Melissa Tapper

Melissa is an Auckland-based Content Producer and Video Editor with a strong background in digital storytelling across the media and non-profit sectors. Currently at UNICEF Aotearoa, she manages end-to-end multimedia production, combining copywriting, graphic design, and webpage development to drive high-impact digital marketing campaigns.

With a Bachelor of Communications from AUT, Melissa’s career includes roles at Discovery Inc (Newshub) and Bauer Media Group, where she produced engaging video content for top-tier New Zealand brands. She is highly skilled in Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop) and modern CMS platforms like Prismic.

Stories by Melissa Tapper

Birwrengi Bamanyisa, 20, is a community health worker raising awareness about the risks associated with Ebola, preventive measures and how to behave if symptoms appear.

Young Community Volunteers Leading the Fight Against Ebola

Under the supervision of local health facilities, young volunteers are raising awareness among the population about the risks associated with Ebola, preventive measures and how to behave if symptoms appear.

FIANZ Support for War-Injured Children

In December 2024, FIANZ contributed NZ$274,000 in funding to support prosthetics services for children affected by conflict in Gaza, Palestine and the Middle East and North Africa Region.

On 17 March 2025 in São Paulo, Brazil, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown takes a selfie with the students at Olinda Menezes Serra Vidal Elementary School, which is located in a vulnerable neighbourhood where UNICEF operates.

Millie Bobby Brown, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Actress Millie Bobby Brown was announced as UNICEF’s youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador on World Children’s Day in 2018. Today, she uses her global platform to advocate for children’s rights and amplify youth voices around the world.

Motaz, 5, receives a mine risk education kit by a UNICEF-supported worker at the Joussieh border crossing in Homs Governorate, Syria, on 30 March 2026.

Hope for Displaced Families in Syria

As families arrive from Lebanon through the Joussieh border crossing, UNICEF delivers integrated services to meet urgent needs and restore hope.

The vast majority of families across the Gaza Strip are displaced and have lost everything – their homes and belongings.

A Child a Day: The Deadly Illusion of Gaza's Ceasefire

For many, many months, the world has been told there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Yet for Palestinian children, this so-called ceasefire has become a cruel and deadly illusion.

Vaccines Continue Reaching Children Across Lebanon

Despite displacement and crisis, UNICEF, the Ministry of Public Health, the European Union, and Gavi continue ensuring children across Lebanon receive lifesaving vaccines.

On 30 May, a child smiles after receiving a new bed net at her home in Arabee neighbourhood, in Damazine, Blue Nile state.

Workout for the World 2026

By joining this movement, the fitness community can channel its collective energy to ensure that when emergencies strike, vulnerable children are never left behind.

Omega, 11, shows his hands after washing them at Biringi Primary School in Ituri Province, DR Congo, on 16 May 2026.

UNICEF scaling up response to Ebola outbreaks

UNICEF scaling up efforts to protect and support children and families following Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

On 13 August 2025, Antini Mahepa, 17, works as a sewing apprentice in a local market located in the Uvinza District of the Kigoma Region in Tanzania. The small stall, lined with colourful fabrics and garments, is a place for learning and growth.

Stitching a Future

17-year-old Antini is breaking the cycle of child poverty through UNICEF Tanzania and Social Protection programs like Cash Plus. See her story.

Depriving girls of secondary education translates to a loss of at least US$500 million for Afghan economy in last 12 months

New analysis by UNICEF has found that depriving girls in Afghanistan of their right to secondary education will have a devastating effect on the country’s economy.

Child holding up learning passport on phone

No Wi-Fi? No Worries!

The Learning Passport is a digital learning platform that gives young kids app or browser-based school classes without always having to be connected to the internet.

On 22 January 2022, Semisi Fataua, 15 years old, stands in front of his home in Kanokupolu village on Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island, with damage caused by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano eruption and tsunami.

The events of the night are still haunting them today.

To help children in Tonga deal with their trauma, we're reaching them with psycho-social support.