New Zealand finance minister promises to maintain fiscal prudence - Reuters

New Zealand Finance Minister Grant Robertson said on Friday the government is focused on being fiscally prudent and aims to boost the minimum wage, invest in infrastructure, and expand the central bank's objectives to include maximising employment. 

He added, "the government aims to get the net debt down to 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) from the current 22.2 percent within five years, and to deliver operating surpluses each year, barring a major crisis."

Key quotes

This government will dedicate itself to closing the social and infrastructure deficits that have opened up in recent years

The independence of the Bank remains paramount.

We will continue to ensure that inflation is carefully managed within the target band.