Within 18 hours of the Budget being released, there were 240,821 visits to the government’s tax calculator website, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced.

The website outlines the tax relief available to lower and middle-income New Zealanders, indicating strong public interest in understanding the Budget’s impact on personal finances.

“Hardworking Kiwis, who often work two jobs and juggle family commitments, need tax relief to keep their heads above water, and this Budget delivers for them,” Willis said.

The Budget, which includes the first tax relief in 14 years for low and middle-income earners, aims to address the higher living costs affecting many households.

Starting July 31, the average income household will receive up to NZ$102 a fortnight to help manage cost of living pressures.

Approximately 1.9 million households, representing 94 per cent of all households in New Zealand, will benefit from this tax relief.

Willis highlighted the public’s response, noting the significant traffic to the tax calculator site.

“The surge of visitors to our tax calculator shows that Kiwis want to know exactly how the Budget affects them, and how much better off they will be as a result of the savings we have made and the tax relief we are delivering,” she said.

The Finance Minister assured that the tax calculator is reliable, backed by the most recent and accurate data from the Treasury.

It has been tested extensively over the past few months to ensure it accurately reflects the benefits from adjustments in tax brackets, the in-work tax credit, and the expansion of the independent earner tax credit.

“Our Budget delivers for New Zealanders, and I continue to encourage all Kiwis to use our tax calculator at Budget.govt.nz/taxcalculator to see how much they will benefit from July 31,” Willis added.

This significant policy change marks a pivotal moment for New Zealanders who have faced financial strain due to increasing costs and stagnant wages.

By providing tangible relief, the government aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures that have built up over more than a decade.