David Farrar: Nicola vs Grant

Grant Robertson’s 2023 Budget included forecasts for 2026/27. This allows us to directly compare what Grant Robertson said Labour would spend in 26/27 vs what Nicola Willis said she would spend.

Grant said he would spend $31.6 billion on health. Nicola Willis announced $33.9 billion. That’s $2.3 billion more, or 7.2% greater, And again this is comparing 26/27 vs 26/27. The actual increase from 23/24 is 20.2%. So Nicola Willis has funded the health system 20% greater than in 2023, and 7% greater than Labour promised in 2023.

Grant said he would spend $20.9 billion on education. Nicola Willis announced $24.1 billion. That’s $3.2 billion more, or 15.3% greater, And again this is comparing 26/27 vs 26/27. So Nicola Willis has funded the education system 15% greater than Labour promised in 2023.

Cutting back office expenditure does allow you to spend more on frontline services.

Anyone who claims this is an austerity budget is either one of:

1. Certifiable
2. Stupid
3. Dishonest

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders