PremiumOpinionOpinion byThomas CoughlanPolitical Editor·NZ Herald·31 Jul, 2026 05:11 PM10 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. Jacinda Ardern on the day she became the leader of the Labour Party. Photo / Mark MitchellThe facts:A report published by the Ministry of Social Development showed one in four children in South Auckland live in material hardship, a key poverty measure.In 2021, main benefits were increased.The report showed poverty decreased prior to the pandemic, but increased subsequently. Today is the ninth anniversary of Dame Jacinda Ardern becoming the leader of the Labour Party, the first, significant step in a fairly momentous six years for Ardern, Labour – and the country.
Doing the media rounds shortly after, Ardern introduced herself and her political credo to the
