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.
![How not to ram raid: Offenders escape out windows after getting car wedged in dairy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How not to ram raid: Offenders escape out windows after getting car wedged in dairy
The culprits fled the scene empty-handed after getting the car stuck in the doorway.
!['Set up to fail': The $200b cost of abuse in state care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Set up to fail': The $200b cost of abuse in state care
Abuse in care costs an estimated $857,000 over each individual survivor’s lifetime.
![Mother killed with son in Southland house fire was everyone's 'best mate'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mother killed with son in Southland house fire was everyone's 'best mate'
The last messages Kelly Kemble Kerr sent to her friend were full of love for her children.
!['Could have saved him': Mum's grief after losing unborn baby; fears for 'laid-back' maternity care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Could have saved him': Mum's grief after losing unborn baby; fears for 'laid-back' maternity care
Lana calls for more routine screening, saying NZ's maternity care is too laid-back.
!['Hitler was right': MPI worker quits job after probe into hateful social media posts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Hitler was right': MPI worker quits job after probe into hateful social media posts
The employee quit his job shortly after being told he was under investigation.
![Man accused of child rape won't be retried after convictions quashed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man accused of child rape won't be retried after convictions quashed
The complainant told police she did not want to pursue a second trial.
!['Shadow of what I used to be': Man smashed in head with brick while restraining thief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Shadow of what I used to be': Man smashed in head with brick while restraining thief
Victim says his attacker should not be allowed to keep his name secret.
![Guy Wallace's evidence in Scott Watson case 'irretrievably tainted'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Guy Wallace's evidence in Scott Watson case 'irretrievably tainted'
Wallace at one point asked police if they were trying to lay the murders on him.
![Man appears in court on murder charge after fatal stabbing at Waikanae Beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man appears in court on murder charge after fatal stabbing at Waikanae Beach
The man's name will remain secret until at least early July.
!['I felt exposed': Woman's fears after info stolen in Covid data breach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'I felt exposed': Woman's fears after info stolen in Covid data breach
The woman feared a harmful person from her past could have accessed her information.
![Mum couldn't recognise her own children before mid-life epilepsy diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum couldn't recognise her own children before mid-life epilepsy diagnosis
When Antoinette's symptoms began at 42 she feared early dementia.
!['Hitler was right': MPI investigating 'abhorrent' posts from staff member's account](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Hitler was right': MPI investigating 'abhorrent' posts from staff member's account
The employee says his Instagram account was hacked and he did not make the comments.
![Precious photos stolen after dead man's home 'ransacked'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Precious photos stolen after dead man's home 'ransacked'
Even a baby photo was taken off the fridge.
!['You do it': Witnesses argue over performing CPR on murder victim](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'You do it': Witnesses argue over performing CPR on murder victim
The dispatcher tried for several minutes to get people at the scene to start CPR on him.
!['Go upstairs': Murder trial witnesses describe emotionless scene](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Go upstairs': Murder trial witnesses describe emotionless scene
First responders initially couldn't see the wound that caused so much blood loss.
![Firefighter will 'never forget' amount of blood at murder scene](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Firefighter will 'never forget' amount of blood at murder scene
The firefighter was told it was a medical call, but arrived to find Tongia dead.
![Shot in the back while sleeping: Four women on trial for murder](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shot in the back while sleeping: Four women on trial for murder
The killing is said to be revenge for an earlier assault.
!['Scared for my future': Amputee describes crash that took his leg](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Scared for my future': Amputee describes crash that took his leg
Ed Dormon's first thought was about being able to continue his passion of caregiving.
![Portrait of Māori climate activist wins $20k art prize](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Portrait of Māori climate activist wins $20k art prize
Artist Maryanne Shearman said she wanted to paint someone who deserved to be painted.
![Why Kiri Allan never had to go to court for careless driving case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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 sentenced on crash, refusing to go with police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiri Allan sentenced on crash, refusing to go with police
The former Justice Minister's trial has been called off at the last minute.
!['Visual insult': Residents outraged after squiggly line painted along walkway](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Visual insult': Residents outraged after squiggly line painted along walkway
A council staff member said a contractor had been trialling a new machine.
![Top prosecutor's breaches in murder case revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top prosecutor's breaches in murder case revealed
One breach included asking police to omit information from a job sheet after a meeting.
![Man found dead in Invercargill in ‘unexplained’ circumstances is named](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man found dead in Invercargill in ‘unexplained’ circumstances is named
Police attended after a body was found yesterday, a post mortem will take place tomorrow.
![Kiri Allan to go on trial this week for crash incident, refusing to accompany police](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
![Infamous murderer loses legal battle over NZ prison sex ban](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Infamous murderer loses legal battle over NZ prison sex ban
The convicted child sex offender has challenged rules against sex in the treatment unit.
![Deadly Loafers Lodge fire victims remembered one year on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Deadly Loafers Lodge fire victims remembered one year on
Today marks one year since a horror fire tore through the boarding house and killed five.
!['About bloody time': Son welcomes news of murder charge in mum's cold case](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.
![Criminals printing guns to look like toys, police say](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Criminals printing guns to look like toys, police say
Police are seeing more 3D-printed guns, but the number is still small in context.
![Skeleton found after 36-year mystery: Was mum's death sinister?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Skeleton found after 36-year mystery: Was mum's death sinister?
Patricia Burt's daughter says a visit to the site has raised more questions for her.
![Police identify woman found dead in Wellington harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police identify woman found dead in Wellington harbour
The woman was thought to have been walking nearby shortly before she was found dead.
![Mum sentenced for failing to get medical care for injured baby](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum sentenced for failing to get medical care for injured baby
The baby had been out of hospital just a few days when his mother noticed something wrong.
![Mystery surrounds identity of woman pulled dead from Wellington Harbour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mystery surrounds identity of woman pulled dead from Wellington Harbour
Multiple people have died in Wellington Harbour during the past decade.
![Smashing good time: Why are people paying to destroy things?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Smashing good time: Why are people paying to destroy things?
The Smash Room in Upper Hutt already has a few regulars after opening in December.
!['Fattening the profits of law firms': DIA legal team in proposed cull, says union](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Fattening the profits of law firms': DIA legal team in proposed cull, says union
The changes are the latest proposal in a string of public service staff reductions.
![One in 10 electric blankets fail hotspot testing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
One in 10 electric blankets fail hotspot testing
Thermal imaging could show where coils touch or cross over.
![Electric blanket fire killed 82-year-old woman and her dog](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Electric blanket fire killed 82-year-old woman and her dog
Coroner's report has prompted a warning as we head into colder weather.
!['Trapped in their homes' by boy racers: Suburb's nightmare during car meets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Trapped in their homes' by boy racers: Suburb's nightmare during car meets
Some people felt they couldn't leave their homes while the boy racers were there.
![Killer and child sex offender fights prison sex ban in rehabilitation unit](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Killer and child sex offender fights prison sex ban in rehabilitation unit
The convicted killer said the ban was a breach of the Homosexual Law Reform Act.
![Caught in 4 minutes: Speedy police nab burglar red-handed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Caught in 4 minutes: Speedy police nab burglar red-handed
Officers happened to be in the area investigating reports of a suspicious male.
![‘It really breaks my heart’: Nurse performed CPR on dying victim of quadruple fatal crash](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘It really breaks my heart’: Nurse performed CPR on dying victim of quadruple fatal crash
A nurse who helped at the scene said she performed CPR on one of the dying victims.
![Girl needing machine to slow lung damage 'shocked' as donations pour in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Girl needing machine to slow lung damage 'shocked' as donations pour in
Victoria Wilson said she burst into tears after one family donated $7000.
![Three die in 'horrific' crash near Lake Pukaki, 20 involved in accidents on same road](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Three die in 'horrific' crash near Lake Pukaki, 20 involved in accidents on same road
There were two crashes involving a total of six vehicles and about 20 or more people.
!['She deserves a good life': Girl needs $20k machine to slow lung damage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'She deserves a good life': Girl needs $20k machine to slow lung damage
Maddi Wilson ends up on antibiotics or in hospital for even mild viruses.
![Pair plead not guilty in 'horrific' child abuse case, mum of kids charged](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pair plead not guilty in 'horrific' child abuse case, mum of kids charged
The two people charged over the children's injuries have appeared in court.
![Pair charged over 'horrific' child abuse, conspiring to lie to cops](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pair charged over 'horrific' child abuse, conspiring to lie to cops
The two people are also accused of conspiring to lie to police.
!['No undue influence': Minister probes bureaucrat's role in DJ's passport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'No undue influence': Minister probes bureaucrat's role in DJ's passport
The public servant said the passport office handles hundreds of urgent requests a week.
![Dog finds drugs hidden in sneakers at prison](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Dog finds drugs hidden in sneakers at prison
Bart the dog found the drugs concealed in a pair of shoes.
![Taitā Cemetery fire under control](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Taitā Cemetery fire under control
Fire and Emergency NZ cannot yet say how large or severe the fire is.
!['Poor babies': Neighbour of horrifically injured children noticed girl's injured arm](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Poor babies': Neighbour of horrifically injured children noticed girl's injured arm
The neighbour said the family would walk by her house almost every day and seemed 'happy'.
![Children found with brain bleeds and broken bones: Family known to police and Oranga Tamariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Children found with brain bleeds and broken bones: Family known to police and Oranga Tamariki
The older child had brain bleeds, lacerations to their internal organs and broken bones.
![Loafers Lodge murder accused will claim defence of insanity](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Loafers Lodge murder accused will claim defence of insanity
The man accused of killing five people in an arson attack has pleaded not guilty.
![Couple say school's 5.5m 'tower of terror' destroys home's privacy, value](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Couple say school's 5.5m 'tower of terror' destroys home's privacy, value
Adults and children alike can be spotted staring into the couple's windows at all hours.
![White-tailed spider bite leaves man in hospital for a month with deadly infection](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
White-tailed spider bite leaves man in hospital for a month with deadly infection
Andy Stewart pushed on with his motorbike trek despite his growing pain.
![Attempted murder at school: Teen tried to kill schoolmate over love triangle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Attempted murder at school: Teen tried to kill schoolmate over love triangle
'If arrested, it is what it is' were the final words in the note stored on his phone.
![Kids' rugby trip money allegedly stolen by coach, wife](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kids' rugby trip money allegedly stolen by coach, wife
Parents became suspicious when they started planning a second trip.
![Devastated father charged over child’s driveway death: ‘already a life sentence’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Devastated father charged over child’s driveway death: ‘already a life sentence’
A father charged over his son's driveway death will be sentenced in May.
![Higher fines, fuel tax, hiked rego fees: Your guide to Govt's transport moves](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Higher fines, fuel tax, hiked rego fees: Your guide to Govt's transport moves
A raft of proposed changes will be partially funded from the pockets of road users.
![Fewer kids due to cost of living 'new reality' for NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fewer kids due to cost of living 'new reality' for NZ
New Zealand will suffer as birth rates drop, but Kiwis can't afford to have more kids.
![From 'perfect' day to tragedy: Family who lost 10yo in freak accident speak of grief](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From 'perfect' day to tragedy: Family who lost 10yo in freak accident speak of grief
Tegan Chen died after being swept down Marian Creek in Fiordland National Park.
!['Organised rumble': Up to 200 youths from rival schools in mass brawl](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Organised rumble': Up to 200 youths from rival schools in mass brawl
The brawl follows a week of violence in Taitā, Lower Hutt.
![Name suppression continues for woman accused of murdering pensioner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Name suppression continues for woman accused of murdering pensioner
The reasons for the name suppression are also suppressed.
![Fatal hit and run driver admits manslaughter of young mum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Fatal hit and run driver admits manslaughter of young mum
Jason Tuitama has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the alcohol-fuelled hit and run.
![36-year mystery solved? Remains in park believed to be missing mum](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
36-year mystery solved? Remains in park believed to be missing mum
Items found at the scene have been linked to a cold case from the 80s.
!['Blazing a trail in heaven': Family's farewell to girl swept down Fiordland stream](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Blazing a trail in heaven': Family's farewell to girl swept down Fiordland stream
Tegan Chen died in late January after slipping from a rock into a fast-moving stream.
![Vaccine data breach: IT worker in court](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Vaccine data breach: IT worker in court
'Truth is not a crime' said one of Barry Young's supporters as he left the courtroom.
!['Stab in the heart': Musician speaks out on false rape claims](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Stab in the heart': Musician speaks out on false rape claims
Tafara Mutingwende's music career has been destroyed since the social media accusations.
![OT report 'extremely distressing': Disabled mother’s newborn uplifted from hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
OT report 'extremely distressing': Disabled mother’s newborn uplifted from hospital
One youth was held for five years longer than his parent had agreed to in respite care.
![What I wish I knew about choking before my toddler ended up in hospital](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What I wish I knew about choking before my toddler ended up in hospital
COMMENT: I reacted the wrong way when my 2-year-old started choking.
![Green backlash as Wellingtonians vote in 'centrist' councillor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Green backlash as Wellingtonians vote in 'centrist' councillor
Greens have been snubbed in favour of a "centrist" councillor in the seat.
![Wellington Children's Hospital evacuated after suspected gas leak](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wellington Children's Hospital evacuated after suspected gas leak
Twelve fire appliances are in attendance.
!['Horrific': E-bike battery explodes in family's garage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Horrific': E-bike battery explodes in family's garage
The family heard a loud bang amid ferocious weather and did not think much of it.
![Prison escaper 'conditioned' staff to overlook his risk](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Prison escaper 'conditioned' staff to overlook his risk
"Manipulative" Damon Exley had escaped from custody six times before, review says.
![Human remains removed from Porirua park, investigation continues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Human remains removed from Porirua park, investigation continues
Police have not yet given an indication of the age of the remains.
![Police reopen road after inspecting 'item of concern' found near Israeli embassy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Police reopen road after inspecting 'item of concern' found near Israeli embassy
Police were investigating after an item of concern was found outside the Israeli embassy.
![Surprise culprit at centre of supermarket privacy stoush revealed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Surprise culprit at centre of supermarket privacy stoush revealed
Countdown is reviewing its stance on providing CCTV footage to customers.