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 for four years. 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.
Call for begging ban after report 10 tourists 'physically accosted' at cafe
But one tourism operator says this is an isolated incident and most have good experiences.
'Devastated': Widow pleads to save late husband's dream from cost-cutting
'I know the economy is tough, but you’ve still got to provide services'
Public worry on community safety a key challenge, Rotorua council's new boss says
He sat down with Local Democracy Reporting to share how his first weeks were.
Rotorua workers reach new agreement after strike action
Pay deal for InfraCore staff follows nine months of talks between unions and bosses.
Battle against kōura-killing lake invaders takes centre stage
Work to protect taonga species highlighted as iwi celebrates 100 years of its trust.
'$84 a week to live in own homes': Ratepayers face 10.24 per cent rates rise
'This is what we want to do – but will you be happy paying that price?'
'Overworked and underpaid': They care for the land that cradles the dead, but don't get a living wage
They left their parks and cemeteries, to swap spades for protest signs.
Workers at 'lowest paying local council employer' to strike tomorrow
More than 70 workers will down tools for eight days.
Drag queens' Rainbow Storytime cancelled over 'safety concerns'
Decision follows 'hostile dialogue' and 'rapid spread of misinformation'.
'It's a sad day for Rotorua': Iconic tourism business in liquidation
What liquidators say the tourism company owes.
Councillors clash over Rainbow Storytime event, drag queen hits back at criticism
Protest and counter-action signalled for library reading session.
'All hell breaks loose': Rotorua pest specialist deals to pesky wasp nest
When the probe went down, the wasps came up.
"It just blasted": Unusual plumes of steam and bubbles from geothermal bore
“All of a sudden something happened and it just blasted.”
'No robust evidence' Kāinga Ora activities impact house prices, agency says
A councillor disagrees, referencing locals’ 'terrible, sad and upsetting stories'.
'Couldn't move': Allergic woman trapped in home as 'millions' of wasps swarm
She's happy to help pay for pest management, but there's just one problem.
Maggots, rats, poo on the walls: Tenants paid up to $600pw at 'disgusting' lodge
The lodge owner says: 'You can't please everyone'.
Lakeland Queen saga: Decision-making process a 'slap in the face of democracy'
Call to disband committee that decided dry-docked paddle steamer must leave reserve.
'Concern and uncertainty': Will treasured community hall be demolished?
The community was told demo plans were under way but council now says it's still deciding.
'Told to move on': Rough sleepers describe restless nights in Rotorua
With homeless people asked to leave reserves, does Rotorua need a night shelter again?
87 tyres were dumped in a 'gorgeous' stream. Gary wasn't having it
He made it his mission to clean the stream of rubbish - all in one day.
'Very sorry': Emotions high as rural residents fight to save 'heirloom' halls
'I beg for you not to condemn our building.'
Tiny school's win in fight to protect students from 'appalling behaviour'
The school fought to stop intensification impacting children's privacy.
Mouse poo, dripping seafood juice and undercooked kai - food safety officers' worst NZ finds
Local councils have shared how they go about ensuring food hygiene.
Lakeside 2024: Rain no show-stopper for packed Lakefront concert
Local and Aotearoa performers entertained the thousands on Saturday.
Changes, revenues and costs: Your guide to city parking
Costs are more than income from parking.
'We didn’t give consent': Fears sewerage scheme could pollute sacred lake
'Drilling through and sucking up stuff - our tūpuna are underneath this ground.'
Boatie fears he may lose foot after boat ramp injury, flesh-eating bacteria
He said doctors told him they found some of the bacteria 'had been dissolving the flesh'.
'Icon' or 'eyesore'? High-and-dry Lakeland Queen given removal deadline
'This historical site is in danger of becoming an old scrapyard.'
Aggressive pups and deadly dog disease fears spark change at Rotorua's pound
Rotorua's council explains why it removed its dog drop-off box.
New Rotorua council chief executive announced
It comes four months after the previous leader's resignation.
What tourism minister and Rotorua mayor talked about on Redwoods ride
Matt Doocey and Tania Tapsell caught up on issues during a mountainbike ride.
'Kicking the can down the road’: Double-digit rates rises possible
A challenge was put to council staff to reduce a possible 14 per cent rise this year.
Party like the public service: What councils did for Christmas
Some opted for a Kiwi classic.
‘Open chequebook’ fears as $29m lake scheme goes ahead
While one group petitioned against it, another says it must go ahead ASAP.
Iconic boat owner told to build new jetty, gift it to iwi, lease it back
The paddle boat was once a common sight on the lake.
Gen Z's new platform to influence Rotorua politics
One alumnus says it is about more than just a box-ticking exercise.
Four Rotorua accommodation providers under investigation
Ministry assessing whether tenancy laws are being complied with.
'We will not be silenced': Hīkoi leader promises more protests
'We’ve activated a fire in the belly of Māori that we deserve better.'
Crumbling teeth or a home? The choice a retired couple say they are weighing up
Tarawera residents face big bills for a sewerage scheme they must legally connect to.
Holes in the walls, a bin blaze burning for hours and children: Inside Spa Lodge
Revealed: The fire report that led to a backpackers' being deemed a dangerous building.
'High fire risk': 20 people moved out of lodge that 'dead-bolted' them in at night
The council issued the lodge two dangerous building notices within a week.
NZ tourism hotspot makes world's top 10 trending travel destinations
Accolade comes as tourism hotspot’s business community anticipates positive year ahead.
'Told you so': Council pauses fluoridation work after court judgement
"I am resisting the urge to say ‘I told you so’,” one councillor said.
Ruh-roh: Hundreds of dog owners face $300 fines as registrations drop
With too many unregistered dogs for door-to-door visits, the fines will be mailed.
'Big win' for Springfield Golf Club as council moves to shelve controversial $62m precinct
A proposal to put sportsfields on the land sparked community backlash.
Sulphur city: Damage to event centre structure costs council - but how much?
The options included either a $200,000 repair and replace or a $40,000 remove and make-do.
Pensioner flats in line for $1.6m makeover as mayor backs leasing option
Mayor says current financial model is 'difficult'; no units have been added since the 80s.
23 retiree flats empty: City considers $1.6m reno project
It is also looking at leasing its full $25m portfolio to a community housing provider.
Speed limit U-turn: Rotorua moves to 'tailored' approach over blanket rules
New rules mean the council will need to lower speed limits around schools.
'Looks like the wild west': Fire-gutted motel greets Rotorua tourists
A fire gutted the Golden Glow Motel's main building almost two years ago.
Mayor set to visit Japan and China - who will foot the bill
Tania Tapsell will visit two of Rotorua's sister cities at a cost of $10,000.
'Unsafe': Mayor targets 14 accommodation businesses
Tapsell is concerned about 14 providers she believes might be taking in tenants.
Ombudsman 'deeply concerned' about transparency at Rotorua Lakes Council
He says the culture of closed-door workshops is 'ingrained'.
'Extraordinary': Homeless refuse help - and face being trespassed from reserves
"Some of them simply do not want to abide by rules," Rotorua Lakes Council says.
‘It’s awesome’: Pensioner welcomes new window after two-year wait
It went in within a week of Mary Smith sharing her story with Local Democracy Reporting.
Council considers time limits at three popular parking spots
Council seeks balance between needs of workers, and those wanting to use reserves.
'Honoured': Todd McClay claims victory in Rotorua seat
Todd McClay has retained has retained his position as electorate MP for Rotorua.
Bus-stop bashings school ‘rumbles’ and not serious, councillor tells meeting
He later said he conflated two incidents and believed one was serious.
Council leadership shake-up not driven by costs or criticism, executive says
Council yet to say if change will result in salary savings.
'Upset and distressed': Abortion protests banned around hospital
"They also felt judged by seeing protesters and their placards."
A battle, an escape and an olive tree: The story behind a symbol of friendship
The symbol is a tree, planted 51 years ago, that a councillor says was ignored until now.
A year as the mayor: Why Tania Tapsell smiles even after the hardest days
Plus: How Rotorua residents and councillors think their council is doing.
Revealed: What council boss told staff when he resigned
It comes as the council appoints an interim CEO while it recruits for a 'fresh start'.
Gold clam pest invasion prevention in Rotorua 'fast-moving', council official says
Councillors have asked how the district's lakes would be protected.
Water, water everywhere: What candidates have to say to flooded business owner
Rotorua MP candidates respond to Bryce Allan's story.
Geese and wallaby woes: What Rotorua candidates think of Predator Free 2050
Candidates were asked what their parties would do to control pests.
'Stop our children being a political rugby ball': Teacher's message to candidates
One teacher believes a lack of a cross-party shared vision is 'destroying our future'.
Te Pāti Māori candidate tops informal audience poll at chamber event
Rivals say some parties had more people in the crowd.
How to solve the housing shortage? What Rotorua election candidates say
It was the first time all six stood together before an audience.
Trolley troubles: Retailers promise to help pick up dumped trolleys
Ratepayers have been paying $5000 a month for city contractors to pick them up.
Need a 'chiropractor': National's Simeon Brown hits out over potholes
School speed limits have also come under fire.
Big turnout expected for Meet Your Candidate event in Rotorua
Organiser says he will be running a tight ship, with no tolerance for hecklers.
First she mowed city's overgrown grass. Now she's tackling litter, a trolley at a time
She says the litter problem is 'massive' and believes it has gotten worse recently.
CBD crime: New inner-city hub will house police, guardians, wardens
Where it will be, when it will open and who will work out of it.
IT upgrade costs council about $14.9m more than first budgeted
Rotorua Lakes Council had initially budgeted $3.4m for the project.
Reserve may become road for fast-tracked retirement village
The new road would be used for emergency and delivery access to the 280-unit village.
Rotorua council's chief executive steps down
Geoff Williams has led the council for 10 years.
$180m Fairy Springs retirement village plan on fast track
It would be the first Summerset village in Rotorua.