Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for New Zealand's Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns.
I've been a sports journalist since 2005, winning several national awards, and reporting from three Fifa World Cups as well as the Olympic Games. I've covered a large variety of events for the Herald, from the 2011 Netball World Cup in Singapore to the mayhem and chaos of the All Whites' trip to Peru in 2017. I led NZME's coverage of the 2021 America's Cup and have patiently followed the Warriors for more than a decade. A football aficionado, I will never forget the noise that greeted Rory Fallon's goal against Bahrain in Wellington in 2009, or the scenes at the final whistle.
Auckland FC boss on the stunning rise of the A-League’s newest side
Nick Becker: 'Everything we had planned and discussed and hoped for came to life.'
Michael Burgess: Why the rise and rise of Chris Wood beggars belief
OPINION: Chris Wood had to wait almost 10 years for a regular Premier League opportunity.
Corica's delight as Auckland FC bounce back, Mata takes chance
After a flat period, Auckland were under some pressure heading into Saturday's match.
Auckland FC leapfrog Melbourne City to top of A-League table
After a few questions had been raised about Auckland FC, this was quite a response.
Machine guns, melt downs and golden glory: Behind the scenes memories of Paris Olympics
Six months ago, Paris witnessed probably the greatest Olympic Games of the modern era.
'It’s about attitude': Auckland FC coach on team's recent struggles
Why Auckland FC's next matches could define their season before a tough run of matches.
Michael Burgess: Why there's no need to panic over Lulu Sun’s form slump
OPINION: There was always the fear a slow start to this year was on the cards.
ASB Classic: Early shocks, record crowds and star power define 2025
ASB Classic shines with Osaka and Monfils; record ticket sales and thrilling matches.
'You want to play': Kiwi Venus denied second ASB Classic crowning moment
The Kiwi was crowned one of the ASB Classic's doubles champions without hitting a ball.
‘Stars are aligning’: Tennis Auckland’s plans for $15m covered stadium
'It’s an opportunity for us to protect and enhance the event, and we have to take it'
Gael the Great: Monfils sets new record to win Auckland title
The 38 year old becomes the oldest winner since the ATP Tour’s inception in 1990.
ASB Classic: Doubles final featuring Michael Venus cancelled as opponent withdraws
American's decision means Venus and Croatian Nikola Mektic take the title.
'It's really special': Kiwi seals spot in doubles final in front of family
For a new partnership, Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic are already striking gold.
'A warrior': Why ageless Gael Monfils is much more than just magic
Monfils is now the second-oldest man to reach an ATP decider since the tour began in 1990.
Leadership void: Who steps up after Harris at Warriors?
Tohu Harris' retirement leaves a huge leadership void for the Warriors to fill.
How Venus is building a winning doubles partnership at ASB Classic
Michael Venus believes his new doubles partnership is on the right track.
Monfils makes history as oldest Auckland semifinalist in professional era
Frenchman is just the seventh player to feature in an ATP tour semifinal as a 38-year-old.
Monfils becomes oldest quarter-finalist in Auckland since 1969
French tennis star defies age with a thrilling win, showcasing flair and resilience.
19-year-old world No 138 stuns defending champion at ASB Classic
Rising star Nishesh Basavareddy defeats Alejandro Tabilo.
‘A shocker’: Local favourite Cam Norrie reacts to ASB Classic exit, racquet throw
The 29-year-old was devastated by the lacklustre performance at his hometown event.
‘Haven’t scratched the surface’: Why American star believes a career breakthrough is coming
Shelton can’t stand still – or get complacent - as the men’s game is constantly evolving.
‘Bluff it’: Kiwi wildcard defies rankings disparity with brave ASB Classic effort
World No 979 Isaac Becroft forced two set points, as he pushed No 67 Bergs to the limit.
'I love what I'm doing': Monfils showing no signs of slowing down
The Frenchman says he loves playing in big matches and doesn't care for rankings too much.
'It was crazy': Marcus Daniell reflects on Auckland triumph as final bow approaches
The 35-year-old is happy to step away, after 17 years of chasing a tennis dream.
The grind of greatness: Behind the scenes with the women's legendary K4
The rise of the New Zealand women's programme over the past decade has been remarkable.
‘She was crying, I wanted to cry’: ASB Classic champion on Osaka’s shock withdrawal
Clara Tauson was devastated for Naomi Osaka, but proud of her own week.
Coronation to catastrophe: Osaka injury brings downcast end to ASB Classic
This was only the second time a player failed to complete the women's final in Auckland.
‘She was the better player’: Tauson's great escape to book ASB Classic final
Finalist Clara Tauson has enjoyed a remarkable run, after narrowly avoiding an early exit.
‘Fight for everything’: Osaka hoping Auckland success can enhance legacy
Osaka's mindset has changed since her return to the sport last January, and it is showing.
Giant American who stunned Djokovic late inclusion to Auckland men’s field
At 2.11m, Reilly Opelka is the equal-tallest player to feature on the ATP tour.
'An important tournament': When Rafael Nadal was (almost) the king of Auckland
The Auckland crowd at Stanley Street in 2004 witnessed the birth of a tennis legend.
Drought broken: Osaka reaches first semifinal in more than 1000 days
Star player has scaled incredible heights in her career and Auckland can be the road back.
Game, set, (love) match: Why being married to coach is working for Madison Keys
The ASB Classic is their first tournament as a married couple and the signs are good.
ASB Classic top seed shows why she’ll be hard to beat
World tennis No 21 Madison Keys has continued her impressive form at the ASB Classic.
How Osaka’s mindset shift is transforming her tennis game
Osaka embraces new mindset, balancing fun and focus in Auckland victory.
Young Kiwi tennis hopeful reflects on ASB Classic experience
Despite the loss, Vivian Yang thoroughly enjoyed the rare centre court experience
Top seed on song despite missing New Year’s Eve countdown
Keys is enjoying this chapter of her career - taking on the WTA’s young guns
‘Massive name’: Tournament director on Raducanu’s ASB exit
Emma Raducanu's exit impacts ASB Classic; organisers remain optimistic.
Emma Raducanu confident but cautious about 2025 goals
Young tennis star's talent undeniable but has yet to be harnessed on a consistent basis.
Osaka makes positive start at ASB Classic
It was a trickier-than-expected assignment for the four-time major winner on Monday.
Sun down: Kiwi bundled out in first round of ASB Classic
Lulu Sun’s campaign at the ASB Classic is over – before it could really get going.
'Humbled' Osaka hopes ASB Classic is her route back to the top
Osaka returned from a 15-month sabbatical in January, but her comeback hasn't been easy.
Soak up the Sun: Lulu fever set to strike ASB Classic
Genuine local singles hopes at the ASB Classic have been sparse over the years.
'It was emotional’: Kiwi takes career-best ASB Classic qualifying victory
Monique Barry defied a huge gulf in rankings to take victory in Auckland.
Order restored - Auckland FC bounce back with emphatic win
The Black Knights snapped back into form against the defending A-League champions.
ASB Classic: Big guns receive favourable draws for women’s event
Tournament director welcomes 'well-balanced draw'.
Blip on the radar? Something more? AFC’s response vital after humiliation
After an extraordinary beginning to life, the balloon was well and truly popped last week.
‘Pressure is a good thing’: Sun ready to make more memories in 2025
Sun is now hot property, recently honoured as the WTA’s newcomer of the year
‘Just weren’t there’: Auckland FC coach slams loss, confident of bounce-back
Saturday was hard to reconcile with what we have seen over the last two months.
‘Quite generous’: The key points from the Warriors' 2025 NRL draw
On the surface, the Warriors draw for the 2025 season is quite kind
Christmas calamity: Auckland FC’s unbeaten run ends with big loss
At their Mt Smart fortress, Auckland FC were mauled 4-0 by Western United
Interim Football Ferns coach wants job full time
Michael Mayne is upbeat about a team 'reset' in returning to play after recent upheaval.
Revealed: Auckland City target Auckland FC players for Fifa Club World Cup
New loan rules would make the scenario feasible for both clubs.
Michael Burgess: Heroes and villains from blockbuster Kiwi A-League derby
OPINION: Every derby – from Melbourne to Manchester – needs heroes and villains.
Why Auckland City FC chairman fears 'getting a hiding' at Fifa Club World Cup
What Auckland City FC will face at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup is almost beyond compare
'He needs to show a little bit more respect': Auckland FC boss' swipe at Phoenix rival
Another layer was added to the rivalry post-game with verbal jousting between coaches.
Still unbeaten: Auckland FC hold off Wellington Phoenix in Kiwi derby
If you wanted a recipe for the best rivalry in New Zealand sport, this is it.
Opinion: Three miracles - why AFC v Phoenix rivalry is already one of the best
OPINION: This new rivalry already feels like one of the best in New Zealand sport.
'Let's make history': Inside the dressing room with Auckland FC
Behind the scenes of the club's stunning A-League charge.
‘Knock them off their perch’: All White's rallying cry to Phoenix against Auckland FC
Saturday's match will be an interesting scenario for Aucklander Tim Payne.
Top seed interrupts wedding plans to confirm ASB Classic appearance
Keys has been a grand slam semifinalist on six previous occasions.
‘It is amazing’: All Whites’ defender relishing career restart at Auckland FC
It feels like Francis de Vries is living the best episode of his footballing career.
The streak goes on as Auckland FC top Newcastle
Two goals in the final 10 minutes lifted Auckland FC to their fifth-straight win.
'We have to stay humble': Auckland FC staying grounded after history-making start
The newly minted club are top of the table, with four straight wins and four clean sheets.
‘Best of life’: How move from South America paying off for Auckland FC striker
May is thriving in the A League – as part of the high-flying expansion team.
Auckland FC stay perfect after passing toughest test yet
Auckland FC have won their first match in Australia in difficult circumstances.
Auckland FC: Improving attack next step for club as they return to A-League action
The next step in their evolution is increasing the precision in the final third.
French sensation Gael Monfils confirmed for ASB Classic 2025 return
Even at age 38, the world No 55 is a huge drawcard for the Auckland tournament.
How the All Whites will reset for 2026 World Cup, after big win over Samoa
All Whites' players now have four months at their various clubs to make their case.
Wood nets hat-trick as All Whites blitz Samoa in Fifa World Cup qualifying
New Zealand remain perfect in the hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
All Whites star on life in Greece and Premier League dreams
The All Whites' clash with Samoa will be a special occasion for midfielder Marko Stamenic.
‘Hang on as long as we can’: Samoa clash with All Whites a true David and Goliath
In terms of international contests in this country, the gulf doesn't get much greater.
Why Chris Wood wants more from All Whites after record romp
Captain Chris Wood offers a template for his All Whites teammates, on and off the pitch.
Wood strikes twice as All Whites romp past Vanuatu
The All Whites earned their biggest win in 20 years to take a step towards the World Cup.
Pitch imperfect: Vanuatu train on patched-up field to face in-form Chris Wood
Stopping the All Whites striker will be a big challenge for Vanuatu captain Brian Kaltak.
Michael Burgess: Was Johnson return worth it? Steep learning curve for Stacey Jones
OPINION: Despite disappointments against Australia and Tonga, there were signs of hope.
'Might not happen again': All Whites coach on Wood's record-setting EPL feats
Wood has had some other golden spells in his career, but nothing quite like this.
‘Top of our list’: Ex-US Open champion Raducanu to return to ASB Classic
Even at world No 58, Raducanu remains one of the most marketable players in the sport.
The recipe for success: What’s behind Auckland FC’s blockbuster start to life
There were hopes that Auckland FC could make an impression but it has happened so quickly