Budget 2008: Spending
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- Date published:
2:58 pm, May 22nd, 2008 - 8 comments
Categories: budget 2008, election 2008 -
Tags: public services
The tax cuts are the cornerstone of this budget but there is also important new spending.
New Spending in the Budget:
- $172.3 million for improving DHB efficiency
- $2 billion for DHBS
- $164.2 million for HPV immunisation
- $160 million for more elective surgery
- $60 million to improve the health workforce
- $79 million for child and youth oral health
- $30 million for healthy housing
- $446.5 million for community and volunteer organisations
- $215.5 to reduce class sizes
- $63.6 million for early childhood education
- $1.8 billion for teachers’ wages
- $266.1 million for schools operations
- $189.5 million for more Police
- $251.9 million for Mt Eden prison
- $91.7 million for probation officers
- $4.7 million for the Police Conduct Authority
- $17.2 million for Maori Wardens
- $220 million for social housing
- $35 million for shared equity housing scheme
- $42.9 million for Hobsonville Housing project (expected to make a profit)
- $72 million for SuperGold card benefits
- $6.7 million for pension portability.
- $700 million for the NZ Fast Forward Fund
- $205.4 million to other research and development initiatives
- $168 million to lift literacy, language, and numeracy skills of works to increase productivity
- $591 million for tertiary education operating costs
- $15.5 for capital investment in universities and polytechnics
- $155.2 million for student allowances and other support
- $340 million for broadband investment (part of a wider $500 million broadband package)
- $690 million for purchase of railway operations
- $93 million for upgrades to rail stock and tracks
- $15 million for aviation safety and security
- $33.5 million for Canterbury Transport Regional Plan
- $30 million for regional transport in Northland and Tairawhiti
- $155 million for export support
- $26.6 million for 2010 Shanghai Expo
- $25.7 million for energy efficiency and insulating homes
- $72.1 million for the Rotorua lakes clean-up
- $43 million for the Emissions Trading Scheme
- $164.6 million for Eden Park upgrade
- $23.3 million for biosecurity
- $7 million for Mataatua Whare
- $12 million for Te Papa
- $7.7 million for the Historic Places Trust
- $5.3 million for Office of Treaty Settlements
- $23.8 million for Maori Trustee
- $7 million for Wharewaka
- $4.4 million for NZSO
- $27.8 million for Screen Production Fund
- $9 million for the racing industry
- $276.4 million for the Defence Forces
- $198.1 million for Foreign Affairs and trade negotiations
- $960,000 for Antarctic research
- $13 million for DoC
- $5.3 million for pest control
- $5.6 million for oceanic research
Our society depends on continued investment in the social wages, these social services that make all our lives better and which we fund through our taxes. No doubt, National and the Herald will say it’s all pork.
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Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...2 weeks ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...2 weeks ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
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- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...2 weeks ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...2 weeks ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...2 weeks ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...3 weeks ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...3 weeks ago
- West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training
In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost ...7 hours ago - Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up
Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today. To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from ...9 hours ago
- New members appointed to NZ On Air Board
Brett Banner and Philip Crump have been appointed to the NZ On Air Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am delighted to appoint two members who bring such fantastic media skills and experience. “Mr Banner has a strong commercial and accounting background which will be a great ...9 hours ago
- Health Minister to attend international meetings in the Philippines and Singapore
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Manila this weekend, leading New Zealand’s delegation to the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting. “Significant health challenges remain in our diverse Western Pacific region, which is also prone to the impacts of climate change,” says Dr Reti. “Being represented ...9 hours ago
- Residence portion of the Military-Style Academies complete
The residence portion of the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North is wrapping up, with the young people now transitioning back into the community with support, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. Ten young people have spent three months ...10 hours ago
- New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada
New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by ...15 hours ago
- Instrumental change for NZSO Board
Three new members are being appointed to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Board to help ensure it’s focused on bringing value to New Zealanders, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “The trio of new members, James Christmas, Karyn Rachtman and Susannah Robinson, have expertise across fundraising, philanthropy, Crown governance, sector experience ...1 day ago
- New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute Boards Appointment
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka has confirmed the appointment of Fletcher Tabuteau as Chair of the Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) Board. Mr Tabuteau (Ngāti Ngāraranui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Whakaue) was a teacher at Rotorua Boys' High School, a lecturer in Economics, and head of ...1 day ago
- Government investing in Auckland and Wellington rail reliability
The Government has announced how $101.7 million in Budget 2024 funding for metro rail networks will be split between Auckland and Wellington to address the maintenance backlog and deliver more reliable services for commuters in our main cities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Auckland metro rail network will receive $48.8 ...1 day ago
- Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
The Government is continuing to stabilise the immigration system by tightening the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). “Despite New Zealand being internationally regarded as a safe, fair and highly attractive place to work, we are not immune to migrant exploitation. This is unacceptable,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “The ...1 day ago
- Construction to start on Nelson Hospital ED expansion
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says construction on a significant expansion to Nelson Hospital’s emergency department marks a major milestone in work to improve services for the local community. “Next week, Health New Zealand will be breaking ground on a $10.6 million expansion to the existing ED, which will increase ...1 day ago
- Government releases targeted actions to improve road safety
The Government has today released targeted actions to improve road safety that are focused on increasing road policing and enforcement, targeting the highest contributing factors to fatal crashes, and delivering new and safe roading infrastructure, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Increased alcohol breath testing and introducing roadside drug testing Reviewing ...1 day ago
- More benefit exits into work as sanctions increase
The Government’s relentless focus on welfare that works and holding job seekers accountable through sanctions saw a year-on-year increase in the number of people moving from benefits into work in the September quarter, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Despite the economic gloom the Government inherited, 16,071 people ...1 day ago
- Priorities set for Retirement Villages Act review
E te huru mā, haramai e noho. E tu te huru pango, hanatu e haere.The coalition Government is progressing mahi in the Retirement Villages Act 2003 review and focusing it on the areas of highest importance, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka and Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced today. “It’s ...2 days ago
- Anzac Day commemorations will honour more veterans
The Government is making changes so that more veterans who have served New Zealand will be formally recognised as part of official Anzac Day commemorations, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say. “Veterans often tell me that recognition is the most meaningful form of ...2 days ago
- Trade Minister to attend G20 meeting in Brazil
Trade Minister Todd McClay will attend the Group of Twenty (G20) Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Brasilia next week. “As an exporting nation reliant on trade, this is a significant opportunity to boost our interests with some of the world’s largest economies and many of our most important trading partners,” ...2 days ago
- More good news for Kiwis
Today’s inflation figures are more good news for New Zealanders, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today that the inflation rate had dropped from 3.3 per cent in the year to June to 2.2 per cent in the year to September. That is down from 5.6 per cent just ...2 days ago
- Welfare traffic light system off to good start
Data from the first full calendar month of the Government’s welfare traffic light system shows more beneficiaries are doing what is required of them, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. A total of 331,530 people were in the system at the end of September due to having work-related ...2 days ago
- Dairy export quota Bill passes first reading
The Government’s work to boost export value has hit another milestone, with a new dairy Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “The Dairy Industry Restructuring (Export Licences Allocation) Amendment Bill will modernise New Zealand’s dairy export quota system to grow export and farmgate ...3 days ago
- Government extends fight against cybercrime
Legislation that will help protect New Zealanders from cybercrime has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “11% of New Zealanders were victims of fraud and cybercrime in 2023, causing significant financial harm and emotional distress. “The Budapest Convention, also known as the Council of Europe ...3 days ago
- “Advancing New Zealand and Asia relations”
Good evening Before discussing the ‘advancing of New Zealand and Asia relations’, we would like to congratulate the Asia New Zealand Foundation and acknowledge its significant contribution to New Zealand’s relationship with, and understanding of, Asia over the past 30 years. Can we also welcome Thitinan Pongsudhirak, one of ...3 days ago
- Speech to the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ, 2024 Conference
Kia ora koutou Greetings from Wellington. I am sorry I can’t be with you in person today, but I’m delighted that I can talk to you virtually. I’d like to begin by acknowledging your chair Bill Goodwin and members of your board. I’d also like to acknowledge the fitness of ...3 days ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Thailand, attend Indonesian Presidential inauguration
Foreign Minister Winston Peters is travelling this week to Bangkok for talks with his Thai counterpart, and to Jakarta to attend the inauguration of Indonesia’s next President, Prabowo Subianto. “New Zealand is committed to our Comprehensive Partnership with Indonesia, and our shared ties as democracies in the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr ...3 days ago
- Economic growth on the Fast-track
The one-stop-shop Fast-track Approvals Bill, and the 149 projects listed in the Bill, will help rebuild our struggling economy and kick-start economic growth across the country, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “Since 2022, New Zealand has battled anaemic levels of economic growth. If we want Kiwi kids to stop ...4 days ago
- Sir Brian Roche new Public Service Commissioner
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today announced the appointment of Sir Brian Roche as the next Public Service Commissioner. “I am delighted to appoint Sir Brian to this crucial leadership position,” Mr Luxon says. “Sir Brian is a highly respected New Zealander who has held significant roles across the public and ...4 days ago
- Government and sector to improve Forestry ETS Registry
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced the establishment of a Forestry Sector Reference Group to drive better outcomes from the Forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Registry. “We are committed to working with the forestry sector to provide greater transparency and engagement on the forestry ETS registry as we work to ...4 days ago
- Stronger fuel reserves to drive economic stability
New Zealand’s fuel resilience is being strengthened to ensure people and goods keep moving and connected to the world in case of disruptions, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says. “Fuel security is a priority for the Coalition Government. We are acutely aware of how important engine fuels are to our ...4 days ago
- Government to provide significant regulatory relief for business
The Government will reform New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) system to provide significant regulatory relief for businesses, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says. “Cabinet has approved an AML/CFT reform work programme which will ensure streamlined, workable, and effective regulations for businesses, law enforcement, and ...5 days ago
- Big year of building reforms
Significant reforms are underway in the building and construction portfolio to help enable more affordable homes and a stronger economy, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “If we want to grow the economy, lift incomes, create jobs and build more affordable, quality homes we need a construction sector that ...5 days ago
- Minister to attend cyber security, NATO meetings
Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins will travel to Singapore and Brussels for Singapore International Cyber Week and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting. New Zealand has been invited to attend the NATO meeting alongside representatives from the European Union and the ...5 days ago
- Significant protection for Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana
Toitū ngā pōito o te kupenga a Toitehuatahi! A Government commitment to restoring the health and mauri of the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana will enhance the area for generations to come, Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka says. Cabinet recently agreed to pass the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill into law, ...6 days ago
- Overseas investment changes to get New Zealand off the bench
Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says the Government has committed to action on overseas investment, where the country’s policy settings are the worst in the developed world and holding back wage growth. “Cabinet has agreed to the principles for reforming our overseas investment law. At the core of these principles ...6 days ago
- Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit
The annual East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Laos this week underscored the critical role that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays in ensuring a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. "My first participation in an EAS has been a valuable opportunity to engage ...1 week ago
- Feedback will improve health and safety system and grow the economy
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says the feedback from the health and safety roadshow will help shape the future of health and safety in New Zealand and grow the economy. “New Zealand’s poorly performing health and safety system could be costing this country billions,” says Ms van ...1 week ago
- Government releases more Fast-track detail
The Government has released the independent Advisory Group’s report on the 384 projects which applied to be listed in the Fast-track Approvals Bill, and further detail about the careful management of Ministers’ conflicts of interest, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says. Independent Advisory Group Report The full report has now been ...1 week ago
- Government releases plan for affordable electricity
The Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity clearly sets out the Government’s role in delivering affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity relies on Kiwi households and businesses having access to affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices. ...1 week ago
- Govt broadly accepts Royal Commission findings
The Government has broadly accepted the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whilst continuing to consider and respond to its recommendations. “It is clear the Crown utterly failed thousands of brave New Zealanders. As a society and as the State we should have done better. ...1 week ago
- Brakes put on contractor and consultant spending
The brakes have been put on contractor and consultant spending and growth in the public service workforce, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “Workforce data released today shows spending on contractors and consultants fell by $274 million, or 13 per cent, across the public sector in the year to June 30. ...1 week ago
- Accounts confirm need for spending restraint
The Crown accounts for the 2023/24 year underscore the need for the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore discipline to public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Financial Statements of the Government for the year ended 30 June 2024 were released today. They show net core Crown net debt at ...1 week ago
- Minister to co-chair carbon market negotiations at COP29
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will chair negotiations on carbon markets at this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) alongside Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and Environment, Grace Fu. “Climate change is a global challenge, and it’s important for countries to be enabled to work together and support each other ...1 week ago
- New fast-track bill criteria still ‘heavily weighted against environment’ – critic
Officially recommended changes include giving one minister the ability to nominate projects, and putting the final say on approving them to a panel of experts. ...1 hour ago - How extreme weather and costs of housing and insurance trap some households in a vicious cycle
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- Sex dolls and ‘Diddy’ costumes: the latest AFL drama shows Australian sport still can’t eradic...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Humanities and Social Sciences, Monash University Disturbing details emerged this week about AFL men’s football team GWS’ end-of-year event, themed “controversial couples”. The AFL handed down a range of sanctions to the players involved, including fines and ...3 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Parmeter, Research scholar, Middle East studies, Australian National University The death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds behind the group’s horrific October 7 2023 attack on southern Israel, is no doubt a consequential moment in Israel’s year-long war ...3 hours ago
- Solicitor-General To Review Prosecution Guidelines
"My intention is that this process will be completed promptly, and I will republish the Guidelines in time for them to come into effect as scheduled from 1 January 2025,” says Solicitor-General Una Jagose KC. ...3 hours ago - Fast Track Bill Even Worse After Select Committee – Confirms Luxon Is Engaged In A War On Natu...
"The changes to the Fast Track Bill announced today will do nothing to deter the uprising of public protest that this grievously bad bill has sparked," says Greenpeace Aotearoa executive director Russel Norman. ...3 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne Meteoritka/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s scam victims who foot the bill for the overwhelming majority of the money lost to scams each year. A 2023 review by the Australian Securities and ...3 hours ago
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A person said during a ministerial visit, Bayley told him to "f*** off" and repeatedly called him a loser, making an 'L' with his fingers on his forehead. ...5 hours ago
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The guidelines asked judges and lawyers to "think carefully" about how Māori are impacted by the criminal justice system. ...5 hours ago
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Daniel Casey, Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University In July 2023, after the release of the damning Robodebt Royal Commission report, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared: it was wrong, it was illegal, it should never have happened ...7 hours ago
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A pork-free budget.
So what would National cut to enable slightly bigger tax cuts I wonder…?
Why does Te Papa get 12 mil?
Because it is direly underfunded. I’m hoping a good deal of that extra cash goes as wages.
That is an enormous list and most of it is not what any unbiased person would call an investment in social wages.
What we have here is 1990 all over again. An outgoing labour government is deliberately emptying the coffers just in time for national to inherit an unholy mess.
barnsleybill, I take it this is the first time you’ve seen the actual spending in a budget, as opposed to what the media tells you about.
Strikes me as odd.
It will be very interesting to see just what the ANZ report on govt spending and bureaucracy has to say. I’m happy with funding teachers, police, GP’s, Nurse’s and adult education etc, not very happy at all with corporate welfare such as $36 million subsidies for the shipping industry, subsidizing state rail to compete with private trucking firms to put them out of business to join the unemployment lines and definitely not happy with such a large growth in the public service over the last 9 years when the general population hasn’t actually increased that much to justify it. Depends of course on what is counted as a ‘frontline’ person and who isn’t and whether that’s justified.
As an example since frontline police numbers have increased extra admin staff are required.
A guiding philosophical principle for any govt should be to take the least amount of money necessary via tax and spend as effectively as possible. Trouble is so many seem to want the ‘guvmunt’ to do everything and yet complain when their presented with the tax bill to pay for it.
A pity the ANZ haven’t released the report yet. Officially they’ve said it was to avoid making Cullen’s budget look bad or draw attention away from it. Unofficially…release it closer to the election? Well, the intention is clear.