Nyssa was raised in Oamaru and completed her legal education at the University of Otago, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) while concurrently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. Her academic background reflects both analytical rigour and a broad perspective that continues to inform her legal approach.

Nyssa commenced legal practice in 2008 in Queenstown before relocating to Timaru in 2011. She joined the Office of the Crown Solicitor, where she practised until 2022.

During her time with the Crown, Nyssa regularly appeared in the District Court and High Court on behalf of the Police and the Crown. She conducted numerous jury and judge-alone trials and appeared in sentencings, bail applications, pre-trial matters, and appellate proceedings. This extensive litigation background provided significant advocacy experience across complex and high-stakes matters.

Alongside her prosecution work, Nyssa maintained an active Family Court practice, developing particular expertise in Family Court procedure and advocacy.

After many years as an employed barrister, Nyssa commenced sole practice in 2025, focusing exclusively on Family Court work. Her current practice reflects both her depth of courtroom experience and her commitment to specialist advocacy in family law matters.

Outside her legal practice, Nyssa maintains significant involvement in sport at both national and international levels.

She is an internationally qualified brevet judge in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics and regularly travels overseas representing New Zealand as an appointed official at international competitions.

In 2025, she was appointed by World Gymnastics as a Judge at the World University Games in Germany and the World Championships in Jakarta.

Nyssa has served as Chair of Gymnastics New Zealand’s Women’s Technical Committee since 2022 and is also a national Selector for Gymnastics New Zealand.

Her contribution to sport has been formally recognised. In 2024 she received the South Canterbury Official of the Year award, and in 2025 she was honoured with a Meritorious Award from Gymnastics New Zealand for service to the sport.

Nyssa is also committed to her local community, serving as a Board Member at Sacred Heart School and as a Committee Member at the Timaru Gymnastics Club.