Budget that keeps New Zealand on tracks, but with some gaps

Budget that keeps New Zealand on tracks, but with some gaps....

The $719 million surplus and 3% growth flagged in today’s Budget reinforces New Zealand’s success as one of the healthiest and fastest growing countries in the developed world.

“Well done,” says Michael Barnett, Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Finance Minister Bill English rightly deserves to be congratulated.”

But the question now is “How are we going to keep New Zealand’s success story rolling?”

The Budget detail provides for parcels of new expenditure in education, tourism, infrastructure, science and innovation, as well as the expected increase in health and social improvements.

It is now critical that the regions take up the opportunities and challenges presented by these Budget allocations, said Mr Barnett.

“The Budget sets a platform to keep our growth going. But the delivery of that growth will only come from businesses with confidence and helped by local government and other agencies picking up the pace to help each region get the infrastructure and support they need to exploit their respective opportunities.”

In summary, a responsible Budget in terms of maintaining a healthy economy but one setting challenges to regions and councils to lift their performance.

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