Politics
One Budget change leaves 61,000 families worse off
Money saved by income-testing in the first year of a baby's life is instead being put into the Working for Families scheme. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 23 May 2025
In today's episode, the Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, has described the Budget as responsible, and what governments do to avoid austerity, Labour's Finance spokesperson says the government's… Audio
Te Pāti Māori leaders absent from house during Budget
An interesting subplot to Thursday's Budget, and the Parliamentary debate after it, was the absence of the Te Pāti Māori leaders from the house. Māori News Journalist Pokere Paewai reports. Audio
Do KiwiSaver changes leave you better or worse off?
KiwiSaver changes announced in the Budget have captured a lot of attention. But will they leave us better off, worse off, or much the same? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Finance Minister frames Budget as 'responsible' with something in it for everyone
Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Morning Report that while the Budget is responsible, it has something for every New Zealander. RNZ's political editor Jo Moir and RNZ's business editor Gyles… Audio
Words and Numbers: Beginning Budget Day in the House
The opening stanzas of a new Budget begin in quiet formality, but get loudly political quickly.
Middle-income voters may feel shortchanged after Budget
Analysis: Yes, health and education are getting boost - but much of that will be spent keeping the lights on.
BusinessNZ welcomes Investment Boost in Budget
BusinessNZ is welcoming the new budget, saying it's credible and growth-oriented. BusinessNZ chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Retirement Commissioner on KiwiSaver changes
The Retirement Commissioner says the changes in the new budget are great news for most KiwiSaver members. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Simplicity chief economist on KiwiSaver changes
As part of the 2025 budget, the government will halve its yearly contributions, while minimum contributions for employers will lift to four percent in 2028. Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub… Audio
School principals welcome $747 million boost for learning support
The government's $747 million boost for learning support seems to be getting the thumbs up from school principals. Education correspondent John Gerritsen reports. Audio
GPs dissapointed over lack of funding in Budget
Disappointed GPs say the lack of cash for them in the Budget may mean patient fees will have to rise, while the senior doctors union has dubbed it "the departure lounge budget". Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Labour Finance spokesperson on Budget 2025
Labour's Finance spokesperson says the government's changes to KiwiSaver will take money away from New Zealand's poorest workers. Labour Party's Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds spoke to Corin… Audio
Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Budget 2025
The Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, has described the Budget as responsible, and what governments do to avoid austerity. Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
NZers react to Budget 2025
Reporters ask taxpayers what they made of the Budget announcements. Audio
Budget: NZers to feel effects of some changes immediately
The government delivered its second Budget on Thursday, and New Zealanders will start to feel the effects of some of the changes almost immediately. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more. Audio
What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson said low-income earners, Māori, women and self-employed people will be hit hardest by the changes.
'Scramble without the lollies': Opposition slams Budget 'austerity, cuts'
The Prime Minister said the 2025 Budget got the basics right and put the country back on the path to surplus.
Tougher benefit rules for young people trigger mixed responses
The policy is forecast to save the government about $163 million over four years. Audio
'Underperforming' areas cut to pay for 'seismic shift' in education
The 2025 Budget puts the handbrake on annual growth in education spending, as past splurges on school buildings run out in the next few years.