Although born in Australia, Michael Hester is actually a New Zealander, as well as one of the most recent recruits to the ranks of international referees.

In 2004-05, he covered top-flight matches both at home and in Australia, before making his international debut at the 2007 South Pacific Games, where he took charge of the Fiji-New Caledonia final.

The following year, he was selected for the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008, where he officiated in two first-round matches.

Hester is an officer in the New Zealand navy, as well as a keen golfer and a former rugby player.