Submission: Budget Policy Statement 2026

Good Shepherd New Zealand recently submitted on the Government’s Budget Policy Statement 2026.

Ahead of the delivery of Budget 2026 in May, the government opened submissions on its funding approach and priorities for the coming year. Should Budget 2026 seek further reprioritisation of funding from initiatives that focus on socio-economic outcomes, we remain concerned about the significant and on-going harm that could be caused.

Budget 2025 has not delivered outcomes for those most in need, and removed funding from important interventions. These savings were achieved through cuts to initiatives that directly impact New Zealanders already facing disadvantage, particularly the changes to the pay equity scheme and tightening of Jobseeker benefits.

Austerity in times of economic stress might provide immediate debt relief but it comes at a cost both in the present and for future generations.