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
![Darleen Tana's 'extensive' involvement with troubled bike firm revealed in report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Darleen Tana's 'extensive' involvement with troubled bike firm revealed in report
The Greens have released a summary of the report into Darleen Tana.
![Government plans tree-planting frenzy as report shows NZ no longer on track to hit climate target](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government plans tree-planting frenzy as report shows NZ no longer on track to hit climate target
The Government is no longer on track to hit its third target.
![Shane Jones to embark on regional tour, while taking heat from Labour for prior trip](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Shane Jones to embark on regional tour, while taking heat from Labour for prior trip
Shane Jones is going on a regional road show.
![Helen Clark and Don Brash warn Government dragging NZ into US-China conflict](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Helen Clark and Don Brash warn Government dragging NZ into US-China conflict
The former leaders warn Christopher Luxon has no mandate to upend NZ foreign policy.
![‘No surprises’ - Government rolling out new speed camera signs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘No surprises’ - Government rolling out new speed camera signs
The Government is rolling out speed camera signs.
![Large majority of Kiwis want slower speeds, despite Govt policy to raise them](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Large majority of Kiwis want slower speeds, despite Govt policy to raise them
A survey by NZTA has found that Kiwis like the lower speeds the Government is changing.
![Ex-Green MP Darleen Tana accepts ‘easiest thing’ might be to leave Parliament](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ex-Green MP Darleen Tana accepts ‘easiest thing’ might be to leave Parliament
Darleen Tana has given her first extended interview since March.
![GCSB admits need for improvement over foreign hacking threats against MPs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
GCSB admits need for improvement over foreign hacking threats against MPs
The spy agency reviewed its processes after MPs felt let down.
![Govt extends controversial deployment after saying troops would be home by August](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt extends controversial deployment after saying troops would be home by August
The Government has extended a controversial deployment having said it would end in July
![Thomas Coughlan: Hobbits topped agenda when Giorgia met Christopher](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Hobbits topped agenda when Giorgia met Christopher
OPINION: The Italian PM is a Lord of the Rings superfan.
![National, Luxon surge as Labour tumbles in new poll](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
National, Luxon surge as Labour tumbles in new poll
The Government has been given a boost in the latest poll.
![New Zealand falls behind in OECD ranking of most regulated countries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Zealand falls behind in OECD ranking of most regulated countries
It's becoming far more difficult to do business in New Zealand .
![Transport Minister coming for NZTA's ‘out of control’ road cone use](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Transport Minister coming for NZTA's ‘out of control’ road cone use
The Govt will begin a 'risk-based' approach to TTM use that will reduce cone numbers.
![Govt accused of trying to bury damning oil and gas ban report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt accused of trying to bury damning oil and gas ban report
The Opposition argues the Government is hiding its inaction with 'pamphlet' strategy.
![Analysis: Why Greens hate waka-jumping law and will be cautious about using it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Analysis: Why Greens hate waka-jumping law and will be cautious about using it
But they'll have to decide whether they'll be the first party to eject one of their own.
![Government weakens emissions standards for cars, aligning NZ with Australia](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government weakens emissions standards for cars, aligning NZ with Australia
The Government has weakened emissions standards for vehicles.
!['Disgrace': Peters reacts as MP Darleen Tana set for waka-jumping showdown](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Disgrace': Peters reacts as MP Darleen Tana set for waka-jumping showdown
Darleen Tana says natural justice was not followed after her resignation from the Greens.
![115 days: Green MP spends half her political career suspended](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
115 days: Green MP spends half her political career suspended
Darleen Tana hasn't been seen at Parliament for more than half her career as an MP.
![NZTA urgently investigated safety concerns raised by train bosses against KiwiRail](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZTA urgently investigated safety concerns raised by train bosses against KiwiRail
The operators of the Auckland and Wellington networks wrote to NZTA about their concerns.
![MP returns to Parliament after son’s tragic death](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MP returns to Parliament after son’s tragic death
Act MP Mark Cameron is returning to Parliament after his son's tragic death.
![Thomas Coughlan: Housing policy leaves anti-density backers nowhere to run](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Housing policy leaves anti-density backers nowhere to run
OPINION: Chris Bishop plans to 'flood' the market with housing.
![Govt unveils plans to 'flood' cities with more housing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt unveils plans to 'flood' cities with more housing
Size and balcony requirements will be gone as part of sweeping changes announced today.
![Climate cringe: Why Niwa was nervous about buying 'large American ute'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Climate cringe: Why Niwa was nervous about buying 'large American ute'
Officials considered having no branding on the controversial $170k utes.
![Welcome Project Orange: the new name for project to replace ferries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Welcome Project Orange: the new name for project to replace ferries
New ferries will be some time away but the project to replace them has a new name.
![Luxon compares Govt action plan to 'corporate turnaround'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Luxon compares Govt action plan to 'corporate turnaround'
Law and order will be the Government's focus.
![Thomas Coughlan: Think the Budget is over? $85 billion says you’re wrong](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Think the Budget is over? $85 billion says you’re wrong
OPINION: Details of the biggest health spend-up in NZ's history are imminent.
![Tesla grumpy only 'handpicked allies' picked for feedback](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tesla grumpy only 'handpicked allies' picked for feedback
The secretive consultation has EV importers up in arms.
![Tax cut admin costs hit $43.2m, fears some will miss out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Tax cut admin costs hit $43.2m, fears some will miss out
About 7% of the amount paid out in tax credit will be spent on administration.
![Who is responsible for $17b debt, when did Government drop cancer drugs?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Who is responsible for $17b debt, when did Government drop cancer drugs?
Finance Minister Nicola Willis spilled the beans on the Budget at a select committee.
![Housing Minister Chris Bishop discusses potential changes in public housing support](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Housing Minister Chris Bishop discusses potential changes in public housing support
The Government wants to help people out of public housing.
![Removing red tape: Govt paves way for granny flats in backyards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Removing red tape: Govt paves way for granny flats in backyards
Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters has promised planning changes.
![Thomas Coughlan: Parliament gears up for week of fireworks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Parliament gears up for week of fireworks
The quiet is over - Parliament is getting back into gear.
![‘Fifty-fifty’: Luxon offers frank assessment after meeting Chinese number 2](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Fifty-fifty’: Luxon offers frank assessment after meeting Chinese number 2
PM said about half the meeting was devoted to disagreement.
![The $2b social housing cliff no one is talking about](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The $2b social housing cliff no one is talking about
The social housing sector is blighted by a fiscal cliff that creates haves and have-nots.
![Trade and economy at the forefront as Premier Li Qiang arrives in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Trade and economy at the forefront as Premier Li Qiang arrives in NZ
New Zealand will host its most significant China visit in seven years.
![The billion dollar problems with Kāinga Ora and why plans to fix it might make things worse](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The billion dollar problems with Kāinga Ora and why plans to fix it might make things worse
The Government plans a radical shake-up in public housing, but some are worried.
![Government quadruples deployment to UN mission in South Korea](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government quadruples deployment to UN mission in South Korea
The Government is substantially upping its peacekeeping efforts on the Korean peninsula.
![New poll: National drops post-Budget, Hipkins pulls ahead of PM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New poll: National drops post-Budget, Hipkins pulls ahead of PM
A new poll has shown no great affection for the Budget.
![Aukus and security on the agenda as Chinese Premier visits](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Aukus and security on the agenda as Chinese Premier visits
It will be the most significant visit from China since 2017.
![PM says low- and middle-income Kiwis get 'emphasis' of tax package, Treasury figures say the opposite](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM says low- and middle-income Kiwis get 'emphasis' of tax package, Treasury figures say the opposite
About 130,000 households receive nothing from the package and 8000 are slightly worse off.
![Thomas Coughlan: Understanding Australia’s deportation policy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Understanding Australia’s deportation policy
OPINION: Why Australia and NZ don't understand each other on the issue of deportations.
![Ratings agency unimpressed by ‘worse than expected’ performance in Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ratings agency unimpressed by ‘worse than expected’ performance in Budget
A ratings agency is unimpressed by NZ's deteriorating economy.
![Everything you need to know about the Budget, including why your tax cut might shrink](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Everything you need to know about the Budget, including why your tax cut might shrink
What story does the Budget tell?
![Exclusive poll reveals voters’ views on Budget](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Exclusive poll reveals voters’ views on Budget
Voters don't love the Budget, but they don't hate it either.
![Watch: Nicola Willis heralds 'new era' of Govt spending in post-Budget speech](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Nicola Willis heralds 'new era' of Govt spending in post-Budget speech
Willis said the Budget was 'the clean-up job New Zealand needs'.
![PM Christopher Luxon reacts to Budget for the 'squeezed middle'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM Christopher Luxon reacts to Budget for the 'squeezed middle'
The Government has delivered its tax promise, but future Budgets will be painful.
![Officials urged Govt to delay tax cuts, considered $18b 'flat tax' plan from Act](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Officials urged Govt to delay tax cuts, considered $18b 'flat tax' plan from Act
Officials warned the scheme might not be ready by the end of July.
![Budget: $14 billion revealed in tax cuts worth $4-$40 a fortnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Budget: $14 billion revealed in tax cuts worth $4-$40 a fortnight
Follow our live coverage – what's in the Budget for you?
![Thomas Coughlan: The real Budget question - what's being cut to pay for it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: The real Budget question - what's being cut to pay for it?
OPINION: Voters will ultimately judge whether it's worth it.
![Winston Peters cancels planned Mfat cuts, saving ministry $20m a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Peters cancels planned Mfat cuts, saving ministry $20m a year
The ministry's budget will be trimmed by half as much as forecast.
![Govt confirms further cuts to come as MSD proposes 700 headcount reduction](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt confirms further cuts to come as MSD proposes 700 headcount reduction
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said there would be continued savings.
![Labour alleges Budget leak forced Govt to quickly axe first home grant](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Labour alleges Budget leak forced Govt to quickly axe first home grant
Labour alleges the Government scrambled to kill the scheme after a Budget leak.
![Voters back spending cuts to fund tax plan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Voters back spending cuts to fund tax plan
Voters from across the political spectrum want spending cuts to fund tax plans.
![Labour Party members debate ruling out the rule-out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Labour Party members debate ruling out the rule-out
Labour members are discussing the level of control to give the leadership.
![Govt scraps home grants, boosts social housing - no new funding for Kāinga Ora](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt scraps home grants, boosts social housing - no new funding for Kāinga Ora
The Government is axing a subsidy for first-home buyers.
![Government puts all housing programmes under review in wake of damning report](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government puts all housing programmes under review in wake of damning report
Significant devolution in housing seems inevitable after report into Kāinga Ora.
![PM declares total refresh of Kāinga Ora board, KiwiBuild ditched](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM declares total refresh of Kāinga Ora board, KiwiBuild ditched
The review was announced amid projections Kāinga Ora’s debt could reach $28.9 billion.
![Chinese ambassador issues Aukus warning about ‘taking sides’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Chinese ambassador issues Aukus warning about ‘taking sides’
China's ambassador has cut in on the Aukus debate.
![NZ among world's worst developed countries for homelessness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ among world's worst developed countries for homelessness
New Zealand ranks first by one definition, and seventh by another.
![PM Christopher Luxon compares Labour to arsonists in fiery speech](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM Christopher Luxon compares Labour to arsonists in fiery speech
The PM was speaking to supporters in Palmerston North this morning.
![Thomas Coughlan: Wealth tax or capital gains tax? Labour’s big choice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thomas Coughlan: Wealth tax or capital gains tax? Labour’s big choice
Labour has a big, taxing decision on its hands.
![Govt gets advice on billion-dollar merger and potential sale of state assets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Govt gets advice on billion-dollar merger and potential sale of state assets
Previous Governments have failed in attempts at an asset mega-merger.
![Suspended Green MP misses half of Parliament sittings this year, on full pay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Suspended Green MP misses half of Parliament sittings this year, on full pay
The Greens are waiting for a report.
![First warnings of ‘structural deficit’ came the day Government was sworn in](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
First warnings of ‘structural deficit’ came the day Government was sworn in
Why did Treasury wait until November to deliver its darkest economic warning?
![Watch: Luxon defends tax cuts in pre-Budget speech](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Luxon defends tax cuts in pre-Budget speech
The PM spoke at the Auckland Business Chamber's pre-Budget lunch.
![British High Commissioner on what Aukus is and isn't](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
British High Commissioner on what Aukus is and isn't
The UK's High Commissioner says Aukus isn't an alliance.
![How NZ would survive economic shocks in its biggest markets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How NZ would survive economic shocks in its biggest markets
A Treasury economist has tried to grapple with NZ's economic exposure to the world.
![Winston Peters hits back at North Korea's 'aggressive rhetoric'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Winston Peters hits back at North Korea's 'aggressive rhetoric'
The Foreign Minister has hit back at North Korea.
![Treasury's toxic cocktail of tax hikes, spending cuts and asset sales to fix books](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Treasury's toxic cocktail of tax hikes, spending cuts and asset sales to fix books
Treasury has put everything on the table.
![Myanmar Minister disappointed NZ engaged with officials from military that led coup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Myanmar Minister disappointed NZ engaged with officials from military that led coup
A member of Myanmar's exiled Government visited NZ this week.
![Latest poll: Govt steady, Labour up, Greens collapse - Luxon favourability surges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Latest poll: Govt steady, Labour up, Greens collapse - Luxon favourability surges
Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll suggests the coalition would retain power in an election.
![Government document dump: KiwiRail's suitability to run Interislander questioned](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government document dump: KiwiRail's suitability to run Interislander questioned
More details have been revealed about why Finance Minister Nicola Willis sunk the ferries.
![Almost every Kiwi household will benefit from tax relief, Finance Minister promises](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Almost every Kiwi household will benefit from tax relief, Finance Minister promises
Nicola Willis has set the scene for the upcoming Budget.
![PM in a huff after questions over 'woke food'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
PM in a huff after questions over 'woke food'
The Prime Minister did not want to answer questions about which foods were woke.
![Government keen on electoral law changes after enrolments debacle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Government keen on electoral law changes after enrolments debacle
Same-day enrolment could go the way of the dodo.
![Advice suggests Government’s water reforms will cost Aucklanders less than Labour’s - for now](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Advice suggests Government’s water reforms will cost Aucklanders less than Labour’s - for now
Comparisons are difficult,
![Double voting found in election result, judges and minister briefed](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Double voting found in election result, judges and minister briefed
A small number of double votes is likely, but it would not change the result.
![NZ launches trade negotiations with UAE](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ launches trade negotiations with UAE
The country has begun trade negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.