New Zealand's finance minister has denied the country's new budget is aimed at placating voters ahead of the country's next general election in October.
Asked if the budget was short-term thinking to spend and worry about inflation and high deficits later, Grant Robertson replied: "On no, we're absolutely doing both of those things at the same time." In an exclusive interview with CNBC on Friday, Robertson said: "I think sometimes finance ministers get accused of doing all sorts of things in election years, but actually I feel my job here is to help New Zealanders through this difficult economic time, but also look to those years ahead with inflation a bit lower."following severe weather events and announced measures aimed at helping people cope with rising cost of living despite a larger-than-expected government deficit.