Who to Blame

We’re Debate, 2022 edition! Upon closer inspection you’ll notice there’s a spot missing for our designer. We’re searching for someone new to fill this role, so if you’re interested in joining us, or know someone who is, reach out through debate@autsa.org.nz or our instagram @debate_mag to learn more.

Nam

Role: Editor Pronouns: he/him About me: Every dish needs something plain and reliable to anchor the rest of the ingredients - this is where I fit in. When I’m not dreading climate disaster, unlearning propaganda, re-reading Chainsaw Man, or editing your cool pieces, you can find me at your local yum cha table insisting I don’t have a sweet-tooth, until the egg tarts are carted by. Potatoes are a dish best served as: Gamja-jeon - what Korean restaurants around here call pancakes. These are made with 100% potatoes and when fried to perfection, are simply the best. In 2022 I will…: continue to yearn for the collapse of the American empire. Go-to karaoke song: "Run Away With Me" by Carly Rae Jepsen, and I kill that shit every time. Favourite word that starts with ‘D’ : Derelict, a spooky word.

Petra

Role: Feature Writer Pronouns: she/they About me: I'm a word-loving writer, an art-loving theatre-maker, and an absolutely, positively, human-loving bisexual. Catch me writing about gender politics, humans and society, health issues, and all sorts of queer nonsense. I can usually be found wandering the homewares sections of thrift stores, exploring secret city nooks, trying to convince my partner that we should get a dog, or at home reading a book and snuggling my cat (this is the most likely option, I am a grandmother). Potatoes are a dish best served as: I can't believe you're making me choose, but probably hash browns. Or rosti. Or gratin. IDK, they're all perfect. In 2022 I will…: Maybe learn to master some of that sweet self care and a 'love yourself' attitude - we'll see. Go-to karaoke song: "Untouched" by The Veronicas...not that I can hit those high notes. It's just a banger. Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Dumbledore...

Briar

Role: Culture and Lifestyle Writer Pronouns: she/her About me: I am a fairy descended from Rakaipaaka and the luscious lands of Nūhaka and Māhia. I write stuff occasionally and love my mum fiercely. Potatoes are a dish best served as: Potatoes grown once our land is back In 2022 I will…: enter my baddie 20 something era Go to Karaoke song: "Hangi Tonight" - Dennis Marsh Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Doro

Viv

Role: Associate Editor Pronouns: she/her About me: Kia ora! I'm Viv and I'm a fourth year music/science student. I whakapapa back to China, Indonesia, Samoa, and Scotland - it's this real salad bowl of ways of navigating the world, which makes me super excited to be associate editor and showcase the kaleidoscope of stories you can find in student journalism. I love listening to every type of music under the sun and am a hopeless romantic at heart (so much so that my Spotify wrapped vibe called me out for it). I'm also a passionate intersectional feminist and environmentalist. And massively addicted to baking - especially when the world is stressing me out. Potatoes are a dish best served as: curly fries In 2022 I will…: continue to make focaccia at 2am when I'm stressed Go-to karaoke song: Go to karaoke with me and I'll make you sing "Breaking Free" from High School Musical. Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: dumpling bc yum!

Yi

Role: Illustrator Pronouns: she/they About me: I am a freelance artist and I love fantasy art! Potatoes are a dish best served as: Couch potato (joking, french fries XD) In 2022 I will…: Work less and play more video games. Go to Karaoke song: Disney songs Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Dream

David

Role: News Writer Pronouns: he/him About me: Kia ora! My name is David. I have always liked reading, watching, and tweeting about the news, but this year I get to write about it. Potatoes are a dish best served as: Curly fries In 2022 I will…: learn Te Reo Go-to karaoke song: Either "Piano Man" by Billy Joel or "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Dog

Justin

Role: Chief News Reporter Pronouns: he/him About me: Kia ora! I’ll be Debate’s chief reporter, which means I’ll be helping cover student politics, tertiary issues, and campus news. In my spare time, you’ll find me seeking refuge in the lyrical melancholy of Tiny Ruins, nerding out over Auckland urbanism, or dreading the outcome of this year’s local elections. Having been a news writer for the mag last year, I know the ins and outs of a lot of what’s happening on campus, but please do let me know if you know more about a story or have a news tip! Potatoes are a dish best served as: Curly fries In 2022 I will…: Read more books and listen to more music! Go-to karaoke song: Mii Channel theme Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Dinky

Zainab

Role: Social media manager Pronouns: she/her About me: I’m a Muslim, Hijabi Hybrid. Half Samoan and half Pakistani. A second year Hospitality student, majoring in Event Management with a crazy passion for social media and digital content creation. Potatoes are a dish best served as: Baked kūmara (will fight anyone who’s says kūmara isn’t a potato) In 2022 I will...: be one semester away from graduating! Go-to karaoke song: Adele’s "When we were young" Favourite word that starts with ‘D’: Debatable