Politics
Govt claws back savings from pay equity, Kiwisaver in Budget
In its budget the coalition's clawed back money from three main areas - Pay equity, Kiwisaver and Best Start payments. The bulk of the 5.3 billion dollars saved - in fact about half of it - has come… Audio
Budget 2025: The Budget in charts
The 'Growth Budget' has shifted billions of dollars in funding towards health, education and defence. Kate Newton breaks down the big numbers.
No Budget surprises in health, some prescriptions to go annual
For the health sector it's largely a 'no surprises' Budget, with all the big-ticket having already been announced.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 22 May 2025
In today's episode, we speak with ASB chief economist Nick Tuffley about what to expect in Budget 2025. We cross to Wellington issues reporter Nick James about a major Wellington City Council meeting… Audio
'Our approach is different' - Finance Minister on this year's Budget
New Zealanders will today find out just how much money will be cut from various services and where the money will go. Audio
Health spending in focus for Budget 2025
Health spending will be the top of mind for many in this year's budget, with many parts of the sector calling for a major injection in funding. Haematologist Rodger Tiedemann spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Budget 2025: Pasifika community braces for impact
Finance Minister Nicola Willis will deliver her second Budget on Thursday. She says it will be "about prioritising your taxpayer money carefully".
Economist on what to expect from Budget 2025
Reporters and economists are going over the government's Budget which will be released publicly at 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon. ASB Bank Chief economist Nick Tuffley spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 22 May 2025
In today's episode, RNZ has been blocked from revealing details of a confidential pre-Budget education report this morning, Thursday's Budget will reveal the government's new spending, and the savings… Audio
Taxpayers' Union on hopes for Budget
The Taxpayers' Union says this year's Budget must get the books back in the black, cut wasteful spending, and kickstart productivity with bold policy changes. Taxpayers Union executive director Jordan… Audio
Poll shows NZers want govt to spend more on public services
Ahead of Thursday's Budget, a new poll shows most New Zealanders want the government to spend more on public services, not less. 'Better Taxes for a Better Future' campaign spokesperson Glenn Barclay… Audio
What to expect in Budget 2025
Thursday's Budget will reveal the government's new spending, and the savings from its sudden pay equity changes. RNZ's political editor Jo Moir and RNZ's business editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Corin… Audio
Budget will be 'no lolly scramble': Finance Minister
It's Budget day and the Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there will be no lolly scramble and no BS. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more. Audio
RNZ blocked from revealing details of pre-Budget Education report
RNZ has been blocked from revealing details of a confidential pre-Budget education report on Thursday morning. Education Correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Labour critical of govt's decision to scrap digital services tax
Labour has criticised the government's decision to can the digital services tax, saying it effectively hands $479 million in tax break to global tech giants. Labour Party Finance Spokesperson Barbara… Audio
RNZ blocked from revealing details of pre-Budget education report
The Attorney-General has obtained an emergency injunction to stop RNZ reporting details of a secret pre-Budget report.
Barbara Buckett on Winston Peters heckler's employment woes
An employee of Tonkin and Taylor was caught on camera actively heckling coalition leader Winston Peters earlier this week. Now, his job could be at risk. Leading employment lawyer Barbara Buckett is… Audio
Do we still need Parliament TV?
Have the introduction of cameras into the chambers of Parliament changed the way MP's debate for the worse? Palmerston North lawyer and 'The Blue Review' substack author Liam Hehir believes so, and he… Audio
Budget 2025: Can austerity be turned into growth?
Analysis - The government has proclaimed 2025 the year of growth, but can it deliver when all the indications are that it is close to running on empty?
