Malisha Kumar is a Multimedia Journalist based in the Waikato.
Malisha covers a wide variety of news right around the region. She studied journalism at AUT in Auckland and has previously worked for Radio 1xx in Whakatane before joining NZME in 2023. You can contact Malisha at malisha.kumar@nzme.co.nz.
Hamilton Arts Festival ready to make some noise in town
Over 800 artists – including local reggae band Katchafire – will come to Hamilton.
Hamiltonian to walk in Relay for Life to help people 'open up' about diagnosis
Kezia Kurian's mother suspected she had cancer - but told no one.
One person transported to hospital after crash in Karapiro
One person was transported to Waikato Hospital.
Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns to play new Trans-Tasman comp in Hamilton
The new comp will be the first time in several years New Zealand has played Australia.
Waikato town named among 'Most Welcoming Cities on Earth'
The destination received the accolade as part of Booking.com's Traveller Review Awards.
Dogs stuck on river sandbank saved by eagle-eyed local and waka ama crew
The wandering dogs probably ran from attacking wasps to become stranded.
SH27 Waharoa Rd to be closed for four weeks
The works are a part of the Government’s $2 billion investment.
'More than mining': student showcases Waihi's history aside from gold
'A lot of students my age take this place for granted and can’t wait to move away.'
‘Multiple cars’ on fire at Hamilton scrapyard, Fire and Emergency investigate
It took almost two hours to extinguish the blaze at the National Steel Ltd scrapyard.
$0 to future millionaire: Waikato podcaster Te Kahukura Boynton's wealth goal
Her podcast idea came to light when she had '$0 to my name' as a 17-year-old.
'Not just a meal': Vinnies Hamilton opens $1.8m dining hall to meet rising food demand
A community dining hall 'isn't just a meal for some people, it's a social occasion'.
'Housing is a human right': Tamariki in Hamilton emergency motels drops from 516 to 165
Households in emergency housing motels dropped from 507 in 2023, to 144 in November 2024.
Fighting Coromandel wildfire affects water supply - water testing done in 48 hours
Water testing is currently under way to determine if contaminants are present.
Foul language, threats heard before man’s death sparked homicide probe
The man was taken to hospital where he died overnight.
Late-night naked antics, chicken coop surprise for residents
Both incidents occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning at around 2am.
'Mission accomplished': Author Ron Murray dies three days after receiving copies of final book
Ron Murray's wife Jill described him as a 'man of many talents'.
Reducing death: Road layout changes under way with Taupō vehicle safety centre construction
The changing road layouts and speed restrictions will be in place from January until May.
No-dog zone to be enforced at Raglan Domain
Dogs are prohibited from the domain, whether on-lead or off-lead.
'Not ready to die': Pilot crushed by loader, loses leg but still flying
He used his belt to stop the bleeding and waited 45 minutes before being spotted.
Rural Waikato school wins $50k of supplies in national contest
Mangakino School once had a roll of 1800 students, now it has 50.
Hamilton mum risks $15k medical costs for terminally ill daughter on Disney cruise
“I thought this was a fresh beginning ... I'm going to have to bury another child."
The 'art' of the kill: Predator control expert shares the secrets to understanding how pests think
'Understanding animal behaviour is significant in trapping pests for better outcomes.'
Police respond to possible sighting of armed people on college campus
Police have since been stood down and believe there is no threat.
Service station damaged in Hamilton ram raid
The ram raid happened at the St Andrews Service Station on Braid Road.
House fire in Ngāruawāhia, emergency services on scene
"One patient was assessed at the scene as being in a minor condition."
Couple want dog responsible for death of pet found before it kills again
The loss of their pet has had a profound effect on the couple.
Road worker threatened with firearm on SH1, police investigating
A road worker was threatened with a firearm on State Highway 1, near Ātiamuri.
Scattering ashes at 'precious taonga' strictly prohibited, iwi say
The iwi were made aware of an incident at Acacia Bay recently.
'Powerful, pure soul': Hamiltonian shaves hair in support of mum's cancer battle
The Waikato Herald told her story last week. Now she's taken part in Shave for a Cure.
Man attempted second home invasion after police no-show
Three hours after terrifying invasion attempt, man tries to enter another home in street.
Myeloma warrior woman: Hamiltonian's brave fight against incurable cancer
The 60yo showed no cancer signs until an unrelated netball injury landed her in hospital.
39 years in Taupiri - no problems. 3 weeks in Huntly and $40,000 worth of bikes vanish
One of the stolen bikes was a Triumph that was only purchased six weeks ago.
Crews to monitor Meremere fire over long weekend
“There will still be some fire activity at the site for the foreseeable future."
Watch: Footage shows early stages of Waikato fire getting 'out of control'
Drones will monitor hotspots overnight and firefighting operations will resume tomorrow.
'Another ridiculous gold rush': Group vows to continue fight against new mine
A controversial Waikato mining site has the Government’s green light of approval.
Smoke from Waikato scrub fire moves up and across Coromandel
Public has been asked not to fly drones near where Fenz is fighting fire.
Watch: Aerial footage shows extent of growing Waikato wetland fire
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze off Island Block Rd about 1.15pm on Monday.
Tūrangi Foodbank feeding a big slice of town's population
Tūrangi Foodbank has already delivered 1567 food parcels since October 2023.
20-hectare scrub fire burning swampland in North Waikato
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze off Island Block Rd about 1.15pm.
Taupō school in lockdown after threatening email
Police at the school as a precautionary measure.
Future management of 'two waters' in Waipā still being reviewed
Waipa District Council's Dawn Inglis said the CCO is about “how we manage debt"
Waikato solar farms, mines, housing projects, and highways make Fast Track Bill
The 19 Waikato projects are spread across infrastructure, energy, housing and mining.
Easier than taxes: Bean counter turns to cookbooks
A best-selling cookbook author says she's 'not a foodie' but loves simple recipes.
Girl, 14 missing since Sunday, family seeking information
Alizayh 14, has been missing from her Huntly home since October 6.
Three people trapped following truck vs car crash in Pukeatua
Three people have been extricated from a car, following a two-vehicle crash in Waipa.
Tennis club marks its 100th birthday in style
The clubhouse has had a $270k upgrade and celebrates 100 years this weekend.
'Part therapy': Business resilience celebrated
More than 80 local businesses in Taupō entered the 2024 Stella Awards.
Residents join forces to save beach-nesting birds
The funding boost allows 30 households to join the pest-trapping effort.
Councils consider changes to water management in Hamilton and Waikato District
A new organisation could help the councils tackle growth, maintenance, and rising costs.
Motorists warned after man attempts to enter vehicle waiting at lights
A man attempted to enter a car on the Te Wharepu Road Off-Ramp, Rangiriri, on Monday.
'It takes a village' to support a mum who's lost a baby
Without any prenatal warning baby Connor died at just one hour old.
Waikato Muslims to showcase Māori Quran
Shakil Ahmad Monir spent more than 20 years working on the Māori Quran.
'Like a cyclist': Treat riders as vulnerable road users campaigner says
“We are legally allowed on the road and should be able to do so safely.”
Person dies in Waikato workplace incident
Emergency services were called to a Cambridge address at 12.30pm on Tuesday.
'You're not alone': On a mission to help women through menopause
'That tells you that right at the age when you could become a CEO women are dropping out.'
Aunty of driver blames police for lack of action before dog walker killed on SH23
Woman says the vehicles of interest never left the accident scene.
Dog walker filmed walking in middle of dark road shortly before being fatally hit
The man can be seen holding up traffic as he walks with his dog in the dark.
Man found dead on highway near Raglan
Police are looking for vehicles of interest, a Ford Falcon and a Mazda Axela.
'Well-known and respected': Bishop Denis George Browne, 86, dies after long illness
He led the Hamilton diocese from 1994 to 2014 and a priest for more than 60 years.
Hamilton teenager all set to take on the world's best billiards players on home soil
Alexandria Endres, 19, has been playing pool since she was 12.
'A symbol of hope': Waikato memory meadows in full bloom on Daffodil Day
Two Waikato parks have transformed into a sea of yellow daffodils.
'Kamikaze killing mode': More than 30 sheep killed by roaming dogs
It's in a dog's DNA to kill says a farmer left with 16 dead stock.
Erosion found on both sides of Waikato River control gates
The banks on either side of the Lake Taupō bridge need stabilising.
Grandfather found dead in the Waikato River - family say police should have done more
Norman Hyslop's body was eventually found by a member of the public.
One person in critical condition after three-vehicle crash in Te Awamutu
Emergency services are attending a serious three-car crash in central Te Awamutu.
Dog's life saved thanks to 12k social media followers
The paralysed pooch was diagnosed with help from his fans.
One person in serious condition after water tanker rolls
One patient was taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Stolen ute believed to have been used to ram police car
A police officer was knocked to the ground during the incident.
Musician who wrote debut album over five years of high school wins recognition
Music provides 'safe space' for young musician and youth advocate.
Writing was 'one of my weaker areas' says 16-year-old author of three books
“I just want to inspire youth to know they can do anything possible no matter what."
Alis Bouma: Finding alternatives to cars and capitalism
'I don’t want to be living in a world where I’m driving to work for the rest of my life.'
'On a mission for Māori': Boynton drives financial independence in 'Māori Millionaire' podcast
From broke uni student at 17 to finance podcast host and founder at 20.
Police say Waikato retirement village death not suspicious
Police say investigations did not identify anything to suggest the death was suspicious.
MIssing teen comes home
Girl had been last seen at her Te Awamutu home on Tuesday evening.
Body found believed to be that of missing 84-year-old
Norman was last seen on Sunday but his family says his body has been found.
'He was completely gone': Lost dog found in a coma, now wants a home
Kenny was unresponsive and suffering from 'acute toxicity' when brought to SPCA.
'We don’t get sudden deaths often': Retirement village chairman on investigation
No police could be seen at the address on Thursday morning.
Police investigations continue after death at retirement village
Police were still at the scene today.
Police investigate 'unexplained death' at retirement home
An increased police presence is expected in the town as enquiries continue.
Motorist 'paranoid' after narrowly avoiding head-on motorway collision with wrong-way driver
'Your brain goes into overdrive and you start thinking, imagine if you had looked down.'