Latest from Government Spending

MPs give with one hand, take with other

Politicians have passed a law change to claw back their hefty pay hike, but will still be able cash up any perks that are scrapped in the future.

Auckland: Rates increases + interactive

The prospect of hefty rates increases are going down like a lead balloon in feedback on the new 10-year budget.

Council's 10-year plan + interactive

The first of a two-part series wrapping up the Herald’s coverage of Auckland’s spending plan, Bernard Orsman asks local board leaders what they think of the proposals.

Child support: 'Gobsmacking' blowout

Labour says former Revenue Minister Peter Dunne should answer for a blowout in the cost of implementing child support changes to $163 million.

Funding study boost for council

Auckland Council's desperate hunt for new revenue to supplement an ever-growing rates burden may be boosted by a Local Government NZ funding review.

Council funding reform plea shot down

Prime Minister John Key has sprayed cold water on calls for a comprehensive rethink of how local government spending is funded.

Peter Lyons: More cuts loom to reach surplus holy grail

Peter Lyons writes: When we eventually achieve the budget surplus we need to recognise it has been paid for by many of those who had the least to start with.

John Armstrong: Tax-cut signal looks like rod for National's back

Can Bill English continue to keep all of National's fiscal balls in the air? And for how long before he drops one?

Govt spending cuts key to surplus

The Government's widely touted return to surplus is likely to take a further 12 months and is largely reliant on cuts to spending.

Editorial: PM's promise of tax cuts shows lack of judgment

As expected, the National Party's announcement yesterday on proposed tax cuts was short on specifics and long on conditionality.

Sporting codes face funding dilemma

Sports codes will apply to the government sports funding agency for support this year.

Government opens banking tender

The New Zealand government's banking services are up for tender for the first time in more than two decades.

NZ 'needs to do the right thing' to save Maui's dolphin

Maui's dolphin danger: 'We're running out of time'

The last remaining 55 of world's rarest species of dolphins could disappear within three decades if New Zealand doesn't act now, wildlife advocates say.

National's paid parental leave plans

PM John Key has hinted National is working on its own legislation to extend paid parental leave - but will it match the 26 weeks Labour is pushing for?

Baby bonus aims to cut child poverty

'Where's it all coming from Sunshine?' asks National of Labour's new child policy that will give most parents of newborns $3000 a year.

Editorial: Figures on benefits don't actually tell whole story

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett is naturally happy to attribute a big reduction in the state's welfare liability to the Government's efforts.

Govt deficit bigger than forecast