Scepticism over Budget funds for schools
The Education Minister says this year's Budget has delivered the largest injection of money into education since National took office in 2008, but Otago school leaders are sceptical.
Budget 2017
Musician sceptical after Budget
Musician remains sceptical
A Queenstown musician who says he has lost much work in the resort’s bars in the past year or two is sceptical about this year's Budget.
Students will still struggle — OUSA president
Students will still struggle — OUSA president
An extra $11 in accommodation benefits for struggling Dunedin students will not stop some going hungry, Otago University Students Association president Hugh Baird says.
Extra mental health funds welcomed
Extra mental health funds cautiously welcomed
The Budget announcement of an extra $224 million to be spent in mental health services was "welcomed" in Dunedin yesterday.
Building on Maori Party gains
Building on Maori Party gains
The Maori Party, which aims to retake the Maori seats it does not hold from Labour, could yesterday point to $122million in Budget 2017 to spend in an election year.
Tax changes signalled but some surprises
Tax changes signalled but some surprises
Changes in tax thresholds and Working for Families entitlements were well signalled, but there were some surprises in Budget 2017 announced yesterday by Finance Minister Steven Joyce.
Nearly everyone wins
Nearly everyone wins
National has done its best to buy Labour out of the September 23 election by delivering a Budget which has something for nearly everyone.
Funding saves police from 'crisis'
Funding saves police from 'crisis'
Budget 2017: Police were at a "breaking point'' and would have been in a "real crisis'' had the Government not announced its half-billion dollar package for more boots on the ground.
Labour criticises 'one dollar bill Budget'
Parties critical of Budget
Tax reductions will only benefit low income earners by a $1 or less a year, Labour leader Andrew Little says - slamming the "one dollar bill Budget".
Budget 2017: The verdict
Budget 2017: The verdict
ODT's political and business editor Dene Mackenzie gives his verdict on today's Budget.
Money for mental health
Boost in Budget for mental health
An extra $879 million will be pumped into health to help cope with a growing and ageing population, and mental health receives a boost in today's Budget.
Budget 2017: Workers big winners
Budget 2017: Workers big winners
Workers are the winners in the Government's election year Budget, which delivers more cash in the hand to almost everyone.
Millions already allocated
Millions already allocated
The Government has been rolling out pre-Budget announcements since late last month, clearing the way for one big announcement today.
No 'waves of cash'
No 'waves of cash'
Throwing "waves of cash'' at New Zealand's social issues will not help solve the problems, Prime Minister Bill English says.
Tax cuts high on business wish list
Tax cuts high on business wish list
Changes to the tax system are high on the Budget 2017 wish list of business advisers and representatives in Otago and it is likely some of their wishes will come true.
Govt focus on teachers in Budget
Govt focus on teachers in Budget
The Government has committed $5.2 million to expand a fast-tracked teaching scheme which places top graduates in low decile schools.