Consume This: Recent Episodes
Consumer NZ
Consume This picks apart our habits. Our impact on the environment, marketing’s impact on us, and all the good and bad aspects of being a modern day life.
All the views & opinions expressed in the programme are the hosts own and do not represent those of any employers, institutions or organisations they are affiliated with unless explicitly stated. At least for Sophie, Jon's the Consumer CEO so... All views and opinions are expressed in good faith.
Sophie Stewart unpacks why the sun is so strong in Aotearoa, and how we can protect ourselves. In this episode she's joined by:
Christina Baldarelli, NIWA's Olaf Morgenstern, and University of Otago researcher Bronwen McNoe.
This episode was made possible in part with support from the Ministry of Health.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Journalist Bernard Hickey joins Jon Duffy on this episode of Consume This to discuss, competition, scams, and why we all deserve better from our banks.
As part of this podcast for a limited time Consumer NZ members can get 50% off a full subscription to Bernards independent media platform The Kaka. You can find all the details of that offer here.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Toothbrushing is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Done right it takes just four minutes a day, can save endless pain, and thousands of dollars. Because let’s face it, the only thing that might worse than the excruciating, eye popping pain of a toothache is forking over an entire pay packet to the dentist...
On this episode of Consume This we take on the latest New Zealand Health Survey Data to understand where we are going wrong with our approach to oral health and what we’re doing about it.
Sophie Stewart is joined by:
- NZ Dental Association Spokesperson Dr Rob Beaglehole
- National Clinical Director Of Oral Health Dr Riana Clarke
- And some of the team behind Auckland supervised toothbrushing project Niho Kura....
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In 1947, the small west coast town of Greymouth came together to fight an increase in the price of beer. Their boycott of the local pubs lasted four and a half months, was ultimately a success, and became the first major consumer action in our history.
In this episode Jon Duffy & Sophie Stewart look back at the history of Consumer action in Aotearoa, unpick Consumer NZs role in it, and look towards our future.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Former Prime Minister Dame Jenny Shipley sits down with Consume This producer Tom and Powerswitch manager Paul Fuge to discuss the future of New Zealand's electricity sector.
In this exclusive episode, Shipley shares her insights on the Bradford reforms, gentailers, and the need for a more sustainable energy future. She also weighs in on the controversial issue of nuclear power, and offers her thoughts on how New Zealand can meet its energy needs in the years to come.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the future of New Zealand's energy sector.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Consume This hosts a pre-election panel debate featuring the leaders of four of New Zealand's major political parties.
ACT MP Damian Smith, Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter, Labour Party MP leader Ingrid Leary, and National Party MP Andrew Bayly will fiercely debate the cost of living crisis, the environment and greenwashing, transport, and more.
This is a must-listen episode if you want to know what the major political parties are planning to do about the most pressing issues facing New Zealand. The four panelists are all passionate and knowledgeable about their respective parties’ policies. They're sure to give you a lot to think about.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is part two of our examination of the electricity industry. We attempt to understand what changes we should make to the structure of our electricity market to keep it functioning well into the future.
Joining Jon Duffy in this high voltage episode are:
- Paul Fuge - Manager of Powerswitch
- Dame Jenny Shipley - Former Prime Minister
- Max Bradford - Former Energy Minister
- David Reeve & Steve Batstone - Whiteboard Energy Consultants
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Twenty-five years ago, sweeping reforms of New Zealand’s electricity sector promised us increased competition and lower prices. We look back to assess what we were promised against what was delivered…
Joining Jon Duffy in this high voltage episode are:
- Paul Fuge - Manager of Powerswitch
- Dame Jenny Shipley - Former Prime Minister
- Max Bradford - Former Energy Minister
- Geoff Bertram - Economist
- David Reeve & Steve Batstone - Whiteboard Energy Consultants
Jon Duffy & Sophie Stewart catch up with four of our favourite stories from previous seasons.
Staring:
Rachel from Scammed: How I Lost $100k On A Dating App
Toby Green from Bamboozled: Can We Kick The Plastic?
Thomas Swain from The Bank Of Mum & Dad
vladimir Zdravkovich from My House Earns More Than Me
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The ability to access healthcare services is vital for the overall well-being of individuals. With the rapid development of technology, these services have evolved significantly over time, providing opportunities to expand access and improve healthcare delivery.
Telehealth platforms have emerged as a prime example of this evolution, connecting patients and healthcare providers regardless of distance. Chair of the ‘NZ Telehealth Forum’ Dr. Ruth Large joins us to discuss the ‘Patient Anywhere Clinician Elsewhere’ concept as set out in a recent NZTF white-paper. This paradigm shift aims to provide alternative options for patients needing flexible healthcare solutions.
Plus podcast host Jon Duffy examines the prevalence of D.I.Y home health tests in Aotearoa. He does this in his own particular way... By pooing in two sample jars and posting them to the Hawkes Bay. As we discover it's all in the name of science and mapping his microbiome. While the information provided by these tests may be interesting, it’s crucial to comprehend the implications of the data and recognise the limitations of this technology. Chair of the Gut Foundation Dr. Richard Gearry talks us through Jon’s results and highlights issues surrounding the general public's ability to interpret the data.
For more information on the PACE model you can view the white-paper on the NZ Telehealth Forum Website.
For more information the The Gut Foundation check out their website.
This episode was made possible with support from the Ministry of Health.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A few weeks ago we sent podcast producer Tom up to Napier to report on impact of the cyclone. The story he’s come back with is a journey through the food supply chain.
Philip Barber of Petane Wines shows us his vineyard in the Esk Valley. It’s one of the worst hit in the region. Basically, it doesn’t exist anymore. Will he replant, or just quit and get a job? From there we drive towards Pakowhai with the general manager of Yummy Fruit Paul Painter. He gives us an inside look at the financial repercussions of the disaster. Spoiler alert – It doesn’t look great. Up next we meet Ben Duclercq the owner of Petit Jardin, a small farm in Bay View. He lost over 75% of his crop. We follow the impact of this through to his buyer Tim Stevens ,and learn what effect these losses are having on food prices and the cost of living.
It’s a story of destruction, personal loss, and ultimately hope for the future.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode we explore the “Therapeutic Products Bill” and the impact the proposed new legislation will have on natural health products, supplements, their consumers and the people who make them.
We want to know what you think about these supplements and the proposed regulation, so for the first time ever we open the Consume This phone lines and take your calls!
The full “Therapeutic Products Bill”, all 423 pages(!) are available to read here.
You can read our considerably shorter written submission on the bill via the Consumer NZ website.
This episode was made possible with support from the Ministry of Health
Sophie Richardson unpacks how a lack of regulation led to Aotearoa developing a world leading youth vaping problem. We examine how our vaping rates compare to the rest of the world, why, and what we can do about it. Featuring the story of Ollie* a 17 year old former schoolyard vape dealer who picked up the habit at just 11 years old. As well as contributions from public health and tobacco expert Candace Bagnall, and Onslow College principal Sheena Millar.
The MoH public consultation document which includes a section on youth vaping is available here.
Janet Hoek’s blog on daily nicotine use in year 10 students can be found here on the University Of Otago website.
The full transcript of this episode is available via the Consumer NZ website.
If you want help to stop vaping support is available in New Zealand via Quitline on 0800 788 788 or via text on 4006.
This episode was made possible with support from the Ministry of Health.
*Ollie is not his real name.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode takes you on a trip into the world of harm reduction and illegal-drug checking clinics. Aotearoa is the first country in the world to explicitly legalise these testing services. We also link up with James*. He has a mysterious brown powder which was sold as MDMA, but is it? There’s only one way to find out... We attend a testing session with 'Know Your Stuff' to get it checked. We also find out what evidence there is that these services are reducing harm and keeping people safer.
You can find all of the stats referenced in this episode via the Know Your Stuff website.
To find a testing clinic near you check this calendar via The Level. Their website it also a great source of easy to understand information on drugs.
The full 'Misuse Of Drugs (Drug and Substance Checking Service Providers) Regulations 2022 bill can be found here.
If you are concerned about your own drug taking, or about a loved one, you can contact the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 or text 8681, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are free and confidential. You'll speak with a trained counsellor, who will be able to provide you with information, insight and support.
This episode was made possible with support from the Ministry of Health.
*James is not his real name.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jon Duffy & Sophie Richardson are joined by Consumer NZ advocate Aneleise Gawn. She talks us through the recently launched "Flight Rights" campaign and answers your airline related questions.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled for reasons within an airline’s control, such as staffing, operational or mechanical issues, you have rights under the Civil Aviation Act (CAA). But airlines aren’t required to tell you about these rights. Instead, they keep quiet, or worse, provide false or misleading information. And they’re not always upfront about the reason a flight is delayed or cancelled. This makes it almost impossible to work out what you’re entitled to. People are being left out of pocket and airlines are getting away with shirking their obligations under the law.
Enough is enough. We want action now. We’re calling for airlines to communicate honestly with passengers about the reason for cancellations and delays, and clearly display their rights. That's why we're running the Flight Rights campaign.
Sign the Flight Rights petition here - https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/flight-rights
Stuck dealing with an unruly airline? Find out more about your rights - https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/your-rights-when-travelling
Donate to Consumer NZ to help fund out advocacy work and keep the pressure on - https://campaigns.consumer.org.nz/donate
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Consume This hosts Jon Duffy & Sophie Richardson recap on season two and share some of their favourite moments from the episodes.
Join the Consume This mailing list here.
You can find more information on Consumer NZ and become a member here. We'd love it if you'd consider joining.
If you have any feedback or anything you'd like us to cover in season three we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Please consider leaving us a review in your podcast app or by following this link.
How much information should a landlord or property manager ask for? In this episode we delve into the thorny issue of power imbalance in the New Zealand residential rental market. Plus what can go wrong when your sensitive information isn't protected.
Host Sophie Richardson is joined by Jackie Adams the Compliance & Enforcement Manager at the Office Of The Privacy Commissioner, Ashok Jacob from Renters United, David Pearse from the RPMA and Zenani Moore.
OPC Privacy guidance for landlords & tenants can be found here.
Our summery of tenants rights is available via the Consumer NZ website.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Consume This presents a special one off bonus episode recorded live at the Wellington Museum. It's a panel discussion and Q&A which was held as part of our stakeholder engagement event.
The panel is hosted by Sophie Richardson and features Toby Green, Kena Duignan & Paul Smith.
Slight correction: at around 5'45 Kena says that the Hauora Kai Co-Op supplies 11,000 whānau. This should be 1,100.
What do retailers did with nearly new, but faulty, small appliances? If they are repaired, it’s not obvious where they are resold. If they aren’t repaired, where do they end up? We use GPS trackers to follow a dead fridge and faulty food mixers to their final destinations. Follow our journey to see where the broken appliances end up.
In this episode host Jon Duffy is joined by Consumer NZ 'Product Test Manager' Paul Smith, as well as Appliance Outlet manager Michael Lovell and Computer Recycling boss Patrick Moynahan.
You can read more about this story and check out some photos of the journey via our website.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
What do retailers did with nearly new, but faulty, small appliances? If they are repaired, it’s not obvious where they are resold. If they aren’t repaired, where do they end up? We use GPS trackers to follow a dead fridge and faulty food mixers to their final destinations. Follow our journey to see where the broken appliances end up.
In this episode host Jon Duffy is joined by Consumer NZ 'Product Test Manager' Paul Smith, Porirua City Council Waste Manager David Down, & the boss of Spicer landfill Brendon Cribb.
You can read more about this story and check out some photos of the journey via our website.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is it so hard for us to stop using single use plastic packaging? We follow Elysian Foods owner Toby Green on his quest to ditch the polymers.
In this episode he's joined by host Jon Duffy, we're joined by packaging consultant Sarah and Yanez ThinkStep technical director Jeff Vickers.
The 'Rethinking Plastics Aotearoa' report can be found here.
ThinkSteps lifecycle analysis for NZ post is here.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is it so hard for us to stop using single use plastic packaging? We follow Elysian Foods owner Toby Green on his quest to ditch the polymers.
In this episode he's joined by host Jon Duffy, zero wast expert Hannah Blumhardt, and ThinkStep technical director Jeff Vickers.
The 'Rethinking Plastics Aotearoa' report can be found here.
ThinkSteps lifecycle analysis for NZ post is here.
To become a member of Consumer NZ check out our website.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Bank of Mum and Dad plays a sizeable role when it comes to helping young home buyers on the property ladder. Consume This research has found the Bank of Mum and Dad (BOMD) has doled out a whopping $22.6 billion in loans. That make it the fifth largest lender after ANZ, ASB, Westpac and BNZ when it comes to owner-occupier loans.
Last time up we heard from the borrowers. In this episode... It's the turn of the bank. Noel Bates & Bob Metcalfe share their efforts to help their children into a home. Brandon Vaaulu reveals his technique for getting ahead with out the bank of mum and dad. Plus Economist Shamubeel Eaqub takes a look at what we could do to make things easier for first-home buyers - and their parents!
You can find out full Bank Of Mum & Dad research report here.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Bank of Mum and Dad plays a sizeable role when it comes to helping young home buyers on the property ladder. Consume This research has found the Bank of Mum and Dad (BOMD) has doled out a whopping $22.6 billion in loans. That make it the fifth largest lender after ANZ, ASB, Westpac and BNZ when it comes to owner-occupier loans.
You can find out full Bank Of Mum & Dad research report here.
In this episode we're joined by economist Shamubeel Eaqub, and recent Bank of Mum & Dad recipient Thomas Swain as we ask what effect this is having on Aotearoa.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sophie is on a journey to understand how and why a doctors visit for a mild fear of flying resulted in a blanket "Mental Health Exclusion" when she applied for income protection insurance. We unpick how this happened, why, and what it tells us about the way we treat mental health.
Part two sees Sophie visit insurance broker Alan Borthwick and track down Naomi Ballantyne, the managing director of Partners Life - one of New Zealand's largest insurers.
If you are struggling with your mental health you can call or text 1737 talk to a trained councillor 24/7. A list of other resources is available via the Mental Health Foundation website. We are grateful to the mental health foundation for supporting our work in this area.
For further reading on this issue check out the consumer NZ article Insuring Mental Health.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sophie is on a journey to understand how and why a doctors visit for a mild fear of flying resulted in a blanket "Mental Health Exclusion" when she applied for income protection insurance. We unpick how this happened, why, and what it tells us about the way we treat mental health.
Part one features Mental Health & Wellbeing Commission board member Taimi Allan and Sophie's ex-GP Dr Lesley Rothwell. Plus guest appearances from insurance broker Alan Borthwick & managing director of Partners Life Naomi Ballantyne. You'll hear more from them in part two,
If you are struggling with your mental health you can call or text 1737 talk to a trained councillor 24/7. A list of other resources is available via the Mental Health Foundation website. We are grateful to the mental health foundation for supporting our work in this area.
For further reading on this issue check out the consumer NZ article Insuring Mental Health.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
The average car is parked 95% of the time and the average drill gets used for just 13 minutes across its whole life. With that in mind do we really all need to own our own, or is there another way? Should we, and could we, all just share?
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does sex come with consumer rights? The short answer is yes, if you pay for it.
In 2003 the ‘Prostitution Reform Act’ squeezed through New Zealand parliament by just one vote! The result of that one vote is that it’s 100% legal to operate a brothel, work as a Sex Worker, or be a client.
The law reform was driven by the NZ Prostitute Collective with the aim of creating safer conditions for Sex Workers. According to studies by the University of Otago & the Prostitution Reform Committee, this has been a success.
Post decriminalisation the sex industry is treated – in law at least – just like any other business. This means, like other service providers the suppliers have obligations under the Consumer Guarantees and Fair-Trading Acts. If you go to a brothel and the service isn’t very good, can you complain and ask for your money back?
This gives rise to another question... Are those consumer rights fit for purpose, or is there an inherent tension between protecting the rights of workers and the rights of consumers?
To dive into this we hear from Dan* about his experiences as a client buying sex & Madam Mary, the owner and manager of Wellington brothel Funhouse.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
*Dan is his real name!
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s life like for our Newest New Zealanders? This episode looks at the small struggles and barriers recent arrivals need to overcome to make Aotearoa their home. Staring Rohingya Refugee Hafsar Tameesuddin, former Yugoslav Vladimir Zdravkovich, recently married couple Hassan Tahir & Mehpara Kahn, and South African Kathryn Laverock.
Our thanks this week to Open Road. You can find out more about their program here.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sunscreen, Sun cream, Teamy Creamy... Whatever you call it, it’s a crucial part of summer. It stops us burning and makes a day at the beach, or on the cricket field that bit more enjoyable. But not all sunscreens are created equal. We know that SPF 50 provides better protection than SPF 30, but it goes way beyond that. As unlikely as it may seem Sunscreens are the scene of a three decade, international, multi-million-dollar fraud. A fraud conducted by Gabriel Letizia Jr and his testing company AMA labs.
Consumer NZ has been testing the sunscreens available in the New Zealand market for over ten years, and every year we find products that don’t live up to the SPF claims on their labels. This year – 2021 – is no exception. You can find the most recent sunscreen test results on our website here. The page will be updated early next year when the rest of the results land.
Our thanks this week to Belinda Castles, John Staton, Holly Feng, Craig Dennyson, Pip Brown A.K.A. Ladyhawke & Janina Finn.
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
As scary as it sounds, we’re rapidly heading towards Christmas! The holidays can be an exciting time, they’re full of food, friends, family and fun. But they can also be crammed with spending and shopping. One of our biggest expenses, in time and money, is the Christmas present!
On this episode of Consume This we’re unwrapping the psychology and economics behind our giving. Plus, New Zealand's ‘unofficial Christmas historian’ Ali Clarke delves into why we give gifts at Christmas at all. Paul Harrison – a consumer behavior specialist – explains what our choice of gift says about our relationship, and why you might be better off taking a step back from the marketing. That’s something pod host Jon Duffy discovers first hand when a secret Santa gift gone wrong provokes serious ire from co-host Sophie Richardson. But why is Sophie so angry? It’s all because of a lack of gift giving reciprocity. As Ananish Chaudhuri, professor of behavioral economics at Auckland university explains – that’s more important that you might think...
For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
We all have a vague sense that groceries are really expensive. If you’ve been around long enough you might even be thinking ‘it never used to be this way’. But are we really being charged too much? According to the Commerce Commission the answer may well be yes. For the last 12 months they’ve been conducting a market study into the grocery sector. They recently published their draft report, and its findings are pretty damning for the two big supermarket chains. Simply put, they believe a lack of competition in the sector is keeping prices high and profits large. Unsurprisingly Countdown and Foodstuffs disagree with this analysis, maintaining that they have plenty of competition. In this episode of ‘Consume This’ we attempt to find some of it.
We’re joined by Sarah Balle, the founder of a new online only supermarket to find out why it’s so hard to compete with the current duopoly. Another Sarah – boss of Yum Granola, Sarah Hedger – explains how a product makes it onto the supermarket shelves, who sets the price, and importantly why she doesn’t sell it cheaper via her own web shop. The grocery industry needs to change, we need our $$$ to go further, but are the Commerce Commission really up for the fight?
You can find the full Commerce Commission draft report here & our submission to the ComCom market study here. This podcast only scratches the surface, for even more information on our supermarkets campaign check out the Consumer NZ website.
Thanks to this week's guests Sarah Balle, Sarah Hedger and Ramesh Patel.
Consume This is brought to you by Consumer NZ. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here. You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Death is one of life’s certainties, but can you afford to die? According to the Ministry of Health the average price of a funeral is $8-10k. While this may not seem like a lot for some people, one in ten New Zealanders have no savings. We examine the funeral industry – can you BYO coffin? Why does it cost so much? Also, why is it so hard to find out funeral costs up front?
We talk to one woman about her experience navigating the death industry after the sudden and unexpected death of her mother. Ex-casket maker Tamara Linnhoff shares inside information about anti-competitive practices in the industry, and Stephen Parkyn, the CEO of ‘Consumer Trusted’ Funeral Directors Lamb & Hayward tells us how regulation could improve things for consumers.
Thanks to this Vee Blackwood, Tamara Linnhoff & Stephen Parkyn for joining us this week.
If you are struggling with the costs of arranging a funeral financial help may be available. More information is available on the NZ Government website, or via the Citizens Advice Bureau.
You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is social media encouraging you to buy things you don’t need? According to podcast host Sophie Richardson the answer is no... but then again, she thinks the worm farm subscription Instagram has just sold her is an essential item!
On this week's episode we explore how Instagram is changing the way we shop. Specifically, we’re on a quest to find out how it convinced Sophie to sign up for that subscription worm farm. How was she targeted, and how did Instagram know exactly what she wanted, even before she did?
Huge thanks to this week's guests Mr. Worm Farm A.K.A. Leo Murray and Victoria University Of Wellington professor Michael Daubs.
You can get in touch via Podcasts@consumer.org.nz. For updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram or sign up to our mailing list here.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
When we think about scamming, we think 'that wouldn't happen to me'. Scams are supposedly reserved for the elderly, hopeless, and those who are totally gullible. Rachel, a tax accountant from Auckland, in her late 30's wouldn't put herself into any of those categories, yet she was swindled out of $100,000. This is a cautionary tale that involves, deceit, love, a hostage situation, lots of texting, and the pillaging of a hard-earned savings account. This is her story...
The scam that Rachel fell victim to is brand new to Aotearoa. It showed up for the first-time last year and the number of reports keeps rising. It targets millennials and it’s incredibly effective at extracting huge sums of money. In China where it’s been around for a few more years it’s known as ‘The Pig Butchering’ scam. That title hasn’t caught on here where it’s variously referred to as a hybrid or combo scam.
If you think you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this episode the first think you should do it contact your bank, next get in touch with one of the following agencies:
Netsafe - 0508 638 723
ID Care - 0800 121 068
CERT NZ - 0800 2378 69
And specifically for investment scams the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) - 0800 434 566
Our huge thanks and appreciation go to Rachel for sharing her story to us, as well as everyone who helped us research this episode. You know who you are 😊
You can get in touch via Podcasts@Consumer.org.nz. For updates sign up to the mailing list here & follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand has built a mythology around meat and three veg for dinner. We have one of the highest rates of meat consumption per capita in the world, but times are changing... Particularly how much red meat we are stuffing in our faces. According to OECD Food & Agriculture statistics there has been a significant decrease in red meat consumption over the past 20 years. This fits with other research which shows a 27% rise in the number of us going vegetarian and an even larger proportion of us cutting back on the meat.
So, what’s the deal? We regularly hear through the media that farting cows are melting the ice caps, so are climate change concerns driving us to eat less flesh? Maybe…. So, should we stop eating meat and are the alternatives any better for the environment?
In this episode, we hear from 21 year old Sam Beerepoot about his decision to go vegan after attending the Auckland ‘School Strikes 4 Climate’ marches. Chat to some local butchers and Nikhil Sawant – Countdown’s head of meat – about changing consumption patterns. And filling in some of the science behind the environmental impacts of our diet, University of Otago Associate Professor Alexandra Macmillan.
Alex's research paper on “Healthy and Climate-Friendly Eating Patterns in the New Zealand Context” can be read here.
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Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is it harder than ever to buy your first home? To do that we're joined by Habitat for Humanity CEO Alan Thorp & Economist Bernard Hickey. Plus we hear from Wellingtonian Vladimir Zdravkovich on his never ending quest for home ownership. And Whangārei home owner James.
Stats NZ’s Housing in Aotearoa:2020 report shows home ownership rates have been falling since 1991 and recently hit a 70-year low. The average home in New Zealand now costs $906,532 –a 22% price increase from this time last year, according to CoreLogic’s June 2021 data. This home also requires a deposit of $181,306, $33,662 more than last year.
If you earn the average salary of $56,160 – and had that deposit a year ago – would now have to save 60% of your pre-tax salary to cover the increase. These numbers echo research that Consumer NZ has been undertaking. Our Sentiment Tracker found three out of five homeowners couldn’t afford to buy their house at its current valuation. James, a registered electrician from Whangārei purchased his home in 2018 for $450k. Since then, the property’s capital gains have exceeded his and his partner’s – a registered nurse – combined income.
But does it really matter if we own our own home? According to Habitat for Humanity chief executive Alan Thorpe the answer is yes. Tammy Ngawhika Hutchins is a prime example. In 2012, along with Habit for Humanity’s help, she got into her own home. She was determined to provide stability for her four children. Her kids had had hundreds of doctors' appointments for asthma, but after moving out of rentals – and into their own warm, dry home – their health improved dramatically. Habitat and other community housing providers are trying their best to provide affordable homes, but can only meet a small fraction of the demand. In the past 30 years, Habitat has housed 530 families. As house prices increase, Alan tells us that mission is just getting harder. But, what about the people who haven’t been quite so lucky?
Vladimir Zdravkovich moved to New Zealand 30 years ago with his parents, escaping from war-torn Yugoslavia. He’s been saving to buy a home for more than 10 years, but always feels like he has the deposit he needed a year or two ago. This feeling of futility isn’t unique to Vladimir. According to Consumer NZ’s Sentiment Tracker, 42% of non-homeowners feel completely locked out of the market. A further 20% said that they’re saving for a deposit but can’t catch up.
So, what is driving this house price unaffordability? According to economist Bernard Hickey, New Zealand has the perfect storm of low interest rates, tax-free capital gains, and high quantitative easing all combining to push up asset prices. Bernard doesn’t see much political will to solve this problem, but he does offer up a model solution: Christchurch. At $631,000 it has the cheapest average home price of the four major cities. He claims this is driven by the response to the 2011 earthquake, where the government suspended the Resource Management Act, built high- and medium-density housing, and invested heavily in infrastructure.
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This week we’re asking the question – is it possible to buy sustainable fast fashion? To answer that we’re joined by sustainable fashion consultant Jacinta FitzGerald and GoodOnYou.eco founder Gordon Renouf.
Fashion is a huge business here in Aotearoa. In 2020 we collectively spent $7.8 billion on clothes and shoes. That’s over $1,300 each.
Going back a little bit further in 2019 an estimated 63 million tons of clothing was produced globally. That’s more than the weight of 19 million Toyota corollas, 40 million hippos or 400 years worth of Italian parmesan cheese production!
All this comes at a cost. The fashion industry has a huge effect on our planet. A report from the World Economic Forum report found that fashion production accounts for 5% of our CO2 emissions. That might not sound like a lot but it’s almost three times as much as the aviation industry. And it doesn’t stop there. Clothing production also accounts for 20% of the worlds waste water, enough to fill up 37 million Olympic swimming pools.
Fast fashion gets a particularly bad name when it comes to sustainability. With a dizzying number of brands like H&M, Zara & ASOS releasing 'sustainable' and 'conscious' clothing lines, it can be a minefield to decipher what any of this actually means, and if claims are valid. And that is a real concern.
Fashion sustainability consultant and program director and Mindful Fashion NZ join us to break down exactly what “sustainability” does and doesn’t mean with respect to fashion.
A study by the Changing Markets Foundation found that “greenwashing is rife” at both high street and luxury brands. Their results said that 60 per cent of claims by UK and European fashion companies, including Zara, H&M are unsubstantiated and misleading. It’s not particularly surprising then that research has found that only 1 in 5 us trust a brands sustainability claims.
With that in mind Gordon Renouf founder of sustainable fashion rankings app ‘Good On You’ joins us to dig into the marketing and sustainability messaging of H&M, Cotton:On, Glassons, Kathmandu and Kmart. Are they really as great as their marketing department makes them sound?
You can get in touch via Podcasts@Consumer.org.nz. For updates follow us on instagram or twitter.
Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Consume This, a podcast discussing the human face of consumption in New Zealand. Hosted by Jon Duffy & Sophie Richardson we'll explore the issues that shape our lives.
We'll be bringing you two episodes month kicking off August 31st. Hit subscribe in your podcast app now and you won't miss a thing.