It's suggested the Government's dealing with an economic hangover. 

The half year economic and fiscal update, opening the Government's books, signals a surplus is further away than previously thought. 

Politicians are clashing on what the numbers signal. 

Speaking to Heather du Plessis-Allan, Labour's Ginny Andersen's accusing the Government of austerity, as public sector jobs have faced the chop. 

She says that hits our local bars, restaurants, and businesses and slows the economy. 

National party Minister Mark Mitchell told du Plessis-Allan Kiwis dodged a bullet when changing the Government and they inherited an awful economy. 

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