The morning: Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opted for cheese rolls for a morning snack.
There were no pies to be seen, the culinary choice of former Finance Minister and Prime Minister Bill English on Budget Day.
From 10:30am, analysts, treasury staff and journalists were in the 'lock-up' in the Beehive. They're given piles of documents outlining Budget 2018, which are under strict embargo until 2pm. There is no transmission in or out. A challenge.
At midday, Finance Minister Grant Robertson gave a speech outlining the Budget, then there was a quick question and answer session:
A team of Ministers (James Shaw, Shane Jones, David Parker, Megan Woods) were there for moral support during Mr Robertson's speech.
The lunch spread included sausage rolls, mini pies, club sandwhiches, and these lamingtons representing Labour, Green and New Zealand First:
By 2pm, the lockup had finished and reporters frantically published their stories as politicians made their way into the House.
Mr Robertson delivered a speech on the Budget in the House, kicking off the Budget debate.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Newshub she gave the Budget a 7 out of 10, but said her ranking would be improved in future Budgets.
Politicians came out to 'the bridge' to give their take on the Budget and respond to questions:
Deputy Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters presented his drawing: "the National Party, when they're reading the Budget".
Newshub.
