National MP Todd Muller is hailing today's budget announcement as a major win for the Bay of Plenty region.

Todd believes Budget 2017 finely balances both investment for the future and 'the needs of today”, while also sharing the benefits of growth by improving public services, investing in much needed infrastructure, reducing debt and lifting incomes.

'This is the budget that New Zealand expects from a competent, future-focused Government that is determined to deliver for everyday kiwis. It's our job to ensure our economy is strong to precisely deliver for those who need it”

'We are all in this together, families are working damn hard, and they expect a competent National Government to manage the economy in a way that can allow us share those benefits directly with kiwi families. This budget delivers just that.”

Todd says the major focus of this budget is delivering for hard working Kiwi families right across the country – including those who choose to call the Bay home.

He points to the $2 billion per year Family Incomes Package which will adjust income tax thresholds, increase Working for Families, and provide additional support to people on low incomes who are facing high accommodation costs.

This is a package that will help Kiwi families get ahead, says Todd

'For the average Bay family of four with two children under 13 and one partner earning $55,000, this will mean an additional increase of $41 in their back pocket per week plus any increase to their accommodation supplement.

'The maximum Accommodation Supplement rate for a two person household increases by between $25 and $75 a week, while the maximum for larger households increases by between $40 and $80 a week as Tauranga has been moved to the highest supported area.

'This is a budget that delivers support for our families that need it the most and confirms what we know to be true in our own lives: when the economy is strong we are able to invest across the board to support those in need.”