Reactions follow Budget 2025 announcements and spending changes

Thursday 22 May 2025 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 22 May 2025, 7:47pm

In this story Labour Party, Nicola Willis

The National-led government has announced a budget that redirects $5.3 billion in annual savings toward health, education, law and order, and defence. Labour claims the funding comes from changes to pay equity rules, while protesters gathered at Parliament to express anger over the policy shifts.

How they headlined it

3:36pm6pm6:29pm7:47pm

1. 1NewsThu 22 May 2025, 3:36pm

   Budget views: National 'to lose women's votes', economy 'set up for future' (opens in new tab)

   • 'Growth Budget' or 'Austerity Budget'? All the reaction from Parliament (opens in new tab) Thu 22 May 2025, 6:00pm
2. RNZThu 22 May 2025, 6:29pm

   Labour claims budget is being paid for by the countries women (opens in new tab)

3. StuffThu 22 May 2025, 7:47pm

   ‘Women’s pay' and ‘retirement funds’ paying for Budget 2025, Labour says (opens in new tab)