The surplus train's left the station early in Budget news today, with the country expected to be out of deficit by 2028/29, a year ahead of predictions.

Government Ministers are trumpeting that figure, alongside a focus on health and infrastructure. 

The Waikato Expressway will get 12 more kilometres, Whangarei a new hospital wing and new police stations are on the horizon for Whanganui and Greymouth. 

The biggest surprise is a tax on banks and insurers, worth roughly $50 million dollars a year. 

The bowel cancer screening age will lower to 56 by September and increased health funding aims to increase surgeries and reduce wait times. 

$450 million has been set aside for targeted support, in case  the fuel crisis worsens. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says things are tough - but its not the time for lolly scrambles. 

She says the crisis is hitting many hard - but the country will bounce back with growth and increasing wages. 

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