bCasts

Global military expenditure reached a record high of two point seven trillion dollars in 2024, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. This is the tenth consecutive year that military spending has increased across the world.

Last week’s Budget announcement, as with declarations of investments earlier this year, in which $12 billion was committed to defence over the next four years, with an aim to reach 2% of GDP, demonstrate the New Zealand government’s interest in keeping up with global standards. 

Peace Movement Aotearoa have called this central government decision “deplorable”, as the same budget made cuts to crucial social services, and has underinvested in urgent issues within sectors like health, climate action, and infrastructure.

Producer Sara spoke with Massey University’s Associate Professor in the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Anna Powles, about why both global and national military spending is increasing despite other crucial areas needing investment.

Sara also spoke with Peace Movement Aotearoa co-ordinator Edwina Hughes about the effects of this increased militarisation taking priority over efforts to address humanitarian issues. 

She began her interview with Associate Professor Anna Powles, by asking what some of the key drivers of this increased global military spending are. 

Reuben Bonner phones-in from Bestie in St Kev's to chat to Jonny all about the announce of K'Rd's most beloved festie.That's right, The Others Way is back for 2025! Taking place on 29 November, the festival has another stellar line-up for you and this year will be shutting down an entire block on Karangahape Road for a brand new outdoor stage. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about Budget 2025, particularly its impact on rangatahi, and the Regulatory Standards Bill.

For International Desk, they spoke to Greenpeace campaigner Juressa Lee about the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference. 

For this week’s City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson on Auckland Council’s recent approval for new development in the city centre, as well as the latest updates in the Western Springs speedway v stadium debate

For her second topic, of national and global military spending, she spoke with Massey University Defence and Security Associate Professor Anna Powles, as well as Peace Movement Aotearoa coordinator Edwina Hughes. 

Last Thursday Budget 2025, the “Growth” Budget, was announced.

As part of the Budget, there were significant changes to Kiwisaver.

There are also new eligibility limits for 18 and 19-year-olds to access benefits, based on parental income.

And the ACT Party’s Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its first reading and is now before the Finance and Expenditure Committee.

The bill has been criticised for its potential effect on the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our laws. 

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke with Shanan Halbert about both of these issues.