Spin and spend – a verdict on the 2023 budget

Spin and spend – a verdict on the 2023 budget
Pension costs are rising faster than education spending. (Image: Getty)
Cameron Bagrie
Some have described the 2023 budget as a blowout. It was not. A blowout implies a unique event. The 2023 budget was an extension of a trend: more spending, bigger government, a delayed return to surpluses, and higher debt.It has become such a trend I wonder if the forecasts beyond two years contain any relevance.New Zealand is fortunate in that we have come from a position of fiscal strength and remain in one.But that strength is being eroded with a direction of travel that is becoming more concerning.  The government is spending more...

More Economy

Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future
Economy

Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future

Budget funding for new inflation-reporting tech is a giant leap forward, agency says.

Maria Slade 27 Jun 2025
Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr
Primary Sector

Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr

The Pulse of NZ Business survey found construction and retail continue to lag.

Gregor Thompson 25 Jun 2025
S&P/NZX 50 Index opens down after US strike on Iran
Economy

S&P/NZX 50 Index opens down after US strike on Iran

NZD/USD also under pressure as investors seek safe haven. 

Rebecca Howard 23 Jun 2025