Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

tap to translate recording

Explore By Region

flag New Zealand aims for budget surplus by 2028/29 with spending cap and reforms, despite debt and demographic challenges.

flag New Zealand’s government is focusing on fiscal discipline to ensure long-term economic stability, aiming to return to an operating surplus by 2028/29 and reduce net core Crown debt to 40% of GDP. flag A $2.4 billion annual spending cap in Budget 2026 requires all expenditures to be justified, supported by $11 billion in annual savings. flag Improved fiscal performance in the first half of 2025, with a 22% smaller deficit than forecast, reflects lower-than-expected spending and modest revenue gains. flag The economy is projected to grow at 3.3% in 2026, driven by strong exports, rising business confidence, and falling mortgage rates, while unemployment is expected to fall below 5%. flag Despite ongoing challenges from high debt-servicing costs and demographic pressures, the government emphasizes reforms to cut red tape, boost productivity, and support innovation in agritech and advanced manufacturing.

16 Articles