Instead, this Budget backs New Zealanders in shaping the new normal that is life with COVID. It builds on the collective hard work that has delivered a strong economic base to meet core needs across health, education, and housing, while also supporting climate action and investing in the skills, infrastructure, and industries we need to grow higher-paying jobs. We are providing support in the here and now for those facing cost of living pressures, while carefully managing our spending and keeping debt under control. This Budget represents a major step towards a future where we provide economic security to all New Zealanders while delivering higher-wage jobs that support a low-emissions economy.