Thomas Coughlan
Deputy Political Editor
Thomas Coughlan, Deputy Political Editor at the New Zealand Herald, loves applying a political lens to people's stories and explaining the way things like transport and finance touch our lives.
I’ve been working at the Herald since 2021. I’d previously worked for Stuff and Newsroom in their Press Gallery offices in Wellington. Since joining the Press Gallery in 2018, I’ve barely strayed ten paces from my first desk - it feels like home. I love putting a political lens on people’s stories and explaining the way things like transport and finance touch our lives. I’m a massive fan of spreadsheets. I love cooking and reading - generally not at the same time. If I’m not working, you’ll find me in the kitchen or at the library… or perhaps at a gig. You can find my amusing tweets at @coughlthom
Check out Thomas’s latest content
Wellington jobless numbers steady despite Govt cuts
Official stats show unemployment has fallen in the capital as other areas rise.
David Seymour says he lacks confidence in early analysis of Waikato Med School merits
The Act leader provided his own analysis to prove his point.
Government to focus on child's first 2000 days as part of new strategy
Minister wants New Zealand to be 'best place in the world for children and young people'.
Treasury: Government builds are too expensive and take too long
A new report shows projects continue to be delayed and over budget.
Transmission Gully on verge of completion, with 110 km/h speed possible
NZTA-Waka Kotahi has been locked in a dispute with the road builders.
Parliament to consider changing rules following haka - is it a good idea?
OPINION: A Parliamentary committee might look at whether MPs need greater punishments.
Submissions open on Treaty Bill with call for no swearing
Parliament's justice committee says it will run a full 6-month process.
Thousands fewer families getting support as unemployment rises
Fewer families are getting government support thanks to a quirk in our rules.
Justice Committee looking at ending taxpayers paying for election ads
A divided committee wants the Government to look at voting rules.
Shane Jones promises rare frogs will no longer stifle growth as fast track bill gets second reading
The fast track bill had its second reading debate in Parliament this afternoon.
Coalition, Labour join forces to attract more PPPs
Firms may be paid to bid for government contracts.
Harris’ final message to supporters as Democrat blame game begins
Kamala Harris broke her silence after failing to appear on election night.
Tears and empty chairs: Inside Kamala Harris’ grim election night party
OPINION: She didn't turn up to her own bash, writes Thomas Coughlan.
Baking hot, no food, and French people desperate to smoke – inside Kamala Harris’ election night bash
OPINION: Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan is at Harris' former college.
Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, Oprah and long lines – inside Kamala Harris’s last rally
Candidates embark on final push before election day.
US election: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump converge on Pennsylvania
It's the final day of campaigning in the US presidential election.
Many Americans know strife won't end with polling day
You might think the election wraps up this week, but you'd be wrong.
Thomas Coughlan's campaign diary: At a battleground state Trump rally
OPINION: There are just two more days of campaigning in the US presidential election.
US economy posts terrible hiring number days out from election
OPINION: Jobs data published this week came in at 12% of what economists expected.
‘It’s not really a threat, it’s a promise’: Official sued by Donald Trump warns of post-election lawsuits
The Herald speaks to an official on the front line of America's election.
Labour closing in on National in latest poll, with 65% support for capital gains tax
A poll of the issues people care about shows Labour closing the gap with National.
Is Health NZ underfunded? Treasury doesn’t think so
The health system is bleeding money, leading some to question funding levels.
NZ ‘closely monitoring’ safety of troops as tension rises in Middle East
NZ has about 65 troops personnel deployed at various locations.
Treasury keen on private capital for Kiwibank, Greens warn of privatisation
Official advice suggests private capital has been considered in the past.
An end to fiscal holes? New plan to independently assess political parties' costings
Poking holes in opposing parties’ costings has long been a feature of NZ elections.
Can New Zealand trade food for roads with Singapore? NZ First’s Shane Jones thinks it is possible
Singapore is keen to invest in NZ, says Shane Jones following a trip.
Treasury reviews raise alarms over Dunedin Hospital project delivery and scope
Documents released today suggest the hospital build was struggling for years.
Wellington's under-fire council using rates for water investment at nearly double national average
Other authorities are using substantially more debt to pay for water projects.
Government to pilot ‘outcomes contracts’ in social investment push
Nicola Willis to set out her vision for contracting social services.
Government gives migrant partners work rights, overturning Labour ban
The partners of some migrants will have greater work rights.
Darleen Tana 'relieved' after she's ousted from Parliament
Darleen Tana has been removed from Parliament.
Watch: 'Must do better' – Mayor says tough decisions ahead after Government appoints observer
The Government is to appoint a Crown observer to Wellington City Council.
Canada ‘very disappointed’ by NZ decision to escalate dairy battle
Canada's Trade Minister has responded to New Zealand's decision to ramp up action.
Thomas Coughlan: The Greens have saved their membership, now what about the voters
Green Party delegates decided to sanction the use of the waka-jumping law against Tana.
Exclusive: Taiwanese Foreign Minister keen to “participate” in Aukus pillar 2
Pillar 2 of Aukus is getting crowded.
Listen: Swarbrick labels vote to oust Darleen Tana 'deliberate democracy'
The decision was made in a late-night Zoom meeting yesterday.
New Zealand forces Canada to negotiating table in $200m dairy dispute
NZ could impose tariffs on Canada if a solution is not found.
Green Party to use Waka-Jumping law to eject Darleen Tana from Parliament
Green Party delegates meeting this evening to decide whether to boot Tana from Parliament.
Treasury asks itself why its forecasts are wrong, sanctions on the table
Treasury's revenue forecasting hasn't been the best recently. It's trying to fix that.
Local Govt Minister seeks advice on interventions at ‘shambles’ Wellington City Council
Council chaos has the Government pondering intervention - but what?
Darleen Tana appeals, but Greens continue process to oust her
The rogue MP has appealed a High Court decision allowing the Greens to vote to expel her
Panel rejects quarry proposal a week after being included in fast-track list
Quarry consent rejected under Labour's fast-tracking – but it's on Govt's new list too.
Thomas Coughlan: Chris-tastrophe! Poll much closer than it looks
The latest polls indicate the Prime Minister needs to up his game.
'Huge loss of confidence': Govt may strip ministry of school property role
The inquiry alleges schools were able to 'jump the queue' by lobbying politicians.
National changes its mind on 'financial black hole' for developers
The Government will underwrite developers in a scheme for which it criticised Labour.
Treasury changes investment rules for long-term thinking
A change to Treasury's investment rules will prioritise long-term public good investment.
Act amends accidental slur in Palestine statement
The party accidentally included a slur, the Greens want an apology.
Government promises to consider hiking road charges and tolls before end of term
Transport Minister Simeon Brown hints any revenue increases will be in the form of tolls.
What went wrong in the NZ electricity market and why it will get worse
Inside New Zealand's winter of de-industrialisation.
Luxon avoids paying up to $70k tax on apartment sale after Govt law change
Luxon’s office would not confirm or deny the price.
Opinion: Govt recalls virtue of policies people like, can't cut its way to popularity
The latest quarterly plan isn't as interesting as how the Government is trying to sell it.
Insurers want RMA replacement to prevent people building in ‘dumb places’
Insurers want people to stop building in uninsurable areas.
Treasury says ‘unprecedented’ per person spending cuts will drive return to surplus
Stephens stressed the importance of getting back to surplus.
‘Outrageous’ local MP fumes as Government goes back to the drawing board on Dunedin Hospital build
Other hospitals would be put at risk if the cost blow-outs were not addressed.
NZ, UAE sign 'trade liberalising' agreement
The deal will eliminate duties on 99% of exports in three years.
Transport giant wants rail on new ferries
Mainfreight's managing director said the rail connection was vital for the network.
Gas crisis: Todd proposes job cuts as Government moves to overturn the oil and gas ban
There are concerns about confidence in the sector.
Union leader calls for support as Nicola Willis defends public service job cuts
Nicola Willis spoke to Public Sector Union members today.
David Seymour wants to be consulted on UN votes, Winston Peters says be careful what you wish for
Peters said there were 100s of resolutions that were not usually consulted on.
Interislander: Winston Peters wants rail on ferries, National isn’t so sure
Peters is very public about what he wants. Nicola Willis and Paul Goldsmith are quiet.
What next for Darleen Tana and the Greens?
The Darleen Tana saga is nearing its conclusion, one way or another.
Kiwi students could take courses from multiple universities under potential shake-up
The Universities review will be submitted at the end of the month.
Greens given all-clear to 'waka jump' Darleen Tana
The decision paves the way for Tana to be booted from Parliament.
RMA will be axed and replaced with two new laws
The Government has revealed its plans for a permanent replacement to the RMA.
Govt wants jobseeker beneficiaries cut by 50k, but forecasts are up 11k
The Government says it wants beneficiary numbers to fall, but they continue to rise.
Pothole vans to patrol NZ roads looking for signs of wear and tear
Pothole vans will soon patrol New Zealand roads.
NZ breaks with Five Eyes partners, backs UN resolution calling Israel to withdraw from settlements
Winston Peters said New Zealand offered cautious support to the resolution.
Govt needs to hire equivalent of Ashburton by 2026 to deliver transport promises
NZTA demanded a Government guarantee before signing off on the loan.
Aukus celebrates birthday as NZ continues to deliberate involvement
It's Aukus' third birthday, but NZ is no closer to making up its mind on the deal.
Japanese Ambassador met Govt to discuss energy crisis impact on investment
Japan's Ambassador warned high prices were squeezing big investors.
Transport Minister explores advertising boost to offset public transport funding cuts
Simeon Brown says riders will need to pay more.
Government still looking at tax on businesses masquerading as charities
The Government is getting advice on closing a longstanding loophole.
Revealed: Treasury’s verdict on whether tax cuts would cause inflation
Treasury gave its verdict on the economic debate that raged for nearly a year.
Poll finds that Chris Hipkins' popularity has nosedived
A new poll shows the coalition tightening its grip on power.
Parliament sets itself free, and gives security guards greater powers
Parliament, not the Government, will decide how much money it needs.
Seymour on the 'dystopian' ads and what 'crashed' Act's support
You might think Act's 2023 election campaign was a success. Its leader isn't so sure.
Calls to investigate intelligence agencies over potential co-operation with Israel’s invasion of Gaza
Three activists have warned the agencies could be a party to the invasion of Gaza.
Budget docs: Treasury recommended less health funding, lower tax cuts
Three months later, Budget papers have been released.
‘Comfort food for the Labour Party’ - National teases Labour up over tax divisions
Chris Hipkins and David Parker are not on the same page - and National finds it funny.
Methanex proposes idling one plant indefinitely, job cuts
The nation's biggest gas user will go down to one plant.