Live: You asked, Nicola Willis answered. Here’s what she said

Friday, 29 May 2026

Finance Minister Nicola Willis addresses economic uncertainty and budget pushback, defending shifts in university fees-free policy and defense spending.

What you need to know

Read all our Budget 2026 coverage here.
Ask Stuff’s Budget bot anything you need to know about Budget 2026.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is with us from 12pm to answer your questions about the Budget. Drop a question in.
The Government's books are forecast to return to surplus a year earlier than expected - in 2028/29. But that depends on factors (like Donald Trump) that are out of its control.

Follow all the latest news on Budget 2026 in the live blog above.