We weren’t expecting much, as Budget 2026 was framed as a ‘‘responsible’’ one. As expected, there has been no lolly scramble. It has been a practical, predictable election-year focus on fiscal restraint and rebuilding confidence. For businesses, that last point matters. Confidence and stability underpin investment, hiring and growth. There wasn’t a lot of new material for business - more a continuation of signals already given. The government had already announced the Gas Transition Support Scheme before the Budget which is welcome recognition that energy reliability is now a core business continuity issue. There are some positive signals for high-growth regions such as Queenstown Lakes/Central Otago. Investment in public infrastructure and new support for high-growth councils through the Incentives for Growth Fund acknowledges the pressure many regions are under.…