Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has unveiled Budget 2026.
Senior political reporter Azaria Howell has the details.
There are no specific cost-of-living payments or Budget sugar hits - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis promises spending initiatives will create thousands of jobs.
Books are set to return to surplus earlier than expected.
The Budget's supporting record health funding - of $34.2 billion dollars in the 2026/27 financial year.
From September, the bowel cancer screening age will lower from 58 to 56.
$2.3 billion dollars of savings over five years will be found through public sector job cuts and slashing Government agency spending.
A levy's being placed on banks and deposit takers from mid 2027 - estimated to bring in around $209 million dollars over four years into the Government's books.
Funding's going to major hospital and school property upgrades - including buying land for a new hospital in South Auckland.
Places in trades training are doubling as fees free university gets axed, as more millions are secured for a curriculum rollout.
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