Finance Minister Grant Robertson's unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances.

Almost $4 billion is forecast in savings over the next four years, with a keen eye on limiting contractors and tacking back under-spends.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this doesn't paint a good picture of the state of the Government's books.

LISTEN ABOVE

Finance Minister Grant Robertson's unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances.
Almost $4 billion is forecast in savings over the next four years, with a keen eye on limiting contractors and tacking back under-spends.
ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this doesn't paint a good picture of the state of the Government's books.
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: ZB senior political correspondent on Grant Robertson slashing and trimming the public service to save $4 billion over the next 4 years

Labour says its solar policy will benefit renters and rural communities, not just city-dwelling homeowners. 

National and Labour's election policies would both let homeowners pay back low-interest loans for solar through their rates. 

But Labour's plan announced today also lets local lines companies provide loans - repaid back through power bills. 

Leader Chris Hipkins says this plan will provide extra grants for low-income households, funding for community batteries and additional support for the workforce. 

"In terms of getting more solar panels on Kiwi roofs faster, the workforce is going to be one of our biggest constraints there."

LISTEN ABOVE

Labour says its solar policy will benefit renters and rural communities, not just city-dwelling homeowners.&nbsp;
National and Labour's election policies would both let homeowners pay back low-interest loans for solar through their rates.&nbsp;
But Labour's plan announced today also lets local lines companies provide loans - repaid back through power bills.&nbsp;
Leader Chris Hipkins says this plan will provide extra grants for low-income households, funding for community batteries and additional support for the workforce.&nbsp;
"In terms of getting more solar panels on Kiwi roofs faster, the workforce is going to be one of our biggest constraints there."
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party unveiling its new SolarSaver package ahead of the election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/93717bd6-d1f6-4c6e-89b9-b481004aad38/transcript

US President Donald Trump is headed to Türkiye for the NATO summit, and anticipation is growing.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is set to be top of mind, but other concerns up for discussion include the US-Iran conflict and America's earlier attempt to acquire Greenland. 

UK correspondent Enda Brady says more defence deals are in the pipeline, but it's unknown what Trump's mood is.

LISTEN ABOVE

US President Donald Trump is headed to Türkiye for the NATO summit, and anticipation is growing.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is set to be top of mind, but other concerns up for discussion include the US-Iran conflict and America's earlier attempt to acquire Greenland.&nbsp;
UK correspondent Enda Brady says more defence deals are in the pipeline, but it's unknown what Trump's mood is.
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK correspondent speaks ahead of Trump appearance at NATO summit

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/babc9061-a7e6-4d57-b7ca-b4800082d9f3/transcript

Relentless rain is driving more evacuations in Kaikōura, which is under a state of emergency.

At least 150 households have been told to evacuate in Kaikōura, most recently from upper Red Swamp.

State Highway 1 is closed between Waipara and Ward, and expected to stay shut overnight.

The Country's Hamish Mackay explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

Relentless rain is driving more evacuations in Kaikōura, which is under a state of emergency.
At least 150 households have been told to evacuate in Kaikōura, most recently from upper Red Swamp.
State Highway 1 is closed between Waipara and Ward, and expected to stay shut overnight.
The Country's Hamish Mackay explained further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on the impacts of the rain in Kaikōura

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/21d81522-254c-46e8-8d83-b480008083ae/transcript

Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Grant Robertson slashing and trimming the public service to save $4 billion over the next 4 years

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