Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

The Government books are expected to reach surplus by 2029.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis has teased slices of her Budget 2025 cake, revealing $1.3 billion in new operating spending – a cut from the forecast of $2.4 billion.  Ministers and agencies have been asked to cut more costs, for diversion into focus areas including health, education, and defence.  Labour’s Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds told Ryan Bridge it all comes down to the choices Willis will need to make to get to that surplus.  She says this is where choices really matter, and the Government’s pulling back at a time where they should be investing.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.