Luke Kirkness has worked for NZME since 2017, operating in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.
I love sports and telling stories so you could say being a sports journalist is living the dream for me. Growing up in Otago, I thought I'd end up farming but instead found my way to journalism and haven't looked back. I started working for the Herald in 2017 casually on weekends before taking on a full-time role as the evening breaking news reporter. I moved on to the consumer affairs round in 2019, spending two years on that desk before moving from Auckland to Tauranga to become an assistant news director in the Bay of Plenty. In 2019, I was named the New Zealand Student Journalist of the Year. I love getting out of the office and spending time reporting on the ground. Since I started, I've covered every major story, including the Nelson fires, the Christchurch massacre, the Whakaari/White Island eruption, general elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Cyclone Gabrielle. I’m currently an online sport editor at NZ Herald, based in Auckland and covering all sports. I'm working towards becoming a newsroom editor. I like having a good laugh, meeting new people and telling stories in non-traditional ways.
Scott Robertson explains why Ethan de Groot left out for third week
Loosehead prop misses All Blacks selection again; Tamaiti Williams starts against France.
Contract conundrum: The legal implications of MacDonald's exit
An employment lawyer explains why New Zealand Rugby is paying big for the exit.
Childhood coach on Ko's comeback: 'She's fought back from falling off the planet'
Golfer's coach praises her determination, comparing her drive to Tiger Woods.
From royal kitchens and F1 to fitness apps: Scotty Diamond's journey
For those considering a leap into the unknown, Diamond’s journey offers a beacon of hope.
All Blacks star apologises to teammates after missing bus to airport
The player apologised after missing the bus – what Robertson did next revealed.
The teen sensation who lets his darts do the talking
Luke Littler is a force to be reckoned with, though he won't tell you so himself.
Shaun Johnson to be named against Manly
Shaun Johnson is set to play against Manly, easing fans' concerns about his injury.
How the Government plans to use sport to forge global connections
The unlikely diplomatic weapon New Zealand is using to win friends and influence trade.
New Zealand's best Olympics medal hope on day nine
All the Kiwis in action on day nine of the Paris Olympics.
Olympic drama: 30-man brawl mars France's victory celebration
Live updates of all the action from the Paris Olympics on day seven.
Swift but insufficient: NZ Football speaks out after Canada penalised
New Zealand Football responds to drone scandal with disappointment.
Injury sidelines Scott Barrett ahead of Rugby Championship
Ardie Savea is the likely frontrunner for the All Blacks captaincy if Barrett misses games
Canadian football legend speaks out over drone spying scandal
The FIFA all-time leading goal scorer speaks out after Canada defeated New Zealand.
Boat to ballot: Louisa Wall on Mahé Drysdale's uncharted course
Louisa Wall decodes how Mahé Drysdale's gold medals could shape Tauranga's future.
All Blacks ease to victory over Fiji
All the action as the All Blacks cruised past Fiji in San Diego.
All Blacks and Fiji honour Norm Hewitt before San Diego test
The former All Blacks hooker and Dancing with the Stars winner died on Monday night.
The Open: Kiwis struggle on day two as Lowry surges into lead
Two New Zealanders remain in contention after a challenging day at Royal Troon.
From archery to wrestling: Your guide to every Olympic sport
Over 10,500 athletes from 200+ nations are to compete at the Paris Olympics.
Stern Vern cool before final: 'You don’t get any prizes for artistic display'
Will the Blues' brawn triumph over the Chiefs' brilliance in the final?
All Blacks playing for Waratahs? Super Rugby head wants player mobility
Super Rugby's head floats player swaps between New Zealand and Australia.
Opinion: Lock stocks and two smoking priorities for All Blacks
Analysis: The All Blacks' selection panel faces tough calls ahead of the squad naming.
Sunday wrap: SVG takes NASCAR race; US open T20 WC with win; Makhachev beats Poirier
The latest sports headlines from around the world.
The future of TAB in New Zealand: A year with Entain
A Q+A with the boss of the Entain in New Zealand about the landmark year.
Top coaches' new ally: New body aims for coach wellbeing
From isolation to support, the new programme hopes to make coaches' lives easier.
'Couldn't hear ourselves speak': The real winner after Blues' big win
More rugby matches should be played earlier, says Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu.
Cleary jets to Auckland: 'Big future' for latest Warriors signing
The Warriors signing spree is continuing with another scalp from Penrith.
'Keep the faith': Luxon weighs in on Crusaders' struggles
Luxon remains confident in the team's ability to reach the playoffs and handle adversity.
Watch: Potential new record set for largest wave ever surfed
German big-wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner has potentially smashed his own record.
Webster calls for attitude change after Warriors' crushing defeat by Dragons
The coach cites a poor defensive attitude and inability to counter their rivals' momentum.
Star-studded athletics team named for Paris 2024 Olympics
Former medallists and World Indoor champions bolster Kiwi Olympic hopes.
Luke Kirkness: Tiger Woods' fall from King of Golf to tragic hero
OPINION: It's time to confront the awkward truth about the former King of Golf.
Luke Kirkness: A woman's voice could be the shake up the All Blacks need
OPINION: Te Hāpaitanga is revolutionising coaching and will bring nothing but rewards.
Breaking the grass ceiling: The programme transforming women's sports
Te Hāpaitanga's bold approach to success from the sidelines is reshaping sports coaching.
Rewriting the playbook: Paving the way for women coaches
The rise of female high-performance sports coaches in New Zealand.
'Game-changer': How women coaches are being empowered
Hear how coaches transformed after going through the Te Hāpaitanga coaching programme.
Inside the coaching revolution sweeping New Zealand
How a programme aimed at women is breaking boundaries and reshaping sports leadership.
Editorial: Why the Warriors' sports bar plans could fall flat
OPINION: Is it ready for the off-field dramas entering the hospo business could bring?
Too much too young? Challenges for Highlanders in 2024
The Highlanders find themselves at the crossroads of uncertainty and potential.
Highlanders heroes: Picking the best Super Rugby players of all-time
Picking the finest footy players from the Deep South.
Brown's Springboks appointment brings fresh narrative to rugby
OPINION: Tony Brown is set to form a dynamic duo with Rassie Erasmus.
A lesson for declining viewership in sports broadcasting
OPINION: New Zealand Cricket's strategic play for free-to-air sport is proving a success.
'The right thing to do': Why the Warriors will pay for Volkman's surgery
Warriors chief executive Cameron George explains what made him offer to pay.
Editorial: Strain of healthcare workers must be resolved
OPINION: Rugby, deeply ingrained in Kiwi culture, faces a multifaceted challenge.
Best of Premium 2023: State highway pothole plague - the regions with the most revealed
Pothole plague: The quality of roading is 'leaving a lot to be desired'.
Bangladesh win maiden T20 in NZ after dominant performance
A strong effort with bat and ball was too strong for the New Zealanders.
NZ's highest-earning athletes ranked - who makes $30m a year?
The Herald reveals who we believe are the highest-paid Kiwi sports people in the world.
Pitch perfect: Eden Park's turf hacks for backyard cricket season
The longer and more thoughtful the preparation, the better the end result.
From $50 to $76,000: 2023's most daring bets revealed
It has been a year of high stakes and even higher returns for some punters.
Premiership pursuit: Warriors boss sets ambitious goals
Cameron George also revealed the philosophy behind the club's recent player signings.
Balancing act: Breaking down Auckland's stadium conundrum
OPINION: Access, affordability and ambitions - decoding the stadium dilemma.
What Barrett's extension means for the All Blacks and his legacy
Will he be one of the greatest ever All Blacks or someone who fell short of potential?
Tackling the toxic side of sports fandom: A call for change
OPINION: Officials are facing an alarming barrage of criticism and abuse online.
Unravelling Operation Inca: A call for review and clarity
OPINION: There is a necessity for transparency amid the failed investigation.
Emails exposed: The inside track on Auckland's stadium proposals
The budget is set to throw a curveball into the future of the city’s two largest stadiums.
How to fix rugby: A bold idea inspired by T20 success
OPINION: Drawing inspiration from Australia and cricket, this could be the key to success.
Who is the new Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop?
The self-described cricket tragic is entering his fourth term in New Zealand politics.
How to make your kid an All Black: The schools shaping champions
Balancing the books and rugby boots: The schools with the most All Blacks and Black Ferns.
Sports in 2023: A year of surprises, heartbreaks, and the unlikely hero
OPINION: From heartbreaks to highs, 2023 tested the resilience of Kiwi sports fans.
Johnathan Thurston's cricket threat and thoughts on Warriors 2024
The rugby league all-time great didn't hold back in his typical, gritty fashion.
'A lot of fight': Williamson proud of side in semifinal defeat
The Black Caps skipper said there was 'a lot of fight' among the team in the loss.
Iceland’s hilarious rally for Black Caps against unbeaten India
Cold climes, hot takes — Iceland Cricket on the World Cup and growth of the sport locally.
From underdogs to contenders: The Black Caps' World Cup journey
OPINION: History is a testament to never counting out a New Zealand sports team.
Do or die: Black Caps' battle plan to take down India
Lockie Ferguson provides Black Caps' tactical roadmap to overcome India at World Cup.
Red Bull's Helmut Marko tips Liam Lawson for future F1 glory
The Kiwi driver is poised for Formula One success but patience is key, team boss says.
Mark your calendar: Warriors' 2024 draw revealed
The NRL has unveiled the Warriors' 2024 draw, including a home Anzac Day showdown.
Reclaimed by nature: Overgrown Gulf Harbour's sad demise
Discover the demise of one of New Zealand's once-premier golf courses.
Recap: Black Caps chase down 172 against Sri Lanka
All the action as the Black Caps played their final World Cup pool match.
Super Rugby squads revealed: Another All Black takes a sabbatical
All the news from Super Rugby Pacific 2024 squad naming.
How storms could ruin Black Caps' World Cup semis dream
Bengaluru had its wettest November day since 2015 this week and more rain is on the way.
Live: Jockey's choice pays off for Melbourne Cup win
The field form guide and betting information for today's big race.
Groundbreaking study reveals rugby's impact on players' heads
The science of rugby - revealing the truth about head forces in the game.
The World Cup's best and worst tries, set pieces, haircuts, fans and more
The World Cup might be over, but the fun doesn't have to stop.
Scott Robertson's All Blacks: How the team will look
ANALYSIS: Scott Robertson's side are sure to play a lot different to Ian Foster's.
Scrap the TMO? The law that must change to save rugby
Rugby is in crisis but these changes would go a long way to keeping its appeal.
Watch: In defence of Wayne Barnes - what he really said to Savea
Wayne Barnes pinged Ardie Savea for a ruck infringement - but did he apologise afterwards?
The potential Wallabies saviour: Ian Foster's next job?
OPINION: Australia deserves a better leader than Eddie Jones and Foster could be the man.
'S***** emotions': Sam Cane and teammates open up on red card
Cane: 'Obviously so many s*** emotions, on a personal level and on behalf of the team.'
Sayonara: The All Blacks leavers of 2023
The Herald pays tribute to those retiring, heading overseas and those coming back soon.
'It’s a shocker': All Blacks captain Sam Cane red carded in final
The final was riddled with cards - a red to the All Blacks, two yellows for South Africa.