Business of Government: budget cuts, HUD gets the tick, and more...

Business of Government: budget cuts, HUD gets the tick, and more...
Yes, Minister! New rules prescribe against some common time-wasting tactics. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Trim, cut or slash?Labour is trimming agency budgets by the 1% to 2% ($1.4 billion) it says is needed to keep a lid on borrowing and return the books to surplus in the 2026-27 financial year.That’s on top of another $1.4b of unspent money it identified for “immediate savings” and a further $1b haircut to the operational allowance that covers cost pressures and new initiatives.Labour says this is all the fat that’s left to trim before you start impacting public services.The challenge for a re-elected Labour will be to kee...

More Policy

Antarctica NZ appoints LT McGuinness to Scott Base project
Policy

Antarctica NZ appoints LT McGuinness to Scott Base project

The family-owned company beat five other firms to win the high-profile contract.

Oliver Lewis 16 Jun 2025
Extraordinary's pre-tax public transport perks for workers
Finance

Extraordinary's pre-tax public transport perks for workers

Wayne Brown has endorsed a new way for employers to cut commuting costs.

Oliver Lewis 16 Jun 2025
EPA tips firm on fast-track list into liquidation
Policy

EPA tips firm on fast-track list into liquidation

Energy Farms changed its name the same day it was liquidated.

Gregor Thompson 13 Jun 2025
Massive shake-up for Auckland planning rules
Policy

Massive shake-up for Auckland planning rules

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop pushes council to upzone around the $5.5b CRL.

Oliver Lewis 11 Jun 2025