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.
Autism not a barrier for Waihī’s Todd to pursue his dreams
Autism New Zealand estimates around 1 to 2% (93,000) of New Zealanders have autism.
‘Loads of maggots’: Woman traumatised by alleged treatment of brother’s dead body
'I thought I could grieve my baby brother and let them take over ... I feel so dumb.'
Logging truck trailer rolls off road near Whangamatā
The road was partially blocked.
'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.'
Foul language, threats heard before man’s death sparked homicide probe
The man was taken to hospital where he died overnight.
'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.
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.
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.
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.'
Five people injured after car and truck crash
Emergency services were alerted to the crash about 12.10pm.
Multiple explosions heard as vehicles burn in possible arson attack
Three vehicles set alight on waterfront.
From 40 packs a week to 1500, mother-daughter duo nourishing Te Puke with microgreens
'Microgreens are not just the garnish on a meal at a fancy restaurant.'
Disc golf sets its sights on a new town
"Golf is fun but not everyone can afford a $500 membership to play."
Disc golf sets its sights on a new town
'Golf is fun but not everyone can afford a $500 membership to play.'
Te Puke's Otamarakau School receives two new additions
Menz Shed volunteers put time and money into helping their community.
Te Puke's Jorja Mouat to represent NZ at flag football world champs
Non-contact sports were not the plan until a broken leg changed the course of her life.
Festival to celebrate 24th anniversary and 60 years of classic Ford Mustang
This year celebrates 60 years of the Ford Mustang.
Fatal police shooting: Sirens, gunshots shock ‘tight-knit’ community
Police said an armed man entered a stranger’s home.
People advised to protect themselves from the flu following deadly outbreak
People reminded about seriousness of common flu outbreaks.
Police fatally shoot man threatening parent and child
Police say the male driver fled during a vehicle stop in Hamilton.
Six dead as influenza outbreak strikes NZ aged care facility
Six people died in the space of 12 days as a result of the outbreak.