National

One change leaves 61,000 families worse off

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.

Kiwi rapist avoids 501 deportation

Recidivist Kiwi offender Hoane Kahu will be allowed to remain in Australia. Photo: Supplied /...

Kiwi rapist avoids 501 deportation

Warning: disturbing content. A NZ-born man who raped a drunk 15-year-old in Australia has avoided deportation so he can care for family members.

Defence Force could get more 'killer drones'

Defence Minister Judith Collins. Photo: RNZ

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.

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.

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

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.

Fourth person charged in Gulf Harbour body in bag case

The body of 70-year-old Shulai Wang was found in March last year. Supplied photo

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?

Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Photo: RNZ

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

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'

Labour leader Chris Hipkins responds to the Budget in Parliament this afternoon. Photo: RNZ

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

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

Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals her "no BS" Budget on Thursday afternoon. Photo: RNZ

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

The 110km/h sign for traffic heading north on the Southern Motorway near Curletts Rd. Most...

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

The Budget will reveal just how much money will be cut from various services and where the money...

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.

Gang mum had 2kg of meth delivered to home

Sherryn Elizabeth Erikson was sentenced in the Christchurch High Court for her role in Operation...

Gang mum had 2kg of meth delivered to home

“Delete all of your conversations and stop ringing and calling people." That’s what a Tribesmen gang member told his mum as they arranged for close to 2kg of meth to be dropped off at her home.

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