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.
‘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
Strong farewell for Johnson, as Kiwis smash PNG
Johnson was top-notch in his farewell match, showing his full range of skills.
‘I know what it takes’: How Cameron Norrie plans to get back to the top
After eight years on the tour, the 29-year-old sees an opportunity for a new chapter.
'We will be ready': Johnson determined to end career on high in Kiwis farewell
The Kiwis need to regroup quickly, after Saturday's stinging defeat to Tonga.
‘Physically battered’: Kiwis coach struggles for answers after Tonga shock
The first half will raise questions about the Kiwis' focus, preparation and environment.
Kiwis spurn late chances as Tonga earn famous win
While this will be a shock to New Zealand league, it was a deserved victory for Tonga.
Auckland FC claim first derby over Phoenix in front of record crowd
Auckland now have bragging rights – at least until the next derby in December.
‘Unique and special’: Why it’s a time for reflection for Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson will play his final test in New Zealand on Saturday night against Tonga.
'I'll always love Wellington': Paulsen prepared for mixed reception
Of all the storylines around this inaugural derby, Paulsen’s is at the forefront.
Exclusive: Chris Wood on his remarkable Premier League renaissance
All Whites striker’s resurgence has been staggering after a challenging two-year period.
Former US Open champion returns to Auckland, Gauff opts for United Cup
The popular Canadian enjoyed one of the great Cinderella stories here back in 2019.
Why Auckland FC's perfect start means so much for football
Auckland FC have quickly established an identity and first impressions mean so much.
Strong Kiwis performance falls short against Kangaroos in Christchurch
Despite missing 10 key players, the Kiwis showed resilience but lacked finishing.
Nando Pijnaker's 97th-minute goal seals victory for Auckland FC
Auckland FC stunned Sydney FC with a dramatic 97th-minute goal to win 1-0 at Mt Smart.
How Auckland FC struck gold with their Japanese captain
The novelty of a new team appealed to Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai.
History against Stacey Jones, Kiwis in transtasman showdown
Only four Kiwis coaches have prevailed against the Kangaroos at their first attempt.
Christchurch hopes for NRL expansion team put on ice
Hopes crushed after two South Island bids received letters from NRL bosses.
‘Home away from home’: American hot shot confirms ASB Classic return
Shelton reached a career high ranking of world No 13 this year
‘Bonus minutes’: Johnson playing without pressure in surprise Kiwis’ swansong
His emotional retirement from the Warriors in August was meant to be the end of the road.
‘You get one opportunity’: Pride and relief as Auckland FC deliver
After so much hype and expectation, the newly built team had to deliver.
'He commands respect': The rise and rise of All Whites defender Cacace
His eye-catching performance against Malaysia continued a pattern.
Auckland FC win opener to the delight of sellout crowd
Auckland FC have arrived – and this was a hell of an introduction.
Meet Auckland FC's American billionaire owner
Bill Foley has made quite a splash in the football world since buying Bournemouth in 2022.
From broken dreams to a football rebirth: Why Auckland FC's arrival means so much
OPINION: Given the past 18 years, what is about to unfold on Saturday is a miracle.
Michael Burgess: 10 reasons why Auckland FC will fly instead of flop
Auckland FC look well-positioned for long-term success, unlike previous football ventures.
All Whites get big win over Malaysia
The All Whites scored four second-half goals for a home win.
Exclusive: Chris Wood reveals his staggering future ambition
Whatever happens, Wood is on track to set records that might never be broken.
Hamish Bond explains why America’s Cup could be his greatest challenge
The Olympic legend likes to describe the demands of his role as “unstructured suffering”.
All Whites ease to win in World Cup qualifier
It was a scrappy affair that never reached great heights but New Zealand got the job done.
All Whites chase richest prize in New Zealand sporting history
The financial impact of being part of the 2026 extravaganza can't be ignored.
‘He’s a bit busted’: Kiwis optimistic over star halfback despite injury concerns
There will be relief that Hughes has made himself available given his importance.
Michael Burgess: International rugby league hangs in balance
OPINION: Despite promises, test match league seems more marginalised than ever.
The key challenges facing NZ Football following Jitka Klimkova saga
The explosive fallout could affect the quality of potential candidates to replace Klimkova
'I was taking a gamble': Kiwi's journey from All Blacks Sevens to NRL Grand Final
Will Warbrick will line up for the Storm in Sunday's NRL showpiece.
Defending champion returns for ASB Classic
Tabilo's unlikely victory in Auckland was the spark for a remarkable 2024 ATP season.
Exclusive: Olympic legend plots to bring World Indoor Athletics championships to NZ
It would be the biggest athletics event staged in this country in more than 30 years.
How Winston Reid will help Auckland FC develop hometown heroes
All Whites legend has never forgotten his roots – nor what it took to make it as a pro.
'You don't just stop': Carrington determined to continue after golden Paris haul
It had been widely assumed that Paris was the curtain call for the 35-year-old.
‘Attitude and commitment’: Remembering Sam Malcolmson
The undoubted highlight of Malcolmson’s career was facing Scotland at the 1982 World Cup.
Naomi Osaka signs on for 2025 ASB Classic in major coup
The four-time Grand Slam winner will kick off 2025 in Auckland.
New Kiwis jersey revealed for 2024 Pacific Championships
The design of the new Kiwis jersey was last seen more than 20 years ago.
Why the exit of Jitka Klimkova is a mess, a mystery, and a muddle
The coach's exit from the Football Ferns brings a bizarre – and sad – chapter to an end.
Contract crunch: Warriors face numerous key retention calls
More than a third of the Warriors squad will be off contract at the end of 2025.
Kiwis coach considers shock SOS to Shaun Johnson
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones revealed he had raised the possibility with Shaun Johnson.
Waine equaliser earns All Whites credible draw against USA
The All Whites were facing the United States for just the fourth time in their history.
‘We didn’t turn up’: All Whites captain issues ultimatum ahead of USA
Chris Wood knows this All Whites team need to start delivering on their potential.
'People will be curious': A walk through Barcelona on eve of America's Cup
Michael Burgess takes a walk through Barcelona as the America's Cup prepares to set sail.
How former Phoenix star is turning heads in France
Ben Old’s move to France marks one of the biggest transfers by a Kiwi in recent years.
Eight golds and counting: Carrington cements status as greatest Olympian
The most notable thing over the Games is her ability to make good teams great.