Harriet Laughton is a multimedia journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and the Rotorua Daily Post.
Harriet is based in Tauranga and covers general news in the Bay of Plenty region. This includes live and breaking news as well as producing in-depth Premium stories. She is a graduate of Auckland University of Technology's journalism programme, completing her Bachelor of Communication Studies in 2023 and joining NZME later that year. Harriet has a particular interest in reporting stories relating to young people in Aotearoa, social issues and the cost of living. You can contact Harriet at harriet.laughton@nzme.co.nz
'Deep concerns': Principals react to maths curriculum changes
The new maths and literacy curriculum would kick off in Term 1 next year.
'A bit of glitz and glamour': Harcourts Dancing for Hospice this weekend
The performance will take place at the Energy Events Centre to a crowd of 2000 people.
Bay businesses gear up for cruise ship tourist rush
Local businesses are excited for the extra revenue cruise ships will bring.
$60,000 worth of gun supplies stolen from Rotorua store
Thieves broke into Gun Supplies Limited on Ti St.
Running event expected to bring $2.5m boost to Rotorua economy
More than 3000 people are participating in Run the Forest on Saturday.
Dancing for Hospice judge shares her three winning tips
'I’m always trying to look for that chemistry, that magic.'
Sleep, stress and butter prices: Tough times hit hospo bosses' health
One business owner said the ongoing pressures kept him up at night.
Why a learner driver is 'glad' police pulled her over
How two frontline BoP cops came up with an app idea to help people stop reoffending.
'Transformational': Shared home ownership scheme could save families up to $170k
'They end up having a lot more cash each month as a family.'
Ex-addict says roadside drug testing wouldn't have stopped him – but NZ should still do it
During his time on drugs, he drove high 'every day' and wrote off about six vehicles.
'Thrilled': Local tourism hotspots earn awards
'When you get awards like this you get pretty stoked.'
'Living concept': Māori lunar calendar users share how they embrace ancient knowledge
'It’s about the cycle as a whole.'
Kindy teachers hit out over planned ECE changes
'It’s well accepted that good quality early childhood education has a big impact.'
Ball on a budget: How school students are keeping costs low
They kept their budgets low last year and have many tips on how others could do the same.
'Welcome back any time': Gang members ride through Ōpōtiki to commemorate former president
A motel manager said there were 'no hassles'.
'Families are drowning': Tenants under pressure in NZ's priciest region for rents
'Landlords are trying to increase rents, but without the demand.'
What are your chances of seeing the aurora lights tonight?
It will gradually become cloudier towards midnight so watch from sunset.
Chasing Colin: 74yo marathon runner eyes late friend's record
'I just know he’s sitting on my shoulder cheering me on.'
'Fantastic': Rebounding conference sector to pump $15m into city economy
The business events sector had 'rebounded strongly'
'Short-sighted': Why an expert believes the disposable vape ban is not working
$10 vapes are still on the market - only now they have an added feature.
'Heartbreaking': Elderly couple devastated after orchard plum trees stripped bare
The couple say the trees were “all that kept them going”.
A bargain hunter's guide to back-to-school shopping
'Uniforms are just so expensive and out of range for a lot of parents.'
BYO drinks: How to have a beautiful wedding for less than $600
Couples who spend a little are 'just as married' as those spending a lot.
Metal detectorists save the day after husband loses wife's ring
'It was like trying to find a needle in the haystack ... I thought I had lost it forever.'
'Don’t have the spare cash': Holidaymakers spending less in tourist hotspots
'Usually we would be booked out weeks in advance.'
Bay of Plenty has something for everyone at New Year's
What's happening in the community
So you want a big wedding? Two brides share how they handled ballooning budgets
Post-Covid inflation has caused the cost of some big weddings to almost double.
'Plenty of clear skies': Bay residents in for a long, hot summer
A dry summer with “plenty of clear skies”.
Santa’s little helpers: Meet the Bay of Plenty workers rostered on for Christmas Day
For some people Christmas Day is still a working day, but one with a difference.
'We love to be able to do our bit': Hundreds turn out of Zorb's can-for-a-ride day
More than 1750 cans were collected for the local foodbank.
'Really tough': This restaurant used to seat 130. Now it's lucky to get 30
Cost of rice has doubled: 'We can’t afford to give even a single grain for free anymore'.
She tracked a Facebook scammer: Her tips for spotting dodgy Christmas deals
The first sign of the scam was tricked buyers turning up on her mother-in-law's doorstep.