Thomas Coughlan, 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.
Luxon announces $164m for new 24/7 urgent care services
The Prime Minister made the pre-Budget health announcement in Botany this afternoon.
‘The Italians are coming back’ - European firm confirms bid to build Northland Expressway
An Italian firm is one of a number of investors keen to build the Northland Expressway.
One road to rule them all: Single motorway to swallow 10% of infrastructure spending for decades
One dollar in every 10 spent on infrastructure will be consumed by a single road.
MP returns to Parliament after son’s tragic death
Act MP Mark Cameron is returning to Parliament after his son's tragic death.
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?
Quarry linked to $55k donation to NZ First and Shane Jones, approached over fast-track
The Government has been urged to manage potential conflicts.
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.
Cost of living crunch or 'no ideas' - Budget 2023 breakdown
Kids (and their parents) are the big winners with childcare subsidy, public transport.
Three Waters reset: Govt to create 10 new entities; Luxon calls rebrand a 'dumb policy'
The Government will announce its Three Waters replacement today.
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.
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.
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.
How the new Covid traffic light system works
The Government has revealed the system that will replace alert levels.
Northland allegations: Winston Peters apologises to Harry Tam
Winston Peters has apologised to Harry Tam for associating him with Northland outbreak.
Live: D-Day - experts urge Cabinet to resist alert level change
Experts are urging against Auckland leaving lockdown as cases mount.
Next year, thousands of people will get Covid - most will stay at home
The Government unveiled its radical new Covid plan today.
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.
'We'd like to see numbers come down': Govt may need to tighten level 4 restrictions if numbers don't drop
But 'while it is still in known clusters, you can't say it's out of control.'
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.