Michaela Pointon is a Multimedia Journalist for the Rotorua Daily Post.
Michaela Pointon is a multi-media journalist for The Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times, based in the Bay of Plenty region. She began working for NZME in 2023 after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Communications and Media, Film and Television at The University of Auckland. In 2022 she worked as a feature writer for a magazine company based in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. She moved back to the North Island to work in the daily newsroom in the Bay of Plenty in 2023.
![Horrified witnesses report man 'kicking' and 'dragging' puppy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Horrified witnesses report man 'kicking' and 'dragging' puppy
'He wasn’t trying to hide the fact [he was kicking the dog].'
!['Silent killer': Nurse battles cancer that has 'no specific screening test'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Silent killer': Nurse battles cancer that has 'no specific screening test'
She had 'always been fit and well' so the diagnosis at age 55 came as a 'shock'.
![Electronics store closed after early-morning burglary](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Electronics store closed after early-morning burglary
The burglary was reported about 2am.
![Stretching the food budget: Working parents skip meals to save money as prices rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Stretching the food budget: Working parents skip meals to save money as prices rise
Both parents work fulltime and budget 52 weeks of the year.
![Nappies and dead animals: The 'revolting' items being dumped in recycling bins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Nappies and dead animals: The 'revolting' items being dumped in recycling bins
'You wouldn’t want somebody to come in and throw a dead animal on your desk.'
![Tarawera Ultra-Trail 2024: New and familiar faces take championship of ultramarathon](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tarawera Ultra-Trail 2024: New and familiar faces take championship of ultramarathon
The event spans two days around Rotorua’s iconic lakes.
![First Māori to play at Wimbledon honoured with global accolade decades later](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
First Māori to play at Wimbledon honoured with global accolade decades later
Dame Ruia Morrison is still regarded as one of New Zealand’s best players of all time.
![Muggy nights: Major retailer running low on fans as temperatures soar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Muggy nights: Major retailer running low on fans as temperatures soar
Records tumble after 'very hot month' across Bay of Plenty.
!['Grooving jazz festival': Thousands set to attend annual music event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Grooving jazz festival': Thousands set to attend annual music event
About 700 musicians including youth performers will attend the festival in Tauranga.
![Warning as families turn to buy-now pay-later for groceries at The Warehouse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Warning as families turn to buy-now pay-later for groceries at The Warehouse
Families are using it to cover the cost of groceries.
!['Waitangi Day enables us to keep our culture alive': eventgoers celebrate history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Waitangi Day enables us to keep our culture alive': eventgoers celebrate history
An eventgoer said the day was about 'our history' and 'our future'.
![Mountain biking: Crankworx expected to pump up to $5m into economy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mountain biking: Crankworx expected to pump up to $5m into economy
The event has generated more than $34m in revenue over nine years.
![A fantastic cast: Phantom of the Opera to be staged in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
A fantastic cast: Phantom of the Opera to be staged in Rotorua
“It’s one of the top shows in the entire world”
!['Happened pretty fast': Young lifeguard saves girl caught in rip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Happened pretty fast': Young lifeguard saves girl caught in rip
The rescue came amid “gnarly sea conditions".
!['We’re all learning together': Programme aims to encourage use of te reo Māori in classrooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'We’re all learning together': Programme aims to encourage use of te reo Māori in classrooms
About 70 per cent of the school's students identify as Māori.
![Surf update: 'Some big waves' rolling in, praise for beachgoers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Surf update: 'Some big waves' rolling in, praise for beachgoers
The MetService has forecast rough seas.
!['On the water... everyone is equal': Meet the 93-year-old competitive rower](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'On the water... everyone is equal': Meet the 93-year-old competitive rower
He had a taste of the sport as a child before returning to it in his 70s.
!['Rough out there': Warning to walkers as 'big waves' surge up beaches](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Rough out there': Warning to walkers as 'big waves' surge up beaches
A lifeguard said it was 'pretty rough out there'.
![Lifeguards issue warning after dislocated limbs and rescues as 'pretty gnarly' surf hits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Lifeguards issue warning after dislocated limbs and rescues as 'pretty gnarly' surf hits
The worst ocean conditions are expected to arrive on Monday.
!['It's just a joke': Noise limits 'impossible' for busy bar and eatery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It's just a joke': Noise limits 'impossible' for busy bar and eatery
Regulation requires noise levels at bars to be similar to moderate conversation level.
![School's 'radical' $40k gamble of free uniforms for attendance. Did it pay off?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
School's 'radical' $40k gamble of free uniforms for attendance. Did it pay off?
'We don’t want to have any barriers to learning.'
![Hot jobs: How people working in 50C are coping](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Hot jobs: How people working in 50C are coping
Chefs, air con installers and builders are working in the heat this summer.
![Young Kiwis at Harvard University on meeting Jacinda Ardern, campus culture](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Young Kiwis at Harvard University on meeting Jacinda Ardern, campus culture
'It’s awesome to have her joining our little Kiwi Harvard community.'
!['Absolutely appalled': Mum of teen vaper says axing Smokefree laws a step back](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Absolutely appalled': Mum of teen vaper says axing Smokefree laws a step back
One parent called for 'moral leadership' from National.
!['Electric' scenes as Bay Dreams festival debuts new venue](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Electric' scenes as Bay Dreams festival debuts new venue
The crowd of about 8500 was 'pretty well-behaved', the festival organiser says.
!['Making other people happy': How a piano turned up on a lake shore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Making other people happy': How a piano turned up on a lake shore
'You see them walk past, come back, and then get their phones out, their cameras out.'
![Optimism at campgrounds despite wet NYE forecast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Optimism at campgrounds despite wet NYE forecast
'People are happy to get out and life’s too short. People go, ‘let’s just do it’.'
!['Lifelong' healing journey: Rotorua woman honoured for violence prevention work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Lifelong' healing journey: Rotorua woman honoured for violence prevention work
“I was born into a violent environment. That’s all I ever knew."
![What NZ's El Nino summer could reveal about great white sharks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What NZ's El Nino summer could reveal about great white sharks
'There is a lot of unknown in the ocean,' shark expert Dr Riley Elliott says.
!['People go nuts for them': Berry growers ready for a busy summer season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'People go nuts for them': Berry growers ready for a busy summer season
'It’s looking like it’s going to be a great summer.'
![Food bank aims to 'show love and give hope'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Food bank aims to 'show love and give hope'
Manager says organisation needs to 'look at helping the whole person'.
!['Surprisingly therapeutic': My afternoon packing parcels at the foodbank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Surprisingly therapeutic': My afternoon packing parcels at the foodbank
I saw first-hand how dedicated the team is to treating people with mana and dignity.
![Iwi leader fears lifting pseudoephedrine ban will put more P on the streets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Iwi leader fears lifting pseudoephedrine ban will put more P on the streets
'You’re not doing your country any good to put it on the shelves.'
![KiwiSaver fight: Seriously ill woman's battle to withdraw money](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
KiwiSaver fight: Seriously ill woman's battle to withdraw money
She has an incurable condition and needs the money to help extend her life.
![You beauty Rotorua! Fill the Bus sets new record](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
You beauty Rotorua! Fill the Bus sets new record
One school donated an incredible 1236 items.
!['Beautiful kaupapa': Fill the Bus greeted with generous donations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Beautiful kaupapa': Fill the Bus greeted with generous donations
One 12-year-old boy donated 120 cans to the campaign.
![Fill the Bus live: Student's whopping donation to foodbank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Fill the Bus live: Student's whopping donation to foodbank
Today we fill the bus for the Salvation Army Rotorua's foodbank.
!['It’s like having a child': Owners of diabetic pets face big costs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It’s like having a child': Owners of diabetic pets face big costs
One vet says pet owners should not “reward the waistline” with treats.
![Anxiety, depression, social struggles: 'Dire' shortage of help for some young Kiwis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Anxiety, depression, social struggles: 'Dire' shortage of help for some young Kiwis
Kids aged 11-13 grapple with issues previously not faced until 15 or 16, says principal.
![City cafe holding a coffee for a can day to support foodbank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
City cafe holding a coffee for a can day to support foodbank
Barista coffee will be handed out in exchange for canned goods.
!['Game-changing moment': Safety hub opens in CBD](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Game-changing moment': Safety hub opens in CBD
The hub plan was announced after two attacks on teen girls in the CBD in August.
![Rotorua Christmas Appeal: Miss Rotorua, MP, Business Chamber back food bank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rotorua Christmas Appeal: Miss Rotorua, MP, Business Chamber back food bank
“It’s a special time of the year, and everybody deserves to be able to enjoy it."
![A black mark on her brain: Scan after concussion changes teacher's life 'overnight'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
A black mark on her brain: Scan after concussion changes teacher's life 'overnight'
Within months, specialists were flying from Australia to perform complex brain surgery.
![“People are living week to week”: Ordinary families struggling this Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
“People are living week to week”: Ordinary families struggling this Christmas
“It’s not easy to walk through the doors and ask for help."
![Caught red-pawed: Meet the serial dog burglar who made off with a neighbour's beef roast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Caught red-pawed: Meet the serial dog burglar who made off with a neighbour's beef roast
Leo's swag of stolen goods includes work shorts, cheese graters, a hot pie and tarakihi.
!['I don’t think they need them there': Why dad-of-three backs school phone bans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I don’t think they need them there': Why dad-of-three backs school phone bans
A Tauranga high school is banning students from using phones during the school day.
![Old roof beside highway described as an 'eyesore' and 'abscess':](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Old roof beside highway described as an 'eyesore' and 'abscess':
He believes it's a bad look for tourists arriving. But a resolution may be on the horizon.
!['Everything I create, it's going to last forever': Business awards winner aiming to reinvent the customer experience](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Everything I create, it's going to last forever': Business awards winner aiming to reinvent the customer experience
Storytelling behind the family heirlooms will 'last forever'.
![Crunch time: Best 'brain' foods to eat for NCEA exams plus top study tips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Crunch time: Best 'brain' foods to eat for NCEA exams plus top study tips
Experts and students share advice as 145,000 teens prepare for NCEA exams.
![Crunch time: Best 'brain' foods to eat for NCEA exams plus top study tips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Crunch time: Best 'brain' foods to eat for NCEA exams plus top study tips
A nutritionist shares brain food recommendations as students gear up for exams.
!['Legal and financial minefield': How blended families can avoid inheritance battles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Legal and financial minefield': How blended families can avoid inheritance battles
Every family is unique but blended families have some more complications.
!['Shock factor': Teacher-turned-makeup artist shares her Halloween horrors](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Shock factor': Teacher-turned-makeup artist shares her Halloween horrors
'I've always just loved creepy things.'
![Sausage secrets: How butchers came up with banger sangers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Sausage secrets: How butchers came up with banger sangers
"They sliced it open … [and saw] it had all these fresh ingredients"
![Ex-All Black, pro-mixed martial artist and 28th Māori Battalion member join Hall of Fame](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Ex-All Black, pro-mixed martial artist and 28th Māori Battalion member join Hall of Fame
'The success range is quite incredible', says principal.
![Car crashes into storefront in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Car crashes into storefront in Rotorua
'We are happy that he’s not been harmed because he is taonga.'
!['Hibernation' over: Long weekend set to be pumping as visitors converge on city](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Hibernation' over: Long weekend set to be pumping as visitors converge on city
Labour Weekend marks the start of the tourism high season for Rotorua.
![Tauranga will be 'abuzz with visitors' this Labour Weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Tauranga will be 'abuzz with visitors' this Labour Weekend
Many different interactive and local events will be held this weekend in the region.
!['I’m one of the lucky ones', breast cancer survivor says ahead of Pink Walk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'I’m one of the lucky ones', breast cancer survivor says ahead of Pink Walk
Rotorua walkers are preparing to walk in a colourful pink crowd tomorrow night.
!['There’s a tide turning,' Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says in Waiariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'There’s a tide turning,' Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says in Waiariki
Waititi called for a Māori electoral commission after voting issues were reported today.
!['It was really fun': School funds trip for students who show positive attitude to learning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It was really fun': School funds trip for students who show positive attitude to learning
School trip a reward for school attendance and positive attitude.
!['Won't give up': How mum landed 'dream' role despite never having a job as an adult](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Won't give up': How mum landed 'dream' role despite never having a job as an adult
'If I didn’t believe, everyone at the foundation believed in me to make it happen'.
![Te Pāti Māori candidate for Waiariki electorate, Rawiri Waititi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Te Pāti Māori candidate for Waiariki electorate, Rawiri Waititi
It’s been an honour to serve our people ... I would like that privilege again.'
!['Huge loss': Spring celebration planned in nature-lover's memory](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Huge loss': Spring celebration planned in nature-lover's memory
'He was recycling before anyone knew what it was.'
![Determination, hard work and love: 100-year-old's secrets to a long life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Determination, hard work and love: 100-year-old's secrets to a long life
"She’s a very determined person, that’s why she’s lived so long."
!['It’s very exciting': Three new species of beetles discovered in Rotorua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'It’s very exciting': Three new species of beetles discovered in Rotorua
Pest control is believed to have played a major role in improving biodiversity.
![How to talk about death: Former hospice nurse's advice on facing 'the inevitable'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
How to talk about death: Former hospice nurse's advice on facing 'the inevitable'
"The only way to get to those deeper levels is to have those deep conversations."
![Rentals 'snatched up within a day of being listed' in Tauranga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Rentals 'snatched up within a day of being listed' in Tauranga
Tauranga was in the top 10 most expensive districts to rent in during August.
!['Definitely feel the rise in rent': Cost takes up half of Rotorua renter's pay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'Definitely feel the rise in rent': Cost takes up half of Rotorua renter's pay
One renter said he could 'definitely feel the rise in rent'.
![Proud, but struggling: The young Kiwi carers fighting to be 'seen'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Proud, but struggling: The young Kiwi carers fighting to be 'seen'
'They always look at the person with the brain injury and [not] the people behind them.'
![Teen girl bus-stop bashing: What election candidates have to say to her mum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Teen girl bus-stop bashing: What election candidates have to say to her mum
Candidates respond to comments made by the victim's mother.
![Vision New Zealand candidate for Waiariki electorate, Charles Tiki Hunia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Vision New Zealand candidate for Waiariki electorate, Charles Tiki Hunia
An insight into Waiariki MP Vision New Zealand candidate Charles Tiki Hunia.
![Chronic asthma: Girl hospitalised 23 times for respiratory illnesses](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Chronic asthma: Girl hospitalised 23 times for respiratory illnesses
Chloe Crump has been hospitalised 23 times for her respiratory conditions,
!['This saved my life': Cancer survivor urges men over 50 to get simple test](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
'This saved my life': Cancer survivor urges men over 50 to get simple test
He said a simple PSA blood test saved his life and more men should get checked.
![What election candidates say to a mum and whānau living in a motel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
What election candidates say to a mum and whānau living in a motel
Rotorua and Waiariki MP candidates respond to Pareuruora Rangirangi's story.
![Aquatic Centre closed: Swim clubs travelling out of town and fear long-term pool closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Aquatic Centre closed: Swim clubs travelling out of town and fear long-term pool closure
It is unknown when the centre will reopen.
![Mum in emergency housing wins Miss Rotorua 2023](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=784)
Mum in emergency housing wins Miss Rotorua 2023
The mother battling for a better future for her children has won Miss Rotorua.