If Labour were writing today's Budget, it would spend more than National to ensure the recovery from recession remained on track, says David Cunliffe.

Prime Minister John Key has heralded a sock-it-to-the-rich approach towards those who fiddle with their tax liability by sheltering income in trusts and companies.

John Key has defended bigger tax cuts for the wealthy, arguing they already paid a big portion of tax. He promises the 'vast majority' of New Zealanders will be better off.

The Govt's three-year, $750m commitment to strengthen KiwiRail is not enough in comparison to the huge amount already committed to roading, Labour says.

The Government will invest an initial $250 million as part of a $4.6 billion long term plan to turn around KiwiRail, John Key announced today.

Budget depreciation rule changes could smack the multibillion-dollar commercial property sector with most of a $1.3bn bill.

The Govt will today present a new package to local authorities on how to divvy up payment of the billions it will take to repair leaky buildings.

The public health sector is bracing itself for a Budget that may not cover all its rising costs.

The Govt will today present a new package to local authorities on how to divvy up payment of the billions needed to repair leaky buildings.

Income tax cuts for everyone will be announced in next week's Budget. They will take effect in October and cost about $2.3 billion a year.