The Finance Minister says spending cuts announced today are responsible savings, as they balance delivering services New Zealanders need.

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

He forecasts they'll save almost $4 billion dollars over the next four years.

Robertson says Government spending has gone up significantly over the last six years because of Covid-19.

"We've had to deal with a massive global economic shock, and we've had to protect and support New Zealanders through that. I think that spending was needed, I think most political parties wanted us to spend that."

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