Luke Kirkness has worked for NZME since 2017, operating in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty.
I love sports and telling stories so you could say being a sports journalist is living the dream for me. Growing up in Otago, I thought I'd end up farming but instead found my way to journalism and haven't looked back. I started working for the Herald in 2017 casually on weekends before taking on a full-time role as the evening breaking news reporter. I moved on to the consumer affairs round in 2019, spending two years on that desk before moving from Auckland to Tauranga to become an assistant news director in the Bay of Plenty. In 2019, I was named the New Zealand Student Journalist of the Year. I love getting out of the office and spending time reporting on the ground. Since I started, I've covered every major story, including the Nelson fires, the Christchurch massacre, the Whakaari/White Island eruption, general elections, the Covid-19 pandemic, and Cyclone Gabrielle. I’m currently an online sport editor at NZ Herald, based in Auckland and covering all sports. I'm working towards becoming a newsroom editor. I like having a good laugh, meeting new people and telling stories in non-traditional ways.
Opinion: Two things especially clear after Cyclone Gabrielle
OPINION: We all have a part to play in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
Power crews work street-by-street; SH5 plea for motorists
Unison power crews are working street-by-street repairing power
'Flat-out': Road crews work around the clock to restore access in Hawke's Bay
It comes as autumn rainfall totals are predicted to be normal or above normal.
'Staggering amounts of rain': Where nearly 550mm fell in Hawke's Bay
"It helps us understand how heavy the rain was in a relatively short period of time."
Waitangi Bridge to close for five hours for full-load testing
The aim of the testing is to allow Waka Kotahi NZTA to open up both lanes of the bridge.
Three people non-contactable after cyclone, welfare helpline set up
An 0800 number has been set up for people impacted by the cyclone to call for assistance.
Cyclone Gabrielle: Napier records second-wettest day ever
'Gabrielle is one of the worst storms to hit Aotearoa New Zealand in living history.'
Sea and shoreline searches under way in Napier
All the latest developments from Sunday following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Where you can donate goods and who you contact for help after Gabrielle
Contact numbers, websites and email addresses have been provided to help those in need.
Body of missing teen found following Ōpoutere Beach tragedy
It’s understood at least some of the group involved the Cruickshank family from Takapau.
No police have tested positive for drugs in last the three years
However, the head of the police association says it's 'naive' to conclude no staff used.
Gangsters' paradise: Police figures reveal the gang capital of NZ
There were 1058 gang members in October 2017 in the Bay. Now there are 1493.
Boozed Kiwis: The alarming figures around our lockdown drinking
Young people are drinking less but they are still behind most emergency department chaos.
100 people went to Kmart and The Warehouse, how many scanned QR codes?
Data shows tracer app use is plummeting. We took to the streets to find out.
Appeal for sightings of missing Wellington teen from Rhythm and Vines
Police and search and rescue teams are searching for 19-year-old Fletcher Wong.
Deluge to hit NZ: Where and when the rain will strike
Weather will become widespread today, with heavier falls expected overnight.
One new Covid-19 case in managed isolation
There is also a historical Covid case to report today.
Four new cases of Covid-19 in managed isolation
One of today's cases is an international mariner staying in Christchurch.
Eleven new Covid cases - all in managed isolation
There are no new cases in the community today.
Authorities testing crew on Brisbane infection ship; 1 new imported Covid case
There were zero new cases of the virus yesterday.
Two new Covid cases in managed isolation
One case came from London, the other from Bangladesh.
Twelve new Covid cases - 10 from same Air India flight
It's possible we could see more cases linked to flight from India on September 26.
One new Covid-19 case in managed isolation
The positive case arrived in New Zealand from France via Singapore on September 25.
Two new Covid-19 cases in managed isolation
There were no new cases yesterday, however, someone escaped managed isolation.
No new Covid cases; Ministry's school holiday warning
There were two new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand yesterday, both in managed isolation.
Teen murderer caught by police after 'short foot pursuit'
Haami Hanara caught by police after being spotted in Wiri this afternoon.
Three new Covid cases - all on same flight from India
As cases skyrocket across the ditch, NZ went 2 days without a new case but now has 3 more.
Covid is back in NZ - Two cases from the UK
Yesterday marked a total of 24 days since there was a new confirmed case in the country.
No new cases - now 24 days without Covid-19
The total number of confirmed cases in the country remained at 1154 as of 1pm yesterday.
Ghost town: Auckland businesses struggling despite level 1
Foot traffic was light, there were no buskers and businesses say it was busier in level 2.
Auckland, the city everyone loves to hate. Here's why you shouldn't
Here's 10 great ways to enjoy your time in Auckland.
A scary truth revealed: What Kiwi teens and kids are really searching online
A quarter of children were bothered or upset by something that happened in the last year.
NZ's most sought after Christmas gifts revealed
Spending in the lead-up to Christmas is increasing, as shopping trends for 2019 emerge.
MPI fires stark warning to raw milk retailers
MPI says consumer health being put at risk through tactics that avoid compliance costs.
Winners and losers of NZ's fuel prices: Great Barrier still at $3 mark
Great Barrier residents are still paying for $3 upwards, per litre, for petrol.
Hawke's Bay baby battling rare skin disease
Only about 100 cases of the disease have been reported worldwide.
Spring brings significant lift in property listings, QV reveals
There has been a significant rise in listings since Spring began last month.
Spring 'just around the corner'
Rough start to September but the super-Spring weather isn't far away.