No surprise with the tax cuts. They signalled that but I still have a feeling we were conned. I'm glad about welfare. It would have been unfair if disadvantaged people had been made to take the brunt. I hope it doesn't happen too often inBudgets that I have to wonder if they are for the benefit of Kiwis or for overseas credit agencies.
Nigel Shivas, 44, telco worker
I'm quite pleased with most of it, especially the investment in policing. I think Manukau has been long overdue for an investment in that area. With tax cuts, it only amounts to $12 a week, so I don't think a lot of people would be disappointed. I am glad, if I am right, that they haven't fiddled further with ACC.
On the surface it looks quite promising. It is hard to know how it will be allocated, but I am pleased to see that there were no cuts to tertiary [education], that good training of teachers will continue. I don't know how in practical terms that equates to each school in the country, but it looks pretty good.
Leonie Anderson, 57, self-employed
I'm happy with it. The areas I was concerned with have been funded - law and order, education and health. Tax cuts don't achieve very much because it's not a great amount of money. It's good that there is more policing in Manukau - I used to live there and it is needed.
Ngaire Anderson, 60, self-employed
I said it had to be a Budget for all New Zealanders and it does reflect that. Tax cuts don't give you much individually but overall that is a lot of money they can put into something else. And there was no cutting of benefits too. It will take time but I think they've made the right decisions.
