The Government says scrapping the First Home Grant scheme is another example of tough decisions it has to make this Budget.

It has also announced $140 million in new funding for 1500 new social housing places.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop says everyone sympathises with first home buyers, but they have to focus on a more vulnerable group of people.

"We are doing the right thing, but I'm not pretending to you it's going to be a popular decision. But this is a Budget in which we're having to make tough decisions - because we were left with a massive mess by Labour."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government says scrapping the First Home Grant scheme is another example of tough decisions it has to make this Budget.
It has also announced $140 million in new funding for 1500 new social housing places.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop says everyone sympathises with first home buyers, but they have to focus on a more vulnerable group of people.
"We are doing the right thing, but I'm not pretending to you it's going to be a popular decision. But this is a Budget in which we're having to make tough decisions - because we were left with a massive mess by Labour."
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.