Former Labour MP Tāmati Coffey and husband Tim Smith are expecting their third child.

The 45-year-old broadcaster and reality TV star made the announcement on social media on Thursday.

“Meet Laura. Who has agreed to carry a baby for us. We are grateful and blessed with our kids, Tutanekai and Taitimu and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to go again,” read the Instagram post which included a photo of Coffey, Smith, surrogate Laura Beecroft, and their children.

“We’ve agreed to document the journey together so others can learn along the way.

“So, here’s the first pic and post. We all met up, with our little kids in tow, ate some food, talked about making babies and the rest is history. The fun starts now, follow the journey for updates. Buckle up! Follow @theirbabymybody too.”

Many congratuated the couple on the happy news, which was also shared to Facebook.

“I’m so happy for you all. And special thanks from me for your huge input into getting it legal and upfront to have a special person carry a pepe for those who can’t. You are incredible parent,” wrote one user.

“What a special woman who can and will do this. Love to you and to her,” wrote another.

Beecroft, the first double donor surrogate in New Zealand, is documenting the surrogacy journey on her Instagram account @theirbabymybody.

“Not being the first time for us, experience shows it’s a process and one that I’d like to share again, for those who are interested in becoming a surrogate, those who are looking for one or those of you who are just interested in the process in NZ.

“It really is a ride!” wrote Beecroft.

On whether she was the one to approach Coffey and Smith regarding surrogacy or if it was the other way around, Beecroft said on Instagram:

“We’ve been friends for a few years. I’ve always known they want to add to their family so when I decided I wanted to go again I sent them a text!

“Just a random ‘hey so here’s the thing' text message late one night.”

Coffey and husband Smith married in a civil union in 2011 and their two children were both born through surrogacy.

During his time in Parliament Coffey was involved in surrogacy law reform, introducing the Improvement Arrangements for Surrogacy Bill in 2021. However, it ultimately failed to pass into law.

- NZ Herald