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 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.
Cruise, Billie Eilish feature in closing ceremony as Games end
All the action from day 16 of the Paris Olympics.
Gamble turns to gold: Kerr writes new chapter in high jump history
Kerr wins dramatic high jump jump-off, opting for sudden death over shared gold.
Olympics 2024: Kerr wins high jump gold, NZ's third of the day
All the action from day 15 of the Paris Olympics.
Unbeatable Carrington completes another hat-trick of golds
Dame Lisa Carrington raced to a come-from-behind victory for yet another Olympic gold.
The key lesson Carrington taught Fisher ahead of 'race of the century'
No one has pushed Carrington more than her compatriot Fisher in this Olympic cycle
From dawn to gold: Follow the New Zealand women's K4 team's path to victory
Dame Lisa Carrington leads NZ K4 team to historic gold, edging Germany by 0.42 seconds.
Paris recap: More gold for Carrington and Hoskin, Wesche gets shot put silver
All the action from day 13 of the Paris Olympics.
Magnificent seven! Carrington claims another gold in K2
Dame Lisa Carrington and Alicia Hoskin have made it back-to-back golds in Paris.
Golden Day: Paddle and pedal power triumph in Paris
All the action from day 13 of the Paris Olympics.
The making of a super team: How the women's K4 made history
The quartet have joined the legends of Kiwi kayaking and New Zealand sport.
McCartney: 'I'm ready for the next four years' after promising return
McCartney had wondered if Paris might be the end but now it feels like a new beginning.
'Incredibly special': Kiwi kayakers break 40-year medal drought
It's the most coveted prize in all kayak sprint disciplines.
In her own words: Dame Lisa Carrington on a decade of dominance
The kayak queen's remarkable success is the product of an incredible work ethic.
'I want to race unafraid': How Aimee Fisher is seeking kayaking perfection
Fisher is chasing perfection – and she has arrived in Paris in a good space.
Olympics 2024: Pursuit team claim silver, Eliza out of medals
Dame Lisa Carrington and Aimee Fisher are set to battle it out.
The massive financial sacrifice from his parents that drove Finn Butcher to gold
Butcher’s triumph was an achievement for the whole family, especially his parents.
Olympics Day 11: Gender-row boxer Imane Khelif wins semifinal bout
Khelif dominated her semifinal bout.
How Hamish Kerr has transformed into one of the world’s best high jumpers
Since the last Olympics Kerr has gone from good to great, with some remarkable displays