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.
Man trapped in farm machinery, airlifted to hospital with serious injuries
The man was quickly freed by paramedics and firefighters this morning.
Double fatal crash scene 'didn't look real'
One witness says the scene in Shannon this week was difficult to comprehend.
No convictions after bull left alive, riddled with arrows
Both men pointed the finger at the other over the 'repugnant' offending.
Flooding has 'catastrophic' effect on livestock
The floods have brought 'absolutely harrowing' tales of people's animals drowning.
'It's disgusting': Family mourns death of 'very loving' 11yo on beach
Oliver Shone was a quirky and loving child, family and friends say.
'Emaciated' horse left without food for weeks
The horse went several weeks without any food, and minimal water.
Man's best friend: Owner stuck in river after following dog into water
The man had been trying to get his dog out of the river when he became stuck.
Man sentenced for 'unprecedented' non-reporting of 11 tonnes of crayfish and pāua
The non-reported amount of fish was valued at nearly $900,000.
$120 million expected to be paid out over gun buyback
The spending watchdog last year announced it would report to Parliament on the scheme.
NZ Outdoors Party compares government to Nazis over lockdown rules
The comments have been labelled "inappropriate" by the NZ Deerstalkers Association.
Bluff wedding cluster now second biggest in country
Clusters around the country grow, while others remain steady.
'Shock to the system' as temperatures set to drop
"Changeable" spring weather brings sun, rain, hot and cold all in one week.
1080 blackmailer's jail term halved
Gregory Buchanan's sentence for threatening DOC workers was too high, a judge has said.
$1 million-plus fine for under-reporting fishing catch
The companies sold under-reported fish and made false statements.
Chardonnay 'has something for everybody'
Chardonnay is making a comeback this year, winning top spot in the wine awards.
Wine judge talks pros and cons of the job
The judges are careful to give full respect to each wine they taste.
Council given go ahead for fluoridation
The six-year legal battle has come to an end in the Supreme Court.
No such thing as mini pigs at Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary
Otaki's Black Sheep Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 200 animals.
Martinborough winery's major overhaul
A Martinborough winery is going through the pricey process of swapping its vines.
TV stars clash: Guys v girls fishing video labelled derogatory
A video posted by ITM Fishing has caused controversy on Facebook.
Horses injured by overnight trespassers
The horses may not be able to be ridden again after the incident.
Quitting smoking? Try cow pat bingo
A series of games and competitions were tested as ways to help people quit smoking.
Abuse forces cancellation of possum hunt
A rural school has cancelled its possum hunt due to waves of online abuse.