Tax take up, spending down for smaller than forecast 9-month deficit

Tax take up, spending down for smaller than forecast 9-month deficit
By Jonathan Underhill May 11 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand recorded a smaller-than-expected budget deficit in the first nine months of the fiscal year, as government spending came in lower than expected, and the tax take was higher, although some of that is seen reversing by year-end. The operating balance before gains and losses (Obegal) was a deficit of $358 million in the nine months ended March 31, compared to the forecast in the half year economic and fiscal update in December of a $1.2 billion deficit. Core Crown tax revenue of $48.2...