Simon Bridges National Party Leader simonbridges.co.nz

In the past decade, New Zealand has experienced one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world. Labour couldn't have hoped to inherit an economy in better shape.

Yet what are they doing? They're taxing more, spending more, borrowing more, and hoping that New Zealanders won't notice their broken promises.

By now you will have had time to absorb what the Budget means for you and your family.

You will have noticed that there are no universal cheaper doctor's visits, the 1,800 extra cops have been delayed and watered down, and there are no free iPads for every child at school.

There is extra spending for things like the provincial slush fund, diplomats for Winston and free tertiary education which has done nothing to lift student numbers.

Jacinda Ardern talks about a squeeze on middle New Zealand, but it's her government that is doing the squeezing by adding more taxes to meet bad spending promises.

The government is imposing new petrol taxes, worth up to 25 cents more per litre.

Motorists in Tauranga are going to end up paying for trams in Auckland, and contributing to Auckland's infrastructure by sharing the costs of the Auckland regional fuel tax.

It's hypocritical for the government to claim it's trying to act on rising petrol prices when its decisions are driving prices up.

The worst part is that we know the government doesn't need to raise taxes because it is awash with cash.