Bill English

In 10 years' time the country will have an economy with fast productivity growth and a deep understanding of the Asia and Pacific markets, Finance Minister Bill English says.

The ultra-orthodox Budget was sold on Thursday by Bill English as the last word in fiscal rectitude, but it lacked for one rather necessary ingredient.

High income earners, or those hiding their income through trusts or a mixed use of assets, could be in the firing line when Finance Minister Bill English releases his Budget 2012 this afternoon.

Finance Minister Bill English had indicated his Budget 2012, to be delivered on May 24, will be a "zero budget" with no new spending. Business editor DeneMackenzie scrutinises a speech Mr English made yesterday looking for clues as to what we can expect next month.

Finance Minister Bill English yesterday further pushed the case for some of the Government's controversial moves - part-sales of state assets, welfare reform, and tightening spending in the public sector.

Finance Minister Bill English is likely to face protests today when the asset sales consultation processes moves south to the Murihiku marae in Invercargill.

Falling tax revenue could start to hurt the Government's account in the present financial year as Finance Minister Bill English prepares his 2012 Budget.

Clutha-Southland MP Bill English says the Southern District Health Board (DHB) and clinicians should decide if a CT scanner is based in the hospital in Queenstown or Clyde.

Finance Minister Bill English remains confident the New Zealand economy will continue to show moderate growth next year.

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has made it clear the new ministerial committee on poverty he heads will not throw money at the problem of what he calls "hand-wringing or writing strategies".