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.
'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.
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.
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.
Five hit-and-runs in five months, victims living 'nightmare'
The lower North Island has been rocked by multiple deadly incidents since mid-June.
New Ruapehu mayor officiates wedding as results announced
Weston Kirton was one of the last to find out he was mayor after voting closed today.
Where you can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Here's where you can go to pay tribute to the late Queen.
'Gone in five minutes': shop owner devastated after blaze
Barry Daily said business had been booming before the fire hit.
Furious residents told 'disgusting' water safe to drink
A Waverley resident shared a photo of the dark brown water that had come from their tap.
Whanganui nurse: 'I want to be able to hold my daughter'
Robert Smith wants people to take the lockdown seriously so he can see his child again.
Family to murderer: 'Tell us where he is'
David Lyttle was targeted in an undercover police sting, during which he confessed.
'Shock to the system' as temperatures set to drop
"Changeable" spring weather brings sun, rain, hot and cold all in one week.
Gran's 'rare' mercy: When murder doesn't merit life in prison
Lorraine Smith avoided a life sentence for murder - how common is it?
Grandmother who strangled teen spared life sentence
Lorraine Smith will not face the usual life imprisonment sentence for murder.
Waverley crash: A day like any other before seven lives lost
Jeremy Thompson had smoked at least four cones of synthetic cannabis before the crash.
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.
Refugee woman's 'deep gratitude' for scholarship
School was hard with constant taunts and racism from her fellow students.
Quarter of teens watch porn before age 12, report reveals
Almost a quarter of teenagers think nobody should view porn.
Murder charge laid in Petone decapitation
A man has been charged with murder after the grisly death of a 71-year-old Petone man.
71-year-old homicide victim was decapitated, police say
GRAPHIC CONTENT. Witness says man was decapitated and head thrown from window.
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.
Alleged baby murderer appears in court
The defendant will keep his name secret until his next appearance in February.
Teachers advised to reject pay offer
The Post Primary Teachers Association has called for a 15 per cent pay rise.
'Trailblazing' service dog wins top award
Rica has been Merenia Donne's "soulmate" for 12 years.
No prison for brutal parking warden attack
The man who fractured a parking warden's eye socket won't go to prison.
Kidnapper raped stranger to anger ex-partner
Robert Allen Mair will remain in prison until he is considered safe to release.
'Genuinely nice' man loses $70,000 and gets it back as scams rapidly increase in NZ
The callers tell victims to 'play it cool' at the bank, saying the staff could be hackers.
Oral surgeon appeals misdiagnosis fine
The delayed diagnosis meant the patient had to have a third of his tongue removed.
Council given go ahead for fluoridation
The six-year legal battle has come to an end in the Supreme Court.
Entertainer's domestic violence charge downgraded, could get diversion
Police will consider whether to grant the man diversion on the common assault charge.
Bravery awards for golden locals
Locals honoured with bravery awards for 2017 rescue.
Doctor faked certificate out of 'desperation'
Disgraced junior doctor used fake documents to get a job at Whanganui Hospital.
Watch: 'Idiot' driver's terrifying near-miss at 100km/h
The oncoming driver had to swerve at full speed to avoid a terrible crash.
Sentencing delay for ex Whanganui doctor
Sentencing of fake doctor delayed due to late defence submissions.
Horses injured by overnight trespassers
The horses may not be able to be ridden again after the incident.
Killer's toupee case back in court today
Convicted murderer Phillip John Smith's hairpiece has been brought up in court again.