The New Zealand government's annual operating surplus was a little bigger than projected in the pre-election forecast as fatter corporate profits helped swell the Crown's tax take and as some spending was put off.
The operating balance before gains and losses (obegal) was a surplus of $4.07 billion in the 12 months ended June 30, ahead of the $3.71b forecast in the pre-election fiscal and economic update, and widening from $1.83b a year earlier. Core Crown tax revenue was largely in line with the prefu projection, rising 7.4 per cent to $75.64b.
That was bolstered by a 12 per cent gain in corporate taxation driven by higher company profits across most sectors, although the finance and insurance industries were singled out as making substantial contributions. Core Crown expenses rose a more modest 3.3 per cent to $76.34b, some $502 million below the prefu forecast due to some spending being put off for later years.
"The 2016/17 crown accounts are a direct demonstration of the benefits of a steadily growing New Zealand economy," Finance Minister Steven Joyce said in his ministerial statement to the accounts. "This performance is more impressive in the context of a still volatile global outlook."
The Crown's surpluses have largely been on the back of an expanding population and robust labour market underpinning growth in income and consumption tax, and both major political parties committed to delivering sound fiscal management when hustling for votes during the recent election campaign. No coalition has been entered into since last week's vote, with New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, who can swing the government either way, saying he wants to wait until the special votes are counted this weekend.
