The 6 hours of straight coverage from Stuff/NZHerald/3 seems to suggest that something has happened... Whether it is BAU really depends on who you ask...

One of the least contentious I can recall. Seems ok to me. Of course big mouth had to make his obligatory opposition comments just so everyone knows he's still alive. 

Problem is you can't keep everyone happy. 

gzt: 
As for the rest this part really stands out:

"The country's spy agencies get a boost in funding, with an extra $178.7m for the SIS and GCSB over four years."

That seems like a_lot.

I'd suggest it's not a lot, and it's not a lot really, because the amount we spent previously was tiny, and this is an increase of a lot as a percentage but it's not still a lot for a country with lots of links to other 1st world countries.

networkn:

 

gzt: 
As for the rest this part really stands out:

"The country's spy agencies get a boost in funding, with an extra $178.7m for the SIS and GCSB over four years."

That seems like a_lot.

 

 

 

I'd suggest it's not a lot, and it's not a lot really, because the amount we spent previously was tiny, and this is an increase of a lot as a percentage but it's not still a lot for a country with lots of links to other 1st world countries.

 

I wonder what Kimmy dot fun would have to say about that? Is he still alive and breathing by the way, or has his mouth finally been shut up? My how things change.

No tax cuts, which is always depressing.

DaveB:

 

 

 

I wonder what Kimmy dot fun would have to say about that? Is he still alive and breathing by the way, or has his mouth finally been shut up? My how things change.

 

He realised the sheep are happy on the stock truck. 

Waste of time. 

BarTender: For me the disappointment was nothing real for education apart from building more schools which has to happen anyway due to population growth. The operational budget for ece and schools is frozen. Not even inflation adjustment.

And housing. Glad I don't live in Auckland and ever need to assist them with buying a house up there.
Plus nothing for Auckland public transport.

Same ole same ole.

They have to keep their voters (many who are property owners) happy. They don't want to do anything yet that will decrease the value of houses, which will also put pressure on banks. As long as house prices are increasing, it makes people feel rich and happy.  But it won't last forever, some will have to pay. Currently it is savers who are paying with low interest rates.

Wait till next year when all the "carrots" come out, joys of an election year

Yes I must catch up on the health budget and in particular the Mental Health Sector as its my area.

DaveB:

 

networkn:

 

gzt: 
As for the rest this part really stands out:

"The country's spy agencies get a boost in funding, with an extra $178.7m for the SIS and GCSB over four years."

That seems like a_lot.

 

 

 

I'd suggest it's not a lot, and it's not a lot really, because the amount we spent previously was tiny, and this is an increase of a lot as a percentage but it's not still a lot for a country with lots of links to other 1st world countries.

 

 

 

 

I wonder what Kimmy dot fun would have to say about that? Is he still alive and breathing by the way, or has his mouth finally been shut up? My how things change.

 

The Press have moved on to much bigger global issues like the Bachelor 

MikeB4:

 

DaveB:

 

networkn:

 

gzt: 
As for the rest this part really stands out:

"The country's spy agencies get a boost in funding, with an extra $178.7m for the SIS and GCSB over four years."

That seems like a_lot.

 

 

 

I'd suggest it's not a lot, and it's not a lot really, because the amount we spent previously was tiny, and this is an increase of a lot as a percentage but it's not still a lot for a country with lots of links to other 1st world countries.

 

 

 

 

I wonder what Kimmy dot fun would have to say about that? Is he still alive and breathing by the way, or has his mouth finally been shut up? My how things change.

 

 

 

 

The Press have moved on to much bigger global issues like the Bachelor 

 

The Budget has suffered the same fate as KDC - also off the front page of Stuff/Herald sites.

I wonder if "the budget" as an annual event is a bit past it's use-by date, a relic of days of paper accounting.

Many don't care.  You can't change it so will just see how it all plays out over time.

All the major parties are mainstream now, as that's where the bulk of kiwi voters are.  They rely on the fringe parties to pick up the nut job extremists, but very little changes on the ground in the middle.  Councils probably have more impact on most homeowners, with their local rules on everything.

Agree it was quiet for a budget, but loud or quiet, it doesn't change things.  We're a passive lot, compared to say a trump rally etc.