Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future.

Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus. 

There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027.

Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach. 

"There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well."

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies. 

He says there's clearly not much.

"I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election."

LISTEN ABOVE