nov 08:31 PM

"It's part of our life here."

Kiwi pie company goes into liquidation
Bay of Plenty Times

Kiwi pie company goes into liquidation

22 Nov 02:14 AM

'This decision has not been made lightly'.

New lifejacket rule aims to minimise deaths on the water
Bay of Plenty Times

New lifejacket rule aims to minimise deaths on the water

18 Sep 08:05 PM

Bay of Plenty boaties will need to don a lifejacket in boats under 6m while underway.

'Good shot': Could this region get the first Govt deal?
Bay of Plenty Times

'Good shot': Could this region get the first Govt deal?

23 Aug 02:34 AM

Neighbouring councils are 'ready to go' on a proposal.

Real or myth? Young scientists seek truth in legend of star-crossed lovers
Bay of Plenty Times

Real or myth? Young scientists seek truth in legend of star-crossed lovers

04 Jul 10:52 PM

Could Hinemoa have really heard the sound of lover Tūtānekai's flute across Lake Rotorua?

Iconic boat owner told to build new jetty, gift it to iwi, lease it back
Bay of Plenty Times

Iconic boat owner told to build new jetty, gift it to iwi, lease it back

17 Dec 04:00 PM

The paddle boat was once a common sight on the lake.

'Stop our children being a political rugby ball': Teacher's message to candidates
Bay of Plenty Times

'Stop our children being a political rugby ball': Teacher's message to candidates

27 Sep 10:27 PM

One teacher believes a lack of a cross-party shared vision is 'destroying our future'.

'The water just goes up': The lakeside community being slowly swallowed
Bay of Plenty Times

'The water just goes up': The lakeside community being slowly swallowed

07 Jul 07:54 PM

Flooded homes, threatened highways, and months of anxiety for lakeside residents.

Mongrel Mob death: New laws aimed at cracking down on gangs used for first time
Bay of Plenty Times

Mongrel Mob death: New laws aimed at cracking down on gangs used for first time

15 Jun 06:14 AM

East Coast MP Kiri Allan says her community was in "anguish and fear".

‘Offensive’ Stop Co-Governance Tour to go ahead in Tauranga, for now
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Offensive’ Stop Co-Governance Tour to go ahead in Tauranga, for now

24 Mar 06:00 PM

Tauranga council will continue to allow a controversial tour to use its venue, for now.

'The most incredible boss': 'Stunned' Bay politicians react to PM's resignation
Bay of Plenty Times

'The most incredible boss': 'Stunned' Bay politicians react to PM's resignation

19 Jan 01:04 AM

One MP said he was 'as stunned as the rest of the country'.

Bay harbourmaster team issue hundreds of breach notices in recent months
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay harbourmaster team issue hundreds of breach notices in recent months

15 Jan 07:00 PM

Boaties and lake users have weighed in on why they think people break the rules.

Grab the tent and don't forget the torch, we're going camping
Bay of Plenty Times

Grab the tent and don't forget the torch, we're going camping

15 Jan 12:00 AM

The first thing to do is check the forecast - you don’t want to be caught out unawares.

'Worst' summer in 19 years: Campgrounds, farmers brace for even more wet weather
Bay of Plenty Times

'Worst' summer in 19 years: Campgrounds, farmers brace for even more wet weather

10 Jan 05:00 PM

Already the amount of rainfall in Tauranga is five times more than what it was last year.

Bay of Plenty car crash leaves power line hanging over road
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay of Plenty car crash leaves power line hanging over road

07 Jan 11:35 PM

There were no injuries reported but thousands have been left without power.

Have that return-to-work dread? You're not alone
Bay of Plenty Times

Have that return-to-work dread? You're not alone

07 Jan 11:00 PM

Experts share their tips for managing stress after the holidays.

Sandy beaches, luscious forests and fab food; the Bay of Plenty has got it all
Bay of Plenty Times

Sandy beaches, luscious forests and fab food; the Bay of Plenty has got it all

06 Jan 10:00 PM

Not-so-intrepid adventurer Laura Smith explains how you can holiday local this summer.

Hip-hop and R&B fans 'gutted' by last-minute Juicy Fest cancellation
Bay of Plenty Times

Hip-hop and R&B fans 'gutted' by last-minute Juicy Fest cancellation

05 Jan 07:47 PM

Some had spent thousands of dollars travelling to Tauranga for the star-studded event.

'They are the brave ones': Campers wait out the storm
Bay of Plenty Times

'They are the brave ones': Campers wait out the storm

05 Jan 07:10 PM

MetService has forecast a further 180 to 240mm of rain over the coming days.

Batten down the hatches: Beaches close as wind and rain worsens
Bay of Plenty Times

Batten down the hatches: Beaches close as wind and rain worsens

05 Jan 12:15 AM

Beaches remain closed as more wind and rain is driven into the Bay.

Windy and wet weather thwarts summer plans in the Bay
Bay of Plenty Times

Windy and wet weather thwarts summer plans in the Bay

04 Jan 05:00 PM

Concerts were canned, beaches closed and camping plans cut in yesterday's weather.

UB40 concert cancelled, campers clear out, beaches close as forecast worsens
Bay of Plenty Times

UB40 concert cancelled, campers clear out, beaches close as forecast worsens

04 Jan 01:20 AM

A heavy rain watch has been upgraded to a warning and campers are starting to clear out.

'Chaotic' Boxing Day on the cards for Bay retailers
Bay of Plenty Times

'Chaotic' Boxing Day on the cards for Bay retailers

24 Dec 09:00 PM

A good Boxing Day can help retailers set themselves up for a successful 2023.

Lake speeding crackdown: 'Stupid' rulebreakers can't miss new signs, says resident
Bay of Plenty Times

Lake speeding crackdown: 'Stupid' rulebreakers can't miss new signs, says resident

20 Dec 06:00 PM

The markers were installed at Lake Rotoiti and Lake Ōkāreka.

Flooding, road closures and rescues: Thunderstorms lash Rotorua
Bay of Plenty Times

Flooding, road closures and rescues: Thunderstorms lash Rotorua

20 Dec 06:10 AM

'Quite a bit of water in a short period of time.'

Premium
Bay business house events having a great day at the office
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay business house events having a great day at the office

16 Dec 09:00 PM

Hammers and hard drives are being switched for golf clubs and darts.

Premium
Cruise ships: Daily reporting of Covid-19 cases critical, epidemiologist says
Bay of Plenty Times

Cruise ships: Daily reporting of Covid-19 cases critical, epidemiologist says

02 Dec 09:45 PM

The comment comes as a major cruise company ups its Covid rules as cases surge.

'An absolute treat': Pods of orca take Tauranga cruise
Bay of Plenty Times

'An absolute treat': Pods of orca take Tauranga cruise

02 Dec 03:29 AM

Seeing the orca was a brilliant way to start the day for some.

Bay builders' work recognised at national awards
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay builders' work recognised at national awards

28 Nov 06:21 PM

The builders of two Tauranga properties shared what it felt like to win.

Bus company 'sorry' after $15k of camera gear disappears en route to Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Times

Bus company 'sorry' after $15k of camera gear disappears en route to Tauranga

16 Nov 05:12 PM

The company has since apologised for his experience and says it will help police.

'It's got four wheels, it's here': Hundreds of cars park up for All USA Day
Bay of Plenty Times

'It's got four wheels, it's here': Hundreds of cars park up for All USA Day

14 Nov 01:23 AM

There was a large variety of vehicles on display, the hosting club president says.

Premium
Where there are hungry people, there are hungry animals
Bay of Plenty Times

Where there are hungry people, there are hungry animals

13 Nov 06:00 PM

This is what one Bay pet foodbank says having shared how in demand their services are.

Premium
'Back like the old days': Backpackers welcomed back to the Bay
Bay of Plenty Times

'Back like the old days': Backpackers welcomed back to the Bay

11 Nov 10:00 PM

Backpackers have returned and hard-hit hostel owners are breathing a sigh of relief.

Premium
'Thankful for any protection': Retailers set to get slice of $6m fund to fight ram raids
Bay of Plenty Times

'Thankful for any protection': Retailers set to get slice of $6m fund to fight ram raids

04 Nov 08:00 PM

Equipment will include bollards, fog cannons, alarms, roller doors and cameras.

Premium
Worker shortage: Business leaders call for change to student allowance rules
Bay of Plenty Times

Worker shortage: Business leaders call for change to student allowance rules

04 Nov 07:30 PM

One says, "anything is going to help" businesses find staff.

What's the beef? Bay farmers urged to submit on Govt ag emissions proposal
Bay of Plenty Times

What's the beef? Bay farmers urged to submit on Govt ag emissions proposal

03 Nov 06:00 PM

Beef + Lamb NZ reps met with locals to discuss what they think needs to change.

Revealed: Which town broke its record for the warmest October night
Bay of Plenty Times

Revealed: Which town broke its record for the warmest October night

31 Oct 05:35 PM

More muggy nights are expected, and so is the rain.

Widening of MSD scope 'absurd', opposition says
Bay of Plenty Times

Widening of MSD scope 'absurd', opposition says

30 Oct 08:00 PM

But others in the Bay have welcomed the additional support, which included youth.

Rollin' for the rainbow: Bay of Plenty roller derby groups to compete in fundraiser
Bay of Plenty Times

Rollin' for the rainbow: Bay of Plenty roller derby groups to compete in fundraiser

28 Oct 08:00 PM

Funds will go to Gender Dynamix, whose building burned down earlier this year.

Unclaimed WWII taonga to be returned to whānau
Bay of Plenty Times

Unclaimed WWII taonga to be returned to whānau

25 Oct 05:03 PM

The last 28th Māori Battalion soldier has praised the mahi, but says it took too long.

Premium
Majestic return: First international cruise tourists in two years arrive
Bay of Plenty Times

Majestic return: First international cruise tourists in two years arrive

16 Oct 05:00 PM

Majestic Princess is the first of over 100 cruise ships scheduled to visit the region.

Tahiti to Tauranga: 'Momentous step' as region to welcome first cruise ship
Bay of Plenty Times

Tahiti to Tauranga: 'Momentous step' as region to welcome first cruise ship

14 Oct 05:00 AM

It is the first time since the pandemic began a cruise ship has docked in Tauranga.

'The family farm is at risk': Emissions plan worries Bay farmers
Bay of Plenty Times

'The family farm is at risk': Emissions plan worries Bay farmers

13 Oct 07:00 PM

Bay of Plenty farmers say it might alter future generations' decision to farm.

Premium
Slow start to spring for housing market as prices drop, but agents optimistic
Bay of Plenty Times

Slow start to spring for housing market as prices drop, but agents optimistic

13 Oct 06:00 PM

'Hopefully we're coming out of a difficult time but who knows with interest rates.'

Bus driver shortage: Transport minister says 'chronic challenge' a 'crisis'
Bay of Plenty Times

Bus driver shortage: Transport minister says 'chronic challenge' a 'crisis'

11 Oct 02:48 AM

The sector gathered this week to discuss issues and solutions, including recruitment.

Bus drivers wages boosted in bid to tackle shortages
Bay of Plenty Times

Bus drivers wages boosted in bid to tackle shortages

10 Oct 03:30 AM

The decision was made to attract overseas drivers and tackle shortages.

Premium
Bay businesses with big ideas dive into deep end and pitch plans for growth
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay businesses with big ideas dive into deep end and pitch plans for growth

09 Oct 07:00 PM

Three local businesses shared their experiences and why they need the money.

Eaten to death: possum numbers leave iconic pōhutukawa at Lake Rotoiti 'skeletal'
Bay of Plenty Times

Eaten to death: possum numbers leave iconic pōhutukawa at Lake Rotoiti 'skeletal'

06 Oct 09:00 PM

But the local community is fighting back with a new project to save the precious trees.

'Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang': Gunshots unnerve residents, shot woman critical
Bay of Plenty Times

'Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang': Gunshots unnerve residents, shot woman critical

27 Sep 05:31 PM

The woman was taken to hospital in a critical condition early on Sunday morning.

Premium
Rotorua 'Disneyland' for mountain bikers but Bay clubs say there is more cash to be had
Bay of Plenty Times

Rotorua 'Disneyland' for mountain bikers but Bay clubs say there is more cash to be had

18 Sep 12:00 AM

Some in the Bay say investment in the growing sport means more money spent locally.

Police targeting drivers' cellphone use
Bay of Plenty Times

Police targeting drivers' cellphone use

15 Sep 12:39 AM

Thirty two fines were handed out in an hour and a half last week.

Conservation week 2022: Bay groups work to improve the environment
Bay of Plenty Times

Conservation week 2022: Bay groups work to improve the environment

11 Sep 09:00 PM

This year's theme is taking action for nature.

Premium
Travel agents work long hours as understaffed offices keep up with demand
Bay of Plenty Times

Travel agents work long hours as understaffed offices keep up with demand

04 Sep 06:00 PM

Some have reported business is better than it was pre-pandemic.

What's going on at Whakaari/White Island? Large plumes spotted from volcano
Bay of Plenty Times

What's going on at Whakaari/White Island? Large plumes spotted from volcano

30 Aug 11:13 PM

People have reported seeing large plumes rise high above the volcano.

'He is a legend': Cliff Curtis devastated by uncle's death
Bay of Plenty Times

'He is a legend': Cliff Curtis devastated by uncle's death

19 Aug 05:00 PM

Actor shares his memories of uncle Taa Toby on the first day of his tangi.

Premium
Painting the town yellow: The potent pollen mixes getting up everyone's noses
Bay of Plenty Times

Painting the town yellow: The potent pollen mixes getting up everyone's noses

18 Aug 02:06 AM

Experts explain what that yellow dust is that has been coating our cars lately.

Premium
'Kiwi innovation shining': Climate Change Minister hears duo's e-bus dreams
Bay of Plenty Times

'Kiwi innovation shining': Climate Change Minister hears duo's e-bus dreams

12 Aug 10:32 PM

James Shaw toured the Tauriko workshop where a variety of electric buses are being built.

Premium
Empty chambers? Low council nominations prompt concern
Bay of Plenty Times

Empty chambers? Low council nominations prompt concern

10 Aug 10:09 PM

Councils are hopeful to see a "flurry" of nominations before they close on Friday.

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Business pressures: The top tensions keeping BOP business owners up at night
Business

Business pressures: The top tensions keeping BOP business owners up at night

06 Aug 09:00 PM

A new survey has given an overview of business confidence and experiences

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'We can't wait': Tourism businesses excited for their ships to come in
Bay of Plenty Times

'We can't wait': Tourism businesses excited for their ships to come in

02 Aug 07:00 PM

About 100 cruise ships are scheduled to dock in Tauranga between October and April.

Premium
300 rental applications in two months, what it is like to rent in NZ's most expensive region
Bay of Plenty Times

300 rental applications in two months, what it is like to rent in NZ's most expensive region

31 Jul 05:00 PM

Struggling renters have shared their stories on what it's like to rent in the Bay.

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Optimism amidst realism: Bay businesses react to this weekend's border opening
Bay of Plenty Times

Optimism amidst realism: Bay businesses react to this weekend's border opening

28 Jul 06:00 PM

It is the first time in more than two years the border will be fully open.

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Ōmokoroa 'death trap' highway set for upgrades, aimed to enable thousands of new homes
Bay of Plenty Times

Ōmokoroa 'death trap' highway set for upgrades, aimed to enable thousands of new homes

21 Jul 06:00 PM

"Everyone knows this road is a death trap and it needs to be fixed."

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Death in the air: Hundreds sent to an early grave
Bay of Plenty Times

Death in the air: Hundreds sent to an early grave

17 Jul 06:00 PM

New figures reveal just how the Bay's air impacts health.

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There's gold in them hills, frogs too. But just how many?
Bay of Plenty Times

There's gold in them hills, frogs too. But just how many?

17 Jul 12:00 AM

Report shows rare frog population estimates have hopped from thousands to millions.

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'Pokies plague': The region with four of the five worst gambling areas revealed
Bay of Plenty Times

'Pokies plague': The region with four of the five worst gambling areas revealed

09 Jul 08:00 PM

The region has some of the highest gambling spending in the country by population.

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'Gnarliest' yet: Flu hitting worse than Covid, Bay bosses say
Bay of Plenty Times

'Gnarliest' yet: Flu hitting worse than Covid, Bay bosses say

08 Jul 10:15 PM

"Business owners don't get sick days ..."

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Burling heads to UN to fight for oceans
Bay of Plenty Times

Burling heads to UN to fight for oceans

26 Jun 12:00 AM

Sailing legend on a mission to advocate why our oceans need protection.

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Regional council digest: Schoolboys present, ferries debated, rates rise adopted
Bay of Plenty Times

Regional council digest: Schoolboys present, ferries debated, rates rise adopted

23 Jun 06:43 AM

Rates set and transport troubles debated; two meetings summed up.

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Worst time for first-home buyers since 1957 - report
Bay of Plenty Times

Worst time for first-home buyers since 1957 - report

22 Jun 05:00 PM

It's official, millennials have it harder than boomers.

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'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging
Bay of Plenty Times

'Buyer beware': How climate change could send insurance costs surging

21 Jun 10:00 PM

Why your house may lose its insurance.

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Bay of Plenty residents are jetting off to greener pastures
Bay of Plenty Times

Bay of Plenty residents are jetting off to greener pastures

18 Jun 08:01 PM

Thousands are expected to head abroad this year as they look for life and work experience.

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Winter whale watch: Why now is your best chance to see whales in the Bay
Bay of Plenty Times

Winter whale watch: Why now is your best chance to see whales in the Bay

17 Jun 05:00 AM

Head to high ground this weekend, grab the binoculars and spot the cetaceans.

'Why is it always the good ones?: Schoolboy killed in horror crash
Bay of Plenty Times

'Why is it always the good ones?: Schoolboy killed in horror crash

16 Jun 05:00 PM

Keanan was a year 13 student on his way to work experience when he crashed.

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