Stir the Pot The annual Ethics Dinner confronts controversy, debating two topical issues.

STIR THE POT

The Student Ethics Committee decided on a different approach for its annual community evening during which guests, students and staff are confronted with differing perspectives on controversial issues.

Rather than have a formal dinner, it was decided that a more informal evening would allow people to confront two issues on which New Zealanders are being asked for their opinion over the next year.

Given that New Zealanders live in an age when division and intolerance have led to an ‘us-versus-them’ attitude among groups, the Committee thought this would be the perfect time to demonstrate the plurality of ideas and perspectives in a respectful and interesting way. Olivia Pearce and Keltie-Kewan Young began the evening doing just that, presenting their provocative winning soapbox speeches to a most receptive audience. Their topics challenged us about our beliefs on Te Reo and our beautyobsessed world. This was a most fitting way to begin the evening of controversy and debate.

The theme was ‘Stir the Pot’, an apt name for the evening as the two topics were the legalisation of marijuana and euthanasia. They have both received increased media coverage that has often been emotive and denigrating towards the opposing side. We were delighted to receive a wide range of

Back row, left to right: Mark Dye and Bob McCoskrie. Front row, left to right: Dr Stephen Garner, Dr Mary Panko, Nina Blumenfeld and Heather McRae.

The Ethics Committee

opinions, in favour and against, from the audience and the guest speakers: Dr Stephen Garner and Dr Mary Panko spoke on the legalisation of euthanasia, while Mark Dye and Bob McCoskrie spoke on the pros and cons of legalising marijuana. Each guest speaker had a different point of view on their topic to share with us and were able to start a conversation through their wellprepared and insightful addresses. They provoked significant debate on the issues that left us all considering what we believe in and where we stand.

Mark Dye argued that prohibition of marijuana had not worked so decriminalisation at the least, or full legalisation, should be the way forward. Bob McCoskrie, in contrast, highlighted that marginalised groups might end up being the targets of marijuana businesses, as is the case with tobacco, alcohol and prostitution, if it was legalised. The two speakers had encountered each other in previous discussions on this topic, which allowed them to make jokes at each other’s expense, amusing the audience and lightening the tone of the evening. In the other debate, Dr Mary Panko argued in favour of euthanasia, stating that it is New Zealanders’ fundamental right to choose when to die and outlined the safeguards that would be put in place. Dr Stephen Garner, in contrast, argued that euthanasia conflicts with our desire to live life and would lead to unresolved consequences in the future. The floor was also open to the audience, for them to share their opinions and they certainly did ‘stir the pot’!

We opted for a supper evening of soup and rolls and also enjoyed fabulous canapés that were provided by the Year 10 food technology students. It was a new experience to collaborate with the food technology teachers and students and much was gained from it.

We also listened to wonderful music played by Grace David and Sabreen Islam who entertained us with their melodic and socially aware songs.

Overall, this was a stimulating evening of ideas and an interesting way for the Dio community to discuss two controversial issues.

ETHICAL EATS

Year 10 culinary design skills were showcased at the Ethics ‘Stir the Pot’ dinner. The students explored what it means to eat ethically and designed a canapé menu that reflected this. All four Year 10 food classes were involved in the design and production of the 500 canapés served on the evening.

Guests enjoyed cakes designed and made by Level 1 food design technology student Arielle Friedlander. Arielle explored the ethical considerations of the ingredients used in the cakes. In response to a brief that married food and art, Arielle’s cakes were inspired by the Abstract Expressionist era of post-war America. This art movement was based on the freedom of the artists’ subconscious while being able to convey emotion to an audience. The orange and hazelnut cake was inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock and the chocolate mousse cake by Clyfford Still’s 1957- D No.1.

Food design technology is a popular subject at Diocesan. Students have the opportunity to explore the design process through the medium of food. Having authentic stakeholders adds significantly to the learning experience in design subjects.