Treasury advised against the Government's $350 cost of living payment in yesterday's Budget, saying it was a "poor mechanism for supporting households with a longer-term problem".
A tornado has ripped through Levin this morning, causing widespread damage, while downed trees and powerlines are blocking roads around the Horowhenua.
The Pacific's $196 million package in this year's Budget includes a big chunk set to help deliver a proper historical account of the infamous Dawn Raids.
Housing Minister and Wigram MP Megan Woods says Budget 2022 will help more people get onto the property ladder by funding about 7000 extra first home grants and 2500 more first home loans every year.
The Government will introduce legislation to Parliament on Budget night, aimed at stopping supermarkets from blocking competitors from accessing land to open new stores.
For aspiring first-home buyers, price and income caps will now be reviewed every six months. Housing Minister Megan Woods said Budget 2022 would help more people get first home grants and loans.
The health sector is being given $13.2 billion over the next four years including more than $1.8b in new spending in the coming year to address historical cost pressures, boost the workforce and guide in the health reforms.