A traditional budget for difficult times

A traditional budget for difficult times
(Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
Delve into the detail of how the government plans to spend the massive $6 billion spending allowance available in the 2022 budget, and there are plenty of interesting nuggets.But the political force in this budget is tactical, focused on the short term challenge of galloping inflation, and almost old-fashioned in the sense that it simply gives everyone who’s short of money … some money.The $814 million “cost of living payment” is targeted at everyone earning less than $70,000 a year and is pitched at half the level of t...

More Opinion

Frantic property flipping a worry
Opinion

Maria Slade: Frantic property flipping a worry

What's to stop the practice driving up prices and disadvantaging genuine homeowners?

Maria Slade 19 May 2025
Holy NZ financial markets Batman
Opinion

Simon Robertson: Holy NZ financial markets Batman

Every stock exchange and investment firm deserves a hero. 

Simon Robertson 17 May 2025
How bad is the Government’s fiscal position?
Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: How bad is the Government’s fiscal position?

If we accept higher debt levels, we must know that the money spent is well used.

Cameron Bagrie 16 May 2025
Navigating workplace romance
Law & Regulation

Bronwyn Heenan: Navigating workplace romance

Romantic work relationships involve difficult conversations that should be had.

Bronwyn Heenan 16 May 2025