Family of six get $150 more from Budget

A Waihi couple who complained to Prime Minister Helen Clark they did not have enough money to raise their family will eventually be $150 a week better off as a result of Thursday's Budget.

Marilynn McLachlan had wanted to meet Helen Clark and, in an open letter this month, told her the couple's $55,000-a-year income was not enough to make ends meet.

She and her husband are both teachers, but Ms McLachlan stays at home to look after their four children, aged 7, 3, 2 and 1. The family did not see Helen Clark but met Social Development Minister Steve Maharey at Parliament.

Finance Minister Michael Cullen said in his Budget speech the family was a good example of those who would benefit from the $3 billion package.