[3] In response to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the country entered into a nationwide lockdown on the evening of 25 March,[4] in which all non-essential businesses were closed.

[5] Because of the closure of businesses, the government offered a $12.1 billion wage subsidy scheme to offset employment costs in an attempt to keep as many New Zealanders as possible in their jobs.

Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope welcome the 2020 budget's free trades and apprenticeship scheme, describing it as a way of "turbo-charging" the economy.

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson welcomed the Budget's investments in addressing family violence, Whānau Ora services and housing, and targeted funding towards Māori.

[14] The Opportunities Party's leader Geoff Simmons criticised the 2020 budget for prioritising businesses over people and advocated a universal basic income in order to stimulate economic growth.