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The surplus train's left the station early in Budget news today, with the country expected to be out of deficit by 2028/29, a year ahead of predictions.
Government Ministers are trumpeting that figure, alongside a focus on health and infrastructure.
The Waikato Expressway will get 12 more kilometres, Whangarei a new hospital wing and new police stations are on the horizon for Whanganui and Greymouth.
The biggest surprise is a tax on banks and insurers, worth roughly $50 million dollars a year.
The bowel cancer screening age will lower to 56 by September and increased health funding aims to increase surgeries and reduce wait times.
$450 million has been set aside for targeted support, in case the fuel crisis worsens.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis says things are tough - but its not the time for lolly scrambles.
She says the crisis is hitting many hard - but the country will bounce back with growth and increasing wages.
LISTEN ABOVE
- Budget 2026: Longer hospital stays for mothers after giving birth
- Govt creates almost $500m stash to address fuel crisis, fuel price forecasts revealed
- Govt spends $7b on new hospitals, roads and schools. Here's where they are
- Govt announces massive Budget education boost – what's in it for your kids?
- Willis gets to surplus, launches super-sized attack on NZF, Labour for ‘robbing’ Kiwis under 50
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