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.
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.
Fan favourite Monfils loses opening-round epic
It was an unbelievable match and might not be topped this week.
Dutchman defeats highly rated American at first round
Fifth seed Eubanks eliminated in straight sets.
‘We are fighting for our freedom’: Svitolina pays emotional tribute after ASB Classic final
Ukrainian says the invasion of her homeland put sporting challenges in perspective.
Coco Gauff on a path to greatness — but will always remember Auckland
Winning the 2024 ASB Classic title was a significant step in her career.
Coco Gauff crowned the queen of Auckland
The American teen was pushed to the limit in an ASB Classic final of the highest quality.
Crowd favourite facing difficult path at ASB Classic
The Frenchman hasn’t been here since 2013, forced to pull out on a couple of occasions.
'I felt stuck': Norrie seeking next step at home tournament
The Auckland-raised star didn't go backwards dramatically - but stopped going forward.
Elina Svitolina searching for second miracle in ASB Classic final
Svitolina has spent over eight hours on court across the week.
'It was important to test myself': Gauff's special reason for return to Auckland
Coco Gauff can fulfil her ultimate goal in the ASB Classic final on Sunday.
From marquee name to qualifying - Tennis star set for unlikely Auckland route
It’s the first time Shapovalov has had to play qualifying anywhere in almost six years
'No holes in her game': Gauff adding smarts to scary arsenal
Coco Gauff faces Emma Navarro in today's semifinal, having blitzed the field to date.
ASB Classic: Svitolina remains on track for dream final
Elina Svitolina strolled through her quarter-final against Marie Bouzkova on Friday night.
Raducanu's classy performance: A promising start to 2024
The young Brit had a tough ASB Classic loss but shines in tennis comeback.
Svitolina survives Auckland epic against Raducanu
Elina Svitolina has shown her champion qualities with a compelling win over Emma Raducanu.
ASB Classic: Eighth seed too strong for NZ-born qualifier
Lulu Sun’s adventure at the ASB Classic is over – but it’s been quite a ride.
ASB Classic: Unstoppable Gauff rolls into quarters
This week is beginning to feel like a replica of 2023 for defending champion Coco Gauff.
ASB Classic: Navarro happy flying under radar
An impressive win has put the American and world No 32 in the quarter-finals.
Tattoos and tennis: Svitolina makes ASB Classic debut memorable
Elina Svitolina has made an instant impact on and off the court at the ASB Classic.
Raducanu relieved to bank first victory since March
Raducanu had to display significant mental fortitude, especially in the latter stages
Svitolina wins epic battle over Wozniacki
It was a match that lived up to the hype, as there was little separating the two legends
NZ born qualifier Lulu Sun becoming local favourite
Sun was a relative unknown at the start of the week but no longer
American star impresses as ASB Classic after eight-month break
Amanda Anisimova stepped away from the tour last April, citing burnout
ASB Classic headline acts all set to star on Super Tuesday
In terms of star power, it is easily the biggest session in the tennis event’s history.
ASB Classic: Kiwi falls in straight sets; high seed survives scare
The Kiwi wildcard couldn't back up a strong start in her first WTA appearance.
Kiwi vows to fight after taste of top-level tennis
The Kiwi wildcard had a taste of the big time with her appearance at the ASB Classic.
A new hometown hero? Swiss tennis player could switch allegiance to NZ
If Lulu Sun chose to switch to New Zealand, it would be a massive boost for the sport here
The surprising moment that defined Coco Gauff
A shock defeat at Wimbledon was the catalyst for Coco Gauff's best year on the WTA tour.
'Reborn' Raducanu reveals silver lining to long layoff
The 2021 US Open champion is feeling stronger and ready to rebuild her game.
Wozniacki reveals special sacrifice on path back to top
Caroline Wozniacki is still ultra competitive but her priorities have changed markedly.
ASB Classic: Wozniacki draws second seed in blockbuster start
Caroline Wozniacki always loomed as a dangerous floater after her comeback to tennis.
ASB Classic confident no repeat of rain-related chaos
No last-minute withdrawals and the big names look fit and focused for tennis clashes.
'I had to sacrifice a lot': Fifa women’s football head appointed dame
Aucklander Sarai Bareman has been head of women's football at Fifa since 2016.
The training secret behind Chris Wood's brilliant hat-trick
The All Whites skipper is creating national records that will likely never be broken.
Dame Lisa Carrington’s Christmas Day challenge
Dame Lisa Carrington and her colleagues will be training as normal on Christmas Day
The year that Wahs: The top 10 moments of the season
The Warriors' unlikely run to the preliminary final captivated the nation in 2023.
Warriors' marquee signing displays successful blueprint
Capewell is seen as someone who can elevate the culture and improve the environment
Exclusive: All Blacks hotel proposed as part of Auckland development
The proposed hotel could drive internal and external tourism to downtown Auckland.
Revealed: Auckland A-Leagues club's inaugural men's coach
The new A-Leagues club has made a major acquisition.
Exclusive: NZR backs 'transformational' Auckland waterfront stadium
It's a change of tack for New Zealand Rugby, who have traditionally been neutral.
Shaun in the USA? Warriors in talks for Vegas game
The NRL is committed to a five-year deal for matches in the Nevada city.