2018 New Zealand budget

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The 2018 New Zealand budget for 2018/19 was announced on May 17, 2018 by Finance Minister Grant Robertson. It was the first budget from the Sixth Labour Government and the first Robertson presented as Finance Minister. The budget also planned a surplus of NZ$3.1 billion.

The government allocated NZ$2.8 billion for operating costs and NZ$3.8 billion for capital spending. Funding came from three main sources: 38% from a slower debt path, 23% from stronger economic growth, and 6% from cutting some programmes and improving tax collection.

The budget included NZ$88 million to hire more labour inspectors, strengthen border controls and compliance to combat migrant exploitation, and fund training programs for unemployed youths.

In Parliament, Opposition Leader Simon Bridges moved a motion of no confidence in response to the budget, saying it showed more borrowing, taxing, and spending with no plan to grow the economy. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern replied that the opposition talked a lot but had little plan, calling them noisy and lacking a solid strategy.