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
Govt unveils plans to 'flood' cities with more housing
Size and balcony requirements will be gone as part of sweeping changes announced today.
Budget: $14 billion revealed in tax cuts worth $4-$40 a fortnight
Follow our live coverage – what's in the Budget for you?
The law changes looming from new Govt; Peters, Seymour to split Deputy PM
Unorthodox Deputy PM jobshare, 20 Cabinet roles include three each from NZ First, Act.
Officials investigated cutting Ōtaki Expressway in half as costs ballooned to $1.6b
The road is now one of NZ's most expensive - the Govt says it remains committed.
Cost of living crunch or 'no ideas' - Budget 2023 breakdown
Kids (and their parents) are the big winners with childcare subsidy, public transport.
Ōtaki to north of Levin motorway being rescoped
The Government is rescoping parts of its $8.7b NZ Upgrade infrastructure programme.
Harete Hipango to seek selection in 'unwinnable' electorate
MP to be first National Party candidate to contest a Māori electorate since 2002.
Speaker Adrian Rurawhe will not contest seat, going list only
The Speaker will follow his predecessor and go on the party list.
Councils propose Three Waters fix - no co-governance
A powerful group of councils has proposed an alternative to Govt's plans.
Budget 2022: $350 cash payment for 2m Kiwis - just enough for a ticket to Aussie, say Nats
Tune in for our live coverage and the key points of today's Budget.
Climate plan: Eight talking points from Govt's announcement
Things you might have missed in the Emissions Reduction Plan.
15 Covid-related deaths today, almost 21,000 cases and 1016 in hospital
Of the 15 people who died, 9 were from Auckland, 3 from Waikato, and 3 from Wellington.
Minister tests positive for Covid; 14,633 new cases as NZ reaches grim milestone
Eighty per cent of cases recorded since the start of the pandemic are currently active.
National MP Harete Hipango regrets 'unwise' decision to edit Wikipedia page
National MP's staff member edited the 'Controversies' section on Wikipedia page.
Live: 151 new Covid cases; 1m vaccine passes issued; new case in Canterbury
More than one million people have now successfully downloaded their My Vaccine Pass.
Govt to force through Three Waters reform, U-turn on voluntary position
There is significant opposition from many councils to plans to amalgamate water services.
How the new Covid traffic light system works
The Government has revealed the system that will replace alert levels.
Covid crash: Labour, Nats down in post-lockdown poll; more bad news for Collins
The only big winner in tonight's poll is Act.
Live: 'Getting on top of it' - Deputy PM defends modelling as case numbers drop
Grant Robertson and Dr Caroline McElnay present today's pandemic update.
'Would be irresponsible': Deputy PM grilled over handling of MIQ escape; 28 new cases
The latest details come as Northland spends its first day in level 3 since Delta outbreak.
Live: Fears Auckland heading for longest level 4 lockdown; Wellington outbreak believed 'contained' says PM
Aucklanders face another fortnight in level 4, while the country eyes up freedom.
Live: 'Decent number' of new cases today, peak in next 48 hours; North/South alert level divide likely - expert; New employment agreements could require vaccine
Despite record numbers of daily cases, the Government is hopeful it can crush the curve.
Cases set to rise for five days, today could be highest yet - Minister; 4 KFC stores linked to outbreak; lockdown exit 'messy' - expert
An expert says in hindsight, the country should have been at a permanent state of level 2.