Inunison-issue#9-2010 by USU Students' Association at Unitec

Issue 09

www.usu.co.nz/inunison

Foreign Imports usu

Selling New Zealand To International Students

I AT I C O S S A S’ T N E D U USU ST

S N O I T LEC OW

E MINATIONS OPEN N NO

B ECO EC M E P PA A RT OF THE 2011 2 11 S STUDENT T DEN N EX EXECUTIVE UTIV VE A ND

REPRESENT THE STUDENT VOICE

ALL POSITIONS ARE PAID TRAINING PROVIDED GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR CV ATTEND USU EVENTS FOR FREE MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT UNITEC NOM M INATIO N A O N F OR O M S A ND A MO MORE DETAILED DETAIL D I NFORMATIO FO MATION FLYER ARE FL AR AVAILABLE AILABL FROM U SU RECEPTIO EP ON N (BLDG G 180 180) AND THE USU WEBSITE

NO O M INATIONS NA C L OS SE 5PM 13 3 AU AUG G U STT 2 201 10 usu Students’Association at Unitec

WWW W.USU U U . CO.N O NZ

Monday, 2nd August 2010

Going Down

Foreign Imports

Flippin ‘Eck

04 Ed Edittor oria al 05 Le Lettterrs 066 Pre resi sid deent nt’s ’ss Col olum lum u n 077 New ewss 099 New ewss Ho H un und 111 Goiing Up/G p//Go Going ing Do Down wn 12 Second nd Tim ime Ar Arou o nd 122 10 Th Thin in ngs 16 Ph P ot otos oss 177 Wh W att’ss On? 24 4 Wha h ka karron ngo Maii 255 What Too Do 255 Horrossco cope pess 26 Su pe S doku k 26 Ca Cart r oo rt oon n 266 Stude deent n Pro r filee 277 Bar arbi bie 27 Sp Spli lint nter er 288 Rev evie iews ie w 30 D Drrin ink Of Th Thee Wee eek k 30 Re Reci cipe p s 30 Sn Snac Snac ack k Revi v ew w 31 Cartoo on Next Issue: The Sex Issue, Outt 16th Aug ugus u t 20 us 2010 1 Ed dit i orria iall In Inq quires ph. h. (09 09) 81 15 43 4 21 ext x 7927 79 27 in i unis un nisson on@u @ nitec. c.ac ac.n nz Ad A dvveert rtis i in is ingg In I q qu uir ires ires e ph. (09 09)) 81 8 5 43 4321 21 1 exxt 7384 ext 738 84 4 us u uaadv dvertisi siingg@u @ nitec. c acc.n . z

Editor: Am Aman nda Hax axto t n Graphic Design: Ma M rkk Lov ovaatt

Disc sclaimer Opin Op O nions ns exp press ressed ed iin n this this pu ubli blication on n are are not necessarily those hose of tthe he pu pub blish lisheers. s. Submis issions ions an nd contributors on are welcome, welc ome, but the hee pu pub ublis lish her reser reserve vess the he rig rightt to sel select ec an edit and dit the ma matteriall su submit bm ted. Matteriials submitted bmit will rem r ain in pro operty of the th pu pub blissheer unless ess alt lternative arrang arra ngements nge ents nts ts are mad de. e

Contributors: ASSPA A , Sara Saaraah R Roobs b on n (Sa Salililien ent) en t)), Jess Je Can a n, Hay ayle leey Ja J cobs coob en en, n Si Sian an Dilillw an lw wor o th, P Peete Hoddki kins nsson on, Ceele lestte Goore rellll Ant ntisss (D (Deb ebat ate) e)), Alan Al n Mac acDo acD Dona nald,, Di Dian a nee Rut uthh Ri Rimmer Rimm er,, Joseph Har a pe ar per, r, Bar arbi rbbiie, Splin nter, r,, New ewss Ho H un und, d Bruuce Ligght htfo f ot, fo ot, Ca Cait aitli tlin n Du Duggan a .

IN UNISON

EDITORIAL

stole

AN OPEN LETTER TO WHOEVER

our magazines DEAR MAGAZINE THIEF/MAGAZINE THIEVES,

Thanks for stealing the last issue of In Unison, obviously it made my day. You did this little thieving project after the issue had been on shelves for just one day. With, I can only assume, the intention of denying the majority of students the chance to read it Here we are living in Auckland in the country deemed 2010 Editor “most peaceful country in the world” in New Zealand’s Amanda Haxton most multicultural city, where there is freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom to wear whatever (as long as your bits aren’t hanging out). Oh, and we all have unrestrained access to Google. So magazine thief, it really surprised me when an attempt at censorship occurred in my own backyard. I wondered, what could have provoked the theft of our

“

We could have had a lively debate. Sadly you resorted to a life of crime.

“

magazines? Was it the oh-so controversial Dear Barbie column? Our review on the facilities at Unitec? Our investigation into student allowances? Or Kris Teal’s hilarious, yet clearly fictional, guide to Unitec? In Unison is a student magazine, students write for it. Staff write for it. You could have written for it if you wanted. If you don’t like it you just don’t pick it up, it seems straightforward enough. But clearly you, magazine thief, took offence to something in our magazine and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

took matters into yourr own hands. You could have written a letter if you felt so strongly, we would have published a reply. Other people could have read the articles and formed their own opinions on them. We could have had a lively debate. Sadly you resorted to a life of crime. It’s a pity, but I’m willing to forgive you. Clearly something in the magazine got you riled up. A similar theft occurred at Auckland University a few years ago when people stole Craccum magazine because of a political objection to the content. They had reasons. Passionate, political, religious and cultural reasons. Did you? Frankly I would have preferred your opinion in a letter - but whatever - minor details. It’s given me the opportunity to really encourage people to write in about their opinions and thoughts. And, to be fair, the magazines were returned (oh so magically) to our offices. Nice of you to do that. I guess I should re-word this and refer to you as a kidnapper rather than a thief. After all that time and effort you must have put into taking them, you will be disappointed to learn Issue Eight had the fastest pick up of any In Unison issue in the magazine’s history. The website hits skyrocketed. You’ve provided me with a fabulous free publicly stunt and more people have read the article/s you objected too than they ever would have had they not been stolen. A little controversy never hurt anyone it seems, so I hope we can call this a truce. Amanda Haxton In Unison Editor 2010

EDITORS NOTE: In Issue Eight, in the article “Campus Wars” we said that the bathrooms never had antibacterial wipes in them. Since that issue was published we have noticed a huge improvement and dispensers have been filled on a regular basis. I for one greatly appreciate it. Cheers to the maintenance staff.

Letters should be 250 words or less. You MUST include your real name, phone number and address so we don’t get sued (we won’t print them if you don’t want us to). We won’t spell-check it, but we might edit, abridge, or decline it without explanation, Send letters to: inunison@unitec.ac.nz or, USU Students’ Association, Building 180, 139 Carrington Road Auckland

IN UNISON

LETTERS

DEAR IN UNISON

IN RESPONSE

I’ve just finished reading the first issue back and I loved it (especially the cover, very Banksy!) It’s nice to see a magazine that actually interviews their bands for re-orientation, rather than writing boring blurbs that no one ever reads. And even though it was a bit long, I really enjoyed the StudyLink article that you had, although the people who use it to buy expensive clothes and for investments make me mad. I get an allowance and I have to work as well just to pay for rent. But it was real interesting to read, and hopefully this makes the government look deeper and what people are spending their money on. Keep up the good work.

To the letter in Issue Eight which called Joseph Harper’s blog"A Day At The Supermarket I would Never Forget" "Vulgar” and "Offensive”. To Name Withheld, How was it offensive? Because of the homoerotic content? Are you a homophobe? I wonder if you would have had a similar abject reaction had I fantasised about getting down with Coco Solid or The Coolies. I agree it was vulgar. That’s the point. I also agree that the Phoenix Foundation are a cool band. I think my story supports that view. Why else would I get hot under the collar in the presence of one of their members? Thanks for reading.

NAME WITHHELD

JOSEPH

DEAR SIR/MADAM We were horrified at your article of 8 July “Sluttiest parts of the country revealed” and are deeply disappointed that a magazine which seeks to “entertain and inform students” and to report on “issues that affect their lives and education” should talk about women being sluts. The reality is that women aren’t becoming infected with a sexually transmissible infection without sleeping with someone. The second part of this reality is that we should be celebrating that women are taking care of their health and wellbeing and being tested and treated - not calling them sluts. We applaud young people who take the opportunity to have themselves tested for sexually transmissible infections such as Chlamydia, which if left untreated, can have significant long term health effects including sterility in men. We have worked particularly hard to communicate the safer sex messages with young people . Stories such as that referred to above do nothing to support young people to make good decisions about their health and in fact further stigmatise young women and make it more difficult for them to seek the treatment they need. Kind Regards

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR STUDENT MAG? You could get vouchers, prizes, or tickets to gigs/movies/plays for your efforts. On top of these incentives, contributing to In Unison looks great in your CV or portfolio.

Reviewerrs, colu umnists, news writers, featurre writers s, carttoo onists, photographers and artis sts wanted. Tip-offs You can be a secretive news source if you know th hat something’s going down and thin ink it wiill lll make a good story then gett in touch.

JACKIE EDMOND

Con ac Cont ct: t In Un Unis son Ph (09 09)) 81 815 5 43 4321 1 ext 792 927 7 Email inu uni niso son@ n@ @un nit itec ec c.a ac. c nz Orr pop in: USU O SU Offic fffic ices, Bu Buil ildi ding ng n g 180 80,, U ittec Un ec,M Mt Allb be ert cam ampu pus. s.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FAMILY PLANNING - POSITIVE SEXUAL HEALTH

RESPONSE: In Unison would like to apologise for the use of the word “Sluttiest” in the news story “Sluttiest Parts Of The Country Revealed” published in the last issue. Sexual health is a serious issue and we regret that the headline upset some readers.

usu

W WW W.U U S U . C O. N Z / I N U N I S O N

IN UNISON

PRESIDENT

Grias eich! IT'S NOT EXACTLY TIME FOR SUNGLASSES AND PIÑA COLADAS on the beach; winter is settling into its

cloudy rocking chair and shouting from its porch with discontent at any passers-by. Initiating shivers and goose-pimples along the arms of anyone (yes me) silly enough to walk around in a tee-shirt. 2010 President But fret not silly, chilly students! Where warmth fails, Pete Hodkinson obscurity has the opportunity to slap you across the face with a slightly confused yet certainly intrigued smile. From strange foods, to odd gestures (the “too-muchinformation turkey” is my favourite at the moment) to sports that seem more dangerous or “under-water”

“

W ho’s that freak doing the handstand over there

“

than they should be, may your mid-winter be filled with random acts of weirdness. I’ve always been considered an interesting chap, someone who at first glance comes across as rather unconventional (which is just a fancy word for ridiculous really). After a while though, people get used to it and “who’s that freak doing the handstand over there” turns into “oh it’s Pete…

buzzy guy actually”. Many people all around the country suffer from being a bit off the wall. Know me before you judge me… I suppose I find comfort in obscurity, and it’s not about "non-conformity" or a desire to be different, it’s just a matter of doing what makes me happy when it makes me happy. I urge you all to try and see that life’s way too exciting to get caught up in seriousness and false perceptions of maturity. Laugh at stupid jokes, eat chicken’s feet if you feel the need, have hobbies like re-enacting the French and Indian wars if it floats your boat. Grill a garlic scape and giggle when someone mentions the word “riblet” (because it is an awesome word). Saw plenty of you getting into it and having a great time at Gaming Day, and saw a few of you doing some interesting things on stage on Wednesday night at the Hypnotist show, and hopefully you’re all generally settling back into class all-good. If not, come by the office and tell me why! Might be able to help you out, you never know, what have you got to lose? Enjoy the next couple of weeks everyone! Schloch! Pete.

STAYING HIP IN CHANGING TIMES: TV SHOWS AND INTERNET SERIES: The Mighty Boosh / A little bit of Fry and Laurie / Monkey Dust / Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show / Salad Fingers / Burnt Face Man / Devvo YOU TUBE CHANNELS: AmadeusD / LoveshockX OBSCURE MUSIC: BSRT Female Choir / Fantomas / Battles

JENINE (28) is a General Executive member in her second year of a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance at Mt Albert. So far this year she has helped to establish a Business School Social Club, raise money for the Marae and helped to organise a proposal for a student common space.

GET TO KNOW YOUR

EXEC JENINE KENDALE

What is your role on the USU exec and what does

If you could ask Michael Jackson one question

the job entail?

what would it be?

My role involves attending various committee meetings as a student representative, as well as having to accomplish various tasks on behalf of students.

Why did you have to have so much plastic surgery?

IN UNISON

NEWS

Students back CEO Rick Ede as he takes on universities, unions in media battle By Amanda Haxton

Unitec CEO Dr Rick Ede has entered a media battle with some of the country’s Universities and education unions over a possible initiative which would link tertiary funding to job success. Dr Ede wrote an opinion piece in The New Zealand Herald which supported the initiative proposed by Minister for Tertiary Education Steven Joyce during a speech at Victoria University. Dr Ede criticised the Vice-Chancellors Committee, which represents New Zealand’s eight universities, and the Tertiary Education Union (TEU). TEU president Tom Ryan issued a statement following Joyce’s speech saying “[the] suggestion that tertiary funding should be linked to employment outcomes rather than academic outcomes is a dangerous path for the sector.” Dr Ede replied in his opinion piece, “[Ryan] seems to imply that an institution that actually pays attention to delivering

courses that might help people get ahead in life, through giving them better career options, is ipso facto not capable of high academic standards.” “I wonder what his members, who work in New Zealand’s 20 institutes of technology and polytechnics, think about that?” Dr Ede went on to criticize the New Zealand Vice-Chancellors Committee, saying they had “damned the idea with faint praise”. “The university approach to any threat of change, now and in the past, appears to translate as “push more money under the door and leave us to spend it wisely for you”.” Vice-Chancellors Committee chairman Derek McCormack, the head of AUT University, told The New Zealand Herald the employment of graduates was important to universities. However, he added that freedom of

thought, creativity and other aspects of higher education were also of broad benefit to society. A survey conducted on the In Unison online website showed 77 per cent of Unitec students who answered agreed with Dr Ede, preferring to gain a career from tertiary study over a qualification. The initiative is yet to be confirmed or implemented and the debate is likely to be ongoing.

WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE OUT OF A TERTIARY EDUCATION?

A Qualification 23%

SOURCE: WWW.USU.CO.NZ/INUNISON

A Career 77%

Tertiary funding will be linked to job-seeking success

Non-academic levies in the firing line

Sarah Robson, Salient and Amanda Haxton, In Unison

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce will be looking closely at compulsory non-academic levies students are being charged by universities and polytechnics. Joyce expressed concern last month that a number of institutions have made significant increases to non-academic levies. Joyce said he has seen instances where students have been charged for things such as a “building maintenance levy” and “library services”. “I would urge universities and ITPs to tread carefully with these compulsory addons," says Joyce. I wouldn’t want to see big increases after big increases leading people to think you are avoiding fee regulation by charging in another way.”

Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce has signalled that the academic performance of tertiary institutions, and how well they prepare students for life after study, will play a more important role in determining levels of funding. Funding tied to employment outcomes was among the incentives for the tertiary education sector outlined by Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce in a speech at Victoria University last month. “This will send a strong signal to students about which qualifications and which institutions offer the best career prospects and that’s what tertiary education has got to be about.” Universities and polytechnics currently

receive state grants based on the number of students they enrol. This will change over the next two years to a model focused on students’ course and qualification completion. Initially, a maximum of five per cent of funding will be performance-based. Joyce said the government is committed to “incentivising educational performance” and providing students with adequate information to inform their decisions surrounding tertiary study. “I am sure it will also be a big reputational incentive for tertiary education organisations.”

By Sarah Robson, Salient

IN UNISON NEWS

Forum For The Future embraces Twitter, takes boring politics to the masses By Amanda Haxton

Unitec’s Department of Management and Marketing has utilized social media to liven up its Forum For The Future: Super City debate and open the discussion to the wider Auckland community. Two Forum For The Future debates were run by Unitec over the past fortnight, with the topic “Super City: Win or Lose?” The debates were attended by prominent politicians, students, academics and grassroots activists and streamed live online. Live “tweets” from the 90-minute panel style debates allowed members of the public to ask panelists questions via the social networking site Twitter. Panelists over the two evenings included Chairman of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance Peter Salmon, Labour MP Shane Jones and Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey. The first debate titled “Why?” asked if Auckland needed a Super City. The second questioned “What?” could be done to achieve the best results from a Super City council. The final debate will take place on Tuesday August 3 at 5pm and will ask “How?” we can make the new system perform at its best for the people of Auckland. Business journalist, commentator and adjunct professor at Unitec’s Department of Management and Marketing Rod Oram facilitated the debates. Oram says the debates aimed to stimulate thinking on how we can make the new Super City structure work for the community of Auckland and for New Zealand as a whole. Associate Professor and Head of Unitec’s Department of Management and Marketing, Robert Davis says the forum is a great opportunity for the community, students, guests and the live audience to engage in a lively debate. The discussions are the second Unitec Forum For The Future series that Unitec has organised, the first was held in October 2009. Questions for the final Super City debate can be submitted live or in advance via the forum’s Twitter page. http://www.twitter.com/UnitecFTF.

TEU and Unitec kiss and make up By Amanda Haxton

After 16 months of negotiations and industrial action which affected many students, the employment dispute between Unitec and TEU members has been settled, for now. The Multi Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) between the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) and the six tertiary institutions, of which Unitec is one, was settled in July. TEU members voted to endorse a six month collective agreement that sees no changes to the much-disputed core working conditions. After negotiations over employment conditions failed many Unitec staff members belonging to the TEU took strike action in late 2009, disrupting classes. Staff members had been negotiating under a collective agreement, which expired on March 1. TEU national industrial officer Irena Brorens says the settlement brings staff the security of being back on a collective agreement. “Before this ratification vote, all TEU members covered by the MECA had been forced on to individual agreements, which

was a precarious place for them to be.” Unitec Chief Executive Dr Rick Ede says Unitec is also pleased to finally settle on a new MECA with the TEU after the considerable negotiations between the two parties. The MECA will provide a lump sum payment of $700 to TEU members and establish a working party that will look into the current terms and conditions, including discretionary leave and total teaching days. Brorens says the $700 sum is disappointing “but, apart from the money, we think this is a positive outcome.” “We always said we were prepared to form a working party.” The working party recommendations will feed into the next MECA negotiations that are due to start after the expiry of the collective agreement on 30 November 2010. After months stuck in a deadlock the TEU sought facilitation, under the Employment Relations Act, which took place in May. The MECA consists of six polytechnics; NorthTec, Unitec, Wintec, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, WITT, and Whitireia.

Nominations now open for USU Executive By Amanda Haxton

Nominations opened last week for the USU Students’ Association elections for positions in both 2010 and 2011. With the early resignation of Vice President Laurence Goudie mid-term, special elections were due to be held during the inter semester holidays. USU President Pete Hodkinson says they will be holding just one election instead because of the inconvenience holding two elections would cause to students. “It would just be very confusing for students trying to vote.” Students nominated for the 2011 positions for Vice President, Postgraduate Representative, and a General Executive member will take up the positions immediately and for the remainder of 2010. All other positions will start in January next year. The USU Executive is responsible for the strategic direction and governance of

the USU Students’ Association. Any Unitec student may run for an executive position, most of which will run for one year from January 2011. Nominations are open until August 13 and nomination forms are available from the USU reception. Campaigning will run until September 10 with elections opening on September 13 and running until September 21. Hodkinson encourages students to get involved and vote in the elections. “[Students] are paying $120 a year in membership fees for the organisation,” says Hodkinson. “You want to get the best possible people in charge of where that money goes.” “If you don’t participate and some crazy person gets elected into one of the roles and does a bad job then that can be a result of lack of participation.”

IN UNISON NEWS

NEWS ROUND UP WITH THE

NEWS HOUND

World map goes viral By Amanda B A d Haxton H t

In Unison’s graphic designer is surprised to find an old In Unison cover has “gone viral”. The illustration, from a June 2007 issue of In Unison, appeared online and has grown in popularity. The cover of the International Issue featured an illustration of an “alternative” world map co-created by former editor Rory MacKinnon and In Unison designer Mark Lovatt. The drawing gave countries labels like; Russia “Mail Order Brides” Australia “Racists” and Canada “Shitty Music and Bears”. The map has been making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter with some people going as far as to set it as their Facebook

profile picture. It eventually grew popular enough to be posted on radio station The Rock’s Facebook page. At last count it was “liked” by almost 300 people with almost 50 commenting, many asking when the map would be appearing on a tee-shirt. Designer Mark Lovatt, who designed the map, says its popularity came as a surprise. “I saw it on Facebook on a friends profile and wondered how they got hold of the image.” A couple of days later he saw the map posted on The Rock’s page. “It was quite a surprise, given it was from 2007. It had been lying dormant and then just popped back up.”

Facebook addiction proves convenient for advertisers By Jess Cann

Social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are proving to be costeffective and a popular choice for people running competitions. Courtney Sit, a business graduate, noticed how successful competitions were online and launched her own competition on Facebook. “Competitions on social media [websites] are really key to showing the spontaneity and [how people] just happen to be present at the right time. I think that it shows how people interact online and the limitations it can create and minimise.” Courtney set up her own competition, called Beanie Comp 2010, where people entered photos of themselves wearing a beanie in order to win a hand-knitted hat made by Courtney. She found that

people liked entering the competition and interacting, rather than winning a prize. The Beanie Comp 2010 Facebook group has almost 40 members but has been more successful on Twitter where the hashtag “#beaniecomp2010” was one of the most trended topics in New Zealand. “The competition probably would not happen at all if it wasn’t for social media. It does show that things on social media come and go very quickly and that you have to be a part of it right from the beginning as things have a tendency to develop so quickly.” Student Ryan Macdonald says that using the internet is easy for winning prizes, compared to traditional media. “They’re generally very easy, it’s as simple as putting your name and email down.

A TRUCK CARRYING OVER TWO MILLION EUROS worth of coins had a fortunate road accident in Italy. The crash proved to be a stroke of luck for the surrounding motorists who made off with around half the cash before police arrived at the scene. A NAKED WINDOW MANNEQUIN proved too hot to handle for many residents of a small Nebraskan town. The offending doll, in the window of a closed department store, had her pants around her ankles and was wearing nothing more than shoes. Several townspeople made complaints and the police are conducting an investigation. A KOREAN MAN has fallen in love and gotten married – to his pillow. In a wedding which caught the attention of the media worldwide the bride was a pillow with a picture of Fate Testarossa, an anime character, on it. The man’s friends have testified he takes it everywhere with him. Even buying the pillow its own seat and meal at movies, restaurants and on transport. A DRUNKEN AUSTRALIAN MAN has been labelled “an idiot” by police after he tried to ride a crocodile called Fatso. The man climbed into the enclosure of the unsuspecting Fatso to give him “a pat” he then climbed onto the croc, which promptly bit him. Police said he was lucky to have miraculously escaped without worse injuries. A FAR LES DANGEROUS ANIMAL got itself into trouble in the UK when a couple had to turn in their own cat to police after reports of a pervert in the area. The naughty pussy had been pinching underwear, along with garden gloves and socks, from neighbouring houses and bringing them back home. A DOLPHIN IN OKINAWA, Japan, dived out of its tank during a performance at an aquarium and was caught on film. American tourists have described the dive as a “desperate leap for freedom”. The Dolphin was lifted by crane back into its tank. A LOCAL BID FOR FREEDOM was somewhat more successful, but ultimately tragic when a suicidal cow from Gisboure was driven to its death. The cow, which had been going through a tough time, suddenly jumped from the back of a south-bound cattle truck, landing in front of a Ute and was unfortunately run over.

IN UNISON EXTRAS

Sexy first ladies. Carla, Michelle, and now Bettina. It’s pretty much a prerequisite these days for politicians to marry women who look like former models.

USB may replace CD By Hayley Jacobsen

USB sticks may be replacing CDs as a way of Distributing music in New Zealand. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) has recently been used to hold the new album by a popular New Zealand band, and may be the way of the future. The Mint Chicks and Music.Hype partnered to release their album, “Bad Buzz”, on a specially designed USB stick. Music.Hype’s music guide Mike Penhall says after speaking with the band they agreed that the CD was a dying format. “I guess our goal is to provide something of better value than a cheaply produced CD, and encourage people to enjoy the music by offering it on a cool product.” The stick holds not only the music but band photos and artwork.

After the success of The Mint Chicks' USB, Music.Hype decided to create an Indie Music Compilation on USB including the songs of winners of their Indie Mix Tape competition which finished last week. One winner of the competition, Peta Edmonds, says the “in thing” now is to have USB sticks. “It’s new age. We went from vinyl records to tapes and tapes to discs, and now we’re going digital and putting digital on USB.” Peta says that The Mint Chicks designed an awesome USB stick. “It’s cool because they’re moving with the times but also keeping that art element to it.” The Mint Chicks re-usable USB stick costs $25 and is sold through the website.

Ex-Blocker. ThisHaxton internet Amanda application will effectively erase that pesky ex. It trawls through emails, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Blogspot and other social networking sites to delete any proof your ex ever existed. Bra sizes. I think we’ve all suspected it. Ten years ago the average bar size was a 12B now it’s a 14C. Paul the psychic octopus. He correctly predicted the results of the Football World Cup, now there’s a bidding war for the ownership of Paul and his unique abilities. The number of visitors in NZ. Arrivals to New Zealand hit the 2.5 million mark last month.

GOING UP GOING DOWN

Zumba is taking over

Swine Flu. It’s been demoted, the World Health Organisation no longer considers the H1N1 virus warrants “pandemic” status.

By Sian Dillworth

Birthday Cake “cutting” charges. The birthday guy/ girl does the hard cutting work so there’s really no need for restaurants to take credit for it.

The Zumba dance phenomenon has finally hit New Zealand and Zumba instructor Carolina Arias says it is here to stay. Arias, born in Chile, was inspired by the Latin and Salsa music she loved and has been teaching Zumba in New Zealand for seven months. Celebrity fitness trainer and US based “Beto” Perez came across the concept of Latin-inspired dance-fitness in his native country, Colombia, in the mid 90s. Arias says New Zealanders have responded really well to Zumba as it is a fun way to exercise and people are tired of the usual fitness routines. “It is a really social event where you come with a group of friends and have fun, not like the gym. “It’s something completely different

and you don’t even realise you're exercising.” Student Caitlin Chester says she found it hard to stick with the gym and decided to try Zumba after hearing so many people talking about how fun it is. “I think it’s accessible to all ages because you can go at a pace you’re comfortable with. “You can’t be narrow minded about some of the moves because they can be quite sexy”. Arias uses interval training which raises the heart rate and alternates high and low intensity workouts. She says some of the key benefits are weight loss, stress relief and an increased level of fitness. “It is very sensual and sexy, you get a sense of passion.”

Cheques. Half the students at Unitec have probably never used one and it’s been revealed that as a nation we’ve cut down on our overall cheque use by one third. The hype over Mike Hosking and Kate Hawkesby’s marriage. We thought they claimed to avoid the spotlight? Fraping. It’s the process of taking advantage of unattended Facebook pages and writing fake status updates.

IN UNISON EXTRAS

SECOND TIME

AROUND WITH BRUCE LIGHTFOOT “HOW ABOUT BEING A TEACHER?”

“I still want to be an accountant.” “Your grades don’t support it. Teaching is a good career.” Maybe he was right. Professor Whoever was looking at my exam results. It was 1979, I had just received them. I sat seven papers, passed two and failed five (three Ds and a couple of Es) and was being tossed out of the Commerce Department. “Good holidays in teaching, the money isn’t bad.” “I will do better next year; I can pass them next time, take...” “Sorry son," he interupted "there are plenty of people who want your spot.

“

unsecured loan for six per cent. And when do the payments start? When I earn over $400 per week. This is a pretty cool deal. It beats the old system hands down. I decide what I want to study, even if it is just because I am interested in it. If I am failing, people chase me up, help me out. In 1979 you sank without a trace, no one gave a toss. I still remember standing outside the main office when the list of those eligible to sit the exams was posted. Yes, that’s right. Many found out they were not allowed to even sit the final exam. And it wasn’t even all that free. Textbooks were $20-$40 each. And you

The trouble with free education, or “free” anything, is that it comes with strings. In 1979 there was free education. But it was limited.

“

You had your shot. Go do a BA, if you get decent grades, we might consider letting you back in. Next!” I left and got a job. The trouble with free education, or “free” anything, is that it comes with strings. In 1979 there was free education. But it was limited. And, as I had just found out, it was a privilege that could be taken away. Thirty-one years later, I filled out a heap of forms, logged onto websites, and enrolled in a course I thought would interest me. And who is paying? Well, I am, but I don’t care. I chose what I want to do; the Government picks up the tab, gives me something to get by on, and gives me an unsecured loan at six per cent. In my entire life, I have never gotten an

earnt two bucks an hour. (Put it into today’s dollars, books were 200 dollars each!) Yeah, bring on this new system. Fortunately, the uniform hasn’t changed that much. Jeans, tee-shirts, and a backpack. Drinking beer. Yep, this new education system is a big improvement. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be a teacher?’ Professor Whoever stopped me in the hall way. “No, made a fortune as a currency trader in New York,’ I lied. “Worked with John Key. I am now the Associate Minister of Education. Meet me in your office in half an hour. I want to go over your results. “ The look on his face was worth the 30 year wait.

Share your opinions on student loans and student debt by writing a letter to the Editor. Email: inunison@unitec.ac.nz

OBSCURE SPORTSS

1 WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES: There’s oodles of kilt-tastic fun to be had with games like Sheaf Toss where you throw a bundle of straw. 2 FOOTBAG: Sort of like a combination of hacky sack and volleyball. 3 THE ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS

LEAGUE: No longer just a game to decide who will be sober driver or who gets to clean the toilet.

4 UNICYCLE HOCKEY: When unicycle buskers get competitive… 5 SKI ARCHERY: Combine two dangerous sports and you get a death trap, on ice. 6 WIFE CARRYING: Originating in Finland the aim is for the husband to carry his wife through a series of obstacles. 7 BOG SNORKELLING: Held in Wales this sport requires competitors to done a mask and snorkel and make their way through a peat bog.

8 TOE WRESTLING: Like its brother sport thumb wrestling, toe wrestling brings the added excitement and adrenaline rush of athletes foot and other fungi.

9 COMPETITIVE CHEESE RACING: Finally an answer to the age old question: who is faster? Man or cheese?

10 CARDBOARD TUBE DUELLING: EEver picked i k d up that h poster rollll and d whacked someone with it? Then this is the sport for you.



CAREER OPPORTUNITY

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Are Are re you ou an out outstanding tstanding i journalist jjournalis r li of tomorr tom to tomorrow? orro row? ow?

Yes, APPLY NOW

Fairfax New Zealand Journalism Internships FAIRFAX MEDIA, publisher of the country’s leading newspapers, magazines and websites, is again seeking bright, aspiring journalists to become the outstanding journalists of tomorrow as part of our intern scheme.

scheme is now in its ﬁfth year and already those chosen are making their mark not just in newsrooms but in the likes of the Qantas Media Awards. The successful applicants are chosen by editors and editorial leaders throughout Fairfax after they prioritise the Fairfax Media organisations they would like to work for. After undergoing exceptional training at one of our ﬁve preferred journalism schools – the University of Canterbury, Massey University, Wellington, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru, and the Auckland University of

Technology (AUT) – interns join their chosen newspaper or website. We will reimburse the fees of those who pass and provide challenging work afterwards in our newsrooms. As well, we provide ongoing training and opportunities to advance. We are seeking highly motivated people from all walks of life to join us. A relevant tertiary qualiﬁcation is preferred but we will consider candidates who have minimum qualiﬁcations of NCEA Level 3 or the relevant life skills.

For further information and to apply online at: http://www.fairfaxnz.co.nz/careers/internscheme.html before noon on Friday, August 6, 2010.

USU PRESENTS

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IN UNISON FEATURE

GOING D O W N

IT MAY BE CALLED UNDER WATER HOCKEY and, yes, there is a stick but, with the addition of masks, snorkels, flippers and a two metre deep swimming pool, the resemblance to field hockey ends at the name. Amanda Haxton gets a glimpse into this obscure underwater world.

Want to play? Email: mcgill_ bannan@xtra.co.nz www.underwaterhockynz.com

New Zealand teams are highly successful in Under Water Hockey but, because it isn’t a spectator sport, the game flies under the radar with a low profile. President of Auckland Under Water Hockey Roger Bannan says “It seems a bit weird playing hockey underwater, but the concept you’ve got to get around is you’re not hitting the puck.” “It’s not like field hockey other than it’s a team sport. You don’t hit the puck, you push it or flick it. It’s like pushing something along on the floor with a broom. You just swim around with it and then try and flick it. Good players will go down in the water and stay down for quite a while and then come back up.” Bannan has been playing and coaching for almost a decade, since his two daughters started playing at secondary school. The game was created in England in 1954 and Bannan believes they’ve got one of the first ever players right here in Auckland. “We’ve got a player in Auckland who must have been playing for 50 years, and he’s from the UK.” “It’s been going a really long time. We used to play with long hockey sticks and now they’ve shortened the sticks up, it has gotten way more sophisticated. We wear gloves now so your hand doesn’t get smashed up and we’ve got mouthguards so your teeth don’t get knocked out.” Despite these precautions Bannan laughs of the suggestion Under Water Hockey is a violent game; in fact it’s considered a non-contact sport. “There’s just that small probability that the puck might hit you in face.” The sport, alternatively known as Octopush, takes influences from Water Polo, Ice Hockey and Diving and is growing in popularity, particularly at secondary school level. “New Zealand is actually very good at Under Water Hockey, we have been champions in the Men’s, Men’s Masters and the Juniors,” says Bannan. With around 17 different countries competing internationally that’s something the sporting community could be proud of, if they only knew about it. “New Zealand has been one of the best men’s teams for quite a

while,” says Bannan. “We’ve always been very good. The juniors, the men’s under 23s and under 18s are really good and the under 18 girls are strong competitors.” Pockets of popularity can be found up and down the country. The national secondary school's tournament has around four hundred players, four grades with 10 teams in each and 10 players per team. “We might have a 160 elite players in Auckland. Wellington would have a 100, Christchurch might have 20 or 40 and then you’ve got smaller areas like Bay of Plenty and Tauranga which are pretty strong, and Hamilton’s quite strong, we’ve got more and more teams popping up.” “There’s slowly a better following coming through, a lot of the younger ones are continuing to play once they leave secondary school. The tricky part with most sports is keeping people playing. That’s generally where the problem is, the retention of those players.” Bannan says the biggest problem the sport faces is getting pools deep enough to play in, with clubs games currently played in Mt Albert, Manurewa and Henderson. He says it’s a social sport which appeals to New Zealanders but isn’t widely known about. “It’s often driven by some enthusiast who will push it through a school system or wherever and they’ll manage to get a team and take part.” “It goes with New Zealand, we have a love of water, people love swimming.” The world championships are held every four years, the last took place in Christchurch and next year will be held in Portugal. There are regular competitions in Australasia with New Zealand teams competing against Australia as this issue went to print. Despite this, Under Water Hockey is not an Olympic sport. “The problem with that is it’s a water sport and it’s not a great spectator sport, although we do use underwater cameras,” says Bannan. “The hard part would be to replace something like Water Polo, it would be very hard to get it into the Olympic Games, it would be great if it did.”

IN UNISON PHOTOS

USU POOL TOURNAMENT

USU GAMING DAY U

MORE PHOTOS AT WWW.USU.CO.NZ

IN UNISON

FEATURE

FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST

WHAT'S ON

EVENT

TERTIARY CHALLENGE WAIKATO UNIVERSITY, HAMILTON One huge sports day with 16 tertiary institutes from around the No North orrtth Island, competing to win the Tertiary Challenge Shield. GOOD LUCK TO OUR TEAMS!

FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST Ad lts $18 Adults Students $15 BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE The Kings Arms 59 France Street , Newton Tickets $49 from Real Groovy MONDAY 9TH AUGUST FREE: RAW COMEDY NIGHT The Classic Comedy Bar 321 Queen Street 10.30pm

WEDNESDAY 11TH AUGUST

BATTLE BAT TLE OF TH THE E BANDS BANDS BAND S 2010 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MONDAY AUGUST 9TH HEATS -SATURDAY14TH The Kings Arms ALFONSINA 59 France Street, Newton Musgrove Studio, $10 Door Sales The Maidement Theatre 8 Alfred Street Commissioned by Unitec’s LAB Research Theatre Company, Alfonsina depicts the adventures and misfortunes of a young Argentinean cleaner facing the SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST social, economic and cultural REBUILD A HOPE challenges of migrating to Ceramco Park Function Centre Auckland in search of a new life. THURSDAY 19TH AUGUST Enjoy a Latino party, food, bands, 8pm DJ, salsa, folk and other dance Email: maidmentbooking@auckland. USU FREE FILM performances and to raise money ac.nz DATE NIGHT to help rebuild Chile which was Door sales available The Gold Lecture Theatre devastated by an earthquake earlier 5.30pm this year. Tina Fey and Steve Carell play a 7pm to 12pm typical suburban couple whose Tickets $15 from USU reception or lives - including their weekly date by emailing ariella70@hotmail.com night of dinner and a movie - have become routine. In an attempt to WEDNESDAY 18TH AUGUST reignite the marital spark, they visit a trendy Manhattan bistro where a USU SNOW CLUB TRIP, SNOW ON NOW TILL 14TH AUGUST case of mistaken identity throws the PLANET DEPART MUSICAL: ASSASSINS couple way over their heads into Depart Unitec at 5pm the centre of a high-profile crime $20 entry or $32 for entry and gear 7pm or 8pm starts ring. Not knowing who they can hire Tickets from $25 trust, it's no easy task to set matters Please email usuclubs@unitec.ac.nz http://www.The-Edge.co.nz straight. to register

MORE EVENTS AT W W W. U S U . C O . N Z

LITY SPIRITUA

WEEK

MONDAY AUGUST 2ND UNTIL FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST SPIRITUALITY WEEK The Hub Spirituality Week is facilitated by the Unitec Chaplains in order to increase awareness of faith, religion and spirituality and to assist students with this aspect of life in New Zealand. Spirituality Week will see a number of different faith ccommunities displaying literature, music, and some specific details m aabout their faith. TThere will also be some eentertainment, food, and opportunities for conversation. o 10.30am and 2pm each day 1 M MONDAY 2ND UNTILL FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST F P PRAYER LABYRINTH Unitec Chapel, Builing 162 U M MONDAY 2ND AND F FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST F FREE DVD SCREENING: B BEYOND TOLERANCE Gold Lecture Theatre Building 180 12pm THURSDAY 5TH AUGUST IS BELIEF IN GOD RATIONAL WHEN YOU CAN’T PROVE GOD EXISTS? Dr Mathew Flannagan answers these questions and more. Gold Lecture Theatre, The Hub 12pm WEDNESDAY 25TH AUGUST SPIRITUALITY DAY, Waitakere

IN UNISON

FEATURE

BY AMANDA HAXTON

SINCE 2005 THAT PHENOMENON KNOWN AS YOUTUBE HAS BEEN CREATING OVERNIGHT SENSATIONS, from Susan Boyle to Justin Beiber, The Sneezing Panda and the Blow On The Pie Guy. You Tubeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to take something obscure and bring it to worldwide attention makes it a platform for things like Parkour to go from unknown philosophy to sporting trend through just a few Facebook posts.

IIN NU UNISON N FEATURE

arkour started in France as a noncompetitive physical discipline of training, where the individual tries to overcome obstacles within their path by adapting their movements to the environment. The obstacles can be anything, but Parkour is often seen practiced in urban areas because of the many suitable public structures available such as buildings and rails. It was a Facebook post that caught Parkour enthusiast Pete Hodkinson’s eye Just over six months ago. “I guess its just like anything that You Tube’s helped take out of obscurity,” says Hodkinson. “When something becomes broadly accessible, looks cool and is exciting, then the more people who can see it the more people are going to get into it.” “I got involved by seeing a video of a guy called Damien Walters appear on my Facebook page with a comment from my friend saying: “We’re doing this, okay?”” “It was one of those things where I was all of a sudden just captivated by the movements. We just started training. You know simple stuff in a park jumping over rails and that kind of thing and just gradually became more confident. The moves got harder and harder and we started going to gymnastics.” Hodkinson explains that the Parkour “family” of sports is broken into three different factions. Parkour is the traditional concept of finding the fastest way from Point A to Point B. Skills such as jumping and climbing, or the more specific Parkour moves can be employed. “It’s all about the efficiency of movement, says Hodkinson. Free Running is a “little bit flashier” doing tricks while getting from Point A to Point B and expressing yourself within your environment. “Tricking is the other side of the scale where you pretty much have a flat space, quite often in gyms and you’re literally just doing flips. I guess Free Running is an amalgamation of tricking and Parkour.” Hodkinson says he, like many other enthusiasts, was attracted to the noncompetitive nature of Parkour.

“You play football or baseball or whatever and they are really heavily focused on competition. But with Parkour and Free Running everyone that I’ve ever trained with has just been against that competitiveness. It’s much more about improving what you are doing yourself and helping other people improve.” He believes it has huge potential as a school sport because it teaches people good values early on, rather than waiting until it’s too late and they're stuck in a “competitive spiral”.

A PERSON WHO P PRACTICES R A CTIC C CES PARKOUR, FREE RUNNING AND TRICKING WILL INTERACT DIFFERENTLY WITH PIECES OF ARCHITECTURE THAN A NORMAL PERSON WOULD “Kids that are still in primary school will see me out with a group of people training and if we are both doing handstands at the same time they’ll assume we are having a competition and stop to watch.” “You have to make a point of telling them that that’s not what it’s about at all. Most of them actually catch on quickly and get into that buzz.” He has quickly found that Parkour crosses over into many other areas of life. A fellow Unitec student asked him to star in a short film which explored the relationship between Parkour and spatial design. “He had to create a video on architectural design and how something could influence it,” says Hodkinson. “He approached me about using me as a case study for his project, where he explored how a person who practices Parkour, Free Running and tricking will interact differently with pieces of architecture than a normal person would. And how that process might, in turn, influence architectural design.”

The pair shot footage of Hodkinson interacting with objects around Unitec’s Mount Albert campus, including The Hub, Building One and The Student Village. Hodkinson says you gain a different perspective of what you are experiencing in your environment through the practice of Free Running. “Objects become much more than just inanimate pieces of architecture. You’ll see a sign and wonder how you could get up there. It becomes a much more creative process. Your life turns into a gym.” “I just train whenever I can, quite often I’m around Unitec in the evenings.” “I’m starting up a Free Running club at Unitec and just looking for anyone who’s interested, whether they’ve never done it before and want to get started or if they’re experienced and are keen to help teach people. It’s just about getting as many people as possible into it. I reckon Unitec would be an awesome place to do it, there are plenty of cool places to train.”

Contact usupresident@unitec.ac.nz z if you are interested in joining a Free Running group at Unitec.

IN UNISON

FEATURE

OPLE E P 000 n half , 0 0 ND 1 . More tha ay be U O S AR NOSES tec. They m tr y G N I BR OUR are at Uni ded indus D Y N R EALA T UNDE 00 of them student-fun er $600 s Z W NE RIGH d, over 25 them. It’s a tes with ov ing used a R , Y A E R u T Y Y COUN re be ucation” cklan ne of tiar y instit R a u o E A y e e V o b E THE will come t You might rovided ter ents, and th t “export ed O T . d a le IN and p t now nd. al stu ooks peop l r n la se righ st yea internatio a Haxton New Zea a l of the xt to you n o d ne billi le are or. Aman tudents to t sitting e over $2 ese peop s c n se d h ional o T a t i t . a m a e n t c r u te du en tha ing in n rev ar y e i i g t r n n i e r t o i b r mill for ou g put into e n i l a life effort bein he and t

IN UNISON FEATURE

t is no coincidence that students from all over the world have decided to leave their families, friends and home countries to study in New Zealand. Do they wake up one morning and randomly decide they would like to come and study in a tiny, almost unknown nation in the Pacific? Perhaps, but not likely. Instead, a New Zealand education is being effectively and strategically “sold” to prospective students all over the world through the use of education travel agents. Like most businesses, New Zealand education has a brand story, it’s based on the slogan “First Light Thinking” - which says that “every new day in the world starts in New Zealand, New Zealanders

Foreign student numbers peaked in 2003 at 121,000 they fell before rising in 2009 for the first time in six years. Last year Unitec had around 2,770 international students from over 80 different countries. In the same year, Auckland hosted over half of all the international students in the country. Reporting an increase of just under 4,000 students from 2008. The government announced last week that in the first four months of 2010 there was a seven per cent increase in international students compared to the same time last year. Much of this was driven by polytechnics, which were up by 15 per cent. USU’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE MELANIE DISSE knew

“I handed in my thesis back home in December and study here starts in February so everything was pretty close and Unitec was the first one to say "yes we will accept you"." Even with the agency’s help she arrived here to find some things had gotten lost in translation. She didn’t know that Unitec was a polytechnic until she got here, as they don’t have polytechnics in Germany. “They should make that a bit clearer when they try to attract people from other countries who may not know what a polytechnic actually is or may not know that Unitec is a polytechnic,” says Disse. She had little concept of the cost of living in New Zealand before arriving. She payed all her course fees in advance from

EVERY NEW DAY IN THE WORLD STARTS IN NEW ZEALAND, NEW ZEALANDERS ARE ALREADY UP AND WORKING WHILE THE REST OF THE WORLD IS IN DARKNESS. are already up and working while the rest of the world is in darkness.” This is just one of the “tools” for selling New Zealand at the disposal of education agents. Other major selling points include the comparative costs of both study and living and our 2009 ranking as the world’s most peaceful country. Education New Zealand (ENZ) is the umbrella organisation for export education in New Zealand. A not-forprofit charitable trust, ENZ is set up to support the New Zealand export education industry, and to promote New Zealand’s education services offshore. As well as formal partnerships with the Ministry of Education ENZ has strategic partnerships with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism New Zealand and the Department of Labour. Spokesperson from ENZ Michelle Waitzman says agents are used widely in many countries, particularly in Asia and South America, to help students and their parents plan and arrange overseas study. “Generally, the agents form direct relationships with specific institutions and are able to enrol students with those institutions and assist with student visas and other preparations. In return, the agents receive a commission from the institutions for each student they enrol,” says Waitzman.

of none of ENZ’s selling points when she decided she wanted to study abroad. She simply wanted to go somewhere warm. Melanie (27) moved to New Zealand from Kassel, Germany in February 2009. “I actually chose Australia because it’s nice and warm” she says with a laugh. “New Zealand is still better than Germany, although we are kind of freezing at the moment in our house, but usually it is warmer than Germany. I wanted to be somewhere it was nice to live.” Disse says she chose New Zealand after finding out how much cheaper the fees were compared to Australia. She then contacted an agency in Germany which handled her application process. “It was an agency that helps people going abroad, so I didn’t contact any New Zealand universities I just sent all my stuff to the agency and they applied for me,” she says. Disse says the agency made the process much easier. She didn’t have to apply for each university separately three or four times over. The agency service cost her nothing because institutes pay the agencies a commission to find them students, in a similar manner to that of a travel agent. The application process takes a considerable amount of time, something Disse didn’t have. She says she ended up at Unitec mostly because they were the first to reply and accept her application.

New Zealand Educated.org.nz

savings she had accumulated working part time in Germany. It was far more than she was used to paying in Germany where students are charged only a small administration cost for tertiary study. She was also required to pay for her accommodation at the student village in bulk in advance. The cost of everyday living is ridiculously high, says Disse. “It is not at all comparable to what you pay in other countries. I used to earn more back home and here I earn less and I have to pay taxes. The rent is so high compared to what I would pay back home.” “It’s a huge amount of money for me.” “EXPORT EDUCATION” HAS INDEED BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MAJOR MONEYMAKER. With the Minister for Tertiary

Education Steven Joyce even going so far as to describe international students as the “economic lifeline” of the tertiary sector. Tertiary education for New Zealanders is subsidised, with caps on the number of students the government will subsidise per institute. Meaning there is a limit on how much institutes can earn from domestic student fees. Joyce has repeatedly stressed there will be no new government funding for the tertiary sector in the current economic climate. International students remain unique,

IN UNISON FEATURE

because they usually pay full unsubsidised fees, tertiary providers need not limit the number of international students they enrol. Last year international student fees made up 12 percent of tertiary revenue. “It is quite clever of them” says Disse “But I don’t really think it’s a very good idea, because you will have lots of international students who will go away

paid to institutions by international students. This levy funds a range of industry-wide activities including professional development, research and, yes, promotion of New Zealand to international students.” “This levy accounts for less than half of one percent of tuition fees. It is paid on any international student tuition, collected by the Ministry of Education,

Delaney says a reliance on international students to fund education puts institutes at risk. “If institutes rely on international students there can be a fall out when numbers drop, as they did in 2004. International students play an important part in the tertiary sector but they shouldn’t be relied on to fund decent institutions.” With an increase in students (and

UNIVERSITIES WILL CONTINUE TO SPEND MILLIONS ON OVERSEAS MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT TRIPS, WHEN THEY POINT TO UNDER FUNDING PUTTING PRESSURE ON THEIR BUDGETS. after their studies or stay just one or two years.” “But it’s all about the money, all about the money.” RECENT ADMISSION CLOSURES AT MANY UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY have caused some student

unions to question whether the money spent advertising to international students should be spent funding places for domestic students. New Zealand Union of Students’ Association’s (NZUSA) Co-President Pene Delaney released a statement questioning “why universities will continue to spend millions on overseas marketing and recruitment trips, when they point to under funding putting pressure on their budgets.” So, who’s paying to fund the promotion of a New Zealand education? Waitzman says it’s the international students themselves. “In terms of generic promotion through ENZ, this is funded through a small levy on tuition fees

whether at primary, secondary or tertiary level. It is the same for both public and private institutions,” says Waitzman. Tertiary institutes also conduct their own marketing and recruitment internationally in conjunction with the generic marketing. This could include multi-lingual websites, advertising in magazines and student publications, or having booths at international student fairs. The scale of these efforts will vary greatly depending on the size of the institution. Delaney says there is “a large amount” of money pulled from institutions for generic marketing “on top of universities who go out and do [marketing] themselves.” He questions whether the money is being well spent, saying “sometimes marketing doesn’t correlate to higher numbers.” Joyce believes New Zealand universities need to grow their income from international students to meet the figures seen in Australia. “Then the experience for all students will be enhanced,” says Joyce.

NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL FEE-PAYING STUDENTS

27,032 2

09 20

26,518 8

08 20

29,502 02

07 20

33,014 4

06 20

37,207

05 20

38,341

04 20

33,826

STATISTICS FROM: The Ministry of Education and Education New Zealand

Pene Delaney

at some institutes an increase in international fees) comes an increase in responsibility from New Zealand to be a good host. NZUSA advocated for a review of the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of international students. “We always push that any increase in fees international students pays should be supported by an increase in the level of pastoral care,” says Delaney. A review is currently underway, the first since 2003, and all education providers enrolling international students must become signatories of the code and follow its guidelines. With the country making a conscious effort to get more students here, ENZ introduced an accreditation process for agents in 2008 to become “New Zealand Specialist Agents”. Agents have to attend a full day training session about New Zealand’s culture, education system, and pastoral care requirements. They must also pass a test to prove that they have understood the training and provide at least three positive references from New Zealand institutes they currently work with. After they have done all of this they pay a registration fee and receive a certificate confirming that they are New Zealand Specialist Agents. Waitzman says ENZ's professional development work with the export education industry helps to ensure that, wherever a student chooses to study in New Zealand, their institution will have the latest knowledge on best practice to ensure that the students are well cared for and supported. “New Zealand has an excellent reputation overseas, and it’s very important to maintain that reputation.”

PORTS S O W T R SEMESTE

is or society b lu c a h volved wit meet new d n Getting in a n fu e ay to hav me things a s a great w e th to ho are in people w you are.

gus enge - Au ll a h C ry T rtia Te

orld Cup Football W

ptember 1

Se rnament T uch TTou To r 24

Septembe

llay - Teams p e u g a e L ry IInterr-Tertia h (Mixed eeks (Touc w o tw ry all, eve ll, Basketb a tb e N ), ll) and Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ide Footba s a 7 d n a Volleyball ust 13 Starts Aug

e clubs Some of th

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l, n, Bisexua ay, Lesbia G r fo rt o p viding sup ople) QuSA (pro straight pe d n a g in n er, questio transgend

l Club

hool Socia

ness Sc Unitec Busi t Christian

and Ligh Unitec Salt

Fellowship

ssociation edicine A M ic th a p ent Osteo MA - Stud

ards Sports Aw

Novembe

PLUS: Pool tables, Table

lub

USU Pool C

boarding

USU Snow

Tennis, and a Basketball Hoop

Club

are free to use! Gear hire from USU Reception (bldg 180)

A full list is available at

There are also heaps of sports

www.usu.co.nz/ whats-on/clubs

clubs availible.

AND IF YOU CAN T lND AN EXISTING club that suits you - you could

For more information about sport at Unitec visit www.usu.co.nz, email ususport@unitec.ac.nz or pop in and see the USU Sports Coordinator at the USU Reception

Email usuclubs@unitec.ac.nz or pop in and see the

(bldg 180)

USU Clubs coordinator at the USU Reception (bldg 180)

usu

WWW.USU.CO.NZ

start your own!

usu

WWW.USU.CO.NZ

IN UNISON COLUMNS

WHAKARONGO

MAI

BY JOSEPH HARPER AS A STUDENT you’ll find yourself hard-up for cash, hungry, without a potato to mash. You might need a job to bump up your income, ‘cause your student allowance is hardly a big one. A job that you can work might be hard to find, when conjecture at lectures occupies your mind. w Your hours are filled up with study and books, Y aand the drinking of wine, beer, and rum on the rocks.

Columnist Joseph Harper

“

“I’ll never find anything!” you blurt out through tears, “I feel like I’ve been out job hunting for years!” Then all of a sudden, when all hope is gone and you’ve long since turned to your old friend ‘the bong’; from under your bed crawls a little wee man, with a receding hairline and a withered wee hand. “Chin up,” says that man, “and wipe up those tears. I’m here to alleviate your employment fears.”

Then all of a sudden, when all hope is gone, and you've long since turned to your old friend 'the bong';

“

With a flick of his wrist, his hand was in mine, which was odd as we were only going online. Then he typed in: Dub dub dub dot ess jay ess, dot co dot en zed, then enter he pressed. His bald-patch was glistening and his eyes said to me, ‘You’re in for employment, if you stick with me.’ “Oh the jobs you could work!” he said with a smirk. “With your half-cooked degree there’s just all kinds of work.” You could cook people burgers at some burger joint; the kind filled with oil, that fat people want. The pay would be skint and your happiness mild and you’ll be contributing to obesity’s smile. But at least you could save some money on food, though a lifetime of French fries may ruin your mood. You’re too good for that so you turn up your nose. “Alright.” says the man. “We’ll move on I suppose.”

OH THE JOBS YOU

COULD WORK...

You could work in a cafe, take orders and wait. Selling thick chocolate brownies and cafe-au-lait. Your clientele will be all stylish and cute. Women with dogs saying snooty-toot-toot. That rich coffee smell will sink into your skin, To smell like a bean isn’t such a bad thing. Though they’re all closed at night, which is when you are free, so I guess something else, your new job must be. You could whore yourself out, in the night for a buck. Lurk on K Road, why not try your luck? There’s probably some job satisfaction there, a sense of achievement, from selling your wares. Though I’d hate for you to contract some new disease, red puffy blotches from your balls to your knees. And I suppose for you to have any success, you’d have to be much more attractive I guess. You could act as a spy, for Northern Korea, and send back reports to his greatness, Dear Leader. You could wear nice, long jackets and nonchalant hats and carry a pistol and bullets and that. In Korea you’d be held up as a pillar of braveness, though if you are tortured you must never cave in. And the work would be perilous and there’d be a reason, for you to be fearful of trial for treason. Frustrated, you turn to the man, who you hit, “These jobs are no good! They’re really the pits! I want something that’s fun, well paid, and easy, not something that’s scary or grotty or greasy.” The man he just frowned, “what on earth did you think? Good jobs aren’t abundant you ignorant dink! You thought finding your dream job would be a vacation? For god’s sake you major in communications!” “You’re dreaming,” he said, now really quite mad. “Job hunting is shitty; get used to it lad. Even with your degree they’ll be tres hard to find, and your B.A. will not be one of a kind.” He retracted his hand, and slicked back his hairs, Crawled under the bed again, leaving you there. You sit unemployed and reasonably sad. Life as a student is really quite bad.

IN UNISON EXTRAS

HOROSCOPES WHAT

TO D

Leo

August 1st-16th

July 23 - Aug August 22 You are at yo your most charming this month. Flirt with that som someone you’ve had your eye on and they will wil find you irresistible. You will be receiving a lo lot of attention but remember to be generous in giving out praise as well.

WIT TH A DODGY LANDLORD SO IT’S YOUR FIRST TIME LIVING AWAY FROM HOME and you’ve landed yourself a sweet flat, moved a bunch of people in, pissed off the neighbours, established a shower roster, had a few parties, built a beer can tower or other bottle related display and, basically, settled right in. Then, you discover you’ve got a dodgy landlord and a whole bunch of issues arise. Here’s what to do: IF YOUR LANDLORD IS “DODGY” AND SEXUALLY HARASSING YOU:

The Human Rights Commission lists landlord sexual harassment as a common situation for complaints. Landlords, despite what they may say, cannot just “pop in” for a visit. Likewise, just because they own the property does not mean they can waltz into your room or bathroom without the basic courtesy of knocking. If you feel uncomfortable with your landlord’s behaviour or comments keep a record of offensive incidents. Put a complaint in writing or address the issue face-toface with a support person handy. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau can offer further advice and assist you with contacting the Human Rights Commission, police or a lawyer should you wish to take a complaint further. IF YOUR LANDLORD WON’T FIX STUFF:

The landlord is responsible for repairs to the house or flat, this includes maintenance to locks, doors, and any appliances provided with the flat. You shouldn’t be paying for everyday repairs. However, if you do any major damage (like punching a hole in the wall) you may not get your full bond back. Let your landlord know when repairs need to be done and arrange a suitable time for someone to do it, the landlord needs to give you notice before coming around. If you try but cannot get hold of your landlord and the repairs are urgent or unsafe then you can call a repairs person and ask the landlord to reimburse you. If the landlord had a reasonable amount of time to do the repairs, but hasn’t, you should contact the Department of Building and Housing. IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING OVERCHARGED:

So you live in a shoebox with roaches and the people next door live in a mansion with a spa pool. Somehow you’re both paying the same amount of rent and it doesn’t seem quite right. Talk to your landlord about it and if the issue isn’t resolved seek help from the Department of Building and Housing. They can compare the price of similar sized flats in the area and gauge if the price is reasonable. WHO CAN HELP?

The Department of Building and Housing: www.dbh.govt.nz The Human Rights Commission: www.hrc.co.nz The Citizen’s Advice Bureau: www.cab.org.nz

Virgo August 23 - September 22 It will seem like everyone around you is acting a little strangely, on edge, or out of character. You will find yourself put in the position of peacemaker and should be able to smooth things over if you approach the situation calmly. Libra September 23 - October 22 It’s time for you to make the most of each opportunity that comes your way. Expect to be seeing more of the world and letting the world see more of you. Scorpio October 23 - November 21 A powerful and meaningful connection with someone is on the cards, whether you know them or not already. Expect to meet someone in a mundane and unexpected location and hit it off. Sagittarius November 22 - December 21 Watch out for ego clashes with other strong personalities who want your limelight this month. Someone is likely to try and take the credit for your great ideas, forewarned is forearmed. Capricorn December 22 - January 19 You feel at ease expressing your deeper feelings to loved ones this month. However there is the possibility of some tension between your work and domestic life.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18 Try not to be everywhere at once or race about trying to achieve too many things; no one is expecting miracles so stop trying to perform them. Pisces February 19 - March 20 Be careful not to fall for the charms of sweet talkers who aren’t exactly what they are making themselves out to be. Aries March 21 - April 19 You are likely to clash with your nearest and dearest this month try and channel this energy towards love, and romance instead. Taurus April 20 - May 20 You start the month focused and wanting to be taken seriously. This is an ideal time to tackle bills, and finances you have been avoiding. Gemini May 21 - June 20 Your finances will be suffering and you are likely to become something of a green eyed monster as you jealously watch your friends having fun with their money. Try not to caught up in it, saving will result in a bigger better experience for you later in the year. Cancer June 21 - July 22 You find yourself busy with activities all over the show and yet you seem to be achieving nothing at all. Try to take a break now and again, you’ll find more pleasure in going out if you’re not doing it 24/7.

IN UNISON COLUMNS

CARTOON BY DIANNE RUTH RIMMER

STUDENT

PROFILE JASMINE HOLLAND JASMINE HOLLAND IS IN HER SECOND YEAR OF A BACHELOR OF SPORT DEGREE, MAJORING IN MANAGEMENT. As Unitec’s very own

SUDOKU

“Karate Kid” Jasmine travelled to Montenegro last month to compete at The World University Championships, she was only the second ever student from Unitec to be invited. In September, Jasmine is travelling to Tahiti where she plans to “show the Aussies up” at the Oceania Championships. In Unison caught up with this rising sports star for a chat.

Chile, Concepción area affected by one of the world's largest earthquakes.

Q: How old were you when you first got involved with karate? A: When I was around six-years-old. My Dad was involved so that’s how I got started. Q: How often do you train, and how do you balance your studies with your training? A: Usually four days a week. I Just keep on top of things and make sure I know what’s due and when.

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Place: Ceramco Park Funtion Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Glen Eden

Confirm to: ariella70@hotmail.com Mob. 021-2558097

Q: What achievement are you most proud of to date? A: Winning the Junior Sports Woman Of The Year at the Samoan Sports Awards. It’s a good feeling when others recognise and award you for your achievements. Q: How popular would you say Karate is in New Zealand? A: Not very popular here at home. But they love it in Europe, and of course

Asia. The main competitors from that side of the world can earn a living from competing so I guess I’m in the wrong place! Q: Can you describe the process of being selected to attend The World University Champs? A: The selection for The World University Champs was at the New Zealand Open Championships held in Christchurch in April. The top contender for each weight class gets selected for the team. I was selected as the light weight representative (Under 55kgs). Q: Is this the first time you have travelled overseas with the sport? A: No, I have been lucky enough to go to Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Turkey and Morocco with Karate. Competing in competitions such as the Oceania and The Junior World Championships.

IN UNISON COLUMNS

SPLINTER &

SPORT SPIN BOWLER MUTTIAH MURALITHARAN last month

became the first cricket bowler to take 800 test wickets, having survived years of allegations claiming his bowling action was illegal. Now the most successful test bowler in history, Murali, as he is affectionately known, will retire from one-day cricket after the World Cup. He needed eight wickets in his final test to reach the 800 mark and reached the milestone against India with the last ball of his test career. The run-out of VVS Laxman shortly after lunch left India nine wickets down, in their second innings, meaning Sri Lanka needed only 95 runs to win with more than a session of play remaining. Only 70 runs ahead (and with Murali on a tantalisingly 799 wickets) the last pair of Indian batsmen at the crease held out for 15 overs. Murali, by then in his 45th over, struck, and the Muraliometer on the boundary edge clicked round to the magical 800. After a five-wicket haul in the first innings, and one in the second innings, innings he claimed Harbhajan Singh early before a long wait for his last. And finally the moment of triumph as Mahela Jayawardene

tumbled to take the catch at first slip. A controversial figure since his unorthodox bowling action was called into question in 1995, Murali has endured to become the most prolific bowler in the sport by a long shot. Love him or hate him for his action he bowled 33 per cent of Sri Lanka’s overs during his test appearances, taking 40 per cent of their wickets. His long-time rival Shane Warne (whose 708 Test wickets for Australia puts him second in the all-time list) conveyed congratulations on Twitter, saying: “Congrats to Murali on his 800th wicket and a wonderful career. Well done buddy, awesome.” Former Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram said: “Murali has been phenomenal. I don’t think I’ll ever see anyone like him again.” Murali certainly made the most of the occasion. He opened the bowling after walking out to the middle on a red carpet as fireworks lit up the sky above. He was spared walking off the field as he was hoisted on to the shoulders shoulde of his Sri Lankan team-m mates and held up the match baall to acknowledge the cheers fr from the crowd.

Dear

Barbie Dear Barbie, I desperately need your help. I’m in a terrible situation. I was too shy to buy a vibrator from a store and then a friend told me you could make a DIY dildo by filling a condom with water and then freezing it. I followed her directions and now….. well you know when you lick ice and it gets stuck to your tongue? Well the frozen dildo is stuck, and not to my tongue. What should I do, I’m scared I’ll get frostbite down there! Iced Up

Dear Barbie My boyfriend and I get on really well and we’ve been dating for six months but when we drink we fight and don’t get on at all. What should I do? Raywen

That’s the view from the be ench.

Dear Iced Up The dildo can’t have done its job very well if you’re not even hot enough to melt that thing on your own steam. Take a hot bath, how obvious is that? I worry that this question came in last week and the magazine has only just gone to print. Are you still sitting there, waiting patiently for my reply? If so frostbite is inevitable. Bet you’re thinking it would have been less embarrassing to just go to a sex store huh? XX Baarbie

Dear Raywen, Alcohol is an evil drug and tends to bring out the worst in people, so naturally when you two are drunk you show each other your true colours and realise you don’t really like each other at all. I imagine you probably slur your words and accidentally spit on each other with bad three am Burger King breath as well. Sad isn’t it? Best break up methinks. Will anyone ever love you again? I make no promises….. XX Barbie

Email Barbie your problems inunison@unitec.ac.nz

IN UNISON

REVIEWS Knight and Day y Director: James Mangold

I’m no “Twi-hard” but I enjoyed the first two films in this teen vampire romance. I may even have admitted to being a little bit “Team Edward”. But after enduring Eclipse I’m well and truly on “Team Twilight Sucks”. Let’s be honest; the movie was terrible. It was merely floating on the hype of the previous two films, relying on the idea that viewers already felt some sort of deep sentiment for the three main characters and their wee ménage-trios. The plot is held together by Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) tormenting choice: does she marry her blood-sucking boyfriend Edward (Robert Pattinson) and be forever among the undead? Or, does she fancy life on the Indian Reservation with the often shirtless Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and the rest of his wolf pack? Excuse my scepticism, but does this not beg the question: bestiality or necrophilia? Now it’s all very well young Bella is having a serious think about the complexity of her decision. Both are extremely attractive boys who promise to put their lives on the line to protect her. What woman wouldn’t be wooed by that? The problem is she is reckless with the hearts of her two boys, simultaneously stringing them both along with kisses and deep and meaningful stares. That’s not the sort of conduct I like to see in a heroine. Over two long hours, she swings between the two so many times that it feels like a hypnotist’s watch putting me into a deep sleep. It wasn’t all bad though. British director David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night) is new to the Twilight franchise, brought slickness and sophistication to Eclipse, and someone managed to coax out some halfway decent performances from the leads. Twilight films are always going to bring in the big bucks at the box office, but Eclipse fails to provide anything other than two long hours of eye-candy, and unfortunately, that’s just not enough this time.

I’ve never found Tom Cruise sexy. xy. Yes, you read that right. Never. Not even in the Nicole Kidman, Top Gunn era when women the world over would happily take off their panties and throw them at him. Instead, scientology scandals come to my mind whenever someone mentions Tom Cruise. These are coupled with thoughts of an emaciated Katie Holmes wasting away, stuck in her husband’s alien death grip. It’s really not the best mindset to have going into a movie, not when you’re trying to be a fair and unbiased reviewer. Which really makes it all the more extraordinary that I found my self actually enjoying Cruise’s latest appearance in the romantic comedy Knight And Day. My enjoyment was not founded on a sudden realisation that Tom Cruise was good looking, or for that matter, a good actor. It was, however, very much aided by his co-star Cameron Diaz, who never fails to deliver laughs, and a plot line that relishes in making a mockery of the type of films Cruise has made his whole career. The storyline follows sexy tomboy mboy June Havens (Diaz) who finds herself entangled in the dangerou us stunt and explosive filled life of secret agent Roy Miller (Cruise).. What follows is a worldwide frolic from one dangerous situation to ano other.Cruise is not naturally funny but delivers a few one-liners effecctively. Diaz, however, sparkles as the drugged and disorientated kkidnapping victim who finds herself falling for her captor. Her performan nce reminded me very much of that in Charlie’s Angels, to which Knigh ht and Day is very similar. The supportingg cast are mostlyy unknowns, but Spanish actor Jordi Mollà provides some eye candy for girls who aren’t satisfied with Cruise, C while Peter Sarsgaard makes a fantastic appeaarance as “the baddie”. Director Jam mes Mangold (3:10 to Yuma, Walk The Th Line) provides high speed chases and shootouts to rival any of Cruise’s previous action n flicks. But, with h a conscious lau ugh at itself for bein ng pure, utterly ridiculo ous escapism. It would have beeen better suited to a nam me like “Mission Prepo osterous” - a romantic comedy that girls can actuallly take their boyfriend ds to - and both come out laughing.

Celeste Gorrell Anstiss

Amanda Haxton

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Director: David Slade

Movie reviews thanks to Skycity Cinemas

WIN

WIN: Email inunison@unitec.ac.nz and name one of the movies ies reviewed reviiewed in this issue to be in to win a double movie pass to a Skycity Cinemas.

IN UNISON REVIEWS

Mini Reviews

Thai Me Up 244 Ponsonby Road ad Ponsonby, Auckland

Assassins Director: Oliver driver / Silo Theatre/Town Hall July 23rd - August 14th There was no curtain to raise at the silo theatre on Saturday night. Instead, chorus members prowled amongst the theatre goes, strayed amongst seats and pranced about on stage in seeming fits of madness while the audience filtered in. The filtering took a good while; unnumbered aisles meant there was a need for far more ushers, made obvious when the director himself started showing confused guests to their seats. A couple of gunshots quietened the rowdy audience and continued to keep everyone awake and alert throughout the almost two hour musical. Written by Stephen Sondheim, Assassins depicts the murders and attempted assassinations of American m presidents through history, but in a satirical and fun manner. In a similar vein to Chicago, the plot makes m murder humorous, killers likeable (or at least enjoyable). m Unfortuntaly, unlike Chicago, it lacks cohesiveness or U sttrong choreography and is made more confusing when th he assassinations aren’t in chronological order. The soliloquies are overdrawn and at times boring, allthough Cameron Rhodes’ impromptu interaction with th he audience was a welcome addition. The performances arre solid, even if the plot is a little messy. Gareth Williams ass narrator “The Balladeer” was outstanding. His voice, sttyle and execution held the show together. Mitchell Butell, as John Wilkes Booth (the assassinator of Abraham Lincoln) also gave an excellent performance as A th he southern gentleman, a complete contrast in style from his recent performances in Avenue Q. The set design is a real highlight. Post-modern pop cu ulture references are made with Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol style artwork so bright it’s hard to think A off the comedy as “black”. In comparison, the costumes were disappointing and could have been more historically w acccurate, which would have helped clarify which era each ch haracter was in. It might be a comedy, but Assassins does attempt to go deeper. It explores the American dream and tries to shed so ome light on the phenomenon of celebrity criminals. Disappointingly, it draws no real conclusions. D With only a vague knowledge of American presidential history, many found themselves annoyingly pulling ou ut cell phones to light programmes and refresh their memories of who was who. If there’s anything to conclude m frrom Assassins, it’s that New Zealanders aren’t learning en nough world history in the current school system. Amanda Haxton Am

A very cold Tuesday night and the time seemed ripe for some S&M and DVD the arousal of my tastebuds from their THE WIRE TV SERIES winter comfort food slumber. Thai Me Up, PRODUCER, DAVID SIMON a Ponsonby restaurant with a quirky name, satisfied our needs and was warm and cheap to boot. It has never aired on New Service was a little slow to start Zealand TV, but American but with an extensive (and somewhat series The Wire is developing a overwhelming) menu the extra time was cult following amongst those necessary to make a meal choice. Mains who download it or watch it start at $11.50 with most around the $13 on DVD. Written by a former mark (rice a few dollars extra). For such a police writer, this crime drama reasonable price the meals are surprisingly ran for five seasons and looks generous and speedily served. at how crime affects different A wide range of options are available; facets of society. Highly from red, yellow and green curries (with addictive, The Wire does not or without coconut milk) wok stir fried captivate its audience, more dishes, fried rice, noodles, seafood dishes that it literally holds them aand a large range of vegetarian options. captive. Most dishes also come with a range of M meat choices; pork, beef, chicken, duck or m s seafood. Faced with far too many options I fell back on an old favourite, Thai Green Curry b with beef instead of my usual chicken. w It was excellently creamy and a perfect medium hot temperature. Beside me, the m cchicken version was also pronounced to be Cafe aat a high standard. FRASERS One of the restaurant’s signature dishes, 434 MT EDEN ROAD The Amazing Thai Me Up, with chicken, arrived on a sizzling hotplate so steamy This Village stalwart is known it caused heads to turn at neighbouring for its desserts and coffee, tables. Those at our table spent much of which are easily the best in the the evening looking enviously at it with area. The Baileys cheesecake food jealously, and I’ll be sure to give it a go is well known among woman next time. of all ages and their breakfasts The only let down was the Thai Princess are worth a try. The seating is a which lacked in flavour, sauce and little cramped and the cakes a vegetables, seeming to consist mostly of an little pricey (at around $6) but unidentified yellow vegetable which may Frasers is well worth a visit. have been a turnip but could have been some sort of flavourless carrot. Thai Me Up has an authentic and decorative interior and presents its meals with the cute little carrot flowers and other Love to share your small details which make Thai cuisine such opinion? a crowd pleaser. Despite the odd rogue Want to go to movies, gigs, princess and the lack of any actual S&M and shows for free? antics, Thai Me Up is such a reasonable Become an In Unison reviewer: price it’s impossible to resist returning. Email inunison@unitec.ac.nz for more information.

Amanda Haxton

IN UNISON

RECIPES

SERVES ONE

Moscow Mule was the beverage of choice in the late 1940s, credited with making vodka the “clear” sprit of choice over gin. The name refers to the popular perception that vodka is a Russian product and the “Mule” part refers to the ﬂavour “kick” of ginger beer. Ironically, ginger beer is generally not available in Russia. INGREDIENTS: 2 Shots vodka 2 Tablespoons lime juice Ginger beer 2 Fresh mint leaves Ice

Kumara & Sweet Corn Fritters

Serves three - four depending on the hunger of the individuals

A true Kiwi classic the kumara in the recipe gives a sweeter and less rubbery texture to the classic, sweet corn fritter recipe. INGREDIENTS: 1 Kumara 1 Tin of corn kernels 1 Cup of self raising flour 50 Grams of butter 1 Egg 1 Teaspoon crushed ginger 1 Teaspoon crushed garlic Half a cup of milk Sour cream Sweet chilli sauce Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS: Peel and chop kumara into small pieces. Cook the kumara in the microwave for approximately five minutes, or until fully cooked. Mash kumara until smooth. In a large bowl combined mashed kumara, melted butter, flour, milk, salt and pepper and drained corn. Separate egg, placing yolk with the other ingredients. Lightly fold the ingredients together. Do not over stir. In a separate bowl whisk the egg white until stiff. Fold egg whites into the main mixture. Using a shallow, well oiled pan spoon small amounts of the mixture to make round fritters approximately 10cm in diameter. Using a spatula, flip the fritters when golden brown. Serve hot or cold with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.

if you’re new to the biscuit scene. The Jaffa Thin is a maverick. A magnificent example of cross-disciplinary biscuit making. A fusion of fruit biscuit and chocolate biscuit that for once (thank God) manages to avoid jam. What’s so great about the Jaffa Thin is that the flavor is built somehow into the biscuit itself. It’s crazy. But also pretty delicious. Though you’ll certainly be able to appreciate its subtlety and intelligence a lot more if you’re an experienced biscuit-goer. The Jaffa Thin has one major flaw. Inflexibility.

If you’re looking for an on-the-go snack, you’re going to want to look elsewhere. In my experience, Jaffa Thins fall to pieces pretty easily. I can only assume that this flaw is a side-effect of the biscuit flavoring process, or “Orangination”. This is only really a problem if you plan on leaving the house with your Thin though. Pricewise, they’re a bit of a mixed bag. Shop around and you’ll almost certainly find them on special somewhere. You should be able to pick up a pack for under $3.00 Joseph Harper

DIRECTIONS: Put all ingredients, except mint, in a cocktail shaker and mix vigorously. Using a strainer to drain the ice pour into a highball class, lass, and top with fresh mint. m

K SNACW REVIE

JAFFA THINS BISCUITS. TALK ABOUT A CROWD PLEASER. Who doesn’t love a little something to dunk in their tea? Idiots - that’s who. The Jaffa Thin is a perfect example of a biscuit. Mainly in that it is indeed a biscuit. Over the years, the Jaffa Thin has copped a lot of flack in the mainstream biscuit going public. Continually, and shamelessly put down in favor of it’s less orangey and more commercially successful cousin, the Chocolate Thin. I’m going to warn you right off the bat. This isn’t necessarily the best biscuit to go for

IN UNISON CARTOON

USU Snow Planet Trip

Everyone Welcome!

Wednesday August 18 5pm Departure from Unitec $20 for entry / $32 for entry and rentals To register please email us suclubs@un nitec.ac.nz usu

www.usu.co.nz

FREE NEON

USU PRESENTS:

BODY PAINTING STATION

FRIDAY 20 AUGUST

8PM AT CARRINGTON’S

FEATURING DJ REMINISE

FREE MIX CD BY DJ REMINISE WITH ALL TICKETS SOLD FROM THE USU RECEPTION

MEMBERS

(UNITEC STUDENTS)

$10

NON-MEMBERS AND DOOR SALES

TICKETS FROM USU RECEPTION (BLDG 180) GIVEAWAYS FROM GLOBE STREETWEAR ON THE NIGHT

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