Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures

An embrace in Parliament shortly after the Budget went public.
An embrace in Parliament shortly after the Budget went public. Photo credit: Getty

The morning: Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern opted for cheese rolls for a morning snack.

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Twitter/ Grant Robertson

There were no pies to be seen, the culinary choice of former Finance Minister and Prime Minister Bill English on Budget Day. 

Some Newshub reporters waiting for the lock up to begin.
Some Newshub reporters waiting for the lock up to begin. Photo credit: Newshub/ Henry McMullan

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.

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall

At midday, Finance Minister Grant Robertson gave a speech outlining the Budget, then there was a quick question and answer session: 

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall

A team of Ministers (James Shaw, Shane Jones, David Parker, Megan Woods) were there for moral support during Mr Robertson's speech.  

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall

The lunch spread included sausage rolls, mini pies, club sandwhiches, and these lamingtons representing Labour, Green and New Zealand First: 

Lamingtons symbolising the coalition and confidence and supply agreements that make up the Government.
Lamingtons symbolising the coalition and confidence and supply agreements that make up the Government. Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall

By 2pm, the lockup had finished and reporters frantically published their stories as politicians made their way into the House.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Finance Minister Grant Robertson, Green Party co-leader and Climate Change Minister James Shaw.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Finance Minister Grant Robertson, Green Party co-leader and Climate Change Minister James Shaw. Photo credit: Getty

Mr Robertson delivered a speech on the Budget in the House, kicking off the Budget debate.

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Parliament TV

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. 

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Getty

Politicians came out to 'the bridge' to give their take on the Budget and respond to questions: 

Winston Peters speaks to reporters about the Budget.
Winston Peters speaks to reporters about the Budget. Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall
National leader Simon Bridges tears into the Budget with the party's finance spokesperson Amy Adams.
National leader Simon Bridges tears into the Budget with the party's finance spokesperson Amy Adams. Photo credit: Newshub/ Emma Hurley
Minister for Women, Associate Minister for Health and Transport Julie Anne Genter.
Minister for Women, Associate Minister for Health and Transport Julie Anne Genter. Photo credit: Newshub/ Anna Bracewell Worrall

Deputy Prime Minister and NZ First leader Winston Peters presented his drawing: "the National Party, when they're reading the Budget". 

Budget 2018: As it happened in pictures
Photo credit: Newshub/ Matt Smith

Newshub.