bCasts

World Vision has just released their annual Price Shocks Report for 2025, examining food price inflation around the world.

They found that while New-Zealand and other wealthier countries saw an improvement in food affordability, many poorer nations reported significantly worsened price to wage ratios. 

While the report highlights a clear need for adequate funding for global humanitarian aid, in 2024 only 47% of required humanitarian food assistance was funded, leaving millions without support.

As conflict, climate change and other global crises exacerbate conditions in the worst-off regions, World Vision is calling for the New Zealand government, among other wealthy nations, to contribute more to assist populations suffering from food insecurity.

Producer Sara spoke with World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice Rebekah Armstrong about this report and World Vision’s call to action for the government. Here is that interview.

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden speaks to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about a potential trade deal with India spearheaded by the Prime Minister, the liquidation of school lunch provider Libelle, and the Labour-led Wage Theft Bill passing its third reading in Parliament.

For International Desk, they speak to Tania Sawicki Mead, Director of Communications at UNICEF Aotearoa, about the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire.

And they speak to Lisa Asher from the University of Sydney about the best ways to disrupt the supermarket duopoly in Aotearoa.

For City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke to Councillor Shane Henderson about a letter from Aucklands local boards to Mayor Wayne Brown concerning the seventeen point six million dollar budget shortfall, as well as Auckland Council’s new dog shelter in response to an increase in roaming dogs

She also spoke with World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, about their latest annual Price Shocks Report, and what the New Zealand government should be doing to address global food insecurity.

Chris catches us up on the arrest of Gandalf, the Northland green fairy, brain receptors for cannabis, Helius has been thrown a million-dollar lifeline and the Dutch government are moving forward with a cannabis experiment despite outcry and vocal opposition from coffeeshops and the ruling coalition parties. Thanks to The Hempstore!

This week on Rāpare Drive, HALFQUEEN chats to Miss Kannina, a Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali nation artist residing in Naarm. Miss Kannina is on the ground for her debut headline tour of Aoteaora - don't sleep on it! Chris chats cannabis in the news on Marijuana Media, thanks to The Hempstore, and there's a brewed blueberry spin on a Spritz for Cocktail Corner, thanks to Black Sands Brewing.

Thanks to The Beer Spot!