Finance Minister Bill English's approach to Budget
2013 was "to spend well, not to spend up". Flashy, no.
Functional, yes.
If last year's budget had an edgy feel as the
Government tried (successfully) to keep the ratings agencies at
bay, this year's budget feels much more comfortable. The fiscal
and economic outlook is steadier and the Government has managed to
squeeze out of the Treasury a skinny forecast surplus for
2014/2015.
Key announcements
- Meridian Energy confirmed to be the next partial share offer
(later this year).
- Large, although yet to be decided, cuts to ACC levies.
- Mighty River Power proceeds to go largely to the Christchurch
rebuild (the redevelopment of Christchurch and Burwood hospitals,
the justice and emergency services precinct and Canterbury tertiary
institutes).
