Budget 2013

Budget deficit NZ$1.8 bln in six months to December 31, NZ$380 mln more than expected on soft tax receipts; Treasury unsure if softness temporary

Budget deficit NZ$1.8 bln in six months to December 31, NZ$380 mln more than expected on soft tax receipts; Treasury unsure if softness temporary

Govt reports budget deficit for 2012/13 of NZ$4.4 bln, which was 30% better than forecast in May 2013; on track for 2014/15 surplus

Govt reports budget deficit for 2012/13 of NZ$4.4 bln, which was 30% better than forecast in May 2013; on track for 2014/15 surplus

Otago Uni study estimates over-crowding causes over 1,300 hospital admissions a year and some deaths; Professor calls for programme to build thousands of affordable homes

Otago Uni study estimates over-crowding causes over 1,300 hospital admissions a year and some deaths; Professor calls for programme to build thousands of affordable homes

Opinion: The Government's proposed housing accord legislation gives it too much centralised power and could have far-reaching consequences

Opinion: The Government's proposed housing accord legislation gives it too much centralised power and could have far-reaching consequences

Opinion: Foreign investment in New Zealand houses could become an election issue, with the Greens re-iterating interest in applying some sort of curbs

Opinion: Foreign investment in New Zealand houses could become an election issue, with the Greens re-iterating interest in applying some sort of curbs

Govt to 'review' 53,000 state house tenancies; people will be 'given support' to move to alternative housing

Govt to 'review' 53,000 state house tenancies; people will be 'given support' to move to alternative housing

Fitch Ratings says government's Budget is encouraging; Labour labels it a ‘blackjack’ Budget

Fitch Ratings says government's Budget is encouraging; Labour labels it a ‘blackjack’ Budget

New legislation will give Government power to over-rule local authorities on the development of land and housing

New legislation will give Government power to over-rule local authorities on the development of land and housing

Finance Minister Bill English says RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler will decide if, and when, to use new tools designed to dampen excessive growth in credit and asset prices

Finance Minister Bill English says RBNZ Governor Graeme Wheeler will decide if, and when, to use new tools designed to dampen excessive growth in credit and asset prices

NZ Govt forecasts NZ$75 mln surplus in 2014/15; Macro-prudential tools deal signed; NZSF contributions delayed 2 yrs; Central govt may directly issue housing consents

NZ Govt forecasts NZ$75 mln surplus in 2014/15; Macro-prudential tools deal signed; NZSF contributions delayed 2 yrs; Central govt may directly issue housing consents

Bill English set to deliver budget with around NZ$800 million of discretionary net new spending as firmer economy gives Govt more leeway 18 mths before election

Bill English set to deliver budget with around NZ$800 million of discretionary net new spending as firmer economy gives Govt more leeway 18 mths before election

NZ PM Key defends government drive to return to surplus and start reducing debt despite doubts overseas that 'expansionary austerity' is actually working

NZ PM Key defends government drive to return to surplus and start reducing debt despite doubts overseas that 'expansionary austerity' is actually working

PM John Key says Treasury has increased estimated cost of Christchurch rebuild to NZ$40 billion but govt still on track for 2014/15 return to surplus

PM John Key says Treasury has increased estimated cost of Christchurch rebuild to NZ$40 billion but govt still on track for 2014/15 return to surplus

Key pre-announces 50% increase in tourism promotion spending in Budget 2013; signals 2014 election all about stopping Green dominated govt

Key pre-announces 50% increase in tourism promotion spending in Budget 2013; signals 2014 election all about stopping Green dominated govt