Highlights and key points

24 May 2001

• The operating surplus for 2000-01 is projected to be $641 million.

• Spending is at its lowest level as a proportion of gross domestic product since 1977.

• Net debt is forecast to fall to 17.8 per cent of gdp by the end of this electoral term, down from 21.7 per cent when the Government took office.

• $34.35 million package for economic and regional development

• An extra $467 million over four years for education, featuring boosts for adult literacy programmes, early childhood education and school principals' professional development.

• A commitment of nearly $62 million over four years on implementing the review of sport, fitness and leisure.

• An investment of $20 million in establishing centres of research excellence in tertiary institutions.

• A commitment of $100 million in the coming year to the New Zealand Venture Investment Fund so more businesses can be set on the path to global success.

• New health spending in the budget of about $1.4 billion over the next four years million, including $84.4 million a year for elective surgery.

• An increase of $173 million over four years for Child, Youth and Family Services.

• An extra $166 million for the police over the next four years.

• New spending of $46 million over four years on cultural and economic empowerment for Maori.

• The budget makes an initial contribution of $600 million to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.