Updated 7.38pm: Labour leader Andrew Little has given the government some credit for addressing child poverty, however has generally slammed the announcements in the 2015 Budget. 

He said in his speech in response that good governments can manage to run surpluses, and in particular attacked a lack of affordable housing initiatives in the budget. 

He's demanding an assurance from John Key that all the houses to be built on Auckland Crown land, in partnership with private developers, be affordable homes that ordinary New Zealanders can get into.

"Make the promise today Prime Minister. Don't get on your hindquarters in 15 minutes time and strut around like a rooster in heat, and give your usual dog and pony routine, make a real promise."

Andrew Little is comparing it to the dance of the seven veils, with the surplus never materialising.

"And now we've had another veil removed and we know that there is still more to go. I don't know what he's trying to hide - some sort of fiscal gender reassignment."

He described the economic conditions that the current government have experienced as "as good as it gets" and says future New Zealanders will say the government blew their chances to build on those conditions. 

However, John Key says he's not worried about Labour's criticism about missing the surplus deadline.

"Labour is about as good at running the economy as the Greeks are. Let's get the facts on the table. You know how to do one thing - spend money."

Greens dismiss child poverty measures

The Greens believe measures announced in the Budget today won't solve child poverty.

Welfare payments to beneficiary payments are to be increased and Working For Family entitlements adjusted, however beneficiaries, including solo parents, will also face stricter work obligations.

Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Turei says much of what National is giving with one hand will be taken away with the other.

"When nurses or teachers are getting a 1 or 2% payrise this year, but the CEO of ANZ is pocketing $4 million, it is clear who John Key's economy is working for."

She says the benefit increases are more than 40 years overdue, so it'd have been great if parents could keep more of what is a stingy amount.

Metiria Turei says Working for Families is still a broken system.

"But only those on the lowest incomes are set for an increase, in most cases the price of a block of cheese."

Peters calls for provinces support 

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the Budget ignores issues faced by people outside of Auckland.

"Farming prices, all failing all falling, fishing prices falling, forestry falling. Gentlemen, when are you going to stand up for the provinces?"

ACT attacks lack of tax bracket indexing

The ink's barely dry on the Government's Budget and it's already being attacked, and by a Government ally.

ACT Leader David Seymour says the Government's missed a golden opportunity to end stealth tax increases by indexing tax brackets.

He says the average households over a $1000 dollars a year worse off since 2010 because of bracket creep.

Mr Seymour's also critical that the Budget hasn't delivered a cut in the company tax rate.

And Seymour is also angry at what he sees as too little action on freeing up Crown land for development. 

David Seymour says there could be more.

"Well it's good to discover that the government is the largest land speculator. It's good they're releasing 430 hectares. But what about the other 270 million hectares of New Zealand?"

Maori Party claim win

The Maori Party is pointing to concessions in the Budget, to prove it did the right thing by partnering with National.

Whanau Ora has secured $49.8 million, $35.3 million is going to improved housing, and $8 million is going to Maori and Pasifika trades training.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says they focused on getting change in the areas that matter most.

He says housing is particularly critical in breaking the cycle of poverty, dependency, and poor health.