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.
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.
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.
Unravelling Operation Inca: A call for review and clarity
OPINION: There is a necessity for transparency amid the failed investigation.
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.
ASB Classic lures another young star
'I have heard it is an impressive tournament. It will be my first time in New Zealand'.
Exclusive interview: Beauden Parrot a bit ruffled
The parrot who's 'winging it' and has 'been a bit plucky' with his predictions.
All you need to know about the All Blacks World Cup final
New Zealand are headed for their fifth World Cup final.
'Sneaky little ways': English pundit on how the All Blacks cheat
OPINION: Stuart Barnes has questioned their integrity and the officials' impartiality.
All Blacks favoured in final as betting hype surrounds Will Jordan
'The All Blacks fans have stuck by their team, and it’s evident in the betting markets.'
Where to watch the All Blacks' World Cup final
All you need to know ahead of the Rugby World Cup final.
Updates: Warriors extend Webster, racial abuse allegations rock World Cup
Keep up to date with everything out of France and around the world.
Luke Kirkness: Foster's remarkable redemption - from doubt to glory
OPINION: We are not just watching his resurgence but the restoration of Foster's stature.
As it happened: Out of sight! All Blacks into World Cup final
Live updates of the Rugby World Cup semifinal in Paris.
Too technical: Nigel Owens critiques state of rugby
The former high-profile referee weighs in on Rugby World Cup 2023.
Aaron Smith set for big match: What halfback is focusing on
The halfback looks set to have the match of his life in the semifinal.
Watch: Beauden Parrot pecks his semifinal winner
Does our Rugby World Cup mascot think the All Blacks will soar or plummet?
Foster and Cane defend Rieko Ioane after 'classless' act
All Blacks coach Ian Foster says it was 'the nature of the game' to get fiery.
Kiwi's reinvented drug testing kit grabs global attention
Kiwi inventor Nick Holland has a chance of winning up to $57,000 for his idea.
Watch: Irish radio station learns the hard way not to disrespect haka
The Irish radio station thought it would pump up the team with its own haka.
Dupont takes swipe at Kiwi referee Ben O'Keeffe after loss
‘I am not sure the level of refereeing was up to what was at stake.'
All Blacks' tough win over Ireland: The stats that matter most
The stats break down the joy for New Zealand and the pain for Ireland.
'You're still the best, Dad': Ireland star's heartwarming moment with son
A dejected Johnny Sexton shared a wonderful moment with his son after the match.
Reaction: Stunning! All Blacks edge Ireland in dramatic finish
Live updates of the Rugby World Cup quarter between the All Blacks and Ireland.
All Blacks v Ireland: Your ultimate stats and trivia guide
Beyond tackles and tries - a saga of stats, figures and previous NZ v Ireland showdowns.