Finance Minister Bill English has revealed the extent of Government borrowing needed to pull New Zealand through the global financial crisis.
On Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund lowered its forecast for global growth to the weakest rate seen since World War II.
The Government says it's striking the right balance, between fiscal stimulus and tax cuts, to weather the storm here.
Mr English says he's confident that the New Zealand economy has the growth potential to repay Government debt in the future.
He told Nine to Noon that increasing debt from 20% of GDP to 30% would be $17 - $18 billion over the next three years.
Mr English said the spending is necessary to maintain entitlements and public services, and initiate infrastructure spending.
