Kiwis are split, with some supporting the move and others strongly opposing it.

Mike Hosking: Labour's families package a massive political risk.

Deficit of $308m in four months, compared to a forecast shortfall of $217m.

Mental health will be a key focus of the new government

The government's annual operating surplus was a little bigger than projected.

Report says kids encouraged to develop independent thought will flourish more.

Housing is planned to be a big focus of the next Government, whoever rules.

Where the education system has room to improve

Expert analysis of Labour's fiscal plan, and whether Labour made a mistake.

COMMENT: The Government hopes 'social investment' will measure its spending by results.

Draw the charts inside to see how much you know about New Zealand's Budget.

The Government is poised to overhaul the $843m pokie machine system.

Baby boomer bashing won't solve the problems, says Liam Dann.

PM Bill English is seeking changes to New Zealand's superannuation scheme at this year's general election, with plans to raise the age of eligibility from 65 to 67.

The Prime Minister's proposal to lift the retirement age has been rejected by National's likely coalition partners and opponents.

COMMENT: Is it a deft or a daft move, to begin raising the pension age in 20 years time?

The Government will need to do more for New Zealand Super if its rising costs are to be managed, experts say.

The government severely underestimated how many homeless people urgently needed a roof over their heads.

WATCH: In an exclusive interview S&P chief economist Paul Sheard talks about weird times in world finance - and how NZ is looking.

Consumer prices rose less than expected in the June quarter as cheaper meat and domestic airfares offset a recovery in petrol prices

The Christchurch city council is facing a multi-billion dollar problem as it tries to find an insurer and options to cover the network of underground pipes.

NZ's skills shortage was highlighted in the Budget yesterday with the Govt allocating $256.5m to promote tertiary education and apprenticeships.

COMMENT: With a record net migration gain of more than 68,000 in the year ending April, it's a problem that looks set to get worse before it gets better, writes Barry Soper.

COMMENT: The problem of families with children forced to live in third-world conditions is eminently resolvable, writes Bryan Gould.

The NZ government posted a budget surplus in the first nine months of the financial year, against a Treasury forecast for a deficit.

COMMENT: Unless we make it clear that we are not prepared to accept this erosion of our reputation for probity, the bad news will keep on coming, writes Bryan Gould.

COMMENT: As a group of MPs heads to South America to strengthen ties with overseas parliaments, Barry Soper looks at how exactly the public benefits from the trips.

A $23 million annual increase in development contributions collected by councils means the Government's reforms have failed, an opposition MP claims.

Prime Minister John Key has made an embarrassing disclosure of a link to a company specialising in foreign trusts.

Stressed-out mental health workers in Christchurch are expected to benefit from a $20 million government cash injection.