The key to it all? The surplus
Finance Minister Bill English has used a wafer-thin surplus to undercut Opposition policies while using some creative spending ideas to try to improve National's chances of re-election in September.
Bill English
Negativity concern for English
Negativity concern for English
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says he is concerned the ''Stand Up Otago'' campaign is ''a bit too negative about the South'' when it has been performing better economically than the North.
Invermay questions fair, English says
Invermay questions fair, English says
Otago community leaders have ''fair questions'' on AgResearch's proposal to shift 85 jobs from Invermay, deputy prime minister Bill English says.
English concerned at housing bubble
English concerned at housing bubble
Finance Minister Bill English has joined the chorus expressing concern about the New Zealand housing market and the debt funding its growth.
Deputy PM invited to open terminal
Deputy PM invited to open terminal
Deputy Prime Minister and Clutha-Southland MP Bill English has been invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the new terminal at Queenstown Airport on Friday.
English had concerns about super ministry: Labour
English had concerns about super ministry: Labour
Budget documents show Finance Minister Bill English had "serious concerns" about his cabinet colleague Steven Joyce's planning for his new "super ministry", Labour's economic development spokesman David Cunliffe says.
English predicts fast future for NZ
English predicts fast future for NZ
In 10 years' time the country will have an economy with fast productivity growth and a deep understanding of the Asia and Pacific markets, Finance Minister Bill English says.
Week in politics: Nats will have to make big super calls sooner or later
Week in politics: Nats will have to make big super calls sooner or later
The ultra-orthodox Budget was sold on Thursday by Bill English as the last word in fiscal rectitude, but it lacked for one rather necessary ingredient.
Big earners in for bad news today?
Big earners in for bad news today?
High income earners, or those hiding their income through trusts or a mixed use of assets, could be in the firing line when Finance Minister Bill English releases his Budget 2012 this afternoon.
Budget likely to be far from dull
Budget likely to be far from dull
Finance Minister Bill English had indicated his Budget 2012, to be delivered on May 24, will be a "zero budget" with no new spending. Business editor DeneMackenzie scrutinises a speech Mr English made yesterday looking for clues as to what we can expect next month.
Asset sales opponents challenged
Asset sales opponents challenged
Finance Minister Bill English yesterday further pushed the case for some of the Government's controversial moves - part-sales of state assets, welfare reform, and tightening spending in the public sector.
Asset sales consultation moves south
Asset sales consultation moves south
Finance Minister Bill English is likely to face protests today when the asset sales consultation processes moves south to the Murihiku marae in Invercargill.
Drop in tax take may start to bite
Drop in tax take may start to bite
Falling tax revenue could start to hurt the Government's account in the present financial year as Finance Minister Bill English prepares his 2012 Budget.
Health board, clinicians should make scanner decision - English
Health board, clinicians should make scanner decision - English
Clutha-Southland MP Bill English says the Southern District Health Board (DHB) and clinicians should decide if a CT scanner is based in the hospital in Queenstown or Clyde.
Upbeat about moderate growth in 2012
Upbeat about moderate growth in 2012
Finance Minister Bill English remains confident the New Zealand economy will continue to show moderate growth next year.
Results poverty committee's focus
Results poverty committee's focus
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has made it clear the new ministerial committee on poverty he heads will not throw money at the problem of what he calls "hand-wringing or writing strategies".
English wants to return to finance minister post
English wants to return to finance minister post
Asset sales will start as soon as possible, returning Clutha-Southland MP Bill English says.
National's 'Southern Man' set in saddle
National's 'Southern Man' set in saddle
How will Finance Minister Bill English handle unhappy news next Tuesday when Treasury updates its Budget forecasts, as it is obliged to do before next month's election?
English flouts rules with school newsletter ad
English flouts rules with school newsletter ad
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English appears to have been caught out breaching electoral advertising rules in a school newsletter.
Confident despite debt
Confident despite debt
The Government goes into an election campaign with the country carrying a huge burden of debt but Finance Minister Bill English remains confident of reporting budget surpluses in just a few years.