Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 24, 2021
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced that he will present Budget 2021 to Parliament on Thursday, May 20, 2021.
There will be a special lock-in for the media a couple of hours earlier.
Mr Robertson indicated that the forthcoming Budget would focus on sectors that need immediate financial support and incentives.
“We will manage the books carefully, ensuring that we are getting value for money in all areas of government spending and reprioritising spending where appropriate. We will also continue the balanced approach to invest in strong public services and addressing issues such as housing, while keeping a lid on debt,” he said.
Covid-19 continues to dominate
While Mr Robertson hopes to concentrate his attention on what he calls, ‘Overarching objectives for this Parliamentary Term,’ Covid-19 is expected to dominate his Budget.
“We will continue to invest in keeping New Zealanders safe from Covid-19. Our other main objectives will be to accelerate the pace of recovery and rebuild, even as we address key issues including Climate Change, Housing Affordability and Child Poverty,” he said.
Mr Roberton said that Budget 2021 decisions will be driven by Wellbeing Objectives.
“These are now a requirement under changes made to the Public Finance Act, underpinning budget decisions. These objectives continue the evidence-based focus started in the Wellbeing Budget and build on those we used in 2019 and 2020,” he said.
Wellbeing Objectives 2021
Just Transition to a Low Carbon Economy
Future of Work: Lifting Productivity and Innovation
Lifting Maori and Pacific Incomes and Opportunities
Reducing Child Poverty and Improving Child Wellbeing
Improved Mental and Physical Health Outcomes
Source: Ministry of Finance
The above Report has been sponsored by
