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Megan Wilson
Multimedia Journalist
Bay of Plenty

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.

Check out Megan’s latest content
She was meant to be in Europe. Instead, she paid $36k for a cancer drug
Bay of Plenty Times

She was meant to be in Europe. Instead, she paid $36k for a cancer drug

09 Jun 09:46 PM
Premium
On The Up: 'Desire to innovate' - Kiwi fitness app wins global prize for Harry Potter challenges
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: 'Desire to innovate' - Kiwi fitness app wins global prize for Harry Potter challenges

08 Jun 08:29 PM

Plus: Tauranga gin distillery's big UK win and Pāpāmoa skincare start-up's Goop deal.

'World-leading technology': Tauranga cancer centre achieves Asia Pacific first
Bay of Plenty Times

'World-leading technology': Tauranga cancer centre achieves Asia Pacific first

02 Jun 09:45 PM

'Having this right here in Tauranga is a huge advancement for healthcare in our region.'

'Serial entrepreneur' Wayne Wright honoured for services to education, philanthropy
Bay of Plenty Times

'Serial entrepreneur' Wayne Wright honoured for services to education, philanthropy

01 Jun 07:00 PM

Wright co-founded BestStart - the country's largest early childhood education provider.

Premium
Health NZ approves company's bid to become its own primary health organisation
Bay of Plenty Times

Health NZ approves company's bid to become its own primary health organisation

30 May 06:00 PM

About 80,000 enrolled patients will move to the new Health NZ contract by July 1.

Watch: Small plane makes 'hard landing' at Tauranga Airport
Bay of Plenty Times

Watch: Small plane makes 'hard landing' at Tauranga Airport

30 May 01:44 AM

One person suffered minor injuries as the plane's front landing gear collapsed.

Premium
'Persistent meh': Why a couple in their 30s, including a senior doctor, are leaving NZ
Bay of Plenty Times

'Persistent meh': Why a couple in their 30s, including a senior doctor, are leaving NZ

29 May 06:43 PM

They are seeking a lifestyle where 'everything’s at your fingertips'.

'Putting lives at risk': The barriers facing Māori from getting immunised
Bay of Plenty Times

'Putting lives at risk': The barriers facing Māori from getting immunised

27 May 02:01 AM

Māori vaccination rates lag behind European children in Bay of Plenty and Lakes.

He thought his back pain was just him 'getting old'. Instead, he had cancer
Bay of Plenty Times

He thought his back pain was just him 'getting old'. Instead, he had cancer

26 May 07:35 PM

Pāpāmoa father Blair Harrison now has a curve in his spine and is 5cm shorter.

Premium
'Fragmentation': 140,000-patient GP network to leave regional funders
Bay of Plenty Times

'Fragmentation': 140,000-patient GP network to leave regional funders

21 May 06:00 PM

'We think that is the best way to be able to rapidly increase funding for the front line.'

'A privilege to get old': Why a 79yo retiree volunteers for St John
Bay of Plenty Times

'A privilege to get old': Why a 79yo retiree volunteers for St John

21 May 12:00 AM

'If I just sat at home in front of the TV, well, I wouldn’t see a soul.'

The Doctors Bayfair opens new 'purpose-built' medical practice
Bay of Plenty Times

The Doctors Bayfair opens new 'purpose-built' medical practice

21 May 12:00 AM

The new space allows staff to better support the needs of the 'rapidly growing' community.

'Pushing really hard': MP backs Pāpāmoa for new 24/7 urgent care clinic
Bay of Plenty Times

'Pushing really hard': MP backs Pāpāmoa for new 24/7 urgent care clinic

19 May 10:12 PM

The PM has announced Tauranga will gain a new 24/7 urgent healthcare service by 2026.

Premium
On The Up: The 'iconic' Mount Maunganui building getting 'a makeover'
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: The 'iconic' Mount Maunganui building getting 'a makeover'

19 May 07:34 PM

'I would love something to go in here that is an asset to the town ... '

Premium
Concern 'patients will suffer' as practices with 46,000 enrolled switch funder
Bay of Plenty Times

Concern 'patients will suffer' as practices with 46,000 enrolled switch funder

11 May 08:50 PM

The centres say changing their primary health organisation will help avoid fee increases.

On The Up: How growing up 'on the stage' has led to an 'incredible' career
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: How growing up 'on the stage' has led to an 'incredible' career

10 May 12:04 AM

The model and artist is walking in New Zealand Fashion Week this year.

On The Up: 'Sleeping in garages': How a charity is helping children in need this winter
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: 'Sleeping in garages': How a charity is helping children in need this winter

10 May 12:03 AM

'There’s lots of families sharing one house to try and save money.'

On The Up: Two new 'destination' eateries to open in Historic Village
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: Two new 'destination' eateries to open in Historic Village

05 May 08:13 PM

'I think that what we’re bringing is a young, fresh approach to a historic sort of site.'

'Further industrial action' may follow 24-hour doctors' strike
Bay of Plenty Times

'Further industrial action' may follow 24-hour doctors' strike

02 May 06:00 AM

Health NZ is ‘committed’ to settling the collective agreement with the union.

Sexual health clinics cut as specialist retires, leaving one left
Bay of Plenty Times

Sexual health clinics cut as specialist retires, leaving one left

01 May 05:21 AM

The specialist said 'delays in advertising' meant his colleague hadn't been replaced.

Doctors' strike: Appointments postponed, some clinics to close
Bay of Plenty Times

Doctors' strike: Appointments postponed, some clinics to close

29 Apr 11:25 PM

More than 5000 senior doctors are striking, including 206 in Tauranga and 100 in Rotorua.

'Stretched' health system 'getting quietly worse' - striking anaesthetist
Bay of Plenty Times

'Stretched' health system 'getting quietly worse' - striking anaesthetist

29 Apr 08:50 PM

He says he works 'well in excess' of his contract and the hospital faces staff shortages.

'Huge step forward': New rural 'community base' for Pāpāmoa
Bay of Plenty Times

'Huge step forward': New rural 'community base' for Pāpāmoa

27 Apr 02:00 AM

Its mission is to 'serve the community' for recreational and educational purposes.

College 'acted unreasonably' in handling historical sexual abuse complaint - Ombudsman
Bay of Plenty Times

College 'acted unreasonably' in handling historical sexual abuse complaint - Ombudsman

26 Apr 05:00 PM

Ex-Tauranga Boys' College student said his teacher asked him to perform bondage on him.

'Kiwi dream': Designer's  unique holiday home hits the big screen
Bay of Plenty Times

'Kiwi dream': Designer's unique holiday home hits the big screen

25 Apr 10:00 PM

Fifteen years has been dedicated to the design and build of The Chodge in South Waikato.

Premium
'Golden opportunity': 56ha of 'prime farmland' rezoned, approved for development
Bay of Plenty Times

'Golden opportunity': 56ha of 'prime farmland' rezoned, approved for development

25 Apr 12:00 AM

More than 450 homes could be built on the land.

Premium
'Total disgrace': Mental health unit upgrade to begin - five years after funding allocated
Bay of Plenty Times

'Total disgrace': Mental health unit upgrade to begin - five years after funding allocated

23 Apr 07:38 PM

Updgrade would 'significantly improve' environment for patients and staff, says Health NZ.

'The show must go on': Jazz fans embrace wet weather festival
Bay of Plenty Times

'The show must go on': Jazz fans embrace wet weather festival

20 Apr 03:43 AM

'It’s a good excuse to be social and listen to some music,' one local says.

New mum takes first steps with walker after 2017 spinal injury
Bay of Plenty Times

New mum takes first steps with walker after 2017 spinal injury

18 Apr 05:00 PM

Casey Brady, 32, was told she would never walk again after a motocross accident in 2017.

‘I love my life’: How a mother found hope after her darkest days
Bay of Plenty Times

‘I love my life’: How a mother found hope after her darkest days

18 Apr 02:00 AM

Lynda Hills struggled with her mental health throughout her youth.

On The Up - 'Memory, culture, and nostalgia': MasterChef winners' 'immersive' food experience
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up - 'Memory, culture, and nostalgia': MasterChef winners' 'immersive' food experience

17 Apr 09:00 PM

'It’s nice to come home and bring this dinner which is really special to us.'

'An honour and a privilege': Local artists shine in prestigious portrait award
Bay of Plenty Times

'An honour and a privilege': Local artists shine in prestigious portrait award

16 Apr 12:00 AM

'I had a good feeling that it was going to get through and it did. So hard work paid off.'

On The Up: The business estate still in hot demand after 20 years
Bay of Plenty Times

On The Up: The business estate still in hot demand after 20 years

07 Apr 03:11 AM

In the past year, $70m worth of building consents have been issued for the development.

‘We’re back’: Bay duos chase another bite at Pork Pie Charity Run
Bay of Plenty Times

‘We’re back’: Bay duos chase another bite at Pork Pie Charity Run

07 Apr 12:00 AM

Fifty teams are driving their Minis down the country in the movie-inspired fundraiser.

How a ‘near death’ experience changed one woman’s path to hope and happiness
Bay of Plenty Times

How a ‘near death’ experience changed one woman’s path to hope and happiness

03 Apr 04:00 AM

Hills is giving a free talk on hope beyond suicide on April 4 in Pāpāmoa.

How author Vanya Insull built an ‘empire’ from posting recipes online
Bay of Plenty Times

How author Vanya Insull built an ‘empire’ from posting recipes online

03 Apr 01:00 AM

She is going on a book tour to celebrate the release of her third cookbook.

‘Catastrophic impacts’: Possible Kaituna River dam project faces pushback
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Catastrophic impacts’: Possible Kaituna River dam project faces pushback

27 Mar 04:02 PM

Concerns included the fast-tracking of the project and a 'perceived lack of consultation'.

‘A new frontier’: How supercritical geothermal could change NZ energy
Bay of Plenty Times

‘A new frontier’: How supercritical geothermal could change NZ energy

20 Mar 08:00 PM

About $12m to $15m has already been spent on investigative work.

'The only one that’s ever worked': Pill funding welcomed by endometriosis patient
Bay of Plenty Times

'The only one that’s ever worked': Pill funding welcomed by endometriosis patient

16 Mar 04:02 PM

'This will really help, especially young women who are learning to manage the disease.'

Revealed: Hundreds of children escaped from early childhood centres in NZ in five years
Bay of Plenty Times

Revealed: Hundreds of children escaped from early childhood centres in NZ in five years

15 Mar 04:03 PM

Four children were found 'running around on the road'; another was found near a highway.

Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?
Bay of Plenty Times

Doctor shortage: How long could it take to recruit for Whakatāne’s maternity ward?

14 Mar 11:00 PM

Plus, how many overseas doctors are being considered for the positions.

'Didn’t get what we wanted': Pathlab workers strike for second time in two months
Bay of Plenty Times

'Didn’t get what we wanted': Pathlab workers strike for second time in two months

11 Mar 09:00 PM

Members didn't like striking 'but it's ... our only means to enact any sort of change'.

'It’s a perfect area': 89 new homes to be built in Tauranga
Bay of Plenty Times

'It’s a perfect area': 89 new homes to be built in Tauranga

10 Mar 04:00 PM

Construction will begin on the two-storey development at the end of 2025.

Premium
The ‘amazing’ highs and ‘huge toll’ of 38 years in real estate
Bay of Plenty Times

The ‘amazing’ highs and ‘huge toll’ of 38 years in real estate

08 Mar 09:00 PM

'I remember going home and saying to the kids ... ‘We’re going to Disneyland'.'

‘We’ve had no one apply’: Teacher shortage hits region
Bay of Plenty Times

‘We’ve had no one apply’: Teacher shortage hits region

28 Feb 06:15 PM

The Bay could be short of 180 primary school teachers in 2025, according to projections.

Premium
‘Creating capacity’: New private surgical facility anchors $80m development
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Creating capacity’: New private surgical facility anchors $80m development

27 Feb 08:09 PM

Pioneering surgeon-led facility will create 100 jobs and is part of a $80m development.

‘Undervalued’ social workers strike: ‘Who’s going to look after the kids?’
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Undervalued’ social workers strike: ‘Who’s going to look after the kids?’

27 Feb 02:43 AM

Seven week-strike planned after union says Oranga Tamariki offered members 0% pay rise.

‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs
Bay of Plenty Times

‘A full and very positive life’: Funding to begin for life-extending cancer drugs

25 Feb 04:00 PM

Rhys Drayson passed his given life expectancy after taking the drugs in a clinical trial.

'Attacked' with rocks: Man spends $5k on lights, cameras after council 'inaction'
Bay of Plenty Times

'Attacked' with rocks: Man spends $5k on lights, cameras after council 'inaction'

20 Feb 09:01 PM

The damage has been so severe that the resident received a $28K insurance payout.

‘Hell of a fight’: Retiree battles ACC after delayed terminal cancer diagnosis
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Hell of a fight’: Retiree battles ACC after delayed terminal cancer diagnosis

19 Feb 04:00 PM

He was turned down, then offered $19,732, which he said was an 'insult'.

A ‘war cry’ for sexual assault survivors: One-woman play comes to Bay
Bay of Plenty Times

A ‘war cry’ for sexual assault survivors: One-woman play comes to Bay

17 Feb 01:37 AM

High school and tertiary students are being offered free tickets.

'Deeply disappointing': Proposed job cuts will worsen access to palliative care - doctor
Bay of Plenty Times

'Deeply disappointing': Proposed job cuts will worsen access to palliative care - doctor

15 Feb 05:00 PM

Public money would be spent on hospital admissions for people with 'nowhere else to go'.

Mum's drug funding hope for 3yo son with cystic fibrosis
Bay of Plenty Times

Mum's drug funding hope for 3yo son with cystic fibrosis

12 Feb 01:03 AM

'The earlier children receive Trikafta, the better their long-term health outcomes.'

'Critical decisions need to be made quickly': Iwi concerned about maternity service change
Bay of Plenty Times

'Critical decisions need to be made quickly': Iwi concerned about maternity service change

10 Feb 08:09 PM

Bay of Plenty iwi met with Health NZ to discuss 'urgent challenges' for Māori.

Second BoP daycare has child escape, found by member of public
Bay of Plenty Times

Second BoP daycare has child escape, found by member of public

09 Feb 04:00 PM

The incident sparked a risk assessment and supervision review.

Why fast-growing schools are having to say 'No' to new students
Bay of Plenty Times

Why fast-growing schools are having to say 'No' to new students

06 Feb 04:03 PM

'The ministry won’t give you more buildings if you have too many out-of-zone enrolments.'

'I was in shock': Grandad finds four preschoolers on road after escaping from daycare
Bay of Plenty Times

'I was in shock': Grandad finds four preschoolers on road after escaping from daycare

04 Feb 04:07 PM

'I would be asking a lot of questions ... cars don’t go slow around there.'

'I heard all my bones break': Runner loses leg in farming accident
Bay of Plenty Times

'I heard all my bones break': Runner loses leg in farming accident

03 Feb 08:15 PM

The 'shattered' bones in his leg were 'like Weet-Bix', he said.

'Not sustainable': Tauranga worker would earn extra $30k for same job in Hamilton
Bay of Plenty Times

'Not sustainable': Tauranga worker would earn extra $30k for same job in Hamilton

28 Jan 09:08 PM

'We do the same job as the Te Whatu Ora labs, but we’re paid significantly less.'

'This is going to kill someone': Midwife's fear after maternity service 'downgrading'
Bay of Plenty Times

'This is going to kill someone': Midwife's fear after maternity service 'downgrading'

28 Jan 04:00 PM

Higher-risk births were sent to a hospital more than an hour away after specialists quit.

Premium
‘Started from nothing’: From cleaning flats to running a holiday home business
Bay of Plenty Times

‘Started from nothing’: From cleaning flats to running a holiday home business

24 Jan 03:18 AM

The 'boutique' business manages holiday homes in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.

'Deeply distressing': Daycare apologises after four children escape
Bay of Plenty Times

'Deeply distressing': Daycare apologises after four children escape

21 Jan 04:00 PM

They left through a gate that 'unexpectedly malfunctioned' and were quickly returned.

How surfer Ollie Dobbin bought three Ōhope businesses before the age of 24
Bay of Plenty Times

How surfer Ollie Dobbin bought three Ōhope businesses before the age of 24

18 Jan 07:04 PM

His first business was a surf school which he bought when he was still in high school.

New year, new job? Farmer switched to stacking shelves - and aims to own a supermarket
Bay of Plenty Times

New year, new job? Farmer switched to stacking shelves - and aims to own a supermarket

14 Jan 01:00 AM

He started again at the bottom, and is working his way up.

Body found, believed to be missing Tauranga man
Bay of Plenty Times

Body found, believed to be missing Tauranga man

13 Jan 09:55 PM

Jarrad Ormsby was last seen in Hamilton on December 19.

ADHD: The regions where assessments are 'a lot faster' than in other places
Bay of Plenty Times

ADHD: The regions where assessments are 'a lot faster' than in other places

12 Jan 09:05 PM

A support organisation says it's important to diagnose and treat ADHD 'before it spirals'.

'So grateful': Student receives scholarships to go to India and Japan
Bay of Plenty Times

'So grateful': Student receives scholarships to go to India and Japan

10 Jan 01:00 AM

'I never ever thought I would get anything like this before.'

'Super dangerous': Former MP witnesses truck overtaking in wrong lane
Bay of Plenty Times

'Super dangerous': Former MP witnesses truck overtaking in wrong lane

09 Jan 03:28 AM

'I would've thought the driver’s best option was to have braked.'

'I want to know he’s okay': Sister of man missing three weeks speaks out
Bay of Plenty Times

'I want to know he’s okay': Sister of man missing three weeks speaks out

08 Jan 06:00 PM

His sister said the last contact was Jarrad calling their father on December 18.

Watch: Truck’s 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range prompts investigations
Bay of Plenty Times

Watch: Truck’s 'shocking' overtaking on Kaimāī Range prompts investigations

08 Jan 04:00 PM

'Pretty bloody scary,' said one comment.

Premium
'Rollercoaster year': Entrepreneurs share their highs and lows
Bay of Plenty Times

'Rollercoaster year': Entrepreneurs share their highs and lows

08 Jan 01:30 AM

New products and international expansion are on the cards for the two businesses.

Health NZ redundancies: More than $251k paid out in Bay of Plenty, Lakes
Bay of Plenty Times

Health NZ redundancies: More than $251k paid out in Bay of Plenty, Lakes

05 Jan 10:00 PM

'We’ve lost people ... all vital to making sure a hospital functions accordingly.'

Abuse survivors' group backs man’s move to reject King’s Service Medal
Bay of Plenty Times

Abuse survivors' group backs man’s move to reject King’s Service Medal

04 Jan 07:51 PM

Fears survivors of abuse in faith-based institutions will be 'ghosted' in redress system.

The four summer activities that racked up $16.5m in ACC payouts in one region
Bay of Plenty Times

The four summer activities that racked up $16.5m in ACC payouts in one region

03 Jan 03:01 AM

'You don’t want to spend your summer holiday in A and E.'

Fights, fireworks, family fun and almost 4500 breath tests: Tauranga rings in 2025
Bay of Plenty Times

Fights, fireworks, family fun and almost 4500 breath tests: Tauranga rings in 2025

31 Dec 11:29 PM

Police were 'pleased' overall but not everyone in the city was on their best behaviour.

New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named
Bay of Plenty Times

New Year Honours: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō recipients named

30 Dec 04:00 PM

Plus - we ask why one city, unusually, has no honourees on this year's list.

'Volunteering certainly helps': How widower copes after losing wife of 44 years
Bay of Plenty Times

'Volunteering certainly helps': How widower copes after losing wife of 44 years

28 Dec 11:30 PM

'There’s a whole lot of people out there who you can help and talk to.'

'A sanctuary for so many children': Dancing school closes after decades of teaching
Bay of Plenty Times

'A sanctuary for so many children': Dancing school closes after decades of teaching

21 Dec 06:03 PM

'The contribution they’ve made to ballet in this country ... has been immense.'

'Blessing in disguise': How failing an eye test saved a man from vision loss
Bay of Plenty Times

'Blessing in disguise': How failing an eye test saved a man from vision loss

13 Dec 04:00 PM

He says there 'isn’t enough knowledge' about the disease. A surgeon hopes to change that.

'Devastated': Seven staff laid off as 'busiest cafe in Tauranga' closes
Bay of Plenty Times

'Devastated': Seven staff laid off as 'busiest cafe in Tauranga' closes

12 Dec 04:00 PM

'It was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to do in our lives.'

'My heart just broke': Witness' grief comes 'flooding back' after swimming hole tragedy
Bay of Plenty Times

'My heart just broke': Witness' grief comes 'flooding back' after swimming hole tragedy

05 Dec 04:03 PM

'You just feel so wholeheartedly for these people that are going through this tragedy ...'

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