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.
![Nappies and dead animals: The 'revolting' items being dumped in recycling bins](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.'
![Muggy nights: Major retailer running low on fans as temperatures soar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
'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=793)
Warning as families turn to buy-now pay-later for groceries at The Warehouse
Families are using it to cover the cost of groceries.
!['Happened pretty fast': Young lifeguard saves girl caught in rip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Happened pretty fast': Young lifeguard saves girl caught in rip
The rescue came amid “gnarly sea conditions".
![Surf update: 'Some big waves' rolling in, praise for beachgoers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
'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=793)
'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=793)
Lifeguards issue warning after dislocated limbs and rescues as 'pretty gnarly' surf hits
The worst ocean conditions are expected to arrive on Monday.
![Hot jobs: How people working in 50C are coping](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
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=793)
'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=793)
'Electric' scenes as Bay Dreams festival debuts new venue
The crowd of about 8500 was 'pretty well-behaved', the festival organiser says.
![What NZ's El Nino summer could reveal about great white sharks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
'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.'
![Iwi leader fears lifting pseudoephedrine ban will put more P on the streets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.'
!['It’s like having a child': Owners of diabetic pets face big costs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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=793)
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.
![A black mark on her brain: Scan after concussion changes teacher's life 'overnight'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
!['I don’t think they need them there': Why dad-of-three backs school phone bans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.
![Crunch time: Best 'brain' foods to eat for NCEA exams plus top study tips](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
!['Legal and financial minefield': How blended families can avoid inheritance battles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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=793)
'Shock factor': Teacher-turned-makeup artist shares her Halloween horrors
'I've always just loved creepy things.'
![Trick-or-treaters 2023: tattoos, candy and snow queens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trick-or-treaters 2023: tattoos, candy and snow queens
“The candy’s pretty great."
![Sausage secrets: How butchers came up with banger sangers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sausage secrets: How butchers came up with banger sangers
"They sliced it open … [and saw] it had all these fresh ingredients"
![Tauranga will be 'abuzz with visitors' this Labour Weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tauranga will be 'abuzz with visitors' this Labour Weekend
Many different interactive and local events will be held this weekend in the region.
!['There’s a tide turning,' Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi says in Waiariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.
![Te Pāti Māori candidate for Waiariki electorate, Rawiri Waititi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Pāti Māori candidate for Waiariki electorate, Rawiri Waititi
It’s been an honour to serve our people ... I would like that privilege again.'
![How to talk about death: Former hospice nurse's advice on facing 'the inevitable'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
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.
![Vision New Zealand candidate for Waiariki electorate, Charles Tiki Hunia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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=793)
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=793)
'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.
!['We will continue to do the best we can': Fire station closed for two days due to staff shortages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We will continue to do the best we can': Fire station closed for two days due to staff shortages
The station was closed for two days last week due to staffing numbers
![This kidney donor saved his dad's life. It almost cost him his own](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
This kidney donor saved his dad's life. It almost cost him his own
Tauranga organ donor's plasma plea: 'One hundred and fifty people, they saved my life'
![Porch pirates: Police warn of thieves following couriers after $5k delivery taken](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Porch pirates: Police warn of thieves following couriers after $5k delivery taken
Business owner: 'I was home, imagine if I'd seen it and opened the door on this person.'
!['Too scared to go to the toilet': Students intimidated by vapers taking over bathrooms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Too scared to go to the toilet': Students intimidated by vapers taking over bathrooms
It comes as new vaping rules came into place this month.
!['I saw red': Gun owner, 72, says new online firearm registry system is too hard](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I saw red': Gun owner, 72, says new online firearm registry system is too hard
“[We] should be able to go into the police station and register over the counter.”
![New group aims to make space for trans people to 'be their authentic selves'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New group aims to make space for trans people to 'be their authentic selves'
'We’re workers. We’re students. We’re active members of society with everyday jobs'
![Revealed: The region with the highest rate of restricted driving test failures](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Revealed: The region with the highest rate of restricted driving test failures
Learners here need to drive at a 'much higher level' than those elsewhere, an expert says.
!['Absolutely terrible': 'Nangs' need stricter regulations, says former meth addict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Absolutely terrible': 'Nangs' need stricter regulations, says former meth addict
The nangs epidemic: Should cream chargers be banned for youth?
![Pathways not punishment: Youth support workers question Act's new law and order policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pathways not punishment: Youth support workers question Act's new law and order policy
“What we do in our youth justice houses works.”
![Te Puna rugby post Premier hometown win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Puna rugby post Premier hometown win
'Having the crowd was a massive part of why we got the win.'
![3 top-ranked Rotorua tourism experiences share their secrets to success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
3 top-ranked Rotorua tourism experiences share their secrets to success
It didn't happen overnight, but it did happen.
!['He was ... going berserk': Families of teen vaping addicts speak out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'He was ... going berserk': Families of teen vaping addicts speak out
Others say vaping 'ripped' a family apart and left a teen looking 'like death'.
!['Don’t make us invisible': Plans to scrap Māori Health Authority under fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Don’t make us invisible': Plans to scrap Māori Health Authority under fire
Health providers are upset at National's policy plans to abolish the organisation.
!['Loophole' fuelling country's youth vaping epidemic](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Loophole' fuelling country's youth vaping epidemic
'We have far too many Specialist Vape Retailers in New Zealand.'
![National's big promise to get 'private rental market working again'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
National's big promise to get 'private rental market working again'
Luxon said more houses and more roads were the answer for local issues.
!['A spanner in the works': First-home buyers brace for interest rates rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A spanner in the works': First-home buyers brace for interest rates rise
'If you buy a house at 23 you can get through anything.'
!['Don’t be mean': Teens tackle the 'snarky and snooty' as they speak up on bullying](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Don’t be mean': Teens tackle the 'snarky and snooty' as they speak up on bullying
Comments range from the sense of 'not fitting in' to finding a future 'free of bullying'.
![Too addicted to quit: Teens hooked on vaping speak out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Too addicted to quit: Teens hooked on vaping speak out
'I’ve tried before to stop. It’s almost impossible, to be honest'
!['Charlie's my darling': Kiwi royal watchers revel in coronation 'big party'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Charlie's my darling': Kiwi royal watchers revel in coronation 'big party'
Plus, meet the former BOP woman who will be attending the ceremony.