The opposition says this year's Budget leaves New Zealanders to fend for themselves, with more spending for prisons and more children in poverty.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis preached prudence and discipline as she revealed her Budget 2026 with no "sugar hits" for voters, instead focusing on health and infrastructure spending - and reaching surplus a year earlier than forecast.
Labour had been saying for days it was National's last chance to show it understands how tough it is for New Zealanders, and to do something about it.
Leader Chris Hipkins said they had failed to do so.
Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. (File photo)
