The Government is being urged to spend its surplus wisely.

The Crown's revealed a $7.5 billion surplus, and net debt has fallen to sit at 19.2 per cent of GDP.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has now hinted the Government is ready to spend more money on health, education and infrastructure to help stimulate a weakening economy.

Waikato University finance professor Stuart Locke told Mike Hosking he believes spending should be on agriculture and meat alternatives, to protect the economy for the future.

"We shouldn't go and have a street party with the surplus. We do have to use it wisely, especially as the global economy is slowing down."

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

 

• Bumper $7.5b surplus: Government hints at spending spree