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Plans for third medical school seemingly shelved
The government appears to have consigned a proposed new medical school based at the University of Waikato in Hamilton to the waiting rooms.
Growth in the wrong places for education
Growth in the wrong places for education
Minister of Finance Nicola Willis called it the "Growth Budget". But it is not a Budget that we think will foster children’s growth and learning.
Many families 'worse off' under Best Start change
Many families 'worse off' under Best Start change
About 61,000 families will be worse off as a result of a move to income-test the Best Start tax credit in the first year of a baby's life, a regulatory impact statement prepared by officials shows.
Defence Force could get more 'killer drones'
Defence Force could get more 'killer drones'
The Budget shows the Defence Force's growing push into the drone warfare will focus first on "counter-drone" systems.
School's 'heartfelt support' with student after assault
School's 'heartfelt support' with student after assault
A rural Canterbury school principal is supporting a student who was taken to hospital after being assaulted by another student.
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
Trump’s tariff flames lick at incentives
You will not see the name Donald Trump anywhere in the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update, but the United States president looms large over the financial predictions contained within.
Firms given get-fit regime
Firms given get-fit regime
In her "Growth Budget", Nicola Willis has sent the country’s businesses to the gym for a workout.
Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour body in bag case
Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour body in bag case
A fourth person has been charged more than a year after a woman was found dead, stuffed in a black rubbish bag, in Gulf Harbour north of Auckland.
What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
What will KiwiSaver changes mean for your balance?
An increase in default KiwiSaver contribution rates announced in Thursday's Budget could leave KiwiSaver members more than $100,000 better off at retirement.
More money for journalists in Budget, less for RNZ
More money for journalists in Budget, less for RNZ
The government is putting more money into hiring local journalists, but cutting Radio New Zealand's (RNZ) budget. Budget 2025 includes $6.4 million over four years to hire journalists in heartland...
Budget delivers 'major investment' in infrastructure: Bishop
Budget delivers 'major investment' in infrastructure: Bishop
Major investments in hospitals, mental health facilities, school buildings, rail and roads are being funded in Budget 2025, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.
Change set to end run of settled weather
Change set to end run of settled weather
New Zealanders should make the most of the good weather over the next couple of days as it is expected to take a turn towards the end of the weekend.
Underperformers cut in education spend
'Underperforming' areas cut to pay for 'seismic shift' in education
The 2025 Budget puts the handbrake on annual growth in education spending, as past splurges on school buildings run out in the next few years.
Opposition slams Budget 'austerity and cuts'
Opposition slams Budget 'austerity and cuts'
Austerity and cuts are the themes the opposition is focusing on in its criticism of this year's Budget, while the Prime Minister hit back at the Greens.
No surprises for health sector
No surprises for health sector
For the health sector it's largely a 'no surprises' Budget, with all the big-ticket items having already been announced - including a $447m boost for primary care, urgent and after-hours care.
KiwiSaver changes: What you need to know
Budget KiwiSaver changes: What you need to know
The government is changing the way KiwiSaver works by increasing the default amount employees and employers contribute, and decreasing its own contribution.
Budget 2025 at a glance
Budget 2025 at a glance
From changes to Kiwisaver and benefits, to a tax break from businesses, and changing economic forecasts, here's some of the major announcements made today.
Budget 2025: Govt claws back savings from pay equity, KiwiSaver
Budget 2025: Govt claws back savings from pay equity, KiwiSaver
The coalition has shaved off an average $5.3 billion in govt spending for each of the next four years in the 2025 Budget.
Higher speed limit in Canterbury not fast enough for some
Higher speed limit in Canterbury not fast enough for some
Part of the Christchurch Southern Motorway now has a 110kmh speed limit, up from 100kmh. But many drivers are going faster.
Budget 2025: Govt looks to make promises add up
Budget 2025: Govt looks to make promises add up
"It feels like a kid robbing his mum to pay for his mates" says library assistant Alex Cass, as she prepares for the government to reveal Budget 2025.