Megan Wilson is a Multimedia Journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post.
Megan Wilson started working as a journalist for NZME based in Tauranga in 2021. She writes for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts and from the London School of Journalism in 2021 with a post-graduate diploma in journalism. Since starting as a journalist, she has primarily covered health and general news, writing about COVID-19, staff and resourcing issues in the public health system, and the battle Kiwis face for unfunded, life-saving drugs, treatments and health screening in New Zealand.
!['Shocked': How human papillomavirus (HPV) led to a throat cancer diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Shocked': How human papillomavirus (HPV) led to a throat cancer diagnosis
Graeme Simpson's symptoms included a 'bulge' on his neck and a 'persistent' cough.
![She lost one daughter. Surgery saved another. Now she fears for her youngest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
She lost one daughter. Surgery saved another. Now she fears for her youngest
A mum shares her family's battle with some rare conditions.
!['Very stressful': Union claims Health NZ hiring pause impacting frontline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Very stressful': Union claims Health NZ hiring pause impacting frontline
Health NZ says regional forums will approve recruitment 'where appropriate'.
!['Significant damage': What caused a 'chaotic' train derailment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Significant damage': What caused a 'chaotic' train derailment
The train derailed near Te Puke during the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods.
![Missioner's late wife would be 'over the moon' about his King's Birthday Honour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Missioner's late wife would be 'over the moon' about his King's Birthday Honour
Joseph Huta said his late wife and children had been a 'huge support' during his career.
!['The unthinkable': A decade on from news that changed family's lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The unthinkable': A decade on from news that changed family's lives
'You never think that that’s going to happen to you or to your kids.'
![Parent says rent rise will absorb tax cut, Mayor says extra police 'may not scratch the surface'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Parent says rent rise will absorb tax cut, Mayor says extra police 'may not scratch the surface'
Power bills would outstrip 'any kind of tax break' for pensioners, they said.
!['Young, resilient, and rapidly growing': Third in BOP of Māori descent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Young, resilient, and rapidly growing': Third in BOP of Māori descent
Plus, how much the Tauranga and Rotorua populations have grown in five years.
!['Really powerful': Why tomorrow's Māori descent Census data release matters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Really powerful': Why tomorrow's Māori descent Census data release matters
'We should move beyond measuring desperation and deprivation … towards our aspirations.'
![What I eat every day: A physio's tips to optimise your diet and exercise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What I eat every day: A physio's tips to optimise your diet and exercise
Advice for how to harness your health and live better for longer.
![Thief with a conscience? Widow in tears as stolen ashes returned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thief with a conscience? Widow in tears as stolen ashes returned
'I’m just so glad that they did the right thing and brought him back.'
!['We’re just shells now': Jewellers targeted by thieves 9 times in 2.5 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We’re just shells now': Jewellers targeted by thieves 9 times in 2.5 years
'I watched people run around in my shop at bloody 4.30 in the morning.'
![Rongoā Māori: How treating an ankle injury 'snowballed' into self-care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rongoā Māori: How treating an ankle injury 'snowballed' into self-care
ACC says more than a third of clients using the traditional healing method are non-Māori.
![Specialist shortage: Te Whatu Ora Lakes spends $5m on locums in a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Specialist shortage: Te Whatu Ora Lakes spends $5m on locums in a year
'Higher rates' are paid to attract locums amid staff shortages, the union says.
!['Overwhelmed': Mum and sick child raise $2500, given new laptop after home burgled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Overwhelmed': Mum and sick child raise $2500, given new laptop after home burgled
'The kindness has pretty much dulled the ugly.'
!['Through the roof': Spa-lover spending hits $277m in steamy city - and growing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Through the roof': Spa-lover spending hits $277m in steamy city - and growing
This is expected to reach $408m by 2028 as global interest grows.
![A luxury spa and a 'calming' home: Architecture Awards winners announced](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A luxury spa and a 'calming' home: Architecture Awards winners announced
The jury convenor said Māori-influenced architecture was 'thriving' in the region.
![Mum with sick child burgled while having cancer treatment at Starship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum with sick child burgled while having cancer treatment at Starship
'I don’t think I’ll ever get over this ... we’re already vulnerable.'
![Downloads spike for app helping EV owners track road-user charges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Downloads spike for app helping EV owners track road-user charges
The platform will soon launch a feature that automatically buys road-user charges.
![Supermarket closing could result in 'big loss' of mall customers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Supermarket closing could result in 'big loss' of mall customers
One business said the supermarket attracted “a lot” of people to the mall.
!['Disastrous': Rotorua supermarket to close](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Disastrous': Rotorua supermarket to close
'There is a real sense of loss from these workers.'
![Seven Health NZ staff paid $394k in redundancy in BOP, Lakes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seven Health NZ staff paid $394k in redundancy in BOP, Lakes
Thirty-six roles have been disestablished in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes since July 2022.
![A tutor donated a kidney to a student. Then they fell in love and planned a wedding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A tutor donated a kidney to a student. Then they fell in love and planned a wedding
'Madeline’s an absolute angel. She actually saved my life in more ways than one.'
!['Like getting stabbed': Woman speaks out about 'invisible' condition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Like getting stabbed': Woman speaks out about 'invisible' condition
When she was formally diagnosed, she thought her 'world was ending'.
!['I would be dead': Wife saved husband having heart attack during sleep](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I would be dead': Wife saved husband having heart attack during sleep
Journalist says his wife's first-aid training saved him after a heart attack at home.
![Man's conviction for obstructing police officer overturned due to impact on his mana](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man's conviction for obstructing police officer overturned due to impact on his mana
'Powerful evidence' presented to High Court, judgment says.
![Car crashes into restaurant: Six injured](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Car crashes into restaurant: Six injured
One neighbour said the crash sounded like an earthquake or a truck driving past.
!['Huge toll': GP works 6-12 hours on evenings, weekends due to workload](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Huge toll': GP works 6-12 hours on evenings, weekends due to workload
'It’s certainly a factor in thinking about how long I’m going to work for.'
![Woman's 5-year battle for diagnosis after 'horrendous' symptoms](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman's 5-year battle for diagnosis after 'horrendous' symptoms
“Pretty much everyone said, ‘We can’t find anything wrong with you’.”
![Missing 'tiny house pod' found nearly 100km away](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Missing 'tiny house pod' found nearly 100km away
Social media users provided information to help locate the tiny house pod.
![Can't run on the 'smell of an oily rag': Unsuccessful candidate spends almost $14k](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Can't run on the 'smell of an oily rag': Unsuccessful candidate spends almost $14k
'Advertising and the extra travel required is not cheap.'
![He had a brain tumour 'the size of a small lemon' - now he works full-time and can drive](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He had a brain tumour 'the size of a small lemon' - now he works full-time and can drive
But Joshua Coleman still struggles with delayed effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
!['Huge shock to life': Man with tetraplegia now helps others with disabilities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Huge shock to life': Man with tetraplegia now helps others with disabilities
Timothy Lee 'hit my head open on a tree' when he had a mountain biking accident.
!['Tears' on the start line: Athlete finishes 243km race to celebrate transplant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Tears' on the start line: Athlete finishes 243km race to celebrate transplant
'As long as I finish it, that was the goal.'
![Fatal police shooting: Sirens, gunshots shock ‘tight-knit’ community](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal police shooting: Sirens, gunshots shock ‘tight-knit’ community
Police said an armed man entered a stranger’s home.
!['Never' been overseas: How students are fundraising for a trip to Tahiti](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Never' been overseas: How students are fundraising for a trip to Tahiti
The school is welcoming sponsorships for the trip, which will cost about $6500 per student
![He lost his parents and brothers to cancer. Then he was diagnosed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He lost his parents and brothers to cancer. Then he was diagnosed
The painter says working outside may have caused his melanoma diagnosis.
!['Screaming for my life': Man who lost leg in 'horrific' accident now helps amputees](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Screaming for my life': Man who lost leg in 'horrific' accident now helps amputees
'I can’t even describe... how painful that was. Like the pain went through my organs.'
![They gave her a new liver as a baby - 30 years later she's racing 243km to celebrate](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
They gave her a new liver as a baby - 30 years later she's racing 243km to celebrate
'Despite everything I’ve been through with my health, look how far I’ve come.'
!['Getting done over': Frustration after Air NZ cuts back daily service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Getting done over': Frustration after Air NZ cuts back daily service
The lack of options impacts domestic and international connections, customer says.
!['We're so stoked': City-first recognition for tourist attraction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We're so stoked': City-first recognition for tourist attraction
It is the first Rotorua business to achieve the certification.
!['Freak' injuries and $11m in claims: How to keep kids safe on the trampoline](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Freak' injuries and $11m in claims: How to keep kids safe on the trampoline
Plus, an NZ trampolinist prepares for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
!['Your confidence takes a hammering': Nurse speaks out about verbal abuse from patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Your confidence takes a hammering': Nurse speaks out about verbal abuse from patients
She is calling for the "long-term" increase of extra security guards at hospitals.
![How being a triathlete helps a local cop in ‘high-pressure’ situations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How being a triathlete helps a local cop in ‘high-pressure’ situations
Plus, what it takes to become a police officer.
![Trapped for almost 30 hours: A quake survivor lost her legs - now she can dance again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trapped for almost 30 hours: A quake survivor lost her legs - now she can dance again
Kate Liao was the only survivor in her building after 2008 Sichuan Province earthquake.
!['Busy' long weekend in Rotorua despite wet weather](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Busy' long weekend in Rotorua despite wet weather
One cafe was 'full house' one morning, while a campground only had a couple of spots left.
!['Emergency': How getting strep throat led to three open-heart surgeries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Emergency': How getting strep throat led to three open-heart surgeries
'I wouldn’t want anyone to go through it'.
!['Your new heart is in the helicopter': Transplant recipient speaks about lifesaving procedure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Your new heart is in the helicopter': Transplant recipient speaks about lifesaving procedure
Without it, “I would’ve been dead”, the 70-year-old said.
!['Happy and vibing': Thousands turn up for Juicy Fest](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Happy and vibing': Thousands turn up for Juicy Fest
One festivalgoer said the artists playing reminded her of her 'high school years'.
!['Get checked': Mother's mole warning after melanoma diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Get checked': Mother's mole warning after melanoma diagnosis
Rachael Pratt said she had a 'very big chunk of flesh' removed from her leg.
![Visitors stuck on gondola for up to an hour after 'unexpected stoppage'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Visitors stuck on gondola for up to an hour after 'unexpected stoppage'
Skyline Rotorua says stoppages to this extent are rare.
![Kaimai crash kills Whakatāne couple, 4-year-old son survives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kaimai crash kills Whakatāne couple, 4-year-old son survives
'It’s going to hurt him for a long time ... for two young lives to be taken so tragically'
!['Sunny day in a new venue': What you need to know about Bay Dreams 2024](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Sunny day in a new venue': What you need to know about Bay Dreams 2024
Roads will be closed in Tauranga CBD as the event takes place at Wharepai Domain.
![Why you should 'abandon' New Year's resolutions and do this instead](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why you should 'abandon' New Year's resolutions and do this instead
Tips from wellness and life coaches for success in 2024.
![He insisted on a test, and says it saved his life. This is his message to others at risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He insisted on a test, and says it saved his life. This is his message to others at risk
Doing a screening kit "absolutely" saved the life of Tauranga man Paul Blears.
![GPs working 'a lot' of overtime to keep up with 'high demand' amid workforce shortages](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
GPs working 'a lot' of overtime to keep up with 'high demand' amid workforce shortages
One Rotorua clinic said it had 'a constant flow of people wanting to enrol'.
![From 'preparing for his last days' to planning a 21st: How a 'miracle' drug has changed lives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From 'preparing for his last days' to planning a 21st: How a 'miracle' drug has changed lives
'It’s just the best thing that could have ever happened to him.'
!['Absolutely amazing': She was born with a brain injury. Her latest achievements made her mum cry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Absolutely amazing': She was born with a brain injury. Her latest achievements made her mum cry
Greer is 'functionally blind' and will probably need to use a wheelchair or walking aids.
!['We continue to celebrate te reo': Willis defends policy for Māori-speaking public servants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We continue to celebrate te reo': Willis defends policy for Māori-speaking public servants
"It is one of New Zealand’s official languages ... We will continue to support that."
![Te reo being 'ripped away': Iwi trust files Waitangi Tribunal claim against Govt](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te reo being 'ripped away': Iwi trust files Waitangi Tribunal claim against Govt
'A dismissal of the reo is essentially a dismissal of the whole idea of Māori itself.'
!['Peaceful but powerful' protest planned for Rotorua as part of national action](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Peaceful but powerful' protest planned for Rotorua as part of national action
Police warn traffic disruptions are likely, including in Rotorua.
!['Childhood dementia': 6-year-old's 'devastating' diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Childhood dementia': 6-year-old's 'devastating' diagnosis
'We wouldn’t want any other kid to have to go through what he is going through.'
![Phone not pliers helps patient resolve toothache agony](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Phone not pliers helps patient resolve toothache agony
With throat and mouth swelling, head pounding and painkillers useless, he needed 'relief'.
![Sex stabbing trial: Wife found with 'blood on her hands'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sex stabbing trial: Wife found with 'blood on her hands'
Police officer who attended describes details of the scene.
![Fire brigade collecting donations for foodbank](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fire brigade collecting donations for foodbank
The food drive is on Monday evening in Ngongotahā.
![Neighbours give evidence in sex stabbing trial: 'It sounded like a cat howling'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Neighbours give evidence in sex stabbing trial: 'It sounded like a cat howling'
Couple's fights heard down street: 'It wasn't very nice. There was a lot of screaming.'
![Unhappy meal: 7-year-old's call for vegetarian burgers at McDonald's](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Unhappy meal: 7-year-old's call for vegetarian burgers at McDonald's
Toyesh said he would 'love to come to McDonald’s and eat [a burger] with my friends'.
!['My lungs collapsed... I thought I was going to die': Mum's horror health ordeal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'My lungs collapsed... I thought I was going to die': Mum's horror health ordeal
'I couldn't get off the bed - I was [spending] 16 to 18 hours in bed. I can barely walk.'
!['Extremely exciting': Bay set to reap the benefits of busy summer cruise ship season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Extremely exciting': Bay set to reap the benefits of busy summer cruise ship season
Tauranga is set to welcome the first of more than 110 cruise ships.
!['Sickening': Cancer 'metavivor' wants Pharmac CEO, board removed after emails](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Sickening': Cancer 'metavivor' wants Pharmac CEO, board removed after emails
Sue Wall-Cade has "no faith" in Pharmac after internal emails were revealed.
![Hopes for younger racers after Richie Stanaway's 'amazing' Bathurst win](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hopes for younger racers after Richie Stanaway's 'amazing' Bathurst win
'Any professional driver around the world wants to win Bathurst,' his father says.
!['Unprecedented': Medical centre gifted to local iwi](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unprecedented': Medical centre gifted to local iwi
The change in ownership will 'better serve the community'.
!['Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity': Tauranga girl heading to France to be Rugby World Cup mascot](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity': Tauranga girl heading to France to be Rugby World Cup mascot
Sibheal Dobson will run out on to the field for the All Blacks v Namibia match.
![Hospital department 'critically short' of doctors: Three of eight positions filled](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hospital department 'critically short' of doctors: Three of eight positions filled
Another department had eight staff leave in just over two years, a union member says.
![He thought it was the flu. Now he uses a wheelchair](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
He thought it was the flu. Now he uses a wheelchair
A 'shock' diagnosis at 31 upended his life plan. So he remade it.
![Senior doctors to strike on Tuesday after union rejects offer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Senior doctors to strike on Tuesday after union rejects offer
The union disputes Te Whatu Ora's claim that its offer 'essentially' met its request.
!['My second home': Fijian teachers move to Rotorua with Govt grant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'My second home': Fijian teachers move to Rotorua with Govt grant
"We are more than happy to contribute towards New Zealand’s economy."
!['Wonderful': Cancer patients grateful for free lodging as demand for services rises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Wonderful': Cancer patients grateful for free lodging as demand for services rises
"The Cancer Society - if they weren’t there, many people would have nowhere to go."