The Nation's Budget debate this weekend

The Nation this weekend features the first multi-party debate of the Election year. Ahead of Thursday’s Budget, the six smaller parliamentary parties will gather at TV3 to debate the country’s economic direction and those hip-pocket issues that matter most to voters. The economic spokespeople from each party will argue for what they would do if they were writing this year’s Budget.

Russel Norman (Greens), Winston Peters (New Zealand First), Peter Dunne (United Future), Chris McKenzie (Maori Party), Jamie Whyte (ACT) and John Minto (Mana) will join host Lisa Owen to debate a range of issues likely to be decisive in this year’s election – housing, taxes, superannuation, jobs, wages and even the newly contentious topic of monetary policy.

Lisa Owen says: “Call them minor or kingmakers, these parties and their economic plans will play a crucial role in this year’s election and the three years that follow. The policies they prioritise will be on the table in any coalition negotiations so it’s important to hear where they want to lead the country and spend – or cut – our taxes.

“Housing for example is one issue that really matters to people at the moment, especially in Auckland and Christchurch. Would restricting foreign buyers make any difference? Should our cities grow up or out? How do we build more affordable homes? And then there are the questions around compulsory KiwiSaver and interest rates that have been widely debated these past two weeks. This is a rare chance to hear a contest of ideas on these topics.”

The final section of the programme will feature 3 News Political Editor Patrick Gower and lawyer and broadcaster Linda Clark joining Owen for analysis of the issues raised, the debaters’ performance and the implications of the Budget itself.

On Thursday, Lisa Owen will also host the 3 News Budget Special, comprehensive coverage of the election year Budget, broadcast LIVE on TV3 at 2pm, and streamed at 3news.co.nz/decision14.

The following weekend The Nation’s Budget coverage continues, with major interviews with Finance Minister Bill English and Labour leader David Cunliffe.

Ends

© Scoop Media