Wraps come off budget spending plans

The wraps will come off more budget details this week as ministers get in ahead of the big day with their own announcements.

It is the way Finance Minister Michael Cullen has been running his budgets for the last few years, and by May 19 there will not be much left to disclose about new spending plans.

That leaves Dr Cullen to deal with big-picture economics and fiscal policy - and talk about a surplus expected to be running close to $10 billion by the end of this financial year.

Today, Agriculture Minister Jim Sutton will kick off the latest series of pre-budget announcements.

Tomorrow, Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton will have a statement to make, although it is being billed in his capacity as leader of the Progressive Party.

On Thursday, Dr Cullen is due to make what is being signalled as an important pre-budget speech to the Canterbury Manufacturers Association, and Courts Minister Rick Barker has an announcement about spending for his department.

The Sunday Star-Times reported yesterday that he is to announce $30 million for new court buildings, mainly aimed at improving security.

Also this week, Social Development Minister Steve Maharey is preparing to announce an extra $71 million for health research.

- NZPA