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.
‘She was gone instantly’: Birthday balloon tragedy prompts warning from family
'Just don’t do it' - family's helium warning after mum of two's death at daughter's party.
Dignity and reputation: Police defend heavy redactions in Kiri Allan file
Police say the redactions are in line with Ombudsman guidelines for privacy.
Police file reveals new details from Kiri Allan’s career-ending crash
Photos, statements and notebook entries have been released under the OIA.
Why Kiri Allan never had to go to court for careless driving case
The former Justice Minister was sentenced on two charges after the crash.
Kiri Allan to go on trial this week for crash incident, refusing to accompany police
Allan says she is testing a grey area in the law.
Couple rescued from Mt Ruapehu in dead of night as 'intense' weather sets in
The couple hoped to get off the mountain before bad weather set in, but became lost.
Missing boat of man who fell overboard, spent day floating in ocean, found 170km away
Will Fransen, 61, fell off the boat and spent 24 hours floating alone on January 2.
'Chaos-tamer' Kiri Allan launches new business
Allan is still going through the court process for Wellington car crash.
Final results? Recounts? Overhangs? What you need to know about the election from here
The Herald answers your questions on what happens now.
Kiri Allan pleads not guilty to refusing to accompany police after crash
The former Justice Minister's court hearing has been delayed until after the election.
Watch: 'Not in a good head space' - PM's 'difficult' phone call with Kiri Allan
The crash happened on Evans Bay Parade in Roseneath about 9pm last night.
Police name man who died in Ōpōtiki
CPR was performed but the man died of his injuries.
Where you can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Here's where you can go to pay tribute to the late Queen.
Appeal for violent murder of pregnant girlfriend declined
Court has declined appeal by convicted murderer.
Woman's 'excruciating' hot water bottle accident
Erin Majurey could instantly feel her skin blistering after the hot water bottle burst.
Man who murdered pregnant partner appeals against conviction
Jayson Poihipi said his lawyer told him not to give evidence at trial.
Herald journalist's book banned from prisons
Inmate gearing up to fight Corrections over the decision.
Child who died on dairy farm: 'God needed him back'
Rozayah Hudson died in an incident on a dairy farm last week.
Renaming NZ to Aotearoa 'plain headline hunting'
Winston Peters says the party is rushing down the path of separatism.
'Desperate' Te Puke woman stuck in Peru amid pandemic
Her next flight is in May, but her husband suspects that too could be cancelled.
Matamata virus cluster linked to St Patrick's Day event
There are nine cases linked to the event at a local business
Wife killer's chilling account of murder revealed in failed appeal bid
Ephraim Beazley killed his ex-wife as she held their young son.
Farmworker who brutally killed ex as she held son says jail term too harsh
Ephraim Beazley's lawyer said stabbing Xi Wang 18 times was a 'snap decision'.
Two appear in court over Taita homicide
Women in the public gallery cried during the brief appearances.
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.
Live: Dawn service marks start of disaster commemorations
People will gather in Eastbourne this morning for a dawn service.
Stop-go killer appeals conviction
Some evidence should never have gone before the jury, Quinton Winders' lawyer says.
Missing: The hunt for the $30m Lotto winner
How far could $30 million get the lucky Lotto winner in Taupo?