Politicians and public react to the Budget

National finance spokesman Don Brash


This Budget could hardly be more disappointing. The country desperately needs policies that will increase our growth rate - a serious attempt to fix Auckland's roads, a company tax rate that will encourage companies to invest in New Zealand rather than overseas, and an attack on the problems in our schools and the social welfare system. Instead we get tinkering.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters


New Zealand has a threadbare economy that is relying on immigration to fuel consumption-led growth. This Budget lacks vision, contributes nothing to long-term economic growth, ignores big issues such as export growth and applies sticking plaster to inevitable social sores. It is a tinkering Budget that will take us nowhere.

Green co-leader Rod Donald


The Budget surplus is a fraud, built on the backs of kids living in poverty, low-income families needing a tax break and young people being shut out of affordable tertiary education.

The Government should have set out to future-proof our economy. Instead, it's opted for think-big spending and investment strategies that defy common sense.

Act finance spokesman Rodney Hide


This is a do-nothing Budget. There is nothing for working New Zealanders. They have to work harder and harder for less and less. Dr Cullen should have dropped the company and top rate of tax to 25 cents. He should have blasted the red tape that is destroying business in New Zealand.

United Future leader Peter Dunne


This Budget is concrete proof that United Future has made a huge beneficial difference to the Government's policies. Last year's Budget did not mention families once. This year's Budget sets aside $28 million over four years for the Families Commission and introduces many other family-friendly policies. That's huge progress.

Progressive Coalition leader Jim Anderton


Progressives want jobs, and yesterday's Coalition Budget will ensure we will achieve our goal of everyone under 20 being in work, training or education. This Budget takes care of people, lifts our businesses and strengthens our economy. Our next priority will be to remove health costs for all those under 18 and over 65.