The big "Budget blowout" or a "balanced" approach - whichever way you view this year's Budget there is no question it has ruffled a few feathers.
Budget 2022 has revealed the initiatives the Government is pumping its spending into - with health taking the crown this year with over $11 billion allocated to the major health reform.
But the surprise cost of living payment is the hot topic on everyone's lips today.
The Government announced a $1 billion cost of living package that will see 2.1 million Kiwis who have earned less than $70,000 in the last tax year receiving roughly $27 per week from the Government for three months from August 1.
Extra cash in the wallet sounds delightful for Kiwis who are battling skyrocketing inflation, but there are a few restrictions that have people questioning the package.
This payment is purely aimed at the middle class, as those already receiving Government payments such as the benefit and superannuation miss out. Those who get the Winter Energy Payment also won't receive the $350.
"Beneficiaries & those receiving winter energy payment are excluded from $350 payment, going to those earning under $70,000. That's outrageous. They're the ones who need it most. I was about to congratulate the Government on a great policy. Terrible," one person tweeted.
"A one-off payment (not even available to people on the benefit or receiving WEP) instead of a guaranteed minimum income, free PT, free dental etc, not good enough," the Young Greens of Aotearoa said.
"So let me get this straight. Robertson is going to tackle inflation by printing MORE money and flooding the economy with handout money?" another person tweeted. "Have I understood correctly?"
But Kiwis aren't the only ones taking a swipe at the Government - National also had a fair share to say about this year's Budget.
National's calling it the "backwards Budget", as the party claimed it was the biggest expenditure in history, cutting into 2023 and 2024's Budgets already.
"'Addicted to spending' is Luxon's new go-to phrase," one person said.
"In the history of the world, has there ever been a budget when the Opposition has said 'You know what, good job'? Politics is so predictable,"
"Half the people on here a bitching about the Govt not spending enough, half bitching that they are spending too much, thankless job for old Grant Robertson this," another person tweeted.
However, for some, the Budget comes as a sigh of relief.
"Good news. Public transport is a social good. Half-price public transport will be made permanent for community service cardholders," one person tweeted.
"The Government has committed $589,000 a year to improve access to primary health care services for transgender people," executive director of Auckland Pride Max Tweedie tweeted.
But the Budget revelations have some groups feeling left out.
"Love that [Grant Robertson] hasn't increased maternity leave payments again. $621 a week before tax is less than 75 percent of the minimum wage. Not really any point in having 26 weeks paid parental leave if no one can afford to take it!" one person tweeted.
"Can we just make dental free already? It’s insanely expensive and an essential health service," advocate and former lawyer Lisa Meto Fox tweeted.
"What a disappointing #Budget2022. No sign of the generational shift in public transport infrastructure funding that we badly need to support urban development, connect communities, and reduce carbon emissions. Extending half-price fares by two months simply not enough," another person tweeted.
"Thirty million for Māori community health providers. It's such a tiny number considering 150 million for 'first-home buyers' like that’s more important than Māori health???!!! Wtf man!" another person wrote.
