Budget 2019 date announced

On 13 February 2019, the Minister of Finance, the Hon Grant Robertson, announced that Budget 2019 will be delivered on Thursday, 30 May 2019.

The Minister said that “this year’s Budget will be the first to use the Coalition Government’s new Wellbeing approach, evidence-based framework used to identify the Budget priorities and then assess which Budget bids should be accepted. This means Ministers and departments are focussed on developing Budget bids and policies which will deliver outcomes that will make real improvements to New Zealanders’ wellbeing”.

The five priorities for Budget 2019 were developed using the Treasury’s Living Standards Framework (LSF), evidence from sector-based experts and the Government’s Science Advisors, and through collaboration among public sector agencies and Ministers. The five priorities for Budget 2019 are as follows:

1. Creating opportunities for productive businesses, regions, iwi and others to transition to a sustainable and low-emissions economy.

2. Supporting a thriving nation in the digital age through innovation, social and economic opportunities.

3. Lifting Maori and Pacific incomes, skills and opportunities.

4. Reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing, including addressing family violence.

5. Supporting mental wellbeing for all New Zealanders, with a special focus on under 24-year-olds.