There is a tale of two spreadsheets - one healthier than expected, the other needing urgent help.
In Wellington, the government threw open its books, talking of reliance and pandemic bounce-back, with its bottom line considerable stronger than expected.
But further up the island in Auckland, restaurants, bars, retail and other businesses have been locked down or in tight restrictions for almost nine weeks.
There is no clear date yet for them to re-open to real life customers. Their books are looking considerably leaner.
The government's financial statements to the end of June showed strong tax revenue, lower expenses, and less debt than forecast - but that is before the Delta outbreak cast a dark shadow over the coming months.
National is warning things will get even more grim unless more is done to support Auckland businesses.
Here's political reporter Charlie Dreaver.
