Winston Aldworth is Head of Sport for NZME, working alongside New Zealand’s best sports journalists in the radio and publishing teams.
I’ve been a journalist since 1999, and have worked in newsrooms from Invercargill to Fleet Street. In that time, I’ve done pretty much everything a journalist can do, from death knocks to interviewing Prime Ministers, reviewing first class travel and – inevitably – defaming someone. This is my second stint in the NZME sports team – and it’s a privilege to work with a dynamic team of brilliant, young journalists. Journalism is terrific fun; of all the journalism you can do, sport is the best.
![Top 60 All Blacks of the professional era ranked](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Top 60 All Blacks of the professional era ranked
How Sir Michael Jones compares to the likes of Richie McCaw in the legends list.
![Editorial: How Auckland could step up for Super Rugby’s failing show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Editorial: How Auckland could step up for Super Rugby’s failing show
EDITORIAL: Super Round needs a destination to be its hero.
![When Wagner steamed in: A love letter to a defining player](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
When Wagner steamed in: A love letter to a defining player
Talismanic bowler brought remarkable energy to side.
![Six talking points ahead of Moana Pasifika's season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Six talking points ahead of Moana Pasifika's season
The Islanders have another tough Super Rugby Pacific campaign ahead.
![Pacific rugby's all-time First XV: The legend that didn't make the cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pacific rugby's all-time First XV: The legend that didn't make the cut
Picking the best from Super Rugby's rich history of Pacific players.
![The crucial rule for anybody considering wearing a mankini](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The crucial rule for anybody considering wearing a mankini
With Aussie equestrian Shane Rose wearing the dreaded cossie, here's all you need to know
![Bledisloe's new chapter: Schmidt v Razor ignites rivalry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bledisloe's new chapter: Schmidt v Razor ignites rivalry
Joe Schmidt's arrival at the Wallabies is great for the Bledisloe.
![Razor's right: Why we should let All Blacks play overseas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Razor's right: Why we should let All Blacks play overseas
Opinion: The ban on offshore players appears to have outlived its relevance.
![In defence of David Warner: Why Kiwis should stop hating Aussie star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
In defence of David Warner: Why Kiwis should stop hating Aussie star
Opinion: Dislike of Aussie has more to do with cricket class divide than his personality.
![From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make
Even seasoned travellers make silly mistakes. Learn from us so you don't have to.
![Eddie, Rassie and the golden age of rugby coaching dramas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eddie, Rassie and the golden age of rugby coaching dramas
International rugby coaches are suddenly fun to follow.
![Plans for 20,000-seat temporary stadium in Viaduct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Plans for 20,000-seat temporary stadium in Viaduct
A temporary venue would allow city leaders time to develop another permanent site.
![American billionaire’s ambition can boost pathways for footballers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
American billionaire’s ambition can boost pathways for footballers
OPINION: The signs are promising that Foley will be a different kind of owner.
![Editorial: Fifa’s move to Saudi Arabia smells of sportswashing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Editorial: Fifa’s move to Saudi Arabia smells of sportswashing
OPINION: Our editorial on Saudi Arabia being in line to host the 2034 men's World Cup.
![Why fans need to stop blaming Barnes and get on with life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why fans need to stop blaming Barnes and get on with life
OPINION: Sports enthusiasts need to encourage a culture that supports match officials.
![Rugby World Cup final: The moments that mattered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby World Cup final: The moments that mattered
A look at the key moments from this morning's RWC final.
![Why we need to beat the Boks for a complete set of RWC titles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why we need to beat the Boks for a complete set of RWC titles
Rugby's greatest rivalry is bigger than this tournament.
![What the coalition negotiations can learn from the Rugby World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What the coalition negotiations can learn from the Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup final offers a more clear-cut method of finding a winner.
![Springboks v England: What the All Blacks will learn from key moments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Springboks v England: What the All Blacks will learn from key moments
Here’s what the All Blacks coaching staff might have been looking out for.
![All Blacks v Argentina: Moments that mattered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks v Argentina: Moments that mattered
A look at the key moments from this morning's RWC semifinal.
![How Ian Foster is rewriting the final pages of his legacy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How Ian Foster is rewriting the final pages of his legacy
All Blacks coach will want his legacy to go further than the Irish scalp.
![Political football: Which New Zealand politicians would make the First XV?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Political football: Which New Zealand politicians would make the First XV?
With so much focus on the All Blacks, what about the best of NZ's politicians?
![Rugby World Cup: Team of the quarter-finals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby World Cup: Team of the quarter-finals
Big names make the list after stunning matches.
![The definitive moments from All Blacks' quarter-final triumph](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The definitive moments from All Blacks' quarter-final triumph
Looking at the key moments from this morning's RWC quarter-final.
![The scam website that could rip off All Blacks fans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The scam website that could rip off All Blacks fans
A convincing-looking website promises livestreams of All Blacks matches.
![All Blacks v Italy: The minutes that mattered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks v Italy: The minutes that mattered
Looking at the key moments from this morning's RWC match
![All Blacks v Namibia: The minutes that mattered](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks v Namibia: The minutes that mattered
Roigard's dash; de Groot's howler; monster scrums
![How the players rated in All Blacks' defeat against France](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How the players rated in All Blacks' defeat against France
Breaking down the All Blacks' performances in their Rugby World Cup opener against France
![Winners & Losers: Come back David Cunliffe, all is forgiven](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winners & Losers: Come back David Cunliffe, all is forgiven
OPINION: Women's sport - and men's sport - is better off when these creeps move on.
![Rugby World Cup: Hansen’s Wallaby shift could work against his legacy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rugby World Cup: Hansen’s Wallaby shift could work against his legacy
Hansen's Aussie move flies in the face of his proud history with the All Blacks
![On form: The best XV players in the Rugby Championship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
On form: The best XV players in the Rugby Championship
Winston Aldworth picks the best XV from all the players on show during the Rugby Champs.
![Player ratings: The best and the rest from All Blacks v Wallabies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and the rest from All Blacks v Wallabies
See who starred in the All Blacks' test against Australia.
![Winston Aldworth: The only game that really matters for Eddie Jones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: The only game that really matters for Eddie Jones
In a World Cup year, you only need to beat the All Blacks once to mark out your legacy.
![Eight All Blacks make our best XV of the Rugby Championship so far](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eight All Blacks make our best XV of the Rugby Championship so far
Winston Aldworth runs through the best XV after the first two weeks of the tournament.
![Editorial: It’s Fifa World Cup time, but can NZ rise to the occasion?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Editorial: It’s Fifa World Cup time, but can NZ rise to the occasion?
OPINION: The biggest boost would be a thrilling win to the hosts on Thursday.
![Player ratings: The best and the rest from ABs v Boks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and the rest from ABs v Boks
See who starred in the All Blacks' convincing win over the Springboks.
![Bad omen: The All Blacks selections that could be a World Cup worry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Bad omen: The All Blacks selections that could be a World Cup worry
OPINION: All Blacks fans don’t usually notice the omens until after a tragedy has passed.
![Every All Blacks World Cup jersey ranked - from the greatest to the worst](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Every All Blacks World Cup jersey ranked - from the greatest to the worst
How does the latest kit rate alongside classic collars and tummy-huggers?
![Winston Aldworth: Leading players must speak out on referee abuse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: Leading players must speak out on referee abuse
OPINION: All Blacks and Chiefs captain Sam Cane should have supported Ben O’Keeffe.
![Opinion: Super Rugby final - Anyone but the Crusaders](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Super Rugby final - Anyone but the Crusaders
Red-and-black machine are beloved at home. Less so away...
![From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
From safes to cellphones: 13 travel mistakes even experts make
Even seasoned travellers make silly mistakes. Learn from us so you don't have to.
![OPINION: NZR's absurd coaching process unfair to Foster - Winston Aldworth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
OPINION: NZR's absurd coaching process unfair to Foster - Winston Aldworth
Choosing who coaches the All Blacks after the World Cup should be done after the World Cup
![Opinion: Dave Rennie axing a warning to others](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Opinion: Dave Rennie axing a warning to others
OPINION: Secretive meetings ahead of replacement are just what they look like.
![Tennis: Raising the roof on Auckland tournament](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tennis: Raising the roof on Auckland tournament
OPINION: The same debate over the ASB Classic venue has played out in the past.
![Goalmouth Scramble: The dream final scenarios at the Fifa World Cup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Goalmouth Scramble: The dream final scenarios at the Fifa World Cup
Who do we want to see on the big stage?
![Goalmouth Scramble: Sneak preview of Fifa boss' 2030 World Cup speech](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Goalmouth Scramble: Sneak preview of Fifa boss' 2030 World Cup speech
OPINION: An advance preview of Fifa boss' opening speech at the 2030 World Cup.
![Player ratings: The Black Ferns' best in World Cup triumph](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The Black Ferns' best in World Cup triumph
Winston Aldworth rates all the players in the Black Ferns’ brilliant 34-31 victory.
![All Blacks v Black Ferns: How punters preferred women’s rugby to men’s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks v Black Ferns: How punters preferred women’s rugby to men’s
TAB had bigger turnover from Women's Rugby World Cup than Cardiff test.
![Winston Aldworth: NZR playing catch up with rule changes to protect players’ heads](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: NZR playing catch up with rule changes to protect players’ heads
OPINION: New rules are a small but worthy effort in right direction
![Player ratings: How All Blacks performed against Japan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: How All Blacks performed against Japan
How the players fared against the Brave Blossoms.
![Selecting the final XV from the Rugby Championship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Selecting the final XV from the Rugby Championship
After the final round of the Rugby Championship, we pick a top XV from all four nations
![All Blacks dominate our Rugby Championship XV](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks dominate our Rugby Championship XV
After the latest round of rugby, we pick the best players from all four nations.
![Form XV: The best players from Rugby Championship - two ABs make our list](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Form XV: The best players from Rugby Championship - two ABs make our list
Picking the best players from all four nations in the Rugby Championship so far.
![Player report card: Rating every All Black from the first five tests of 2022](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player report card: Rating every All Black from the first five tests of 2022
Winston Aldworth rates every All Black who featured in the first five tests of the year.
![English rugby writer says Ian Foster's men performed well but he should still go](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
English rugby writer says Ian Foster's men performed well but he should still go
Stuart Barnes salutes All Blacks victory over Springboks.
![Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v South Africa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v South Africa
How the players rated in All Blacks win over South Africa at Ellis Park.
![Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v South Africa](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v South Africa
How the players rated in the All Blacks loss to South Africa.
![Sam Cane 'not good enough for Italy': English rugby writer slams ABs - again](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sam Cane 'not good enough for Italy': English rugby writer slams ABs - again
All Blacks captain wouldn't even make it into the Italian starting XV, says rugby pundit.
![World XV: The best players from July rugby series - one All Black makes the cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
World XV: The best players from July rugby series - one All Black makes the cut
We pick the best players from the July international rugby fixtures.
![ABs' era-defining loss: Ranking the top teams in world rugby from the weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
ABs' era-defining loss: Ranking the top teams in world rugby from the weekend
Rating the performances of all teams from the weekend's eight major rugby tests.
!['Something has gone wrong': English writer says Foster and Cane must go to save ABs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Something has gone wrong': English writer says Foster and Cane must go to save ABs
Englishman said Crusaders coach Scott Robertson can 'galvanise a great rugby country'.
![The top 10 teams from the weekend of international rugby - why ABs aren't on top](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The top 10 teams from the weekend of international rugby - why ABs aren't on top
OPINION: Ranking the top teams in world rugby after the weekend of international footy.
![Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v Ireland](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and worst from All Blacks v Ireland
Player ratings from the first test between the All Blacks and Ireland.
![All Blacks v Ireland: All you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All Blacks v Ireland: All you need to know
What you need to know ahead of the first test against Ireland.
![Scott Barrett's move to No 6: The troubled history of All Blacks positional changes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Scott Barrett's move to No 6: The troubled history of All Blacks positional changes
A look at the All Blacks' recent history of positional switches in big games.
![All you need to know: State of Origin II](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
All you need to know: State of Origin II
What Kiwis need to know ahead of tonight's second State of Origin match
![Super Rugby player ratings: Where it went wrong for Blues](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Super Rugby player ratings: Where it went wrong for Blues
How the players rated in Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final at Eden Park.
![Player ratings: The best and worst from All Whites in heartbreaking loss](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Player ratings: The best and worst from All Whites in heartbreaking loss
Rating the All Whites performances in their 1-0 loss to Costa Rica.
![What Kiwis need to know about tonight's State of Origin opener](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What Kiwis need to know about tonight's State of Origin opener
The what, where and when of tonight's State of Origin opener.
![Winston Aldworth: Reflecting on the death of an All Black folk hero](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: Reflecting on the death of an All Black folk hero
Red Conway's finger somehow sat higher in the pecking order than Buck Shelford's testicle.
![Q&A with Jess Blewitt: The skier who found success in mountain biking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Q&A with Jess Blewitt: The skier who found success in mountain biking
Blewitt is back in international competition after recovering from a dramatic crash.
![Winston Aldworth: The big red flag in streaker-smashing saga](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: The big red flag in streaker-smashing saga
There are a couple of things wrong with security guards smashing sports pitch invaders.
![Winston Aldworth: Team NZ win another race for public funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: Team NZ win another race for public funding
Officials and politicians should have recognised the mercenary nature of top sailing.
![Winston Aldworth: Kyrgios reminds us what a good villain looks like](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Aldworth: Kyrgios reminds us what a good villain looks like
Opinion: Tennis fans were treated to both Nasty Nick and Nice Nick as Kyrgios triumphed.
![Rotorua's top attractions for kid-friendly holidays](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rotorua's top attractions for kid-friendly holidays
Winston Aldworth test drives a Kiwi holiday classic with a family break in Rotorua.
![Flight check: Auckland to Bali with Emirates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Flight check: Auckland to Bali with Emirates
Winston Aldworth flies aboard EK451 from Auckland to Bali.
![Goodbye from the Travel Editor: Winston Aldworth signs out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Goodbye from the Travel Editor: Winston Aldworth signs out
Travel editor Winston Aldworth leaves the Herald this week.
![Flight check: Albany to Waiheke with Heletranz](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Flight check: Albany to Waiheke with Heletranz
Winston Aldworth flies from Albany to Tantalus Estate on Waiheke with Heletranz.