Maryana Garcia is a multimedia reporter based in Hamilton, covering Waikato stories of national interest.
Maryana Garcia is a live news reporter working with the Waikato Herald team. She studied a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History at the University of Auckland. Maryana also earned graduate diplomas in English literature from the University of Waikato and communications from Wintec. Maryana has been with NZME since 2021. She started as a regional reporter for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times writing about health and crime. During her time in the region, Maryana covered the Covid-19 pandemic, Cyclone Gabrielle and the local effects of the war in Ukraine, troop withdrawals from Afghanistan and protests in Iran. Maryana is also a poet and essayist. Her creative writing has been published in The Spinoff, Turbine, Poetry New Zealand, Takahē, Mayhem and Australia’s Meniscus Literary Journal. Maryana’s poetry has been featured on the walls of Auckland Hospital as part of Ara Manawa’s Poetry in Place exhibition and in the collections A Clear Dawn: New Asian Voices from Aotearoa New Zealand and Ko Aotearoa Tātou | We Are New Zealand.
!['This little place has a lot going for it': Marokopa according to the locals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'This little place has a lot going for it': Marokopa according to the locals
Residents of the town don't want their home to be remembered only for Tom Phillips.
![No action on Blue Springs walkway works a year after track closure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
No action on Blue Springs walkway works a year after track closure
South Waikato District Council expects the track will reopen in November.
![Hamilton's tallest buiilding being converted into 191-room hotel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton's tallest buiilding being converted into 191-room hotel
'It’s well needed and brings such a positive feel to the CBD.'
!['Thinking the worst': Medical event mistaken for six-car crash on SH1](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Thinking the worst': Medical event mistaken for six-car crash on SH1
Crews were 'thinking the worst' after being told of a six-car crash.
![Human remains unearthed in Hillcrest are pre-European, police reveal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Human remains unearthed in Hillcrest are pre-European, police reveal
The remains will be exhumed in consultation with local iwi.
![More than 300km in seven days: Waikato student running to raise aid for Palestinian children](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
More than 300km in seven days: Waikato student running to raise aid for Palestinian children
'I couldn’t stand by and do nothing anymore. I want to make a difference.'
![Crash near Te Awamutu: Person trapped after car crashes into ditch](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Crash near Te Awamutu: Person trapped after car crashes into ditch
The person was rescued by emergency services.
![Suspected human remains unearthed by excavator at Hamilton construction site](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Suspected human remains unearthed by excavator at Hamilton construction site
Police are working to identify the remains and to see if they are human.
![Body found near Wairere Falls: Family of Pauline Grey thank police, iwi for search](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Body found near Wairere Falls: Family of Pauline Grey thank police, iwi for search
A rāhui is in place on the Wairere Falls Track for the next seven days.
![One person dead after van rolls on SH27](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One person dead after van rolls on SH27
Emergency services responded around 11pm to the crash in Hauraki District.
!['Did not return': Drone deployed in search for missing woman, 67, near Wairere Falls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Did not return': Drone deployed in search for missing woman, 67, near Wairere Falls
Police want to speak to the person who located a jacket on a walk in the area.
![Police checkpoints set up around Marokopa as Tom Phillips search intensifies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police checkpoints set up around Marokopa as Tom Phillips search intensifies
The new police activity comes after a $80,000 reward was offered for information.
![Fatal hit-and-run victim's body left by side of road for hours after miscoded 111 call](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal hit-and-run victim's body left by side of road for hours after miscoded 111 call
“Although made in good faith, we think that decision was an error in judgement"
![Te Kūiti baby death: 'Inconsistencies' in parents' stories - police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Kūiti baby death: 'Inconsistencies' in parents' stories - police
The baby had been known to police due to previous 'non-accidental' injuries, police say.
!['Hysterical screaming' heard before baby's 'violent' death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Hysterical screaming' heard before baby's 'violent' death
'Nobody in the community likes to think that this sort of thing can happen'.
![Woman remains in critical condition after SH3 crash near Ōtorohanga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman remains in critical condition after SH3 crash near Ōtorohanga
The woman sustained multiple trauma injuries in the crash involving a car and a truck.
![Passers-by pull person from car after it crashes into Lake Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Passers-by pull person from car after it crashes into Lake Taupō
“There was a group of young guys who went in and grabbed him straight out of the car.”
![Vincent Ashworth made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to agriculture](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vincent Ashworth made Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to agriculture
Ashworth worked to improve farming practices in Ethiopia and Afghanistan.
![Power cuts cause overflow of untreated effluent in Raglan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Power cuts cause overflow of untreated effluent in Raglan
Waikato District Council has asked the public to delay showers and limit water use.
![Waikato multiple fatality crash investigation to take 'months'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato multiple fatality crash investigation to take 'months'
“We do not understand why it happened,” police said.
![Weather causes 27 power outages across Waikato, over 17,500 homes affected](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Weather causes 27 power outages across Waikato, over 17,500 homes affected
Homes could be without power for at least the next five hours.
![Over 130 Huntly properties without power after vehicle crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Over 130 Huntly properties without power after vehicle crash
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
![Car crossed the centre line in crash that left five dead - police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Car crossed the centre line in crash that left five dead - police
Inspector Jeff Penno has provided an update following the Ōhaupō crash.
![Five dead in crash sees Waikato's May road toll almost double in a night](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five dead in crash sees Waikato's May road toll almost double in a night
In 2022 and 2023, the Waikato region had the highest road death toll in the country.
![The NZ region where 102 people were reported missing each month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The NZ region where 102 people were reported missing each month
From January 1, 2023 to March 31 this year, 1532 missing persons reports were made.
![One person seriously injured in truck and car crash on SH30](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One person seriously injured in truck and car crash on SH30
There are reports of injuries.
![University of Waikato staff strike on Open Day after salary talks 'hit a wall'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
University of Waikato staff strike on Open Day after salary talks 'hit a wall'
The Tertiary Education Union has demanded a 5 per cent salary increase for staff.
![Waikato students join nationwide protest calling for recognition of Palestinian state](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato students join nationwide protest calling for recognition of Palestinian state
'What is happening in Gaza is genocide. We don’t want to be neutral.'
![One person dead after truck and car collide near Hamilton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One person dead after truck and car collide near Hamilton
The road between Hamilton and Te Awamutu reopened just before 7pm.
![One dead after truck and van crash near Te Aroha](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One dead after truck and van crash near Te Aroha
Police have reported serious injuries were sustained in the crash.
![Police seeking drone footage after fatal Waikato crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police seeking drone footage after fatal Waikato crash
The three-vehicle crash happened on Sunday, May 19 on State Highway 5 at Tāpapa.
!['Unaffordable': Hamilton mayor responds to public feedback on draft LTP, 19.9% rates hikes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unaffordable': Hamilton mayor responds to public feedback on draft LTP, 19.9% rates hikes
Developers say increased contributions could force them to build elsewhere.
!['One in a million': Leon James Kennerley named as victim of Flat Rd fatal crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'One in a million': Leon James Kennerley named as victim of Flat Rd fatal crash
Kennerley, 49, died after a crash on Saturday, May 4.
![Traumatic truths, domestic violence and a hair salon: The story that won a $10k Australian prize](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Traumatic truths, domestic violence and a hair salon: The story that won a $10k Australian prize
Tracey Slaughter is the first overseas winner of the Calibre Essay Prize.
!['Multiple patients': Trucks and bus collide on SH39 near Ngāhinapōuri](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Multiple patients': Trucks and bus collide on SH39 near Ngāhinapōuri
The conditions of the patients are currently unknown.
![600 lightning strikes, hundreds without power as severe weather hits Bay of Plenty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
600 lightning strikes, hundreds without power as severe weather hits Bay of Plenty
Isolated thunderstorms with possible strong wind gusts continue to affect the region.
![Slip partly blocks SH3: Motorists warned to expect delays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Slip partly blocks SH3: Motorists warned to expect delays
Road users are advised to follow directions from traffic controllers on-site.
!['Like nothing I've ever seen': How amateur photographers chased the aurora australis across the skies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Like nothing I've ever seen': How amateur photographers chased the aurora australis across the skies
Plus: Find out if it's possible to see the aurora tonight.
![What you need to know before attempting the Tongariro Crossing this winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What you need to know before attempting the Tongariro Crossing this winter
Booking ahead, weather research and toilet stops are some items to think about.
![Two-truck crash on State Highway 29 leaves debris blocking road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two-truck crash on State Highway 29 leaves debris blocking road
The road was reduced to one lane for several hours but has since reopened.
![Te Huia train service at risk of discontinuing without NZTA funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Te Huia train service at risk of discontinuing without NZTA funding
A recent review acknowledged 315 individual records of Te Huia train delays last year.
![Two Waikato districts in for 'below-freezing' nights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two Waikato districts in for 'below-freezing' nights
In some places, Thursday night will see temperatures drop to -2C.
!['He was limp': Mum and 11yo share story of 'terribly' scary asthma attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'He was limp': Mum and 11yo share story of 'terribly' scary asthma attack
'It’s pretty horrible seeing your child’s lips turning blue.'
!['Abused, ridiculed and discredited': Waipā District Council turns off Facebook comments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Abused, ridiculed and discredited': Waipā District Council turns off Facebook comments
Meanwhile, Hamilton City Council reports rise in false information on social media.
!['A good day': Stolen firearms recovered in gang-targeted sting operation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'A good day': Stolen firearms recovered in gang-targeted sting operation
Three men have been arrested and are facing charges following police action.
![Review says Te Huia is 'on track' with high customer satisfaction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Review says Te Huia is 'on track' with high customer satisfaction
Documents recorded 315 individual train delays last year.
![Goat control: Helicopters search Tongariro National Park for feral pests](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Goat control: Helicopters search Tongariro National Park for feral pests
DoC eradicated the local wild goat population last year and hopes to keep it that way.
![Woman in hospital after being badly beaten with hammer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman in hospital after being badly beaten with hammer
She escaped to call for help and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
![Search for fisherman missing off Raglan coast continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Search for fisherman missing off Raglan coast continues
The man has been missing for almost a week.
!['Somebody’s got to open that door': Concerns at decision to deny theatres' funding applications](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Somebody’s got to open that door': Concerns at decision to deny theatres' funding applications
Waikato Herald spoke to local arts advocates about what the cuts mean for the future.
![How Waikato observed Anzac Day in words and pictures](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How Waikato observed Anzac Day in words and pictures
“Our way of life and the freedoms we cherish are still at stake.”
!['More than ever': Hamilton Anzac Day services emphasize importance of history](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'More than ever': Hamilton Anzac Day services emphasize importance of history
"Sadly this year the world has seen more death and destruction brought by war."
![The NZ city where an average 190 vehicles are stolen each month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The NZ city where an average 190 vehicles are stolen each month
The number equates to an average of six cars per day.
![Search under way for missing fisherman who activated emergency alarm off Raglan coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Search under way for missing fisherman who activated emergency alarm off Raglan coast
Police said the man had been fishing alone before having a medical event.
![Michael Hill Taupō attacked in daylight robbery](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Michael Hill Taupō attacked in daylight robbery
Two people entered the store with their faces covered and police were called at 10.25am.
![Truck crash closes SH27 from Tatuanui to Tahuna for hours](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Truck crash closes SH27 from Tatuanui to Tahuna for hours
One patient in moderate condition was taken to Waikato Hospital via ambulance.
![Pedestrian dies after being struck by car near Taupō Pak'nSave](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pedestrian dies after being struck by car near Taupō Pak'nSave
Two other pedestrians and the driver have been transported to hospital.
![Two horses shot dead by police north of Taupō](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two horses shot dead by police north of Taupō
'The horses began to travel at speed towards the highway.'
![Exhibition review: Six Extinctions has a gasp-worthy surprise around each corner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exhibition review: Six Extinctions has a gasp-worthy surprise around each corner
Scotty the the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton was the star of the show.
![Emergency services respond to stabbing near Morrinsville](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Emergency services respond to stabbing near Morrinsville
Police were notified of an incident around 1.15pm.
![Heavy rain, severe thunderstorm watches extended for east Waikato](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Heavy rain, severe thunderstorm watches extended for east Waikato
Coromandel Peninsula residents are encouraged to work from home.
![Pedestrian involved in crash on Te Rapa Rd](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pedestrian involved in crash on Te Rapa Rd
One person sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.
![Tongariro Alpine Crossing closed after tramper dies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tongariro Alpine Crossing closed after tramper dies
A person has died while traversing the Tongariro Crossing.
![Woman found injured near intersection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman found injured near intersection
The woman had been assaulted and was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
![Police release name of man killed in Somerville Rd crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police release name of man killed in Somerville Rd crash
James Burt, from Putāruru, was 36 years old.
!['Ram raid': Te Kūiti Liquorland invaded by flock of lost sheep](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Ram raid': Te Kūiti Liquorland invaded by flock of lost sheep
'It's so Kiwi,' said one onlooker, who thought the sheep were after a beer.
!['Being reviewed': Search for missing 79yo in Pureora Forest hits 11th day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Being reviewed': Search for missing 79yo in Pureora Forest hits 11th day
A large search team has been trying to find the missing woman.
![Two cars crashing into power pole results in minor injuries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Two cars crashing into power pole results in minor injuries
Details of latest accident come after the Easter weekend road toll hit a record high.
![Hamilton growth comes with challenges Luxon says](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hamilton growth comes with challenges Luxon says
Christopher Luxon says the Government and Hamilton City Council need to work together.
![What the weather has in store for Waikato this Easter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What the weather has in store for Waikato this Easter
Metservice has predicted a slightly wet start to the long weekend.
![Police investigating homicide in 'very quiet' street](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police investigating homicide in 'very quiet' street
One person is in custody and a homicide investigation has been launched.
!['Delays inevitable': A guide to Waikato roadworks this Easter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Delays inevitable': A guide to Waikato roadworks this Easter
NZTA is expecting more than 20,000 extra vehicles on the roads this weekend.
![Where to fill up your car in the Waikato for 50c cheaper](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Where to fill up your car in the Waikato for 50c cheaper
According to Gaspy, 91 could cost as much as $3.15 a litre in some stations.
![Large rubbish fire spreads smokey haze around Hamilton](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Large rubbish fire spreads smokey haze around Hamilton
Emergency services responded to a rubbish fire on Ellis St in Frankton on Thursday.
!['Larger than life': Why Antarctic scientist inspired people all over the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Larger than life': Why Antarctic scientist inspired people all over the world
Craig spent 40 years studying microbial life. He died on February 29.
![Freedom, fire and physics: Eliot Jessep shares his passion for ballooning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Freedom, fire and physics: Eliot Jessep shares his passion for ballooning
Jessep pilots Paula the Balloon at Balloons over Waikato in honour of his mum.