PremiumAnalysisAnalysis byThomas CoughlanPolitical Editor·NZ Herald·19 Jun, 2026 11:00 PM16 mins to readThomas 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. Labour's Ayesha Verrall (left), Chris Hipkins and Barbara Edmonds announce the party's capital gains tax plans, which may prove crucial to funding its spending plans. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The National Party has alleged Labour has a ‘hidden bill’ in its spending plans, arguing its promises aren’t matched with funding to pay for them. Political Editor Thomas Coughlan looked at the allegations. At the bottom of this story, a budget calculator allows readers to take their own tough choices
