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.
Woman has heart attack evacuating home after tree fell on her house
Debi Hobern was watching TV when she heard what she thought was thunder.
Three choppers, multiple fire trucks at spreading fire
The terrain and wind were making it difficult to fight the fire.
Where you can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Here's where you can go to pay tribute to the late Queen.
Meth dealers appeal sentences in Supreme Court
Two unrelated meth offenders are appealing their sentences in the Supreme Court today.
Psychologist lay naked with patient in therapy session
Paul Joseph cannot apply for re-registration for at least two years.
Large number of dogs housed in Northland being investigated
Council asks for 'patience' while investigating how many dogs are at a Kaipara property.
Kiwi 'heartbroken' to hear of wife's cancer diagnosis in quarantine
Jon Braithwaite was in quarantine when he got the news his wife had cancer.
What happens if your WOF expires during the lockdown?
You're still covered in a crash as long as your car was safe, the Insurance Council says.
Murderer appeals due to prison brain injury
Akuhata's lawyer said the case should have been handled differently.
Police 'trespassed' in holiday home meth lab
Police had no right to go onto the property where the meth lab was hidden, a lawyer says.
How do you thank another driver?
Wellingtonians like to toot while Aucklanders prefer to flash their hazard lights.
Shadow crime: 77 per cent of offences go unreported
It is the "most comprehensive" report ever done on crime in Aotearoa.
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.
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.
Teachers advised to reject pay offer
The Post Primary Teachers Association has called for a 15 per cent pay rise.
Former Olympian Arthur Parkin appeals sentence
The former New Zealand hockey representative star was jailed earlier this year.
Witness C appeals perjury sentence
Witness C, otherwise known as Roberto Conchie Harris, argues his sentence was too high.
71-year-old guilty of historical rapes
A former Porirua man has been found guilty on rape charges from nearly 60 years ago.
Council websites hit by international cyber attack
The council website was one of more than 4000 sites internationally that were affected.
When emus attack: Firefighter tells of tackling bird
Ungrateful cats are the number one cause of firefighters getting hurt in animal rescues.