English aiming for budget surplus by 2014-15
The Government was prepared to play its part in building national savings and reducing the reliance on foreign debt, Finance Minister Bill English said yesterday.
2009 Budget
Bleak budget prepares NZ for tough times
Bleak budget prepares NZ for tough times
Finance Minister Bill English has presented a bleak budget that prepares New Zealand for even tougher times to come.
Tertiary funding boost will not match costs
Tertiary funding boost will not match costs
Tertiary sector leaders say not enough extra funding has been allocated to institutions facing roll growth, spiralling costs and pressure to increase staff salaries.
Scrap super fund, raise entitlement age: Morgan
Scrap super fund, raise entitlement age: Morgan
New Zealand's $12.5 billion superannuation Cullen Fund should be scrapped and the age of entitlement raised, economist and commentator Dr Gareth Morgan believes.
Warm response to Budget insulation initiative
Warm response to Budget insulation initiative
A Dunedin mother who has benefited from government funding to insulate her home in the past says the initiative is "awesome" and the work done has made a real difference.
Recovery the catchcry of sober Budget
Recovery the catchcry of sober Budget
Finance Minister Bill English yesterday delivered a Budget for the times, one that struck a balance between delivering support to the economy and being responsible about long-term expenses and debt.
Through your eyes: Budget reaction
Through your eyes: Budget reaction
The Otago Daily Times spoke with three people before and after the budget - a young professional, a worker nearing retirement and the owner of a small/medium business. This is what they had to say.
Budget delivers insulation boost for homeowners
Budget delivers insulation boost for homeowners
A budget designed to deal with chill economic times has delivered one warm fuzzy- a grant up to $1800 for homeowners, which is not subject to income testing.
Big increase in inmates expected at Otago Prison
Big increase in inmates expected at Otago Prison
The number of prisoners at the Otago Corrections Facility will rise next year, possibly by hundreds, following a Budget announcement funding had been allocated for double bunking.
'Broken promise' slammed
'Broken promise' slammed
Tax cuts planned for next year and 2011 have, as expected, been deferred by the Government.
Public sector savings free cash for priorities
Public sector savings free cash for priorities
New Zealand's public sector has a large role to play in the recovery of the economy from recession and Finance Minister Bill English made it clear yesterday that hard work already started needed to continue.
Health sector happy with Budget funding
Health sector happy with Budget funding
Otago District Health Board chairman Erroll Millar says he is "enormously grateful" for the level of health funding announced in yesterday's Budget, which amounted to 40% of new Government spending.
English's Budget credit-rating bid succeeds
English's Budget credit-rating bid succeeds
Finance Minister Bill English achieved something that seemed almost impossible a month or so ago in having the country's credit ratings maintained near the top of the range.
$26.5m for genomics facility 'grand news'
$26.5m for genomics facility 'grand news'
After an anxious few months, Dunedin scientists are welcoming confirmation of Government funding for a new collaborative genomics facility.
Risks in decade of deferred funding
Risks in decade of deferred funding
The Government is committed to maintaining New Zealand Superannuation entitlements at their current level but will need to explain how it intends funding them.
Mixed reaction to education funding
Mixed reaction to education funding
Many in Otago's education sector have welcomed the 2009 Budget, but it has also been labelled "underwhelming".
Growth plan too limited, Budget critics say
Growth plan too limited, Budget critics say
Saving and supporting jobs during the recession appeared top of the list for Finance Minister Bill English when he released his first Budget of the new National-led administration yesterday.
Tax cut deferral debated
Tax cut deferral debated
The Government moved immediately tonight to pass legislation scrapping tax cuts which were to come in during the next two years.
Budget fails tertiary system, critics say
Budget fails tertiary system, critics say
Students, universities and other training institutions say lack of spending on tertiary education will lead to less opportunity for study, academics leaving for better money overseas and leave the country less able to respond in an economic recovery.
Science spending seen as timid
Science spending seen as timid
One of the nation's highest-profile scientists, Paul Callaghan, of Victoria University, says today's budget was "extremely disappointing" for science and technology.