Michaela Gower is a Multimedia Journalist with the Hawke's Bay Today.
Michaela began as a reporter at Hawke's Bay Today in October 2023 after completing three years of study towards a Bachelor of Communication majoring in journalism and minoring in media studies. She is particularly passionate about sharing positive and progressive stories about the farming industry and getting the stories of the back blocks into places where people read and can understand and learn more about the farming lifestyle. Michaela grew up on a sheep and beef farm and it had a real impact on who she is and what she likes to write about. She wanted to combine her passion for rural life with her passion for writing so decided from a young age she wanted to be a journalist, and pursued that dream ever since. Michaela hopes with each story she writes she can make a difference. You can contact Michaela at michaela.gower@nzme.co.nz.
![Wairoa still in State of Emergency as council runs Givealittle page for donations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Wairoa still in State of Emergency as council runs Givealittle page for donations
Council chooses to run Givealittle page for a struggling community.
![Waipawa’s new roundabout creating community conversations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Waipawa’s new roundabout creating community conversations
Waipawa's new roundabout causing concern, mayor says it is a "no brainer".
!['They were part way up the tree': Sheep surrounded by flood water lifted to safety](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'They were part way up the tree': Sheep surrounded by flood water lifted to safety
'I drove past and looked at them and thought ‘crap they are going to have to move’.'
!['Steep rise': Tararua council considers ‘smoothing’ of rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Steep rise': Tararua council considers ‘smoothing’ of rates
Tararua mayor conscious of 'intergenerational debt'.
![Ovarian cancer: Learn the symptoms and know the signs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ovarian cancer: Learn the symptoms and know the signs
'Ovarian cancer spreads like a spider web, so it’s a long time before you see it.'
![Escaped sheep alert people to theft of tools, fuel and machinery at Showgrounds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Escaped sheep alert people to theft of tools, fuel and machinery at Showgrounds
Sheep out on the football field alerted people to a theft at the showgrounds.
![Two ‘suspicious’ vehicle fires on same street a day apart not related, police say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Two ‘suspicious’ vehicle fires on same street a day apart not related, police say
Second car fire on Tennyson St came a day after witness saw the 'firebombing' of a ute.
![‘Firebomb’ destroys family vehicle: ‘We watched our $100,000 ute go up in flames’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Firebomb’ destroys family vehicle: ‘We watched our $100,000 ute go up in flames’
A witness saw four masked men - one threw 'something really big' at the ute.
![‘Everybody as far as I know is still alive’: Champion Pōrangahau team reunites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Everybody as far as I know is still alive’: Champion Pōrangahau team reunites
'In the old days in first-class rugby, ladies weren’t allowed at the after-match...'
![Napier Farmers targeted in latest Hawke's Bay break in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Napier Farmers targeted in latest Hawke's Bay break in
A business owner says retail crime is happening too often across the city.
![Wet weather cancels Matariki-inspired event in Flaxmere](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Wet weather cancels Matariki-inspired event in Flaxmere
The event would have featured lanterns being floated in a pond at a park.
![Purple patch after theft: Bay Blueberries bounces back with industry security advice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Purple patch after theft: Bay Blueberries bounces back with industry security advice
Events and workshops will attract growers, exporters and suppliers.
![Keeping it Smedley: Trees grown on farm transformed into education facilities by cadets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Keeping it Smedley: Trees grown on farm transformed into education facilities by cadets
The cadets built an education hub. Now their attention is focused on a six-stand woolshed.
![Blowing people away with a $10,000 6m metal feather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Blowing people away with a $10,000 6m metal feather
Hawke's Bay residents have a chance to have their names etched into new building's legacy.
![13-year-old busks his way around the country to fund potentially life-changing trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
13-year-old busks his way around the country to fund potentially life-changing trip
Gabriel Rodrigues has a minute to wow judges and win a life-changing scholarship.
![Hawke's Bay home to Lotto winners](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hawke's Bay home to Lotto winners
The top prize rolled over to a $50m must-be-won draw on Saturday.
![Dannevirke farmer wins title at NZ dog trial champs on final run before dog’s retirement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Dannevirke farmer wins title at NZ dog trial champs on final run before dog’s retirement
One man and his dog from Dannevirke take home a special win from NZ dog trial champs.
![Central Hawke’s Bay residents feel ‘ripped off’ by fuel prices](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Central Hawke’s Bay residents feel ‘ripped off’ by fuel prices
Andrew Northe says 91 prices are consistently 30c/l higher than in neighbouring Hastings.
![New World worker's focus on people and pastry leads to longstanding career](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
New World worker's focus on people and pastry leads to longstanding career
Judy Brown says her 30 years at the Dannevirke supermarket 'didn't feel that long'.
![Kiwi family-of-five's 20 months of caravan life: 'So much freedom to choose'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiwi family-of-five's 20 months of caravan life: 'So much freedom to choose'
'We're taking this opportunity while the kids still think mum and dad are cool.'
![Silent hidden damage: Electric motorbike riders tear up BMX track](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Silent hidden damage: Electric motorbike riders tear up BMX track
Stuck in a rut: 'If the front wheel goes in there, it’s all over at 50km/h.'
![Principal feels school lunches improved student attendance, and behaviour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Principal feels school lunches improved student attendance, and behaviour
'Why would we punish the kids for not having food?'
![A train modeller's work is never complete: 'I’m going to be working on this until I’m 100'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
A train modeller's work is never complete: 'I’m going to be working on this until I’m 100'
Tony Simons, 70, will this King’s Birthday weekend showcase his labour of love.
![Central Hawke’s Bay Reaper Burger Challenge: ‘You can see the struggle on their faces’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Central Hawke’s Bay Reaper Burger Challenge: ‘You can see the struggle on their faces’
Reporter Michaela Gower goes to a place no smart woman has ever gone before.
![Hawke's Bay's the place to be for King's Birthday - swells to ease, 20C-plus expected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hawke's Bay's the place to be for King's Birthday - swells to ease, 20C-plus expected
Temperatures are expected to be in the low 20s on Thursday to Saturday.
![Weather: Hawke's Bay poised for cool, dry, fine weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Weather: Hawke's Bay poised for cool, dry, fine weekend
Rug up warm on Saturday sidelines.
!['Fantastic': Community praised as stolen coffee cart found](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Fantastic': Community praised as stolen coffee cart found
Coffee cart found on Napier property and taken for fingerprints.
![Kiwi teen sets up website for second-hand uniforms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Kiwi teen sets up website for second-hand uniforms
Teen creates one-stop second-hand uniform website.
![Caffeine-hit: Thieves help themselves to coffee cart parked outside owner's home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Caffeine-hit: Thieves help themselves to coffee cart parked outside owner's home
Bruce McKenzie rubbed his caffeine-free eyes and realised he wasn’t just seeing things.
![Firefighter honours fallen friend during Sky Tower climb: 'He's with me all the way up'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Firefighter honours fallen friend during Sky Tower climb: 'He's with me all the way up'
RA died in November after a cancer battle. Toby Walker was determined to honour him.
![‘Why did I do this?': Hospital doctor's 'grim' 32-hour weekends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
‘Why did I do this?': Hospital doctor's 'grim' 32-hour weekends
'I think people should have to do a week as a junior doctor.'
![Feijoa jam 101: The teacher showing kids how to save seasonal produce](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Feijoa jam 101: The teacher showing kids how to save seasonal produce
She learned to preserve as a teenager in a foster home, now she's teaching others.
!['It had to be done': Why a section of Napier-Gisborne railway line is being taken away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It had to be done': Why a section of Napier-Gisborne railway line is being taken away
A railway line in northern Hawke's Bay is being removed to move the eroding road over.
![Boy racers do 'burnout circles' around young woman in middle of intersection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Boy racers do 'burnout circles' around young woman in middle of intersection
Police say boy racer activity near Dannevirke is becoming more common, and more brazen.
![Soldier settlement site recalls 'almost forgotten' history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Soldier settlement site recalls 'almost forgotten' history
Heritage site to honour Dannevirke's WWI soldiers' part in farming rehabilitation schemes.
![Exhibition hopes for a revival in art of woollen crafts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Exhibition hopes for a revival in art of woollen crafts
'Unless we get young people to come on board and show an interest, these crafts will die.'
![Ram raiders filmed as they drove car into storefront 20 times](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ram raiders filmed as they drove car into storefront 20 times
'Finally the rest of the world’s chaos has caught up with us.'
![No bodies buried here: Forest of Memories keeps past alive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
No bodies buried here: Forest of Memories keeps past alive
A CHB treasure is in need of a little helping hand to keep it beautiful.
!['Getting the cows, learning lines': From a dairy hamlet to Shakespeare](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Getting the cows, learning lines': From a dairy hamlet to Shakespeare
A rural actor who learns lines amongst cows is set to be front stage at the Globe.
!['Came out the other end': One of NZ's top organic farmers on how she healed the land and herself](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Came out the other end': One of NZ's top organic farmers on how she healed the land and herself
It took a life-changing diagnosis for Charlotte Heald to realise what she should focus on.
!['A bit of banter': Competition on the maimai still high after 35 years of father-son duck shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'A bit of banter': Competition on the maimai still high after 35 years of father-son duck shooting
'If someone does a terrible shot we let them know.'
![Test, fail, get a free critique: Woman giving driving lessons says she's lost 75% of her customers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Test, fail, get a free critique: Woman giving driving lessons says she's lost 75% of her customers
Learners are using free practical driving tests to replace lessons, business says.
![The battle for Hawke's Bay Tourism: Who should fund it, and what would happen if it disappeared?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The battle for Hawke's Bay Tourism: Who should fund it, and what would happen if it disappeared?
Tourism businesses pay it $160k in annual membership fees, ratepayers pay a $1.5m grant.
!['Soak up all the positives': One widow's push to give back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Soak up all the positives': One widow's push to give back
Abby Hopkirk's running a half marathon in memory of her husband who died of a tumour.
![A 'small-town girl' and a man seeking 'traditional': Can Hawke's Bay pull off a Bachelor-style show?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
A 'small-town girl' and a man seeking 'traditional': Can Hawke's Bay pull off a Bachelor-style show?
Michaela Gower goes behind the scenes with Hawke's Bay's bachelor and bachelorette.
![Hawke’s Bay Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine owner: ‘They just crack up and laugh’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hawke’s Bay Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine owner: ‘They just crack up and laugh’
Hastings is home to a timeless television and film icon.
![Central Hawke's Bay WWII veteran: 'It’s crazy, isn’t it, killing a human being?'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Central Hawke's Bay WWII veteran: 'It’s crazy, isn’t it, killing a human being?'
Veteran says luck was on his side during his time fighting in WWII.
!['I sat down and made a personal commitment': Dealing with disaster](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I sat down and made a personal commitment': Dealing with disaster
Tessa Appleby's resilient nature saw her get through the cyclone and thrive as a leader.
![National Youth Drama School: 'It could only happen in Hawke’s Bay'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
National Youth Drama School: 'It could only happen in Hawke’s Bay'
The week-long intensive programme encourages kids down a creative path.
![Cunning trout try to evade anglers at Fish & Game open day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Cunning trout try to evade anglers at Fish & Game open day
Trout fishing is encouraged at the Fish & Game wetland ponds.
!['Plague-like proportions': Mice invade homes in Central Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Plague-like proportions': Mice invade homes in Central Hawke's Bay
Pourerere plagued with rodents as cooler temperatures draw mice into homes.
![Anzac trip to Gallipoli: 'I already know I will be crying'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anzac trip to Gallipoli: 'I already know I will be crying'
Emotional experience expected for a group headed to Turkey for Anzac commemorations.
!['Pretty useful genetics': Why one region is set for a deer hunting boon in coming years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Pretty useful genetics': Why one region is set for a deer hunting boon in coming years
Farmed animals escaped during the cyclone and will have mated with the wild population.
![Meet Rayleen, the stingray making friends with port security guards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Meet Rayleen, the stingray making friends with port security guards
Alex MacGregor's patrols always include a 'gidday' to the stingray that keeps coming back.
!['Always doubted myself': Ashleigh was a 15-year-old school drop out, now she's a valedictorian](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Always doubted myself': Ashleigh was a 15-year-old school drop out, now she's a valedictorian
From high school dropout to EIT valedictorian.
![Rugby union shifts club's home games after team van shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rugby union shifts club's home games after team van shooting
Games will be moved to Tremain Field in Napier for the 'foreseeable future'.
![Search continues for rock tosser who smashed window of bus carrying 47 kids](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Search continues for rock tosser who smashed window of bus carrying 47 kids
A school principal has commended the actions of a bus driver after a 'scary' incident.
!['Same behaviour': Photos show holes in sports team's van in earlier Hawke's Bay incident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Same behaviour': Photos show holes in sports team's van in earlier Hawke's Bay incident
'How someone didn’t get killed I just don’t know.'
!['Getting beyond the police': Eight members of rugby team and coach inside shot van](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Getting beyond the police': Eight members of rugby team and coach inside shot van
Club captain Guy Taylor was driving as shotgun pellets rained down on the van.
![Rugby game turns violent: Knives brandished on rugby field, team van shot at](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rugby game turns violent: Knives brandished on rugby field, team van shot at
A photo shows the van with close to 50 holes in its back window.
![Plan to pull Hawke's Bay Tourism funding - chair fears 'regional backwater' will be the result](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Plan to pull Hawke's Bay Tourism funding - chair fears 'regional backwater' will be the result
'Hawke’s Bay will lose ground to other regions, and become a regional backwater.'
![A 'full kete' and newfound confidence for women divers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
A 'full kete' and newfound confidence for women divers
One woman's quest to help females feed families and build confidence gathering kai.
![Hawke's Bay Air Force veteran features on special NZ Post stamp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hawke's Bay Air Force veteran features on special NZ Post stamp
The story behind the stamps is to show that NZ's veterans are not just ‘elderly men’.
![Adopt Kevin Buckston: Not-so-gruff billy goat has new home in Tararua District](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Adopt Kevin Buckston: Not-so-gruff billy goat has new home in Tararua District
The rescue goat was placed up for adoption, but it took just hours to find him a home.
!['They get wiped out and we start again': Trail-blazing bike park to open](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'They get wiped out and we start again': Trail-blazing bike park to open
Mountain-bike trail to open after previous park destroyed.
![Plan to sink Hawke's Bay fishing trawler to provide home for marine life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Plan to sink Hawke's Bay fishing trawler to provide home for marine life
Retiring to the reef, the Twofold Bay trawler is to be given a second life.
!['Ready to go': Exotic sheep breeder hangs up the gumboots](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Ready to go': Exotic sheep breeder hangs up the gumboots
Wimbledon resident reflects on ups and downs of farming career.
!['Speeds of 80km/h': Sisters square off in US blokart champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Speeds of 80km/h': Sisters square off in US blokart champs
Hawke's Bay family make up four of the 25 Kiwis competing on salt flats.
![Waimārama woman crowned Repco Beach Hop queen in Whangamatā](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Waimārama woman crowned Repco Beach Hop queen in Whangamatā
A burlesque dance instructor takes the crown at the Whangamata Beach Hop.
![Show secrets: Who will play Hawke's Bay's bachelor and bachelorette?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Show secrets: Who will play Hawke's Bay's bachelor and bachelorette?
Hawke's Bay reality series The Bay-chelor teases the leading male role.
![Bones of kauri: Waipawa's oldest home hits the market](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Bones of kauri: Waipawa's oldest home hits the market
The old home has been owned by prominent members of the Central Hawke's Bay community.
!['We need to look after them': Volunteers to deliver meals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We need to look after them': Volunteers to deliver meals
Volunteers will hit the road three days a week.
![Young mum who's collected 638 Golden Books: ‘My husband banned me from the op shops for two years’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Young mum who's collected 638 Golden Books: ‘My husband banned me from the op shops for two years’
Elvira Guylott says her hobby is a 'bad obsession', but she has her husband on board now.
![Club wants proposed multisport complex to be at Dannevirke showgrounds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Club wants proposed multisport complex to be at Dannevirke showgrounds
The multisport complex committee says the Domain is a 'clearly superior location'.
![The man hiding $50 notes in public spaces across the country](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
The man hiding $50 notes in public spaces across the country
A chance encounter with a beggar beside a KFC inspired him to start the movement.
![She thought the underwear theft would be a brief setback — then it happened again and again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
She thought the underwear theft would be a brief setback — then it happened again and again
A thief targeting Paige Lanigan's washing line started out as annoying. Now it's awful.
!['Massive recession’ likely for Hawke’s Bay, mayor says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Massive recession’ likely for Hawke’s Bay, mayor says
Economists and CEOs see light at the end of the tunnel. What about on the streets?
![Donation goes some way to saving Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank as pause looms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Donation goes some way to saving Hawke's Bay Knowledge Bank as pause looms
Private donation enables the digital archive to continue for three months.