Neale and Tim join Kathryn for a preview of the Budget - what of the pre-Budget announcements so far, how bad might the state of the nation's books be and what does success look like for Finance Minister Nicola Willis? They'll also discuss the government's recent announcements on gangs, charter schools and pick over how the coalition's pledges are proceeding - are some proving trickier than others?

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital.

Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details