Megan Wood is a food, travel and lifestyle writer based in Auckland.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Why Alan Ritchson is 'nerdy enough' to play Jack Reacher
Tom Cruise failed in the role but the new series star reckons he has the right stuff.
Opinion: I am here for my kids, not to entertain yours
When I am out playing with my kids I don't really want to have to look after yours too.
Nine family-friendly movies that grown-ups will enjoy too
Fill the long holiday days and nights with these movies that even the adults will enjoy.
Family Affair: Auckland's best kid-friendly restaurants
There's something for everyone at these family-friendly eateries.
Very merry music: Best Christmas albums of all time
Set the right festive tone with these crowd-pleasing tunes.
How to talk to kids and teens about their weight
Experts weigh in on how to have a healthy conversation about weight these holidays.
9 ways to take the stress out of Christmas gift shopping
How to get your gift shopping done speedily, successfully and with your sanity intact.
Michael Buble lets big news slip to Kiwi radio hosts
Singer Michael Buble drops a huge announcement on the Coast breakfast radio show.
Where to save and where to splurge on Christmas dinner
Put your money where it matters when planning your Christmas feast this year.
Expert advice for minimising return to school anxiety
Child Psychologist, Emma Woodward, shares tips for getting kids happily back to school.
The best books to cuddle up with on rainy days
These addictive novels will see you while away the indoor hours in a very happy way.
Vax vs anti-vax: Divide tearing families apart
Kiwis are being forced to choose sides in the Covid-19 vaccination debate.
How to: Easy 5-ingredient natural beeswax moisturiser
For those looking for a more natural way to look after your skin, try this DIY lotion.
Kitchen-based boredom busters for kids
If you attempt kitchen fun with your kids expecting mess and chaos you will enjoy it more.
'Death game' TV shows and movies to watch after Squid Game
If you were sucked into the Squid Game then these TV shows and movies should be next.
Beyond banana bread: Make magic with overripe bananas
If you panic shopped bananas that have now gone brown, these recipes are what you need.
The best local eateries we can't get enough of in level 3
Let's support local eats now that we are in level 3, here are some of our favourites.
Top Auckland restaurants serving up in level 3
Indulge in some take-away to celebrate Auckland's move from level 4.
Four ingredient no-knead artisan bread
If you need something to get you excited about cooking again, this loaf is it.
Up your vege intake with these moreish muffins
If you can't remember the last time you ate green veg then these muffins are for you.
Who is the Kiwi rapper in The Panthers?
Watched The Panthers and were wondering about the music? Here's what you need to know.
The two ingredient coconut macaroons you need right now
Create some lockdown joy with sweet treats that are a breeze to make.
Five quick dinners using only five ingredients
From creamy mushroom pasta to a nutrient packed spinach quiche in no time.
How a little gratitude can help you through lockdown
Look after your mental health during lockdown with this simple daily routine.
Missing takeaways? The top supermarket items to curb your cravings
Tried and tested speedy supermarket winners that are (almost) as good as takeout.
Lockdown baking favourites you need right now
From banana bread to cookies, sourdough and those moreish sticky cinnamon buns.
Oatmeal choc cookies + more lockdown snacks
Cookies you won't be able to get enough of, bliss balls, blissful bruschetta and more.
Lockdown inspiration: Dinners using simple pantry staples
If you can't leave the house and supplies are dwindling, these meals will save the day.
Bake these easy lockdown lemon bars
If you have lemons on hand and a few pantry staples then these lemony bars are a must.
Is this NZ's most dog-friendly town?
Megan Wood explores the wonders of Taupo with her fluffy four-legged companion.
Supermarket 'cheat' products you need this lockdown
Lockdown dinners made simple with these easy to come by cooking shortcuts.
Quick and easy five-ingredient cheese puffs recipe
Just five ingredients is all it takes to make these cheesy, kid-friendly bites.
13 ingredient swaps that will save you a trip to the supermarket
Become an ingredient-swapping ninja with these easy and thrifty cooking substitutions.
11 easy lockdown recipes you'll love
11 fuss free recipes to help you make the next three days go a little easier.
If you don't dance, you get no Synthony
Synthony takes genre bending to a whole new level and I challenge anyone to keep still.
Opinion: Can drivers please stop trying to kill me?
They help reduce traffic congestion, which begs the question, why are cyclists so hated?
Remembering the 90s music we once loved
From rock to rap, here is some seriously good 90s music that you need to revisit.
How to taste and choose a good wine for under $25
A world class wine judge reveals how to 'taste' wine and recommends new varieties to try.
Must try food and drinks from the Auckland Food Show
All of the best Kiwi food and drink goodies on show in Auckland right now.
Courtney Barnett wows in Auckland, teases new album
Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett proves she doesn't need a backing band.
The best NZ restaurants for escaping the cold
These restaurants, bars, bistros and cafes from all over NZ just ooze warm and cosy.
Madagascar the Musical: A treat for the whole family
This all-singing, all-dancing adaptation of the popular DreamWorks film is a lot of fun.
From $2 to $400: Kiwi kitchen essentials you actually need
The must have kitchen utensils, appliances and gadgets every Kiwi cook needs.
15 TV shows you should binge watch right now
Up your streaming game with these addictive lesser-known dramas, thrillers and comedies.
NZ-made DIY bubble tea kits sell out in record time
NZ-made bubble tea kits sell out in OZ, are about to drop in NZ, but are they any good?
11 easy ways to boost your mood this winter
Keep the winter blues at bay with one of these happy-making self care ideas.
Are alcohol-free spirits the answer this Dry July?
Alcohol-free spirits are suddenly everywhere but are they any good and worth a try?
Balenciaga release stiletto Crocs and Twitter is going crazy
High-end fashion house Balenciaga has teamed up with Crocs to create something ... unique.
Challenging cooking techniques explained and debunked
From bread to bechamel and pasta from scratch, find out how easy they can be to make.
Aussie comedian Tim Minchin is coming to seduce you
Tim Minchin promises an evening of seduction as he returns to NZ for his encore tour.
The gourmet guide to going gluten-free
What are the best gluten-free alternatives in stores today – bread, pasta and more.
Five impressive ways to up your slow cooker game
Make your slow cooker your sanity saver this winter with hands-off roasts and more.
Best in brew: Who is roasting Auckland's best coffee?
We taste test 10 of the most popular coffee beans around town to find the very best.
Why all the hype about air fryers and do you need one?
I spent two weeks putting an air fryer through its paces and this is what I found out.
Where to save and to skimp: Kitchen pantry dos and don'ts
Find out which pantry staples you can cut costs on and those you really shouldn't.
Wills and Kate release adorable anniversary pics
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are celebrating their 10-year anniversary with new pics.
Nine easy ways to reduce food waste
Why you should never throw out vege scraps, bread or banana skins plus more kitchen savers
Kings of Leon announce huge Auckland show
Kings of Leon discuss lockdown, music and how thrilled they are to return to NZ in 2022.
Cooking hacks to turn your kids into confident cooks
Teach your kids how to crack an egg, decipher a recipe and why baking is really science.
5 delicious hot cross buns to buy or DIY
Kiwis rejoice - the best buns in town are here and ready to serve piping hot this Easter.
11 romantic movies for Valentine's Day and where to watch them
From singles to star-crossed lovers there is a movie for everyone on this romantic list.
Ganesh Raj: How to bring simplicity back to cooking
Ganesh Raj wants to give Thames a 'big shout out' and bring simplicity back to cooking.
'Mum-shaming is the worst part of my son's ADHD'
A lack of awareness from other parents makes parenting a child with ADHD even harder
Beyond Bridgerton: Binge these period dramas next
If you've lost sleep bingeing on Bridgerton, here are 11 period dramas you will love, too.
Aquarium's new stingray pups are too cute for words
Kelly Tarlton's new baby ray pups are the pure content you never knew you needed.
New Plymouth's rooms fit for royalty: King and Queen Suites
King and Queen Suites was perfectly located for Megan Wood's busy two days in Taranaki
Are we there yet? Stay sane with these family roadie tips
A savvy mother of two shares her tips for enjoying long drives with young kids.
Small but mighty: Eat, drink and be merry in Taranaki
For a mini-break filled with art, food and new friends, head to New Plymouth.
Eating out in Auckland is a family matter
Enjoy Auckland with kids in tow with the help of the best kid-friendly eateries around.
Holidays in Auckland where the pooch can come too
Bring the whole family with you on your next Auckland getaway, even the four-legged ones.
Planes, trains and Airbnb: The most unusual stays around New Zealand
Book a holiday to remember with these unique, anecdote-rich Airbnb stays.
A trip for the taste buds: Eating my way around the world with Auckland's food trucks
Megan Wood takes her tastes buds on whirlwind world tour of Auckland's best street food.
Is this Auckland's most intense new workout?
This cardiolates class promises to push you out of your comfort zone - but does it?
Does an e-bike improve fitness? Or is it 'cheating'?
Megan Wood climbs aboard an e-bike to find out if it is cheating or great exercise.