This year's budget is an 'eat your veges if you want dessert' Budget ... but if you're already living life on the breadline it's a bitter pill to swallow, writes RNZ political editor Jo Moir.

Analysis: Higher inflation, tighter allowances and rising uncertainty are turning this year's budget into a test.

The opposition is not expecting much in today's Budget for those doing it toughest, but an economist says he would be surprised if there isn't at least one nice surprise.

Spending focused on health, defence, transport and education.