RNZ political editor Jane Patterson has summarised Budget 23, saying Finance Minister Grant Robertson has increased the amount he can spend this year and in the future.
"The Government will also borrow more, partly to cover the cost of the cyclone, meaning a return to surplus a year later than initially forecast," Patterson says.
"He argues there's money to help with immediate cost pressures, and some like the big spend-up on infrastructure with an eye to the future.
"National has dubbed it the Blow-out Budget, with the government spending more and failing to deliver on tax relief.
"It says New Zealanders are already paying for this government's addiction to spending and this budget will mean higher interest rates for longer."
The government has unveiled its so-called 'no frills' 2023 Budget, focused on the cost of living and building better infrastructure in the face of climate change.
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