The Wire with Oto

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.

The recent tariffs and protectionist policies brought by US President Donald Trump under his new administration have shaken up multilateral agreements and America’s relationship with their traditional allies.

Trump’s recent policy decisions are part of a growing movement of countries adopting protectionist domestic policies in opposition to international Tax agreements.

Craig Elliffe’, a professor of law at the University of Auckland, has referred to Trump’s new policies as being part of a “quiet revolution” reshaping international tax law.

Oto talked to Craig about his research paper detailing international tax laws and how Trump’s policies are shaping them

Auckland Council's Community Committee has recently reported a 53% rise in rough sleeping over four months, with the data showing the number of people known to be living in cars, parks, or on the streets has risen from 426 in September 2024 to 653 in January 2025.

Kickback, a youth development and social justice community responding to youth homelessness, is calling for an urgent review of The Ministry of Social Development's approach to homelessness.

Producer Amani spoke with General Manager Aaron Hendry about why it is calling for a review and which suggestions it has for the public service department.

Beginning near the start of February this year, the government’s new school lunch program has faced criticism after criticism since its introduction. From supply issues to quality and quantity concerns to dietary considerations and heating issues, the program has had its fair share of teething issues. 

Now the government claims these issues have been ironed out, others continue to arise. Libelle, one of the school lunch providers contracted by the School Lunch collective recently went into liquidation. Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also told parents concerned with the program to “go make a marmite sandwich.”

Also in politics this past week we’ve seen Labour MP Camilla Belich’s private members bill passed by all parties excluding National and ACT. The Crimes (Theft by employer) amendment bill would move wage theft from a civil issue to a criminal issue, which National says is unnecessary and time consuming.

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with school lunch program concerns.