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Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future.
Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus.
There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027.
Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach.
"There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well."
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies.
He says there's clearly not much.
"I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election."
LISTEN ABOVE
- 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
- Budget 2026: Corrections and prisons see additional funding
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