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.
‘Freddy the frog’ feature of minister’s mining strategy
Shane Jones wants to start a conversation about mining on conservation land.
Pothole vans to patrol NZ roads looking for signs of wear and tear
Pothole vans will soon patrol New Zealand roads.
Bill dumped after chaos sees Government caught without minister
The Government saw one of its bills discharged after no minister spoke on it.
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 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?
Mahuta says she could've had more support from key Labour ministers
She said she carried the weight of the Three Waters reform alone.
NZ First looks to bring Nats to table for quick deal, will ask for 2nd Covid inquiry
NZ First knows it needs to deliver for its anti-Covid response constituency.
Live: Voting is over - what happens now and when will we know who's won?
How long before we get a new government?
Watch live: Christopher Luxon talks to media on campaign trail
Labour and National have gone negative in the last days of the campaign.
Luxon claims 'we have become a country of bureaucrats in NZ'
The two big party leaders are going head-to-head tonight in a TV debate.
Government unveils $20b transport plan - but fuel taxes going up 12 cents to pay for it
Fuel taxes are going up for the first time since 2020.
Alleged ‘threatening or intimidating’ behaviour: Nats MP referred to Privileges Committee
It follows a complaint by Labour MP Rachel Boyack.
McKelvie and Bennett to retire at election
Christopher Luxon paid tribute to retiring National MPs Ian McKelvie and David Bennett.
Live: D-Day - experts urge Cabinet to resist alert level change
Experts are urging against Auckland leaving lockdown as cases mount.
Hamilton Covid case has links to drug dealing, gang affiliation
At the heart of the Waikato outbreak is a person with a long criminal history.
Gangs aren't hard to reach, just try buying drugs from them - Collins
Judith Collins says gangs are easy to reach, and continue to sell drugs at level 3.
Weekday Te Huia rail link heading to central Auckland, finally
The Te Huia train will finally head to central Auckland, rather than stopping at Papakura.