Nau mai haere mai and welcome to Budget’s eve.

This will be Grant Robertson’s second ‘Well-being Budget’ and in many ways represents his big opportunity to reboot 2019’s original vision. While an admirable attempt to introduce social imperatives to economic policy, that first attempt ran headlong into COVID-19 and all bets were off.

This time, as author Kate Prickett lays out clearly, Robertson is not only making up for the failure of previous governments to lift more children out of poverty, but is now faced with the pandemic having exacerbated or entrenched many of those lingering inequities.

In particular, the impact on women and mothers has been significant, and all eyes are on Thursday’s Budget to see what it offers those most in need. And look out for our Budget day coverage from a panel of experts, and more in-depth analysis in the following days.

There is plenty more to read in this newsletter and on our homepage, including the latest survey results that show racism is on the rise in New Zealand, an in-depth exploration of trade and investment agreements and the fascinating news that some plants can form social colonies similar to beehives.

Thanks as always for your support and readership. Until next time, mā te wā and all the best.