What Kiwis expect from tomorrow's Budget

(Clockwise from top L) Bob Orr, Charlotte Wilson, Nigel Shivas, Maggie Bishop-Booth and Leonie and Ngaire Anderson shared their views. Photos / Martin Sykes

According to Treasury Secretary John Whitehead, tomorrow's Budget will be the most important in over a quarter of a century.

The Herald asked residents in Kiwi St, Pt Chevalier, about their expectations for the Budget and how it might affect them.

Bob Orr, 60, boatman/writer

It's highly unlikely we'll get the tax cuts that were promised. I thought Bill English knew very well the economy was staring down the barrel of a gun. [The Budget] could affect my work - I am a boatman at the ports, which are always a litmus test of what the economy is doing. I hope they don't hammer people on benefits.

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Charlotte Wilson, 36, tourism publisher (self-employed)

Money and tax cuts for small businesses would be good. It is hard enough in a recession starting up a company. I have had my own tourism business since I was 21 and work from home. We do need more allowances. I think it would be a concern if we were not given some encouragement.

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Nigel Shivas, 44, telecommunications worker

I think people in this area would be more interested in the byelection. I am quite relaxed about the economy. I have a good job and am lucky to have paid off the house. Perhaps no tax cuts would not be a bad thing. I don't think tax cuts amount to much. I'm also glad that interest rates are coming down.

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Maggie Bishop-Booth, 52, office administrator (self-employed)

I would like to think there was something for education. Schools have to top up what the Government doesn't give, especially for special needs kids. Principals have to work hard to fill the gap between what is given and what is needed. I haven't seen any signs that will change but I'm hoping.

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Leonie Anderson, 57, self-employed

I don't really know what is in the [Budget]. But I think a reduction in government spending is a very good idea. We need to pull our belts in. I strongly support John Key and I think we're headed in the right direction. We do need to put more money into law and order, and battling P. Also in health and education.

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Ngaire Anderson, 60, self-employed

It needs to be a Budget for all New Zealanders. Cutting back on government spending, not giving out handouts - we've got to get out of it somehow, by cutting down extravagances.