17 May 2018

As it happened: Ardern's government produces a cautious Budget

5:21 pm on 17 May 2018

Grant Robertson has unveiled his first Budget as Finance Minister.

At a glance

  • The cost of GP visits will drop by $20-$30 for Community Services Card holders
  • A big boost in spending to help rebuild aging hospital and health infrastructure. DHBs will also have $100m to draw on if they need it
  • The government is committing to build 1600 state houses a year - up from Labour's original promise of 1000
  • About $450m will go towards new schools, and $370m will be used to hire another 1500 teachers by 2021
  • Quick-build units housing 600 inmates will be built by the end of 2019 to help cope with the burgeoning prison population
  • Police will receive more than $300m to recruit an extra 920 officers and 240 support staff
  • The Department of Conservation will get more than $180m over the next four years
  • Two child poverty expert units will be established
  • A special insurance tribunal will resolve outstanding Earthquake Commission and insurance claims
  • $15m has been allocated to Radio New Zealand and New Zealand On Air

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