Will's Word: Budget Day 2024 has finally arrived

This is a transcript from Will’s Word on Thursday, 30th of May.

All eyes are on Finance Minister Nicola Willis as she prepares to unveil the Government’s budget today.

With expectations running high and the economic landscape rather bleak at the moment, Willis faces the daunting task of striking a delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and meeting the needs of Kiwis.

Now speculation has been rife about the government's fiscal priorities and how Willis intends to navigate our country’s economic downturn.

But the budget isn't just an exercise it's a reflection of the Government's values, its commitment to its people, and its vision for the future.

One of the key issues that will finally be addressed is the Government’s long promised tax relief for the squeezed middle.

Willis must demonstrate her ability to deliver meaningful tax relief that provides genuine support to households and businesses without compromising the government's revenue stream – which is a tough ask isn’t it?

Willis must use this budget as an opportunity to address the pressing concerns facing our communities, particularly Māori.

The recent mobilisation of thousands of protesters shows the growing frustration with government policies and rhetoric that fail to adequately address the needs of indigenous peoples.

In many ways, Willis' performance in this budget announcement will serve as a litmus test for her leadership as Finance Minister and the coalition government as a whole – so the stakes couldn’t be higher for them today.