NZ Budget: Sees 2021 GDP at +2.9% vs. HYEFU +1.5%

Nz sees 2021 operating surplus before gains, losses nz$-15.127 bln (hyefu nz$-21.576 bln)

Nz sees 2022 obegal surplus/deficit nz$-18.409 bln (hyefu nz$-16.449 bln)

Nz sees 2023 obegal surplus/deficit nz$-9.486 bln (hyefu nz$-10.258 bln)

Nz sees 2021 net debt 34.0 pct of gdp (hyefu 39.7 pct)

Nz 2021 cash balance nz$-25.277 bln (hyefu -40.177 bln)

Nz 2022 cash balance nz$-39.232 billion

Nz sees 2021 gdp +2.9 pct (hyefu +1.5 pct)

Nz net debt seen peaking at 48% of gdp in 2023; reduces to 43.6% of gdp in 2025

Nz unemployment rate seen at 5.2% in 2021; to fall back to 4.2% by 2024

Nz finance minister robertson says long-term effects of pandemic not as severe as previously thought

Weekly benefit rates lifted by between nz$32 and nz$55 per adult

more to come ...