Latest fromGovernment Spending
PM defensive after video reveals GST flip-flop
John Key has defended a proposed rise in GST after a Herald video revealed he had ruled it out in 2008.
Change in property rules 'inevitable'
The status quo for property investors cannot be sustained, Tax Working Group member John Shewan says.
Relief in property circles as most tax options ruled out
The vice-president of the Property Investors Federation is relieved that most housing tax options were ruled out in Prime Minister John Key's speech yesterday, but he is wary of what is to come.
<i>John Armstrong</i>: Key's growth package just tax cuts in disguise
Wait patiently for three months for the real oil in the Budget before passing judgment on the Government.
Tax cuts: High earners set to benefit most
Big personal tax cuts for middle and high-income earners are likely to be announced in the May Budget and take effect from October this year.
Tough welfare laws loom this year
New laws to make sole parents look for work after their youngest children turn 6 will be phased in over several years, the Govt says.
Planned GST, property and tax moves divide opinion
The Govt's plan to hike GST, cut income tax and change property tax rules draws a mixed response from business leaders and political opponents.
Reaction: Housing shortage risk looms, say property investors
A property investors group is recommending rent hikes and a halt on maintenance as a result of proposed changes to property taxation.
'No bold plan at all' - Goff slams PM's statement
Phil Goff slams the Prime Minister's policy statement, saying it "fails on every count."
<i>Bernard Hickey:</i> Leave the country now Gen X & Y
John Key has sent Generations X and Y a clear message: Leave the country now.
Latest updates: PM's speech
Live updates from the Prime Minister's first Parliamentary speech of the year.
<i>John Armstrong:</i> Key's quick march little more than a crawl
On a measure of boldness, John Key's new economic plan to Parliament scores about four out of ten.
Key speech - the main points
Some of the main points from Prime Minister John Key's statement to Parliament.
<i>Brian Fallow:</i> Little force in Key's speech
Business is unlikely to be blown away by the boldness of the vision outlined in today's agenda-setting speech.
GST hike, tax cuts tipped - Key
A rise in GST to 15 per cent has been strongly signalled in the Prime Minister's statement to Parliament but it would be offset by across-the-board cuts in personal tax.
'Bold steps' in Govt's programme - Key
John Key says he accepts some of the things to be announced in the Government's policy programme could erode his political popularity.
Landlord breaks likely top target
John Key is expected to target tax breaks for landlords in his first parliamentary speech of the year setting out the Government's plans.
Five big takeouts that business expects from Key's speech
How will business judge John Key's economic plans? Pretty well - if he meets the five key criteria, writes Fran O’Sullivan.
Obama: Era of 'monopoly money' over
US President Barack Obama has unveiled a budget that forecast a record deficit of $1.56 trillion (NZ$2.2 trillion) this year.
<i>Ian McPherson:</i> Collaboration best way to stretch health dollar
Ian McPherson writes that NZ needs a better strategy for coping with healthcare needs.