NZ govt operating deficit smaller than forecast on higher personal tax take, customs duties

NZ govt operating deficit smaller than forecast on higher personal tax take, customs duties
By Paul McBeth Dec. 6 (BusinessDesk) - The New Zealand government posted a smaller operating deficit than expected in the first four months of the financial year as it reported a bigger personal tax take and reaped more from customs duties on imported tobacco. The Crown’s operating balance before gains and losses (obegal) was $1.75 billion in the four months ended Oct. 31, smaller than the $2.14 billion forecast in the May Budget economic and fiscal update, and down from a shortfall of $2.87 billion a year earlier. Treasury is scheduled to...