Rafaella Melo
Reporter
The New Zealand Herald has more than 200 journalists across the country, bringing you the stories that matter on our website and app, in print and across our social media platforms.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
Check out Rafaella’s latest content
'Look up': Public urged to report missing monarch clusters in Hawke's Bay
No winter clusters have been recorded in Hawke’s Bay, which once had multiple known sites.
'Makeshift stretcher': Rescuers carefully refloat 50kg stingray stuck on rocks
'We used a ‘seal board’ to shield ourselves in case of injury and to fend the ray.'
On The Up: Digger driver clears 37 tyres from a beach in one day
Tim Dodge thought he'd never walk again. Now he's back, and he's determined to help.
‘End of an era’: Aching bones of landmark highway house further crippled by fire
The historic house on State Highway 2, abandoned since the late 1960s, damaged in fire.
Meet Tanya, the woman who can open a bottle of beer with a 13-tonne excavator
She’ll be one of the first women competing at the National Excavator Operator Competition.
'Iconic' 15-year-old pig came with a couple's new home: 'She was on the chattels list'
'Bella isn't just a pet, she’s an icon.'
Life in an isolated valley after a flood: 'The damage took my mind off being hungry'
George waited days in his car for someone to arrive: 'They didn’t even know we were here.'
‘Like opening a window’: Unearthed phone shows cyclone smashing through Esk Valley
'Looking at those photos now, it’s surreal.'
Cyclone Gabrielle: The couple who gave up their jobs and moved to Hawke's Bay to help
'This wasn’t just about clearing debris. It was about restoring hope.'
All smiles: Taradale man's shot wins farming photo competition
'They always have a big smile on their faces; they are lovely people.'
The Hawke’s Bay connection to every bounce at the Australian Open
NZ wool the secret ingredient in grand slam tennis balls.