17 May 2022

Poll suggests New Zealanders don't want government to increase spending in Budget

5:02 pm on 17 May 2022

A new poll suggests most New Zealanders want the government to maintain its overall spending in this week's Budget - rather than increase it.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson with the Wellbeing Budget 2022 which he is set to deliver on Thursday. Photo:

The poll - which was conducted by Curia and commissioned by the Taxpayers' Union - surveyed 1000 people in early April.

Respondents were asked: Given the current levels of inflation, do you think the government should continue to increase overall spending in this year's budget, or keep it about the same?

Fifteen percent supported an increase in spending, 65 percent wanted it to stay level, and 20 percent were unsure.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson has confirmed the Budget will include $6 billion of new day-to-day spending - largely focused on health.

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