Latest from Government Spending

<i>Cartoon:</i> New approach to rocket science

<i>Editorial:</i> Key must act to close gap with Australia

Catching Oz not possible without slashing Govt spending - Brash

Govt spending would have to be slashed by $9 billion for NZ to catch Australia in the wealth stakes, Don Brash said today.

<i>2025 Report:</i> Brash comes up with predictable prescription

The 2025 taskforce report, on ways to catch up with Australia, presents radical suggestions to cut taxes and government spending.

Key cautious on radical economic reform plan

Radical changes proposed by a taskforce headed by Don Brash into ways to increase NZ's productivity are unlikely to be implemented quickly, if at all, John Key says

Floral expenses become thorny issue at Beehive

Ministers have racked up a $52,000 bill for flowers in the first 11 months of the National-led Government.

Tax cuts in plan to catch up with Oz

The 2025 Taskforce - named for the date the Govt aims to catch up with Australia - will today unveil its report into ways to increase productivity.

Douglas puts radical changes in 'alternative Budget'

Health cuts costly in long term, warns union

Everyone in 'a tizz' over Paris - Harawira

Hone Harawira says the only adverse comments he's had about leaving Brussels to sightsee in Paris have been from the media.

Super Fund and ACC to the rescue

Investment returns from the Cullen Fund and ACC have rescued the Crown's bottom line in the first three months of the fiscal year.

Harawira skips EU meeting for Paris jaunt

"How many times in my lifetime am I going to get to Europe? So I thought, 'F*** it, I'm off. I'm off to Paris'," Maori MP Hone Harawira said.

<i>Brian Fallow:</i> Health costs far scarier than bill for super

The scariest part of the long-term fiscal projections the Treasury released last week is the discussion of health-care costs, writes Brian Fallow.

Queens Wharf design expectations too high, says designer

The Queens Wharf upgrade is a mismatch between expectation set up by the public and what can be reasonably achieved within the budget of $47 million, says one Auckland architect.

ACC, Super Fund recoveries help NZ govt finances

Recoveries in the investment performance of the ACC and New Zealand Superannuation Fund portfolios have helped offset a dramatic fall in the tax take over the past three months, says Treasury.

Banks ready to scrap wharf plans

Auckland City Mayor John Banks is considering canning the Queens Wharf upgrade

<i>Barry Copeland:</i> Back to drawing board for design to rival Sydney Opera

<i>Cartoon:</i> Melbourne Cup's biggest losers