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.
Kiri Gillespie is the Assistant News Director and Multimedia Journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times. You could say she’s a people person. She worked in hospitality and tourism in Rotorua before embarking on a career in journalism. Having cut her teeth in newsrooms in Rotorua, Wellington and Gisborne, Kiri joined NZME in 2010, based in Tauranga. In 2011, she led coverage of the Rena sinking and the environmental disaster that followed. She has covered some of the biggest issues affecting the Bay of Plenty. Kiri mostly covers Tauranga's civic and political landscape and the growing pains the city is experiencing as its population grows. Being a voice for the underdog is a big part of what drives her. 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
'Kick in the guts': Tradies 'poaching' work from locals 'rife' amid slowdown
'A high volume of tradies [are] jumping in the ute and trying to grab some of the work'
'Incredibly generous': Farmer gifts 103ha with panoramic coastal views for regional park
The generous gift has been called a rarity and 'true legacy' for the Bay of Plenty.
'System failure': Whakaari response review reveals 'confusion'
It also found little or no national recovery co-ordination and no solid plan.
Rotorua or Katikati: Where should the Bay's next regional park go?
If approved, the parks could preserve public green spaces in perpetuity.
Boomtime: The city bucking NZ's building consent 'slowdown'
There's so much going on that there's concern whether the construction industry can cope.
Crankworx Rotorua: Female athletes mark major milestone with 'dazzling array of tricks'
'So many little girls in the stands ... this is probably one of my career highlights.'
'Ruins it for generations': Protected Bay pōhutukawa trees felled
The damaged trees at the regional park were estimated to be 20 to 30 years old.
Man survives 8m fall on to rocks, hasn't 'broken anything'
Swimming hole leap goes horribly wrong: 'It was too late. I knew I was going to hit it.'
Public transport authority spent $3.2m on vehicles and subsided taxi fares
BOPRC frequently encourages people to use greener transport options.
Regional council spends $7m on consultants
A breakdown of who has been paid for what has been revealed.
'Irreplaceable': The plan to protect Rotorua’s famed but fragile geothermal system
'It is still recovering from our past mistreatment.'
‘Silly': Rotorua cemetery housing plans under fire
'I can’t believe it’s on the radar'.
He didn't know he was having a heart attack. Luckily, he was in 'one of the best places' for it
Fate or coincidence? The community stalwart doesn't know which helped save him.
Slip forces family to evacuate, damage to be assessed this morning
A couple and their baby were found inside the home.
New Zealand’s state highway pothole plague pitiful, subscribers say
Subscribers share their views on the state of the nation's roads.
Kiri Gillespie: Ram raids cowardly and lazy crimes
Opinion: Business owners targeted need our help.
'Life-changing': Woman’s 40-year journey to unlock the mysteries of her damaged brain
'My brain does not fit the signs, I’ve always known this'
Opinion: Bilingual signs caused a storm in my inbox - but are they really new?
Opinion: Isn’t it interesting what provokes the most outrage in some people?
'I will earn the right to be MP': Candidate, 26, says he's prepared to 'fight' for seat
“I’ve got the skills to be the best possible advocate for the Bay of Plenty."
Dawn Picken's life to be celebrated with Mount service
Writer Dawn Picken lost her public battle with liver disease in December.
The real lesson being learned by tradie apprentices amid 'rife' poaching
OPINION: It concerns me these future industry leaders could think such antics are okay.
'Wonderful' weekend expected to have 'significant' impact on economy
Rotorua was a hive of activity over the long weekend.
'Great news': Half-price fares net bumper bus patronage as 'refresh' gets under way
New bus routes, stops and shelters are coming amid bumper patronage.
Kiri Gillespie: Unfair to lump city safety costs on regional council alone
Safety of people in the city is not a responsibility exclusive to the regional council.
Kiri Gillespie: Future of racecourse plagued by dearth of details
People are asked to choose a preferred option but are they getting all the facts?
'I can breathe': After years sharing one bedroom, family get a home of their own
The move into a new home has been described as life-changing.
Revealed: More than $44k paid out to council staff in ACC claims
Soft tissue injuries are by far the most common ailment affecting Rotorua council staff.
Council pay outs for personal grievances revealed- but no apologies
Jobs losses and payouts: personal grievance claims at local councils revealed.
Kiri Gillespie: Time to break habits as cost-of-living crisis bites
Opinion: Things have changed. So has my mindset.
$3.06m in rates outstanding after regional council enacts new collection system
It has been 3 months since Bay of Plenty Regional Council began collecting its own rates.
'No risk of a miscarriage of justice': Supreme Court dismisses violent killer's appeal bid
The Court of Appeal had dismissed an application for leave to appeal.
Opinion: Cut the grass, not the costs - it'll be worth it in the long run
OPINION: Kiri Gillespie says let's not welcome tourists back with scruffy berms.
'Difficult times': Rotorua council warned of $5.6m deficit, cuts to services may be proposed
"Unfortunately, things like mowing just won’t be able to be done."
Hemo Gorge roundabout: Third truck crashes in the same spot
The crash is the third involving a large truck rolling since the roundabout opened in 2017
'Assault on democracy': Council withdraws support of controversial Māori representation bill
The matter had already cost more than $146,000 in the lead-up to today's decision.
'Help us': Calls for help spur donation drive despite Civil Defence plea
Those behind local donation efforts to cyclone victims say there's still demand.
Kiri Gillespie: Greater insight into teenage mental wellbeing a no-brainer
Opinion: We should be learning more about why kids skip school
'Clear violation': Legal threat against council
Critics claim policy violates Bill of Rights.
PM in Tauranga: Hipkins visits residents affected by slips
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is visiting Tauranga today.
Kiri Gillespie: Financial caution needed by those who can't really afford to travel
It's great people are getting on planes again, but not everyone can afford to.
Kiri Gillespie: A tale of two stadiums
The cancellation of summer events in Tauranga adds weight for a new stadium.
'Massive event': L.A.B take out top 5 singles ahead of hometown show
Kiwi favourites L.A.B begin their summer tour in Tauranga on December 30.
'No one is coming to save you': Dire warning from water safety boss ahead of summer season
Water safety boss urges people to be safe this summer
'She was authentic': Mother and writer dies after battle with rare liver disease
Dawn Picken was well-known and much-loved in the Tauranga community.
'This is it': Devastating development in writer's health battle
Dawn Picken wants to 'make the most of helping my kids before I go'.
'The team feel valued’: Why Mitre 10's paying for period products for staff
'The team feel valued and no longer need to stress about having their period at work.'
'Thrilled': Proposal to lower voting age to 16 supported
The review proposes other changes - including four-year council terms.
$20.5 million in rates still unpaid as late penalties loom
The last day of the council's grace period for rates is October 31.
'Humble' unsung hero of Whakaari/White Island eruption honoured by family after death
'If it wasn't for Jason doing what he did, [some of the injured] would have died.'
Helicopter heroes: White Island rescuers' bravery honoured
Pilot: 'It felt that we were doing as much as we could but not enough for people.'
Mexico, meth and money laundering: Drug ring accused changes plea
The man is one of nine people charged with an alleged drug smuggling plot at the port.
$43m in regional council rates yet to be paid as more than half fail to meet due date
The BOPRC rates bill has been met with surprise and 'shock' among some.
'Bittersweet': Withdrawn candidate's brush with victory
He said the votes were 'humbling' and 'unexpected' but he needed to prioritise his health.
'Like a nightmare and I haven't woken up': Grieving fiance tells of horror collision
'He had so much more to give and so much life to live.'
Pothole claims: Drivers seek more than $4000 in compo for car damages
Drivers made claims after hitting potholes and damaging their tyres and exhausts.
Public transport 20pc push labelled 'just plain wrong' despite approval
Plan to push 20 per cent of car commuters on to public transport within 10 years.
Push to shift 20pc of commuters from cars to public transport in 10 years
BOPRC will decide today whether to adopt a regional transport plan with an ambitious goal.
'Great sadness': Funeral for man hit by car in city to be held today
Richard Martin suffered critical injuries in the crash, and died six days later.
Life after loss: Visually-impaired woman runs 21kms at the Rotorua marathon
"It's just an achievement, getting to the finish line."
Record breaker: Michael Voss scores historical hat-trick at Rotorua Marathon
But cramp towards the final few kilometres nearly became Voss' undoing.
'Significant concern' as fewer women running in Bay of Plenty elections
'They see the impact of social media, the swipes, the hatred and misinformation.'
'Pretty scary': Manhunt after gunpoint robbery of security van, guards at ATM
Police have since said they were now following 'strong lines of inquiry'.
'Well below the national average': Fewer female representation for Bay of Plenty elections
One of the local constituencies has just two women out of 17 candidates vying for a seat.
'Very personal': Youngest councillor considered not standing due to abuse
"I would almost say the current political climate ... it almost feels more hostile."
More elderly taking up funeral insurance amid rising burial costs
Funeral directors are also calling on the Government for greater financial support.
'Disrespectful' unveiling for iwi leader renews anguish for ex-wife, children
But an iwi leader says a lot of people needed the unveiling to heal.
Waka Kotahi's billion-dollar blowout on roading projects
Only one of the eight projects has not increased in budget or completion date.
Cages for bus drivers: Security fears after knifepoint robbery
The attack has prompted a call for perspex cages to protect bus drivers.
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%
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?
'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.'
'I think it's fair': BOP regional councillor moves to Christchurch
Stacey Rose says he will have better time management from the South Island.
Man guilty of Christmas Eve killing gets jail sentence
"Not only was he trying to defend himself, he was trying to defend his partner."
Kiri Gillespie: Near miss - how travelling 5km/h under the limit likely saved my life
Gaining a driver's licence is a privilege . . . it's up to all of us to drive like it.
Shared racecourse idea spurs jibes, housing plans for Rotorua
Shared Rotorua venue "nonsense" but the club's in a stronger place than others, some say.
Opinion: Golf, horses, houses - it's not yet time to choose the city's priorities
OPINION: Some suggestions for the future of the land are short-sighted.
'Shambles': Resident slams delays on controversial Ōkere Falls pathway
Work is incomplete and local residents are questioning what work is happening.
Treaty threat: Battle to move Tauranga racecourse, create regional venue with Rotorua
Preferred options for the future of Tauranga Racecourse are released, with no racecourse.
'A lot of damage': Biking identity suffers devastating stroke
The complete impact of Jeff Anderson's stroke won't be known for some time.