Melissa Nightingale is a Senior Reporter for the Herald, based in the Wellington region.
Melissa began working for NZME in 2013 as a journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle, after completing a Diploma in Journalism and a Bachelor of Communications degree at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). Melissa started on the crime, emergency and health rounds and now specialises in court reporting in her role in the capital - though continues to cover all things Wellington and beyond. She is also the host of the NZ Herald podcast The Fifty Year Secret, which uncovered shocking new evidence in one of New Zealand's oldest cold case murders. Melissa is always on the lookout for great news tips and welcomes the occasional cute animal story to break up the flood of crime. She can be emailed at melissa.nightingale@nzme.co.nz or messaged on X (formerly Twitter) @mel_nightingale.
Mum couldn't recognise her own children before mid-life epilepsy diagnosis
When Antoinette's symptoms began at 42 she feared early dementia.
'About bloody time': Son welcomes news of murder charge in mum's cold case
Family have welcomed news of a charge, five years on from their mum's death.
Cops' daring rescues in Cyclone Gabrielle floods recognised
'I've never been in a situation that was so close for so many different people.'
Where you can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Here's where you can go to pay tribute to the late Queen.
Teen murderer's trial evidence a 'train wreck', appeal lawyer says
Haami Hanara was just 14-years-old when he murdered Kelly Donner.
'Just a joke': Why Kiwis are sending harmful messages
The reasons behind why adults are sending harmful messages have been revealed.
Deadly cruise: What did crew members know before NZ man's death?
How can cruise ship passengers take a class action against cruise lines?
Police deliver present for woman spending 70th birthday alone
Police officers have brightened up a woman's day with a special lockdown delivery.
Cruise ship cluster: Couple had 'no idea' of outbreak - and then got the virus
Andrew and June Ranyard started getting symptoms the day after the cruise ended.
$2.5 million meth bust sentence appealed
Offender was a 'small time user' of meth when he was caught, his lawyer tells court.
Oranga Tamariki worker appeals indecent assault conviction
Judge says a man who committed the same crime would probably have ended up in jail.
Body of missing tramper found in Tararua Range
Darren Myers had been missing for 11 days.
'Batman just punched a licorice allsort': A night on the streets with NZ Police
What's a night on the town like for New Zealand Police?
Strikes loom again as primary school teachers reject latest pay offer
Primary school teachers are revealing their decision over the latest pay offer.
'Rotten care': Elderly rest home residents dying due to low level of help - union
Reports of man dying after being too scared to report infected wound due to low staffing.
$1 million-plus fine for under-reporting fishing catch
The companies sold under-reported fish and made false statements.
Quarter of teens watch porn before age 12, report reveals
Almost a quarter of teenagers think nobody should view porn.
More NCEA exams to go digital in 2019
Students will be able to choose to take their exams digitally in 14 subjects.
As it happened: Harry and Meghan's first day in NZ
Prince Harry and Meghan have wrapped up their public meet and greet.
Breast cancer funding: 'More important than prolonging an erection'
The women are presenting a petition with at least 32,000 signatures to Parliament.
Murder charge laid over fatal fight in Taita
The 50-year-old was charged with murder today in the Hutt Valley District Court.
Police Minister a victim of credit card fraud
The Police Minister's wife discovered more than $1000 bills from Apple on their card.
Chardonnay 'has something for everybody'
Chardonnay is making a comeback this year, winning top spot in the wine awards.
Teachers advised to reject pay offer
The Post Primary Teachers Association has called for a 15 per cent pay rise.
Appeal after murderer left beaten victim for dead
Johnnie Puna was sentenced earlier this year to life imprisonment. Now he's appealing.
Man busted with Isis videos and child porn given community sentence
Twenty-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable material.
Live: Dawn service marks start of disaster commemorations
People will gather in Eastbourne this morning for a dawn service.