Labour's leader launches an attack on next week's Govt budget, accusing it of creating an unfair NZ which is increasingly lagging behind Australia.

The average NZ earner's total tax burden is second-lowest in the OECD, according to a new report.

If the crisis enveloping Greece has taught us anything it is that there is little time to lose in putting our own fiscal house in order.

Uncertainty over next week's Budget with its potential for tax increases for landlords is being blamed for a sluggish property market.

John Key says there will be a strong focus on science, innovation and technology in next week's budget.

Families-based social services initiative Whanau Ora will receive $134.3 million in funding over the next four years, Prime Minister John Key announced today.

Businesses have been warned not to misread any pre-GST tax hike sales boom.

Bill English says $1.8bn of "low quality" spending will be redirected education, health and law and order in next month's Budget.

Consumers face price increases beyond the likely 2.5 per cent rise in GST later this year, small businesses say.

The Govt is adding another $1.8bn in spending cuts to the $2bn already announced over the next four years, Bill English has announced.

Anyone wondering why a belt-tightening Budget on May 20 is inevitable need look no further than the latest monthly Crown accounts.

The Government's bank balance is better than forecast ahead of next month's Budget, but its income from tax has taken a hit.

Treasury Secretary John Whitehead says the rental property tax scheme creates the wrong incentives.