In a tight NZ budget, will money go where it’s needed most – or to political priorities?

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As New Zealand’s budget day looms closer, the government has already revealed one important figure – NZ$2.1 billion – that offers an insight into its approach to spending this year.

That’s the government’s tight operating allowance – or the new money available for ongoing spending. And that’s already been trimmed back from $2.4 billion since its budget strategy was announced in December.