The Government says its financial accounts continue to reflect the resilience of the economy and confidence in their economic recovery plan.

The Crown accounts for the nine months to the end of March 2021 show both operating balance before gains and losses (OBEGAL) and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update (HYEFU) released in December last year.

The OBEGAL was $5.2 billion better than forecast in the HYEFU. Tax revenue was $69.9 billion, $4 billion above forecast due to higher than expected corporate and income tax, and GST revenue.

Net core Crown debt was 33.3 per cent of GDP, $6.6 billion less than forecast.

'The economy's robustness and confidence in the recovery has meant the Crown's financial accounts are in better shape than expected. The Government's vaccine rollout and careful re-opening of the borders provides further confidence as we focus on accelerating the recovery,” says Minister of Finance Grant Robertson.

'Our resilience, however, will continue to be tested. The devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on India is a painful reminder that we are still in a volatile and uncertain global economic environment. Supply chain issues affect the economy. Some sectors and regions in New Zealand remain under pressure.

'While these results are strong, we do need to remember that we are still facing elevated levels of debt and OBEGAL deficits for some years to come as a result of the borrowing needed to support New Zealanders through Covid-19.

'Budget 2021 will reflect the economic conditions and revenue situation and take a balanced approach that continues to emphasise spending to areas and people where it is needed most alongside careful fiscal management.

'We have used our strong balance sheet in response to Covid and will continue to invest to meet our three priorities of keeping New Zealanders safe, accelerating the recovery and address long standing issues of climate change, housing affordability and child wellbeing. We will do all this while working towards reducing our debt levels,” says Robertson.