This Thursday is Budget day, when this Government's second budget will be read in Parliament, commencing at 2pm. It is to be delivered midway through the Government's first term of office, and so is very important to the Government. And it is of critical importance to New Zealand.

The focus is on achieving faster and more sustainable economic growth. Look to the budget to tilt the economy towards savings, exports and productive investment, and away from borrowing debt and unsustainable government spending.

Look to the Government to take a responsible approach to managing its finances as it works to get the country back into surplus by turning back the tide of debt. The taxpayer has a right to expect better value for their money than has been the case over the last decade.

What the budget will show is that this government is a responsible manager of the economy with a growth plan and a range of tax changes that better rewards hard work and encourages prosperity. It will be a major step towards lifting New Zealand's economic performance.