Budget 18

Opinion - Criminal justice was competing with a heavyweight roster of pressing needs in this year's Budget, but clear answers are still needed, writes Tania Sawicki Mead.

The National opposition says the government has broken trust with New Zealand and not met its promises to voters with its first Budget. Audio

The government will extend free doctors' visits and prescriptions to under-14s and also make visits cheaper for people eligible for a Community Services Card.

As the media reported on the government's first budget, so did Twitter.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has revealed the 2018 Budget. Here's what you need to know - at a glance. Video

The Labour-led government has delivered a restrained and cautious Budget in its first year, keeping money in the kitty instead of a major spend up. Video

Analysis - The Finance Minister is pitching today's Budget as one that will set the foundations for the government's plan to make the economy more sustainable. Video

Analysis - The government's financial position and spending plans will be in the spotlight today as Grant Robertson delivers his first Budget as Finance Minister.

Opinion - The Budget is pretty much Christmas for political insiders, a chance to see if the gifts are worth the fancy wrapping, writes Brigitte Morten.

Analysis - Defence is a portfolio involving vast sums of money, but doesn't hit headlines as much as the likes of health, education or housing.

New figures have been released showing the waiting list for state housing has hit an all time high.

Analysis - The Labour party hammered the previous government on housing, accusing them of presiding over a crisis of rising. But can the government keep its promises on housing? Patrick O'meara asks. Audio

Analysis - Health is a portfolio that demands huge amounts of money, and it will be no different under this coalition government, writes Jane Patterson.

Analysis - This week's Budget is a major test for the coalition government - can it deliver on its promises and meet expectations in the big ticket portfolios like education, asks Jane Patterson.

The National Party leader says an education funding shortfall is part of the 'fiscal hole' it says was in the Labour Party's election promises. Audio