The Government’s savings initiatives outlined in today’s Budget address by Finance Minister Michael Cullen have received the thumbs up from financial services company ING New Zealand.

"Budget 2005 will help New Zealanders to save, giving them greater security and choice and strengthening the economy," says Finance Minister Michael Cullen.

The creation of KiwiSaver complements the government's commitment to ensuring New Zealanders can enjoy a decent income when they retire, says Finance Minister Michael Cullen.

"The Kiwi dream of owning your own home will be brought within the grasp of thousands more New Zealanders each year as a result of Budget 2005," says Housing Minister Steve Maharey.

Rozanna Wozniak, chief economic adviser to Spicers Wealth Managment says the Kiwi Savers scheme as proposed in the Budget will be ignored by most NZers.

The Retirement Commissioner Diana Crossan welcomes the Government’s work based savings initiative as a positive step which offers New Zealanders an easy way to save.

Savings industry is pleased that call for taxation neutrality has been answered.

The New Zealand residential property market experienced its traditionally “soft” month during April, according to the president of the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, Howard Morley.

Rotorua

AXA New Zealand believes the anticipated Budget announcement of initiatives to encourage workplace-based retirement saving will have a major influence on the saving behaviour of New Zealanders.

Weekly Home Loan Report: Interest rates appear to be in a bit of a holding pattern.

Auckland

The Asian growth power house