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.
From humiliation to history: Reliving Auckland City FC's wild ride at Fifa Club World Cup
Auckland City FC's unlikely journey captured the imagination of the global media.
Warriors lose second consecutive game after strong Broncos showing
The Warriors face a nervous wait after serious-looking injuries to two key players.
'Still sinking in': Auckland City defender relives historic Fifa Club World Cup goal against Boca Juniors
The 28-year-old trainee teacher has made his own indelible sporting mark.
Auckland City FC earn famous draw with Argentine giants Boca Juniors
Auckland City FC finished the Club World Cup with a remarkable 1-1 draw.
The most concerning aspect of the Warriors' surprise Penrith defeat
Saturday was another reminder of the void that injured co-captain Mitch Barnett leaves.
16 goals, six days and the damage to a 20-year legacy at Fifa Club World Cup
Auckland City have been a symbol of excellence in New Zealand for nearly two decades.
Understrength Panthers stun Warriors
The Panthers have beaten the Warriors in their first trip to Auckland in six years.
Ivan Cleary on Andrew Webster, Warriors regrets and building a team first culture
Facing the Warriors is always poignant for Ivan Cleary, given his long background here.
'Trailblazing partnership': Why Warriors hope new agreement can transform women's league
The deal is understood to be one of the biggest sponsorships of female sport in NZ.
10 factors behind Auckland City FC's record defeat
The amateurs were always rank underdogs, but several factors made their task tougher.
Why Auckland City v Bayern Munich could be the greatest underdogs battle in our sporting history
It's hard to imagine there has been anything quite as outrageous as this.
'Keep going': How Auckland City striker overcame tragedy to make Fifa Club World Cup
Football has been a way through the grief for Angus Kilkolly.
All Whites continue progress but fall late to Ukraine
The All Whites will wonder what might have been, given the lapses for both Ukraine goals.
All White Chris Wood has reached an unlikely Premier League peak – at age 33
Wood's recent Premier League season was extraordinary, as he hit the 20–goal mark.
'I'm probably on': Inside Warriors rookie hooker's last-minute call-up
Healey looks one to watch; part of a cohort of young Warriors turning heads.
All Whites stun Ivory Coast for notable win as Fifa World Cup countdown begins
This was the All Whites' first match since they qualified for next year's World Cup.
'It was different': Dame Lisa Carrington on end of remarkable 16-year streak
The kayaking great says her break is an 'opportunity to try something different'
Dominant Warriors make statement against Sharks
The Warriors claimed their biggest win of the season to sit second on the NRL ladder.
'I've got full faith': Trailblazing All Whites star on playing top-flight football in France
Ben Old's trailblazing move to France was always going to be a challenging one.
Why Barnett's sad fate is the Warriors worst injury setback in a decade
It’s not an insurmountable situation for the Warriors but it is bitter timing.
Fine margins: The most remarkable aspect of the Warriors golden start to NRL campaign
Beyond the results, it is the way they are winning – relying on grit and toughness.
Warriors hold off second-half Rabbitohs comeback for ninth win
The Warriors have shot back up to second place on the NRL ladder.
The moments that made Auckland FC's season unforgettable
The club enjoyed one of the most incredible debut seasons in Australasian sport.
Auckland FC: Five burning questions from the painful A-League semifinal exit
Why were Auckland FC so far below their best in the second leg?
The party that never got started: How Auckland FC's grand final dreams turned to dust
Saturday was the party that never got started, the celebration that turned to dust.
Warriors home run busted by Raiders
Canberra held the Warriors scoreless for the last 57 minutes of the match.
'The ball's in play': Auckland FC coach blasts call to rule out crucial goal
Replays were inconclusive – with the VAR upholding the controversial decision.
Melbourne Victory overturn deficit to eliminate Auckland FC
The Black Knights' dream is over.
'A different connection': Why the Warriors already look headed for the NRL playoffs
Even at this stage, before the halfway point of the season, they look finals-bound.
'A humble hero': How Japanese legend Hiroki Sakai has transformed Auckland FC
Sakai has been the perfect leader at the new club, setting standards across the board.
Assessing the Auckland FC 'miracle' – and why Saturday is the biggest chapter yet
Football in this city has never been cooler or more popular, thanks to Auckland FC.
'A great bond': The inside story of Auckland FC's dramatic playoff win
Michael Burgess recounts a memorable weekend in Melbourne for Auckland FC.
Auckland FC: How the Black Knights took another giant step, despite dramatic late miss
Auckland FC will know they have improvement in them and are now tuned up after time off.
Auckland FC beat Melbourne Victory in first leg of semifinal
Auckland FC have the edge heading into the second leg.
The key factors for Auckland FC as Black Knights' A-League finals quest begins
Facing Melbourne Victory in an away finals match is the side's greatest challenge so far.
The remarkable road to success for Auckland's FC Francis de Vries
During his career, De Vries has often taken the longer road and the harder path.
'Be aggressive' – Auckland FC seek right recipe for A-League semifinal first leg
A home and away series always involves extra complications and intrigue.
The key advice from Dan Carter for Auckland FC's playoff debut
It was an idea hatched some time ago, to help offer the team a different perspective.
'Real tough': Watene-Zelezniak on intense NRL comeback game
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returned after a 12-week wrist injury break.
Late field goal lifts Warriors over Dragons
The Warriors only scored one point in the second half. That point decided the game.
Buy of the year? The recipe behind Erin Clark's stunning start to life at the Warriors
Clark has topped the yardage count for Warriors’ forwards in all but one match.
South American mystery man Neyder Moreno on his amazing journey at Auckland FC
Moreno has been one of the stars of Auckland FC's historic A-League campaign.
Mt Smart Stadium confirmed for potential A-League grand final
The additional seating will increase the capacity of Mt Smart to nearly 29,000.
Premiers Auckland FC finish home campaign with victory
Auckland should have won by more – but it didn't really matter.
Warriors hammer Knights to end decade-long Anzac Day hurt
Andrew Webster's side continue to create their own history in 2025.
On The Up: How Olympic gold changed Hamish Kerr's life
Kerr's victory resonated in a special way with Kiwis; an undoubted Olympics highlight.
On The Up: How double Olympic gold changed Alicia Hoskin's life
Hoskin became just the eighth Kiwi to win two gold medals at a single Games.
How an Olympic gold medal changed Finn Butcher's life
Butcher's story captured the imagination – the South Island kid who beat the world.
Michael Burgess: Forget the maths - Auckland FC have sealed their first trophy
Auckland FC could hoist the Premiers Plate in Auckland on Sunday.
'Trust yourself': How Warriors, Metcalf nailed golden kick to beat Broncos
Rather than being nervous, Luke Metcalf was excited – with the game on the line.
Warriors bounce back to top Broncos in thriller
Whatever you think of the Warriors, they rarely do things the easy way.
Why Eden Park remains unlikely venue should Auckland FC host A-League grand final
Auckland FC remain favourites for the Premiers Plate with three rounds to play.
Warriors NRL transfer watch: The chances of signing Joseph Manu revealed
Joseph Manu won’t be coming to the Warriors, while an NRL return is also unlikely.
How historic Billie Jean King Cup success will boost Lulu Sun on WTA Tour
Sun was the lynchpin of the New Zealand team in their historic effort
‘Stick to our guns’: Why Auckland FC remain on course
De Vries is one of only three Auckland FC players to have started every match this season.
Warriors' losing streak against Storm extends in costly defeat
The Warriors' woes against the Storm continued, suffering a 17th straight loss.
The one that got away: How ex-Warrior became a Storm star
'He’s been one of our best buys in recent times,' the Storm director of football said.
Auckland FC fight back for gritty A-League draw
Auckland FC were 2-0 down after 32 minutes before producing their comeback.
Return of ‘X factor’ winger boosts Auckland FC ahead of season climax
Neyder Moreno and Liam Gillion are both back in contention for Sydney FC clash.
Warriors remain hopeful of retaining star fullback
On the surface, it would be a surprise to see Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad leave Auckland.
Michael Burgess: Only one choice for next America’s Cup host
OPINION: Organisers need to go to the one place that would put the event back on the map.
Michael Burgess: The big questions over Eden Park’s future
As it stands, two of three biggest teams in this city have no interest in using Eden Park.
Why Auckland FC need to find new peak, after recent A-League stumbles
It’s hard to be too critical of a team that are on an 11-match unbeaten run.
Auckland FC extend unbeaten run to 11 games
A draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers saw Auckland FC extend their run.
‘Trust your teammates’: SAS veteran inspires Auckland FC ahead of A-League run-in
The former soldier was able to provide a unique perspective to the group of footballers.
Warriors beat Tigers in thriller for third straight win
Andrew Webster’s team took another important step with a gutsy win over the Tigers.
‘A good place’: How Auckland FC secured key players for next season
Only three players are not confirmed for 2025-26, as retention has progressed smoothly.
Inside the Warriors’ week: Agar’s missing apology; Walker’s exit; RTS’s injury
Dylan Walker's impact off the bench will be difficult to replicate for the Warriors
World Cup payday: The ‘life-changing’ money All Whites receive for qualification
Qualification is massive for the sport and also comes with huge financial rewards.
Why Chris Wood believes the All Whites can shine at Fifa World Cup
Wood has high hopes for this All Whites team at the event in 2026.
How an unexpected goalscorer lifted All Whites to World Cup
Goalscoring heroes don’t come much more unlikely than Michael Boxall.
World Cup here we come! All Whites qualify for Fifa World Cup
If you are going to make history, this is the way to do it.
New Caledonia's plan to stop Chris Wood with World Cup spot on the line
The All Whites striker is in the middle of the hottest streak of his career.
The great irony as All Whites stand on brink of reaching 2026 World Cup
For the All Whites, it’s about execution, discipline, composure and the right mindset.
Auckland stadium debate: Eden Park’s hosting of councillors comes under scrutiny
The revelations come ahead of a crucial vote on Auckland’s future stadium strategy.
Up the Wahs! Warriors beat Roosters to break seven-year drought
It was further proof this Warriors team are finding their feet after a dismal opening.
‘Confident, but not complacent’: All Whites wary before crucial World Cup qualifier
Coach Darren Bazeley insists the team won't be complacent against Fiji.
‘Best time of my life’: Chris Wood on EPL success, family, and World Cup hopes
Chris Wood has gone from being a football ace to a national sporting hero.
'Move on': Warriors coach pragmatic about absence of banned assistant
Richard Agar was suspended after allegedly abusing a British-based journalist.
Auckland FC let points slip late against struggling Mariners
Auckland FC were stunned at home by the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.