The 2026 Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis today, and it aimed to be more 'careful' amid the ongoing economic turmoil and international conflicts.

Healthcare, education, and infrastructure were the key priorities - and the Government's claimed the books will return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Winston Peters has lucked out, as he's secured an extra financial boost in terms of foreign aid.

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The 2026 Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis today, and it aimed to be more 'careful' amid the ongoing economic turmoil and international conflicts.
Healthcare, education, and infrastructure were the key priorities - and the Government's claimed the books will return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year.&nbsp;
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Winston Peters has lucked out, as he's secured an extra financial boost in terms of foreign aid.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the key points from Budget 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7baa5c19-fd81-487e-879e-b458005cbe10/transcript

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 14 August.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 14 August. 
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 14 August 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/823e88ca-4cab-4b47-91bf-b4a60076afbe/transcript

Senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Andrew Dickens to review the week in politics. 

PM Chris Luxon has survived a second challenge to his leadership this year. A failed coup ended with a caucus vote that ruled in the Prime Minister's favour, and saw the sacking of former Defence Minister Chris Penk.

And Opportunity could be the kingmakers in this election as some polls predict the newcomers will get as high as 8% of the vote. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Senior political reporter Azaria Howell joins Andrew Dickens to review the week in politics.&nbsp;
PM Chris Luxon has survived a second challenge to his leadership this year. A failed coup ended with a caucus vote that ruled in the Prime Minister's favour, and saw the sacking of former Defence Minister Chris Penk.
And Opportunity could be the kingmakers in this election as some polls predict the newcomers will get as high as 8% of the vote.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB senior political reporter wraps the week in politics

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9081725d-237d-4811-ad60-b4a6006bbd4d/transcript

A number of people appear to be dodging their civic duty.

The Spinoff reports about a third of people summoned for jury service last year didn't respond to their summons or turn up to court.

It's the highest rate recorded in the past five years.

Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Andrew Dickens that those people would want someone to step up for them if they were accused of a crime.

She says it's incredibly important to show up to jury service, and equally, to see the harm being caused in the community. 

LISTEN ABOVE

A number of people appear to be dodging their civic duty.
The Spinoff reports about a third of people summoned for jury service last year didn't respond to their summons or turn up to court.
It's the highest rate recorded in the past five years.
Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Andrew Dickens that those people would want someone to step up for them if they were accused of a crime.
She says it's incredibly important to show up to jury service, and equally, to see the harm being caused in the community.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Ruth Money: Chief Victims Advisor comments on Kiwis dodging jury service

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0776dd38-b37f-4ae4-a41c-b4a60061f02e/transcript

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the key points from Budget 2026

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