Free GP visits for under-13s
More than 400,000 school children will be entitled to free GP visits through one of the biggest surprises in Budget 2014.
Budget 2014
Beneficiaries to get $3000 for move to Christchurch
Beneficiaries to get $3000 for move to Christchurch
Beneficiaries outside of Christchurch will be given a $3000 incentive to take up full-time work in Christchurch, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
Opinion: Budget offers much to sway 'Middle New Zealand'
Opinion: Budget offers much to sway 'Middle New Zealand'
When it comes to searching for the inhabitants of that land otherwise described by politicians in Tolkien-sounding fashion as Middle New Zealand, you need look no further than the Hastings suburb of Mahora.
Paid parental leave still wanting: mum
Paid parental leave still wanting: mum
Kim Woods with children Hudson (1) and Corban (1 week) at their Glenross, Dunedin, home yesterday. Photo by Craig Baxter.
The extra four weeks of paid parental leave was a move in the right direction but not enough, Dunedin early childhood centre teacher and manager Kim Woods said yesterday.
Mrs Woods (29), of Glenross, said her son, Corban, was born last week and she had used her sick leave, annual leave and was about to start her 14 weeks' paid parental leave.
The key to it all? The surplus
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.
Little in it for us, Grey Power president says
Little in it for us, Grey Power president says
Grey Power Otago has hit out at a Budget the organisation's president said was aimed at attracting the youth vote.
Small surplus, lift in spending
Small surplus, lift in spending
Finance Minister Bill English yesterday confirmed the Government's accounts would move to a wafer-thin surplus next year as he increased further annual Budget allowances to $1.5 billion.
Super fund payments by 2020
Super fund payments by 2020
The Government has not changed its stance on the age of eligibility for superannuation remaining at 65 years, but said contributions to the ''Cullen Fund'' could resume by about 2020.
Police funding held at $1.46b
Police funding held at $1.46b
Core funding for the New Zealand Police flat-lined in the Budget with Police and Corrections Minister Anne Tolley maintaining spending at $1.4 billion a year.
Budget spending drops in per capita terms
Budget spending drops in per capita terms
Budget 2014 lifts government spending by $1.5 billion or 2 per cent in the coming year, but that will represent a cut in real per capita terms.
R&D policies praised
R&D policies praised
Start-ups pouring money into research and development will get a cash-flow boost under a new tax measure that is seen as a "great response" to the sector's challenges.
Budget beauty in eye of beholder
Budget beauty in eye of beholder
A good election-year Budget, a frustration for the arts community, or a Budget from a Government unwilling to set the agenda on climate change - those were the differing views of three North Dunedin flatmates last night.
Free GP visits, scrips surprise
Free GP visits, scrips surprise
Free GP visits and prescriptions for children under 13 was the surprise feature of the health announcements in yesterday's Budget.
Extra matches inflation, but is that sufficient?
Extra matches inflation, but is that sufficient?
While the Government's $857.8 million investment in early childhood, primary and secondary education over the next four years has been applauded, an education expert is questioning whether it is enough.
Narrow focus disappoints university
Narrow focus disappoints university
The University of Otago appears to be a winner from this year's Budget, with extra funding for health sciences and research.
A clever document
A clever document
Budget 2014 was handed down yesterday without much fanfare.
Govt to slash duty-free cigarettes
Govt to slash duty-free cigarettes
The days of bulk-buying cigarettes at the border are over after the Government revealed its latest anti-smoking policy will cut the duty-free allowance from 10 cigarette packs to two.
Nothing extra for beneficiaries
Nothing extra for beneficiaries
While young working families got treats in the Budget, there was nothing extra for beneficiaries' pockets - the key welfare announcement was an extra $25 million a year to help get beneficiaries back into work.
Tax break for research and development
Tax break for research and development
Businesses will receive a $60 million tax break on research and development spending over the next four years under two new measures in today's Budget.
Budget's family focus will be welcomed: PM
Budget's family focus will be welcomed: PM
New Zealanders will welcome the family focus of today's Budget, Prime Minister John Key says.