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.
Michael Burgess: Warriors' new signing opportunity for player and club
OPINION: While being a year or two from first grade, he's a Cleary.
'Keep dreaming': Dame Lisa not afraid of big Olympic goals
Carrington's feats are almost taken for granted by the NZ public, which can't be easy.
Johnson hints at 2025 return amid impressive season start
There is no rush with Shaun Johnson's decision but it isn’t likely to take too long.
'We're going to turn heads’: Phoenix still confident for finals
Another late slip saw the Wellington side lose ground in the race for the Premiers Plate.
Wake-up call: The big questions the Warriors must find answers to
The Warriors' playbook is under scrutiny - will they bounce back against the Titans?
Phoenix's penalty miss leaves A League title race wide open
Post denies Phoenix victory as Mariners close in on top spot.
'It would be massive': Why NZ Rugby is backing Auckland downtown stadium
New Zealand Rugby has traditionally taken a neutral stance with Auckland stadium debates.
Off-colour Warriors steamrolled by St George
This wasn’t the Warriors team we have come to know in the Andrew Webster era.
The RTS recipe: How Warriors can make most of unique talents at centre
Only two of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's 201 NRL games have been as a centre.
Wayde Egan shrugs off Origin talk to prioritise form for Warriors
It's a new scenario for the understated hooker, who has tended to go under the radar.
Shaun Johnson backs controversial refereeing call
The star halfback was at the centre of the Warriors' improbable last-minute comeback.
How rising defender epitomises Phoenix surge
At just 20, Finn Surman has become a colossus in defence for the Phoenix.
Warriors fall barely short in rousing comeback
After being thoroughly outplayed by Manly, the Warriors almost pulled off a miracle.
Fishing, fun and flair: Te Maire Martin’s recipe for Warriors success
Five-eighth is in a good place ahead of this afternoon's clash with Manly.
Phoenix create history with last-gasp winner
The Wellington Phoenix will have a free pass to the second week of the A-League finals.
Deadline looms for Auckland stadium
The debate over a definitive stadium solution has been going on for more than a decade.
Football Ferns left frustrated in Thai stalemate
The home side's last hit out before the Olympics left them ruing missed opportunities.
'It hit my heart': Assessing legacy of Football Ferns great
Ria Percival made her Ferns debut way back in 2007, as a 16-year-old.
'I wasn't oblivious': Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad addresses RTS fullback debate
Nicoll-Klokstad gave a timely reminder of his qualities in Saturday's big Warriors win.
Why Warriors' latest win was their best of 2024 - so far
'The depth is important because we understand that this is a marathon.'
Phoenix lose spot at top of A-League ladder
Result means the Wellington side slip to second, behind the Mariners on goal difference
Warriors show potential in 30-point win
Kiwi side ran in six tries to one in an impressive performance.
From unwanted to indispensable: How Football Fern found her place
Fraser is seen as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport, with a rare skillset.
Why debate over Roger Tuivasa-Sheck as Warriors fullback needs to stop
Despite a dazzling display against Newcastle, RTS shouldn't be moved from his new home.
'We are committed': Warriors expand NRL development academy into Otago, Dunedin
The Auckland club now has five academy programmes across the nation.
'Don’t trip over': Warriors star on homecoming
The local product underlined his importance – and mental strength – in the tight game.
Centre or fullback? Where Warriors plan to play RTS
Andrew Webster won't change his thinking on positional plans for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Clinical Warriors overcome Knights
After an uncertain start this was the kind of Warriors display to lay a foundation.
Rufer stomping incident: Phoenix survive controversial red card in win
Alex Rufer was sent off after a VAR check late in the second half.
‘Being honest is all I can do’: The key to Warriors' toughest challenge
It’s hard to remember a better all-around roster at the franchise over the past decade.
Inside top tennis player Lulu Sun's decision to represent New Zealand
Lulu Sun's decision to represent New Zealand could be a watershed moment for the sport
Behind the scenes of the Warriors' victory party
Christchurch was the perfect place for a restart, with a ferocious atmosphere.
Familiar pattern ends in defeat for All Whites
Despite an impressive performance, the NZ side fell to another loss.
Warriors reel in Raiders for first win
The Warriors have finally got into gear in 2024 – and what a way to do it.
Revealed: Former All Whites coach lands role with Auckland club
New A-League club Auckland FC has recruited a familiar face for the coaching staff.
How Warriors' spine re-signings affect Johnson's future at Mt Smart
His future beyond this season will come down to form, physical ability and mental desire
Revealed: Football Ferns great considers international future
Coach Jitka Klimkova has named her side for the first home games since the 2023 World Cup.
Catching the Fever: Watching a match with NZ's craziest fans
Ahead of today's trip to Eden Park, Michael Burgess watches a game with the Yellow Fever.
$10m bar tab: Why Warriors opted for site next to Eden Park for themed pub
As well as purchasing the business, the club has also bought the building in Kingsland.
Power couple link with new Auckland football team
Former All Black Ali Williams and toy company magnate Anna Mowbray will be co-owners.
Revealed: Shortlist of names for new Auckland A-Leagues franchise
American owner Bill Foley has been open with his fondness for the Black Knights name.
Behind the scenes of the Phoenix: The secrets that have made the team fly
The Herald spent the day with the A-League team for a unique insight
‘Fuel in the fire’: Kiwi's journey from omission to Olympics contender
Peeters is confident her best is yet to come as she prepares for the Olympics.
Melbourne hex continues for Phoenix men
The result ended a 10-game unbeaten streak that stretched back to December last year.
‘Things we just can’t do’: Warriors’ coach laments lack of composure
After a huge build-up, the Mt Smart season opener was an immensely frustrating watch.
Warriors learn harsh lessons in loss to Sharks
The second period was one of the worst in the Andrew Webster era.
How the Warriors will deliver on unprecedented expectations
In 29 previous seasons, there has never been this level of expectation on the Warriors.
29 seasons and counting: Who makes the Warriors all-time team?
Some positions are a no-brainer, some are hotly contested.
Oldest rookie in NRL: How RTS is approaching second Warriors chapter
Tuivasa-Sheck might be a club legend and a Dally M medallist but there is a lot to prove.
Big read: Inside the mind - and office - of Warriors coach Andrew Webster
Webster was a virtual unknown when he was appointed Warriors coach in July 2022.
'Never been hungrier': Prospect of seeing Shaun Johnson in 2025
Johnson’s state of mind – and body – means that he isn’t ruling out playing on in 2025.
Warriors’ coach clarifies RTS situation, reveals team improvement needed
Once installed as custodian, the 30-year-old looked like he had never been away,
Warriors continue to impress in pre-season win
The Warriors impressed in their second NRL trial with an effective, efficient performance
The spark behind DWZ's Tonga switch and how he will improve in 2024
Watene-Zelezniak wants his spectacular 2023 season to be the template, not the peak.
How new Auckland A-League club will use Premier League expertise
The new club is aiming to have 15 players signed by the end of March.
Worth the risk? Who Stacey Jones beat out to win Kiwis job
There are many reasons why it's a good idea. It’s also a bit of a gamble.
Solomon Islands no match for Football Ferns
Paris will be the fifth consecutive Olympics appearance by the Ferns.
Carrington and Fisher poised for epic showdown at Paris Olympics
Six female athletes would continue the remarkable evolution on that side of the sport.
Barbarouses brace keeps Phoenix top
After a delay due to thunderstorms, the Wellington Phoenix struck.
NZ Warriors half Luke Metcalf finds new edge for 2024 season after injury problems
Metcalf was almost the forgotten man of the Warriors' NRL finals run last season
Ferns thrash Fiji to move closer to Olympics
The Football Ferns were untroubled in their thumping semifinal win against Fiji.
Kiwi kayaking star seals Olympic berth
Friday's race was a do-or-die moment for Aimee Fisher and partner Danielle McKenzie.
‘I decided to go all in’: Kayaking star faces last chance to qualify for Paris
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Aimee Fisher, one of the world's best paddlers.
The re-invention of Roger: Why the Warriors will take a patient approach
Tuivasa-Sheck is seen as a player who can transform the Warriors backline in the NRL
All you need to know about the four Auckland stadium proposals
The final four proposals each gave a pivotal 75-minute presentation.
'Unique opportunity': Radical design of proposed downtown stadium
It’s a concept that hasn’t been seen in New Zealand – or Australasia - before.
Exclusive: ‘Transformation on a global scale’ - plans revealed for new downtown stadium
The proposed stadium will be the central focus of a new 15-hectare urban neighbourhood.
Football Ferns teen signs big deal with US club
Milly Clegg is about to make another significant jump in her career.
Good to great: Webster and Warriors ready to take the leap
Andrew Webster reveals how his Warriors will deal with expectations after a stunning year.
Capital escape: 10-man Nix stun Victory with late equaliser
The courageous effort will do wonders for the belief among the Wellington Phoenix.
Up the Jars: Warriors to open NRL themed pub
The pub is a plan to diversify the club's business model and expand its horizons.
Shaun Johnson suffers pre-season injury setback
It's understood Johnson was injured in training this week.
‘Making people miss’: Warriors coach reveals roving role for RTS
The hybrid function is aimed at getting the best out of Tuivasa-Sheck’s special talents.
Coco's quest and calendar clashes: 11 talking points from the ASB Classic
Michael Burgess discusses the key talking points and lessons from this year's event.
ASB Classic: Kiwi wildcard falls early; Shapovalov struggles in comeback
The local wildcard was beaten in straight sets by his Australian counterpart.
From no passport to tennis star: The rise of Ben Shelton
ASB Classic top seed Ben Shelton on crazy year and his secret goals for 2024.