The Government's budget announced on 30 May was called the 'Wellbeing' budget with more emphasis on the social wellbeing of the nation than was the case in many past budgets. Mental health received a major boost, and so did KiwiRail with $1 billion being made available, or authorised, for improving the rail network. It could be considered that these funds will contribute to New Zealand's future wellbeing.Understandably KiwiRail's Chief Executive, Greg Miller, was very upbeat about the announcement. The budget also laid out a platform for ongoing investment in rail. Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, in commenting on the budget said the funding was only the beginning of a commitment to rail. The more freight we put on rail the better. It has a benefit for our emissions profile and also for the way that New Zealanders feel safe when they're driving. Secondly, this will add to productivity. We know that if we can get our rail network humming across New Zealand we will be able to more efficiently move goods and people around the country.'
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