World Vision’s annual Price Shocks Report has revealed that basic food items have become more affordable in certain categories in New Zealand.
The report analyses food price inflation across 77 countries for common food items, including rice, bananas, chicken, tomatoes, eggs, milk, and oil—by comparing current prices with those from the previous year.
It found that New Zealand experienced an 18% drop in food prices in 2024, contrasting sharply with the 56% increase observed for the same essential food items in 2023.
The average New Zealander needed to work for 2.4 hours to afford the said common food items, down from 3 hours required in the year prior.
Meanwhile, the report has also emphasised that the most vulnerable populations in the world’s poorest countries continue to face the greatest challenges in affording food.
In 16 countries in this year’s study, individuals would need to work for more than seven days to afford World Vision’s standard food basket. These nations include Sudan, Chad, Somalia, and Burundi. Many of which are experiencing environmental extremes, armed conflict, massive population displacement, and political instability.
“This report is released in turbulent and uncertain times, and the findings emphasise the need for urgent action to sustain global food systems and prevent the agonising impacts of hunger,” World Vision Head of Advocacy and Justice Rebekah Armstrong said.
Armstrong emphasised that addressing the root causes of hunger is crucial, but equally important is the provision and delivery of sufficient emergency food aid.
“Sadly, we know that humanitarian funding for food security programming is expected to fall far short of the target to address predicted needs in 2025.”
“That means millions will go hungry due to a deficit of political will and resources. It doesn’t have to be this way,” she said.
Armstrong noted that in 2024, only 47% of the required humanitarian food assistance was funded, resulting in millions of people being left without necessary support.
“Food insecurity is an indicator of wider instability, but it also contributes to political unrest, conflict, economic stagnation and delays in development. Addressing food security is a proven method to help create a safer and more secure world for everyone,” she added.
World Vision is urging the New Zealand government to make a commitment to support humanitarian food aid, climate adaptation efforts, and global hunger responses. This appeal is particularly focused on the Asia-Pacific region, where communities are highly susceptible to climate-related and economic challenges.