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.
‘A good place’: How Auckland FC secured key players for next season
Only three players are not confirmed for 2025-26, as retention has progressed smoothly.
Inside the Warriors’ week: Agar’s missing apology; Walker’s exit; RTS’s injury
Dylan Walker's impact off the bench will be difficult to replicate for the Warriors
World Cup payday: The ‘life-changing’ money All Whites receive for qualification
Qualification is massive for the sport and also comes with huge financial rewards.
Why Chris Wood believes the All Whites can shine at Fifa World Cup
Wood has high hopes for this All Whites team at the event in 2026.
How an unexpected goalscorer lifted All Whites to World Cup
Goalscoring heroes don’t come much more unlikely than Michael Boxall.
World Cup here we come! All Whites qualify for Fifa World Cup
If you are going to make history, this is the way to do it.
New Caledonia's plan to stop Chris Wood with World Cup spot on the line
The All Whites striker is in the middle of the hottest streak of his career.
The great irony as All Whites stand on brink of reaching 2026 World Cup
For the All Whites, it’s about execution, discipline, composure and the right mindset.
Auckland stadium debate: Eden Park’s hosting of councillors comes under scrutiny
The revelations come ahead of a crucial vote on Auckland’s future stadium strategy.
Up the Wahs! Warriors beat Roosters to break seven-year drought
It was further proof this Warriors team are finding their feet after a dismal opening.
‘Confident, but not complacent’: All Whites wary before crucial World Cup qualifier
Coach Darren Bazeley insists the team won't be complacent against Fiji.
‘Best time of my life’: Chris Wood on EPL success, family, and World Cup hopes
Chris Wood has gone from being a football ace to a national sporting hero.
'Move on': Warriors coach pragmatic about absence of banned assistant
Richard Agar was suspended after allegedly abusing a British-based journalist.
Auckland FC let points slip late against struggling Mariners
Auckland FC were stunned at home by the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.
‘Always pressure’: How Auckland FC adjusted to being A-League's pacesetters
The Black Knights remain comfortable on the summit, in what has been a remarkable run.
The message Webster told the Warriors before upsetting Manly
There is a long way to the finished product but this performance offered a foundation.
Warriors respond in style to fly past Sea Eagles
The Las Vegas hangover lasted just one round for the much-improved Warriors.
Warriors assistant awaits NRL decision after journalist incident
The integrity unit has given its recommendations to NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.
Michael Burgess: The Warriors' clash with Manly could define their season
OPINION: If Las Vegas was an aberration, this needs to be some statement performance.
What happened in Vegas: Inside the Warriors coach’s alleged ‘throat grab’ of journalist
The NRL have confirmed its integrity unit is investigating assistant coach, Richard Agar.
'We got beaten to everything': Warriors suffer brutal reality check
This wasn't how Las Vegas was meant to unfold, not from a Warriors perspective.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas: Warriors thumped by Raiders
After all the build-up, the hype and the hope, everything fell flat on Sunday.
Warriors fall to heavy defeat by Raiders Las Vegas
Andrew Webster's men were unable to start the 2025 season on a high in Sin City.
'Once in a lifetime': Meet the Warriors fans who descended on Las Vegas
If you want an example of enduring Warriors fever, evidence is all around Las Vegas.
‘My time is now’: Fisher-Harris on Warriors debut and potential this season
Fisher-Harris begins his Warriors era Sunday at 1pm against the Canberra Raiders.
Why the Warriors' Las Vegas clash is their biggest opening match since 1995
It will be staged in front of one of the biggest television audiences in club history.
‘Not too proud to ask’: Johnson’s assessment of Warriors halfback successor - Exclusive
'He’s in a better spot than when I took over in 2012,' Johnson told the Herald.
Watch: Warriors star’s Grand Canyon adventure ahead of NRL opener
The most unlikely setting for a Warriors pre-match interview in the club’s history.
Watch: On board with 300 Warriors fans flying to Las Vegas
Shaun Johnson helped serve dinner on the flight, surprising fans.
The planning behind Warriors’ flight that sold out in 17 mins
A special Air NZ flight takes 300 Warriors fans to Las Vegas tonight.
'High pressure experience': Inside the Warriors' Las Vegas preparations
The Las Vegas trip will be the most unique adventure in the club's history.
Hit for six: Auckland FC annihilate Wellington Phoenix in derby mismatch
There's no doubt who Kiwi bragging rights belong to.
‘Hadn’t really heard of Auckland’: How Black Knights struck gold in the midfield
The 25-year-old Belgian has had a massive impact for the Black Knights in the A-League.
Michael Burgess: The simple change needed to fix the Halberg Awards
OPINION: The awards remain special – and are dearly loved – but there's something missing.
‘I’m excited’: RTS reveals genesis of Warriors wing switch for 2025 NRL season
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has only played eight games on the wing in the last decade.
Auckland FC increase lead and earn revenge over Western United
This is the kind of result that will be savoured and mean so much to leaders.
Warriors earn big preseason win over Storm
In terms of a dress rehearsal for the NRL season, this seemed almost perfect.
Winging it: Warriors identify urgent recruitment priority
The Auckland club scoured the market late last year but nothing came to fruition.
Auckland FC and Phoenix seek spots in new Oceania Professional League
The new OFC Professional League is being backed by millions from Fifa.
Warriors suffer major injury blow as star winger ruled out
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had surgery this week and could be out of the team until late May.
'We are happy': Auckland FC stick to current squad amid injuries
Coach Corica: 'We couldn’t really find someone that was going to make us better'.
‘Most people would have given up’: Why Chris Wood has amazed famed broadcaster
Wood has impressed one of the most famous broadcasting voices.
What we learned from Warriors' first hit-out of 2025
The most pleasing aspect was the defensive intent, especially in the first hour or so.
Sweet and sour mix for Warriors in first pre-season trial
Warriors coach Andrew Webster will have mixed emotions after the 12-12 draw in Sydney.
‘He’s been training well’: RTS tipped to play on wing in 2025
In 2024 Tuivasa-Sheck started 13 games at centre, two at fullback and three on the wing.
'Time to move on': All Blacks legends back Eden Park exit
Sir John Kirwan believes it is time to move on from Eden Park.
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.