Laura Smith

Bay of Plenty

Journalist at Rotorua Daily Post

Journalist at Bay of Plenty Times

Multimedia Journalist at New Zealand Media and Entertainment

Articles

How this city is bucking the national trend for new home builds

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

More than 500 homes were built in Rotorua last year. Photo / Andrew WarnerRotorua has achieved its highest number of new homes in 14 years, with over 500 built. About half of the new homes are social housing or affordable rentals, mainly in central and western areas. The council aims for 3000 new homes in central and western areas by 2032, with 600 more in the pipeline. Rotorua has hit its highest number of new build homes in 14 years, bucking the national trend.
'Not a trivial matter': Lake Tarawera locals push for lower sewerage costs

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

A Tarawera resident's group is calling for funding clarity on a council sewerage scheme. Photo / Laura SmithA Lake Tarawera residents’ group says sewerage scheme costs for homeowners at the lake must be lowered and unaffordability is “not a trivial matter”. A member suggested homeowners not sign off on allowing connection works on their properties until they have funding certainty.
1200 delegates, 16,000 meetings, $3m spend: City 'buzzing' for TRENZ

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

More than 1200 international and New Zealand delegates will arrive in Rotorua to attend TRENZ next week. Rotorua’s tourism sector is preparing to host TRENZ, New Zealand’s largest international tourism event. The event will bring 1200 delegates, including 340 buyers from 26 markets, to the city. TRENZ is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with delegates spending over $3 million locally.
Rotorua Lakes Council to stay with LGNZ as councillors debate value for money

2 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

Rotorua Lakes councillors Don Paterson, Robert Lee and Conan O'Brien voted to leave LGNZ. Photos / Laura SmithRotorua Lakes Council will retain its membership with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) for 2025/26. Councillors debated the value of LGNZ, with some citing cost concerns and perceived political bias. Mayor Tania Tapsell emphasised the importance of LGNZ’s advocacy and support. Rotorua Lakes Council will keep its Local Government New Zealand membership - at least for now.
Why this rural town expects a ‘big crowd’ at its special Anzac Day service

3 weeks ago | radionz.co.nz | Laura Smith

Hundreds of people are expected to attend a Reporoa Anzac Day service where a photo wall unveiling will celebrate returned servicemen settler families. Alan Wills was among the small group of locals who for the past 18 months researched and worked on a photographic memorial wall for the community near Rotorua. Follow updates with RNZ's live blogThe 230 frames celebrate returned servicemen who settled in the area following both world wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Why this rural town expects a ‘big crowd’ at its special Anzac Day service

3 weeks ago | rnz.co.nz | Laura Smith

Hundreds of people are expected to attend a Reporoa Anzac Day service where a photo wall unveiling will celebrate returned servicemen settler families. Alan Wills was among the small group of locals who for the past 18 months researched and worked on a photographic memorial wall for the community near Rotorua. Follow updates with RNZ's live blogThe 230 frames celebrate returned servicemen who settled in the area following both world wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Why this rural town expects a ‘big crowd’ at its special Anzac Day service

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

Private Henare Reweti of the 28th Māori Battalion B Company will be remembered at the Reporoa Anzac Day service. Photo / Supplied and Google MapsHundreds of people are expected to attend a Reporoa Anzac Day service where a photo wall unveiling will celebrate returned servicemen settler families. Alan Wills was among the small group of locals who for the past 18 months researched and worked on a photographic memorial wall for the community near Rotorua.
Pioneering Māori pilot aims for message of aroha in Anzac Day speech

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

The Rotorua Anzac Day parade will begin at Te Arawa War Memorial next to the museum. Photo / Laura SmithA pioneering pilot is set to share a message of aroha at this year’s Rotorua Anzac Day service. Ahead of the day, she has shared how she has seen mixed reactions to her military uniform and how she hopes service people will continue to be supported and appreciated in Aotearoa.
Speed limit proposal dropped on Rotorua highway after community push

3 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Laura Smith

Sections of State Highway 5 are set to remain at 80km/h. Photo / Laura SmithA proposal to raise the speed limit on a busy section of Rotorua highway has been dropped in a move one petition creator has called a “victory for common sense”. The Government announced in January it would consult on reversing a swathe of state highway speed limits lowered under the Labour Government.
'Incompetence': Reserve neighbour slates delay to fell rotting tree

3 weeks ago | newstalkzb.co.nz | Laura Smith

Richard Diamond accused the council of “incompetence” for delaying the removal of a rotting tree. The tree was not felled until months after Diamond reported the rot. The council acknowledged the delay and promised improvements in communication and co-ordination for future issues. The neighbour of a Rotorua public reserve has claimed council “incompetence” in dealing with a large, rotting tree he feared could have endangered his family.