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Budget 2026 unveils fuel relief, major infrastructure spending and cyber security boost

The Government has unveiled a wide-ranging Budget 2026 package aimed at balancing fiscal restraint with new spending on infrastructure, frontline services and support measures tied to the escalating global fuel crisis.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the Budget was designed to strengthen the economy while easing pressure on households and businesses grappling with higher living costs and international instability. The Government forecasts average economic growth of 2.7 per cent over the next four years, with unemployment expected to fall to 4.3 per cent and the books returning to surplus in 2028/29.



A major focus of the Budget is the response to rising fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. The package includes a $50 weekly increase to the In-Work Tax Credit for up to a year, $150 million for expanded strategic fuel reserves, and a $450 million contingency reserve for further targeted support if conditions deteriorate. Additional funding has also been allocated to Police, Fire and Emergency, Corrections, Customs and public transport authorities to offset operational fuel pressures. Willis said the measures were intended to “keep the economy moving” while maintaining fiscal discipline amid global uncertainty.

Transport infrastructure is another centrepiece of the Budget, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirming $1.773 billion for the Cambridge to Piarere Road of National Significance, extending the Waikato Expressway. The four-lane 16-kilometre project is expected to improve freight links between Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty while reducing deaths and serious injuries by about 70 per cent. Bishop said the corridor was critical to the “Golden Triangle” region that accounts for more than half of New Zealand’s population and around 60 per cent of GDP.

In health, Budget 2026 allocates $153.6 million to strengthen cyber security protections across the health system. Health Minister Simeon Brown said the funding would expand 24/7 cyber monitoring, improve specialist capability and upgrade vulnerable IT systems following recent incidents involving patient data security. Health New Zealand will also contribute an additional $300 million towards wider digital upgrades, including replacing ageing devices and modernising radiology systems. Brown said the investment was aimed at protecting sensitive patient information and reducing the risk of service disruptions caused by cyber-attacks.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced a welfare package focused on moving more people from benefits into employment while supporting vulnerable households. Measures include $45 million for community food support programmes, $93.3 million to help sole parents find work, and $22.4 million aimed at reducing reliance on emergency housing. Upston said the Government was seeking to make the welfare system “fair, firm and simple” while delivering better long-term outcomes for families.

Meanwhile, Seniors Minister Casey Costello revealed plans to modernise the SuperGold Card by allowing it to be used as an official form of identification. The upgraded card, expected to roll out from October 2028, will include photographs and enhanced security features, with both physical and digital versions available free of charge to New Zealanders aged over 65. The Government has committed $36.4 million in operating funding and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years for the programme.

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14 COMMENTS

  1. Lets hope old Winston doesn’t carry lame duck National and co over the finish line this election (but he probably will thanks to voter idiocy and gullibility). I see nothing here that inspires hope on any level. Improved access to medical care, more doctors, surgical facilities and operations to reduce wait times and the chances people will become sicker or die? Nope. Pointless cyber security instead for outsourced systems that would not be needed, if they stayed in house with records shared between hospitals, on a closed private network. As for transport, hey why not improve roads to airports, because that’s all a lot of New Zealanders are going to need thanks to you wastrels. In short stick your pathetic weak budget up your proverbial.

  2. Trying to lure the seniors into digital ID?
    BTW: this Budget will be remembered not as prudent, but as the moment leadership chose denial over survival.
    Blue/red/black/green/maori Govt is already a Zombie. They are just too arrogant to even see that.
    By prioritizing the stability of their spreadsheet models over the transparency required for national survival, they have removed the very warning signals that would allow society to adapt. When the physical reality of the coming collapse finally hits, the shock will be amplified precisely because the cretins in the cloud-castle spent the critical preparation phase denying the abyss.

  3. If you believe that any of these disingenuous phony professional liars inhabiiting that nasty fraudulent radioactive serpent-pit the labour/national establishment waspnest actually give a jamming f*ck about anyone but their own slimy eye-darting selves – then you’re a suckered and scammed naive fool…

  4. Now stop funnelling billions to Iwi vi the charity register.

    Some people are doing VERY well for themselves in our local community thank you very much with their “charities”. Do a deep dive and audit these charities.

    • 100 % agree. ‘Charities’ are in general freeloading corrupt ‘activists’ making an insanely profitable living on the pretention of ‘care’. Couple that with racist nepotism and you have the perfect rort. And no, I am not only talking about maori. Chinese, Indian, Samoan, jews, muslims etc. have all their sticky fingers in the cash registers of private and public ‘charities’, making charity the No1 modus of corruption.
      …apart from politicians’ book-sales, o.e. escapes, speaker engagements and corporate advisor revolving doors.
      Corrupt filth!

  5. The alternative in November-

    Economics
    February 4, 2025 Published by Kelvyn Alp

    New Zealand Loyal – The Economy

    Reclaiming Control and Prosperity

    Introduction

    New Zealand’s economy has been compromised by decades of neoliberal policies, privatization, and globalization. The promises of politicians who pushed for privatization have proven false, delivering neither greater efficiency nor lower costs. Instead, we’ve seen the systematic dismantling of our economy, leaving us vulnerable to external control. It’s time to take back our economy and ensure it serves the people.

    The Five Economic Arteries
    A healthy economy relies on five vital arteries: finances, communication, energy, water, and transportation. NZ Loyal is committed to reclaiming control of these essential services.

    Finances
    We will nationalize the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, ending private control and usury. The current system, where money is created out of thin air and loaned at interest, is a mathematical impossibility that guarantees debt accumulation and enslavement. We will introduce a new monetary and taxation system, moving away from the debt-based fiat currency system.

    Communication
    We will nationalize communications, ensuring every home has a landline and reliable internet access. Recent natural disasters have highlighted the importance of communication infrastructure. We will rebuild and upgrade our communications infrastructure to serve the people.

    Energy
    We will nationalize our energy grid and means of production, reinstating Marsden Point and building a new refinery in the South Island. New Zealand has an abundance of oil and gas, and we will utilize these resources to ensure energy independence.

    Water
    We will nationalize our water resources, ensuring they are used for the benefit of all and are free from contaminants like fluoride. Water is a fundamental human right, and we will protect it for future generations.

    Transportation
    We will nationalize our transport infrastructure, creating reliable and effective transportation systems. This includes roads, railways, and public transport. We will also investigate and hold accountable those who have pushed the “green agenda” and its associated corruption.

    Economic Self-Sufficiency
    We prioritize economic self-sufficiency over comparative advantage and free trade agreements that have led to deindustrialization and job losses. We will stimulate the reindustrialization of our economy and insource many offshored service sectors.

    Anti-Corruption Measures
    A dedicated anti-corruption team will be established to investigate past and present corruption, including offshore-directed parties. This will include insider trading, nepotism, and the revolving door between the government and private sector.

    International Agreements
    All international agreements that do not benefit the New Zealand people will be scrapped. We will set our own monetary and taxation policies free from the influence of globalist institutions.

    Conclusion
    NZ Loyal is committed to reclaiming our economy and ensuring it serves the people. We will create a prosperous and self-sufficient nation, where everyone has access to quality services and opportunities. Join us in our mission to take back control and build a better future for all New Zealanders.

    © 2025, All Rights Reserved
    Leader – avatar
    About the author: Leader
    Kelvyn Alp is the Leader of New Zealand Loyal.

    AND….(I do the postings /copy & paste so you don’t have to, as many are either too lazy or too busy to research the same, so here they are!..!)

    Monetary & Taxation
    February 4, 2025 Published by Kelvyn Alp

    New Zealand Loyal – Monetary and Taxation Policy
    New Zealand will adopt a revolutionary economic framework, creating its own coin, credit, and currency, while introducing a 1% transaction tax to replace all other taxes. This policy aims to propel New Zealand to unprecedented prosperity by harnessing its natural resources, eliminating predatory market manipulation, and aligning monetary policy with national interests.

    Sovereign Currency Issuance
    1. Creation of New Zealand’s Own Currency: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will create new money ex nihilo to fund government expenditures, eliminating reliance on external borrowing and interest payments.
    2. Monetary Policy Alignment: The RBNZ will be brought under the New Zealand Treasury to ensure monetary policy is aligned with national interests and fiscal policy.

    Transaction Tax
    1. Replacement of All Other Taxes: A 1% transaction tax will be introduced on all financial transactions, including electronic payments, cash withdrawals, online transactions, and securities trades, replacing all other taxes.
    2. Revenue Allocation: Transaction tax revenue will be allocated towards funding public goods and services, including increased infrastructure investment.

    Increased Infrastructure Investment
    1. Exploitation of Natural Resources: New Zealand will invest in exploiting its natural resources, including the Great South Basin and other oil reserves, to drive economic growth and prosperity.
    2. Infrastructure Development: Increased infrastructure investment will focus on strategic sectors, such as transportation, energy, and education, to support long-term economic resilience.

    Removal of New Zealand Dollar from Market Manipulation
    1. Protection from Predatory Behaviour: The New Zealand dollar will be removed from market manipulation and predatory behaviour, ensuring economic stability and security.
    2. Elimination of Inland Revenue: Inland Revenue will be eliminated, simplifying the tax system and reducing administrative burdens on taxpayers.

    Benefits and Implications
    1. Increased Economic Resilience: New Zealand will enjoy increased economic resilience, driven by sovereign currency issuance, transaction tax revenue, and strategic infrastructure investment.
    2. Prosperity and Wealth: By harnessing its natural resources and eliminating predatory market manipulation, New Zealand will propel itself to unprecedented prosperity and wealth.
    3. Simplified Tax System: The 1% transaction tax will consolidate and replace various existing taxes, reducing complexity and administrative burdens on taxpayers.

    Conclusion
    New Zealand’s Sovereign Currency and Transaction Tax Policy marks a significant shift towards a more resilient, prosperous, and sovereign economy. By harnessing the power of sovereign currency issuance and a simplified transaction tax, New Zealand will break free from the shackles of predatory market manipulation and external borrowing.

    This policy will propel New Zealand to unprecedented prosperity and wealth, driven by strategic infrastructure investment, exploitation of natural resources, and a simplified tax system. As New Zealand takes control of its economic destiny, it will become a beacon of hope for nations seeking to reclaim their sovereignty and build a brighter future for their people.

    With this policy, NZ Loyal reaffirms its commitment to putting the interests of New Zealanders first, ensuring that the country’s economy serves the people, not just the privileged few. Together, we can build a more prosperous, resilient, and sovereign New Zealand for all.

    See also: https://nzloyal.com/new-zealand-loyal-1-transaction-tax/

    © 2025, All Rights Reserved

    Leader – avatar
    About the author: Leader
    Kelvyn Alp is the Leader of New Zealand Loyal.

    • Agree on all points.
      But again, we implore ALL small parties to form a coalition for the ONLY sake and uniting reason: to oust the former and current uni-party.
      We The People CAN discern the variations and competitions of different egos, ideologies and policies. But NOW is the time and ESSENTIAL NEED to unite for the most pressing objective there is for GODZONE: New governance.

    • These are great policies, they outline a New Zealand I’d like to live in.

      Unfortunately the NZ Loyal party was deregistered on July 26, 2024 reportedly by Liz Gunn, resulting in a spate of accusations and infighting. The party cannot run in the 2026 election if it is not registered, but its individual members can run as independents.

      NZ Loyal, with 1.2% support, at it’s peak now wallows in the realm of the non-existent with any support it may retain being well inside any poll’s degree of error and thus effectively zero.

      It’s a great shame that its board members couldn’t have acted as sensible adults and put the party above their differences. But unfortunately their egos were the only winners in 2024.

      NZ Loyal, regardless of its great policies, cannot now be considered as a serious option for any voter.

  6. No mention of re-opening the Marsden Point refinery for the purpose of energy and oil independence…even though there are petitions past & present out there calling on the government to do the same!
    Displaying 1-3 of 3 for Marsden Point
    RSS
    Title
    Status
    Date
    Signatures
    Petition of Capt. Wm. Stafford: Re-open the Marsden Point petroleum refinery Open For Signatures 28 Nov 2026 9
    Petition of Angus Harold Martin Rand: Reopen Marsden Point refinery Closed For Signatures 16 Apr 2026 2
    Petition of Social Credit: Stop the Marsden Point Oil Refinery from closing Reported 26 Oct 2022 17

  7. Geoff Waterhouse
    “while maintaining its goal of returning the books to surplus by 2028/29.” What a HOOT! It ain’t gonna happen, no way, no how, Back in June 2014, during the Key, regime, I joined Grey Power, naively believing it to be a voice for WE THE SENIIORS. I mention that because in June 2014 I received my first edition of the Grey Power magazine. In that magazine Key stated that “the books are now in surplus and we will not be leaving a rising burden of debt for future generations/” That may not be verbatim but it is near enough, You always know when a politician is telling lies,/his/her/its/their lips are moving. I wonder why Centrist doesn’t accept articles from readers

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