The government will welcome the unexpectedly large surplus, but it brings with it a heap of extra pressure from all sides

Innovation Minister Megan Woods says the Government's new R&D tax incentive is far from a startup killer. In fact, she says, it will open up R&D funding to more businesses than ever before.

Budget 2018 signalled significant changes to the government’s approach to R&D. Will the plans push our knowledge economy into the sea – or worse, Australia

The compromises of the Labour-led government’s first budget was a sign of consultation required in the coalition.

A few hours hours before the budget is announced to the public, journalists and other interested parties get a preview in a secure room deep inside the Beehive. This year, Jess McAllen was among them.

The Labour-led government has missed its chance to help those in the worst poverty

He was eager to burnish his fiscal responsibility credentials on his first outing. In doing so he has conjured up a neoliberal triumph

Today we've got all the washing up from yesterday's budget, plus news about councils, cows and creeps.

How did Grant Robertson and co fare? Experts from across a range of sectors give their verdicts.

The Budget's R&D spend looks less than futuristic, says Grant Thornton's Greg Thompson.

Labour is seeking to sell today's funding announcements as an exercise in cleaning up National's mess

The finance minister is about to find out just how difficult it is to keep both constituents and political allies happy, writes Massey University's Grant Duncan.

With the government’s relationship with RNZ rocky, is moving Q+A to primetime a deftly timed olive branch?

With Budget day fast approaching, how will it be sold to the public? And how will the opposition go about pinning a derisive name on it? Let's look back at some of the most valiant attempts.

The health sector needs significant investment, but where is that money going to come from? Grant Thornton’s Pam Newlove says the government needs to look to the private sector.

With the Grant Robertson's big day just weeks away we've created a helpful (mostly) alphabetic introduction to the mysteries of the annual government Budget.

What might the 2018 Budget deliver on regional economic development, and how will it intersect with our largest city? Grant Thornton's Murray Brewer casts his eye over the options and opportunities.

In today's edition: The government's month of hell begins, BP under pressure over fuel price manipulation, and Amazon tax coming on online shopping.