The NZ Business Herald asks sector leaders what they want and expect to see today from the Finance Minster
Connal Townsend, chief executive of the Property Council
Wants to see tax policy treat commercial buildings the same as all other productive assets.
"If a building's current market value and its ability to attract tenants is reduced due to an earthquake, and the owner is obliged to carry out strengthening work to restore its earning capacity and original capital value, that expense should be claimable against tax paid on the revenue."
More money for crucial infrastructure funding is also on the list.
"The livelihood of our cities depends on it.
"This is holding up projects that were meant to be sped up under the Special Housing Areas because building too far out is now not a possibility in Auckland as we don't have the infrastructure for it."
Pushpa Wood, director of Massey University's Fin-Ed Centre
Wood says it would be good to have some serious investment in the regions to balance the growth throughout the country, rather than concentrating it in Auckland.
"I would also like to see a cross-party agreement and increased investment in lifting the financial capability of people in the country, especially children and vulnerable groups.
"It would be good to have some funds put aside to address the needs of the tertiary education sector."
But Wood is not expecting much change to "pre-budget" information.
"There may be some initiatives to address child poverty, housing 'crisis' in Auckland and diversified economic growth. However, I doubt that there will be some serious investment in either of these areas."
NZH
