Alex Powell is a Sports Journalist for the NZ Herald.
He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News. You can contact Alex at alex.powell@nzme.co.nz.

Blues hammer Moana Pasifika to claim Super Rugby's battle for Auckland
The 2024 champions proved their season is far from done.

'Pressure on': Lawson outpaces Yuki Tsunoda in Bahrain GP practice, Red Bull struggles
The Kiwi logged 50 laps in practice, on a track he’s had plenty of past success on.

Sua’ali’i shines, McKenzie struggles as Chiefs lose Super Rugby top spot in upset
Australian rugby's bright hope showed his class against the former competition leaders.

‘He’s made for that arena’: Warriors continue to bang Egan State of Origin drum
The No 9 was overlooked last year, but continues to excel at Mt Smart.

Stead's future as Black Caps coach to be revealed this week
The 53-year-old's current contract expires in June.

Alex Powell: The biggest threat to Lawson's Red Bull future reveals itself
OPINION: What we learned from the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

'A tough start': Pit strategy costs Lawson in Japan
The Kiwi’s one-stop pit strategy didn’t yield the desired results.

Lawson drops places in underwhelming Japanese Grand Prix
The tight nature of the Japanese track ultimately cost the Kiwi.

Liam Lawson outqualifies Yuki Tsunoda, to start Japanese Grand Prix in 13th
The Kiwi has proven his point to his Red Bull bosses at Suzuka.

'A good day': Lawson tops Verstappen, Tsunoda in disrupted Japan practice
Four separate incidents forced stoppages in the second session at Suzuka.

After the divorce: Five years of life without South Africa in Super Rugby
This year marks the five-year anniversary without the Springboks.

Alex Powell: The telltale sign Red Bull haven’t given up on Liam Lawson
OPINION: The Kiwi has been brutally demoted but Red Bull still see value in him.

Liam Lawson officially demoted by Red Bull, moves back to junior F1 team
The Kiwi returns to Racing Bulls, just two races into 2025.

Alex Powell: Two-race sacking the end for Lawson at Red Bull, not in Formula 1
OPINION: The Kiwi is reportedly on the chopping block after two races.

Black Caps add two new faces for season-ending ODIs against Pakistan
Wellington pair Muhammad Abbas and Nick Kelly are in line to debut.

Alex Powell: If Liam Lawson isn’t Red Bull’s answer, neither is Yuki Tsunoda
OPINION: What we learned from the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

‘It just didn’t work today’: Liam Lawson upgraded to 12th in Chinese Grand Prix
Both Ferrari cars and Pierre Gasly's Alpine were found to be illegal.

Liam Lawson finishes 15th, stays out of trouble in China
All the action from the Formula 1 Shanghai Grand Prix

'Just not good enough': Lawson qualifies 20th for Chinese Grand Prix
The Kiwi set the slowest times in both sprint and Grand Prix qualifying.

‘I’m really sorry’: Lawson qualifies last for Chinese Grand Prix sprint race
The Kiwi's final timed lap was deleted for track infringements.

Watch: Allen, Seifert blast Black Caps to T20 series lead in Dunedin
The pair hammered 10 sixes between them against a shellshocked Pakistan.

Why NRL superstar Kalyn Ponga can’t switch to the Kiwis – yet
The 26-year-old continues to be linked with a switch to represent his heritage.

Alex Powell: Lawson’s biggest strength can save Red Bull’s season
OPINION: What we learned from the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

'We took a chance': Lawson crashes out in Melbourne, Norris wins F1 opener
Six drivers failed to finish, as rain wrought havoc on the Australian Grand Prix.

Australian Grand Prix: Lawson crashes out in rainy Melbourne chaos
All the action as Kiwi Liam Lawson starts 18th on his Red Bull debut.

Lawson eliminated in first qualifying session, to start 18th in Melbourne
The Kiwi has so far endured a tough weekend at Albert Park.

'Just too slow': Lawson, Red Bull off pace in Formula 1 Melbourne practice
Only time will tell how valuable the first day of practice was for the Kiwi.

‘Jumped the gun’: All Blacks utility responds to French giant’s interest
Braydon Ennor says there’s nothing in place with Top 14 side Perpignan.

Alex Powell: The challenge Liam Lawson is facing as 2025 F1 season begins
OPINION: The Kiwi is just days away from his first race as a Red Bull driver.

Contract rebels return, Bracewell to captain NZ’s T20 series against Pakistan
A core of senior players are unavailable for the end of the Kiwi summer.

‘Be patient’: Webster’s message to Warriors fans over struggling star
Luke Metcalf is being backed by his coach and teammates.

‘I couldn’t be prouder’: Skipper Santner reacts to another Black Caps final loss
New Zealand have now lost their last three major tournament deciders.

‘What the competition needs’: Is Kiwi Super Rugby dominance fading?
Australian and Pacific sides have clearly caught up to their Kiwi counterparts.

Passing the torch: Ravindra ready to replace Williamson as Black Caps best
As New Zealand's greatest appears to be winding down, his heir is already standing up.

Why Black Caps have advantage over South Africa in Champions Trophy semifinal
The Proteas are behind the eight ball on more than one front.

Alex Powell: Why Warriors co-captains might not work - what we learned from Vegas
OPINION: Andrew Webster's men are returning from the US empty-handed.

‘No excuses’: Black Caps shrug off another tournament stacked in India’s favour
Cricket's giants haven’t travelled to Pakistan for this year’s Champions Trophy.

What do the Warriors do with ‘world-class’ Te Maire Martin in 2025?
The 29-year-old is currently free to negotiate with rival clubs for a new contract.

‘Not something I’m proud of’: Savea’s frustration at Moana’s slow start
Despite scoring the most points so far, Moana are still winless after three games.

Watch: Lawson spins, sets second-fastest time on first day of F1 pre-season
The Kiwi endured a mixed day behind the wheel of Red Bull’s RB21.

‘Keep moving forward’: No regrets from RTS over failed Warriors centre stint
The 31-year-old has gone back to the future on the eve of the new season.

Amelia Kerr to miss White Ferns’ Sri Lanka series, will stay in India for WPL
The 24-year-old will fulfil her commitment to the Mumbai Indians.

ABs star 'apologetic and embarrassed', admits dangerous driving and evading police
He didn't appear in court in person today but pleaded guilty through his lawyer.

'Shackles off': Warriors royalty Ali Leiataua poised for breakout NRL season
As the nephew of a club legend, the 22-year-old can make 2025 his year.

Highlanders survive red card, hold on for famous victory as Blues kept winless
Jamie Joseph’s men sealed one of their great wins to stun the 2024 champions.

Hurricanes avoid history-making upset, fight back for victory over Fijian Drua
Clark Laidlaw’s men can breathe a sigh of relief in Napier.

‘Fully deserves his shot’: Verstappen welcomes Lawson’s Red Bull promotion
The Kiwi will drive for the championship contenders, with just 11 races of experience.

Halberg Awards live: Dame Lydia Ko beats Dame Lisa Carrington to Supreme award
The newly-crowned Dame wins the top award for the second time.

Dame Lydia Ko beats Dame Lisa Carrington to claim Supreme Halberg Award
The 27-year-old added another honour to her golden 2024 run.

‘We’ve got a headache’: Does Tuaupiki answer Warriors' biggest question?
The 25-year-old's pre-season form has been a highlight for coach Andrew Webster.

‘No appetite’: NZ Rugby won't budge on All Blacks eligibility after failed Mo’unga swoop
Players must be contracted to the national union to wear the black jersey.

'Significant interest': More All Blacks want to join Savea at Moana Pasifika
Currently, only up to three All Blacks can play for Moana per season.

‘This is our year’: Moana Pasifika CEO on the Ardie effect and 2025 ambitions
This season will mark a new chapter for Moana and Pasifika rugby.

Red Bull race engineer on what team loves about Liam Lawson
Pierre Hamelin is the key cog between Liam Lawson and the rest of his team.

'Focus on my strengths': Warriors newbie not trying to replace Shaun Johnson
Tanah Boyd will contend to wear the No 7 jersey after Johnson's retirement.

‘I was young and arrogant’: Warriors new recruit eager to right early career wrongs
Erin Clark has returned to Mt Smart, eight years after his first Warriors stint.

Kiwi Daniel Hillier holds one-shot lead in Dubai, eyes $2.6m payday
Compatriot Ryan Fox is fourth, four shots back at the Desert Classic.

‘A beautiful soul’: Jackson Garden-Bachop remembers his brother, as a new chapter begins
The 30-year-old has joined Moana Pasifika, seven months after his family's loss.

Alex Powell: Why Robertson can't get the best out of Damian McKenzie
OPINION: In systems built on order, the All Blacks’ first five thrives on chaos.

Sun exits Australian Open in first round, despite 1245-place rankings gulf
Montenegro's Danka Kovinic took a straight-sets win over the Kiwi.

Shaun Stevenson, NZR reach compromise as All Black heads to Japan
The 28-year-old will miss the start of Super Rugby, before leaving altogether next year.

Alex Powell: 5 contenders to be next Black Caps coach if Stead moves on
OPINION: Who could NZ Cricket move for if a change is to be made?

'Incredible talent': Coach hopes Allen's Black Caps career not over
The 25-year-old gave back his national contract to chase T20 opportunities.

Sears returns from injury to be named in Black Caps’ Champions Trophy squad
The 26-year-old has played just one game for Wellington this summer.

'We just needed help': How ex-Wallabies coach saved the Warriors from implosion
Warriors chief executive Cameron George explains how Rennie helped turn the club around.

Watch: Scary scenes as Auckland FC captain knocked out in loss to Perth Glory
Hiroki Sakai had to be helped from the field in his side's defeat.

'It means everything': Julian Savea on brother Ardie's Moana Pasifika arrival
The former All Black aims to transform Moana into a Super Rugby force in 2025.

‘I had a lot more to give’: Guptill laments end of international career
The 38-year-old has ended his Black Caps career, two years on from his last match.

NZ Cricket respond to reported two-tier test cricket proposals
The game’s most powerful nations are understood to be discussing a new structure.

Lawson’s target to world champion Verstappen for 2025 confirmed by Red Bull adviser
The Kiwi is undertaking arguably the hardest job in motorsport.

Report card: The results that earned Liam Lawson's Red Bull promotion
OPINION: Breaking down the Kiwi's rise to motorsport's pinnacle.

Auckland FC fire blanks to open 2025 with draw against Melbourne Victory
The two sides couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes at Go Media Stadium.

‘Incredibly grateful’: Ian Foster reacts to New Year Honour
The former All Blacks coach has been made a companion of the NZOM.

‘Not just a hitter’: Why Black Caps are taking punt on IPL-bound Jacobs
The 22-year-old's selection is about so much more than just statistics.

All Whites midfielder leaves Auckland FC, eight games into first season
The move is another twist in the midfielder’s colourful career.

‘Not working against him’: Lawson’s challenge as Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate
The Kiwi beating his world champion teammate isn't the point of his promotion.

‘Not afraid’: Why Red Bull chose Liam Lawson
Red Bull boss says Lawson has the goods to 'come out on top'.

'Lifelong dream': Lawson to partner Verstappen at Red Bull in 2025
After months of speculation, F1's worst-kept secret has been confirmed.