With one term almost under your belt, you’re probably looking forward to your next holiday and eating a copious amount of Easter Eggs!
Historically February, March, and April have some of Christchurch’s hottest days. Still, we can all agree this Summer has been shit!
We’re still waiting for that dry, hot summer Canterbury is known for. Days cooling off at Sumner Beach and making the most of the outdoors. With that being said, let’s embrace everything that comes your way, whether Uni, work, or play, a positive outlook is an incredibly powerful asset that breeds positive results including success, happiness, health, and overcoming obstacles. Being positive doesn’t mean you ignore issues and logic but the way you deal with them is the important lesson. Approach your next stressful situation with positivity, I know this is easier said than done, try and look beyond the setback, don’t be consumed by it, and adopt the power to be positive about it. You’ll be surprised at the impact it can have on your physical and mental health.
2025 LUSA STUDENT EXECUTIVE
ZARA WEISSENSTEIN PRESIDENT
I hope you have all had a fantastic start to the 2025 academic year –– time is certainly flying by! We are already over half way through term one and the first holidays are coming up quickly! My favourite memory of term one? O-week. I had such an incredible time meeting and getting to know all of you through all of the events that LUSA put on, from Toga Party all the way through to Bogan Bingo and Burgers and Beats. My fave was the Semester One Kick-off on Forbes Lawn; it was great to see so many of you get involved and give the mechanical bull a go! It was such a fun day and it was great to chat to so many of you as you came through. We definitely need a massive shoutout to the LUSA staff and LUSA exec who planned and made all of these events happen, none of this is possible without them.
I hope you’re all settled in to your studies now, I can imagine how busy it’s getting now that we’re nearing the end of term. Just remember that it’s always ok to ask for help if you think you need it. Everyone’s always more than happy to lend a hand or direct you to the best place to get the help you need.
For some balance, have you all joined some clubs as well? Our clubs market day presented all of LUSA’s clubs and was a great way to join up and get involved in campus life. Clubs are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and immerse yourself in the Lincoln University community. If you happened to miss out on clubs market day however, it’s not too late to join any club you wish to. Just pop into the LUSA office to enquire about any you are interested in, or have a browse through what’s out there on the clubs directory on the LUSA website. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need help finding anything.
The Campus Service Council has held it’s first meeting for the year. This is where the student services levy gets set for the following year, so LUSA will be beginning to gather feedback from all of you around this soon (probably alongside a free food event so keep your eyes peeled!).
Over the course of the year so far, I have been attending various committee meetings with the university. This is where I as the LUSA president and the rest of the LUSA exec can raise any issues or concerns that you as students have with anything going on in the university. What we need from you to help with this however, is for you to come to us with your comments and concerns, so that we can ensure we advocate for you and see those issues get fixed. This is so that you can have the best student experience possible. So please once again, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask! Feel free to come in to the LUSA office on the ground floor of the Forbes Building to chat to myself or our lovely staff (or catch one of the exec as you see them around campus). I can also be emailed at president@lusa.org.nz
CAM HOLMES VICE-PRESIDENT
I hope everyone has had a great first term! It’s been a very busy term, with a great Ori, the first two board meetings, and a few policies to work on. A part of my job as VP is heading the Policy Sub-Committee. This is a group of some LUSA Exec and myself that look at policies, suggest changes, and then bring them to the Executive and Advisory Panel at our monthly Board Meetings. At the first board meeting, we approved the Code of Conduct Policy and the policies we are working on for the next one are the Clubs and
Societies Governance Policy (that had a few work-ons for me after the first Board Meeting), the Credit Card Policy, and the I.T. Policy.
The policies are on the LUSA website under ‘official-documents.’ All the policies should be current, with the updated versions being posted on the website after approval from the Exec. As we head into Term Two and the chaos that is exams and final assessments, it’s important to remember to take some time out to chill and relax, while still studying as much as you can.
Something I hadn’t done before was a writing retreat, which was run by LTL. It is aimed at Postgraduate students and is an awesome time to have structured writing sessions with support and advice easily available. LTL runs some awesome workshops for all students, especially around writing at a university level, statistics, referencing, and a heap more! These can be found at ltl.lincoln.ac.nz/ advice-and-support/workshops-andevents/calendar/.
If you ever want to know about the policies or reach out for anything feel free to talk to me around campus or send me an email to vp@lusa.org.nz Enjoy your term and have a restful break you all deserve it!
TROY VOLMAN SECRETARY
Good to see everyone thriving and surviving after a hectic first month back at Uni! I was here a few weeks before everyone started coming back and LU was dead, but the return of all you legends has brought some wellneeded energy back. Usually, the message of settling into classes goes out to first years only but I can say for
myself and others in 3rd year, we still seem to struggle to get back into the rhythm of student life.
Student life is a great experience, many of us dreading to head out into the real world where work is not recorded when we have a major hangover or decide to leave all our work for an all-nighter to hand in assessments just 10 minutes before the deadline. My advice to everyone reading this is to try and treat Uni like a 9-5 job. I have been doing this for a few years to ensure I have weekends free and nights to socialize. I have created a good routine for myself by parking up on campus for all this time. Although A few late nights still exist, it helps free up time to finish early on a Friday or start a bit later on a Thursday.
Other than studying, I’ve also been busy doing LUSA things. A secretary is usually someone who creates agendas and types minutes but for me, that’s far from true. Over the past month, I have written minutes, represented students by attending meetings in which anything academic-related is discussed and even helped a few people with issues regarding course clashes (Heaps of these) and the quality of recording/ teaching spaces. If you have or had issues with these always reach out as we can help you or understand the extent of some issues and then push harder for change.
As usual, feel free to reach out to me at any time with anything at all - wanting a yarn, have an issue or a great idea for something.
CATERINA CAMPESE INTERNATIONAL REP
Kia ora koutou, Hello everyone, Ciao a tutti,
I hope you had a great start to the year, and you were able to participate in many LUSA events! Orientation is over, but do not fear, we still have plenty of planned events.
Our sold out International Support Evening is scheduled for the 12th of March, the Easter Egg Hunt is later on in April, plus all those events promoted by our clubs.
I hear LUICS and PG Club have a couple of aces up their sleeves!
LUSA Exec is already very busy. We recently had the first Student Experience Board of the year. This board meets every couple of months and aims to directly address and solve feedback and issues that come up. The staff on this board (among which, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Life, the Director of Student Health & Admin, and the Customer Experience Manager) genuinely care about the student experience and make real changes. Feel free to approach any of the beautiful people composing this 2025 LUSA Exec to report anything you might want to be raised to the next SEB.
You can always reach us by email. My rep email is international.rep@lusa.org.nz
See you around campus, Ka kite, Caterina
ALEESHA YOUNG ENGAGEMENT AND MEDIA REP
Hey everyone!
Hope the first term of 2025 is treating you all well and everyone is managing to keep up with all lectures and assignments. It was great to see so many of you at all the LUSA events. My personal favourite was the Clubs and Markets Day, where you all got to sign up to different clubs which has hopefully connected you with some new friends!
The RAM club is starting up again this year, so even if you didn’t sign up at Clubs and Markets Day but would still like to be involved in some discussions around what you want to see in this magazine, then send me an email engagement.rep@lusa.org.nz There will be FREE FOOD every meet up so it would be a great club to join.
My time this year so far has been busy helping out at the LUSA events, planning future events including organising Craig Wiggins to come speak at the end of the semester so keep an eye out for that. I have also been taking part in meetings such as the Student Experience Board that throughout the year, I will be able to bring up issues that students have with the campus that need fixing, as through that Board the right people can be found to solve the issues.
Hope everyone has a great rest of the term!
SAM DRYDEN RAINBOW EDI & WELLBEING REP
Kia ora e hoa mā! Happy Ōtautahi Pride Month!!!
I hope you are all enjoying the year so far and have been able to settle smoothly into the new semester. Though my first few weeks back have been super busy, I know I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with friends and getting to know new people.
In celebration of Ōtautahi Pride Month and Lincoln Pride Wiki, the last few weeks have been all about celebrating who we are as a community, being creative in our self-expression, and of course having fun! I had an absolute blast both sipping and spilling tea at SPACE’s ‘Gays in the Garden’ events, nurturing my inner creative at SPACE and Te Awhioraki’s ‘Craft and Kōrero’ event, and laughing at chaos of a ‘Queered Scriptless’ show (shoutout LUSA for the ride to the Court Theatre!). I can also say that I’m now officially “hip with the kids” after trying SPACE’s Roblox-inspired Dress to Impress fashion game at the Riccarton Sunday Market!
Looking forward to the rest of Semester 1, I am especially excited to start planning Marama Hauora (Wellbeing Month) and Lincoln’s annual Pride Walk alongside a range of wonderful people from across the university. Make sure to follow SPACE (@spacelincolnuni), LU Student Health and Wellbeing (@lu_sh_w), and LUSA (@lusa.nz) on Instagram to stay in the loop!
And as always, look after yourselves.
DIPTI ADHIKARI POSTGRAD REP
Hello everyone, I hope everyone is feeling good and has settled into the routine of uni life after the excitement of Ori.
I loved seeing the new students having fun before classes started and assignments had dampened their spirit! From the mad confidence it takes to air guitar on the mess tables, to drinking from a gumboot in front of your newfound friends, to the 1001 ways to tie a toga... it was a fun ORI:25!
This year has brought its own set of positive and exciting new challenges for me, like being able to present student voices, and helping to improve your student life here at LU, even by a small measure, has been refreshing! It has been nice to see a new wave of collaborations, with people eager to do something new. Seeing a spark in them for things that t hey love.
‘To be known is to be seen,’ as they say, and it’s been wonderful to have so many people recognize me in RAM and the email newsletters and say “hello” to me on campus. This has inspired me to reach out even more.
If you ever want to chat or grab a coffee, please feel free to email me at pg.academic@lusa.org.nz and I hope your first term goes by swiftly and without any major hiccups.
MONI AVIA PASIFIKA REP
Talofa Lava. Lupisa has brought back volleyball Friday! This is an event that will occur every Friday throughout the year as a way to connect with our Pasifika students, and welcoming more students to socialise with each other and create new friendships along the way. Volleyball Friday will be held from 3 - 5pm at the LU Gym. Come along and join in the fun!
GEORGE GIBBS DISABILITY EDI & WELLBEING REP
The semester has started out with a roar, and I have barely had time to sit down! With helping out during our amazing LUSA Orientation events, and having many meetings representing students, all whilst working on projects that can help assist students across the LU. I would like to highlight the awesome Iconic Club, which will be having a meeting at the start of April. I hope to see many of you there and at the other fun events, Iconic has planned for 2025. I also will be having my first open meeting for the year. It will be held in Waimarie, 005 Hao, which is a small room next to the elevator to the labs. I would love to see you there to let me know how things are going and if you have any feedback. I look forward to working for and with you guys again this year.
NATHAN CAMPBELL SUSTAINABILITY REP
Kia ora e hoa, ke te pēhea koe? Phew, so much going on! I hope you got some free food and goodies during O-Week. Sometimes, you can look at the LUSA exec and ask ‘What do they do? How is it relevant to me?’ Well, our awesome team is introducing a new exec spotlight page to the RAM for everyone to see! My spotlight is in the future, so for now know I am getting my hands dirty with many of the committees, societies, and action groups around campus engaged with sustainability.
How does this translate to student experience? The free bike service run by SAGE is a great example. If you are a cyclist with a bike in need of service or repair, check out the drop in sessions that run twice a term. Services can cost $100+ at a store, so this is an excellent way to get your bike in tip-top shape!
You may have seen me on clubs day handing out seeds and having discussions about sustainability. I am focused on representing ideas and values of the student body, so
if you have any thoughts please let me know! Sustainability, sustainability, sustainabilitythere’s only so many times I can say the word before it loses meaning. But it comes down to you all: What does it mean to you?
Here are all the things you said to me on clubs day. Is there something new to you here?
Is something missing? My inbox is always open. Until next time, e hoa!
QUEER & GENDER DIVERSE SUPPORT GROUP DIRECTORY
OUTLine provides confidential, free and affirming support to all-ages in the Rainbow community. They have a free support line and online chat support service betwee 6pm-9pm every day, alongside face to face counselling for LGBTIQI+ people. You can call OUTLine on 0800 688 5463
Your Story Matters
The Your Story Matters Project is a compilation of interviews with queer and gender diverse young people, living in rural and small town communities throughout NZ, where LGBT identities are often erased, silenced, and ridiculed for being “different”. Head to imlocal.co.nz/uncategorized/ your-story-matters/ to read personal narratives or share your story via info@ry.org.nz
TransWired
TransWired is RainbowYOUTH’s peer support group for anybody between 16-27 who identifies as transgender, gender diverse or questioning. The group runs entirely online, and is a space for young people to connect with others digitally. Head to Trans Wired on Facebook to join the group.
QTOPIA
Qtopia is an advocacy, social change, and social support service for the whole LGBTQIA+ rainbow community, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and working throughout Waitaha Canterbury and Te Waipounamu the South Island. Head to qtopia.org.nz for more info
Post Grad & Co
Thursday 22nd May
6.30pm–8.30pm
The Arts Centre (Level 1, 1 Hereford Street, Chch)
Tickets: $25+bf
Ticket includes mimosa (non alcoholic available) & nibbles.
Bar available for additional drink purchases.
LUSA EVENTS RECAP SO FAR...
LUSA (Lincoln University Students’ Association) is here to ensure you have the best possible time at Lincoln University through representation, support, and of course events and activities!
Toga Party kicked off LUSA’s ORI:25 with over 500 students showing up to enjoy the music stylings of GUSHILUX, DJ Mike Nicholas, Damage Control and FZA.
To start the week officially, we held Sem 1 Kick Off on Forbes Lawn. Students competed to stay on the Mechanical Bull for the longest time and our top record holders received some great prizes like Beats Solo Headphones, Smart Mini Projector and a Mini Karaoke Machine, all courtesy of Kogan Mobile. Congratulations to Keshav, Nic and Kunal who placed in the top three! We also handed out 500 American hot dogs and The Edge were onsite giving away loads of free popcorn.
The next evening, we held Bogan Bingo in Te Kete Ika Dining Hall, hosted by our two fabulous Bogan Bingo MC’s, Lindsay and Steph. Along with a game of bingo, they held some mini competitions (like best air guitar)
throughout the night, and some of you even received gift cards or the grand prize of a UE Boom for your efforts.
On Thursday we held our Clubs Market Day in the LU Gym Sports Hall, with heaps of cool stuff to giveaway thanks to Clean Collective, L’Oreal, Burger Fuel, Indomie and more! We had 34 clubs onsite with some exciting things to show students and reach out to potential new members, plus 17 external stalls and 11 stalls hosted by our support services, who spoke to students about their products and services. We gave out 300 servings of donuts and over 500 sausages out the front entrance. We were also lucky enough to also have Red Bull and Coffee Culture onsite giving away some free product to you all. Mr Whippy cooled us all down on a sweltering day with some ice cream courtesy of Student Experience. Overall, this was a great day, and it was so great to see so many of you take part! Thank you to all our clubs and services who took time out of their day to come and represent their stall and of course the team from the LU Gym for letting us use their gym!
We closed out Ori:25 out with Burgers & Beats, a chill event that we ended up having to bring inside to Grounded due to inclement weather. If you came along, you were treated to some tunes from Nick and Dan, while you enjoyed a burger and some ice cream to finish off. It was a shame this event had to move inside as we had wonderful weather the rest of the week, but it was great to see everyone turn up regardless and enjoy the vibe.
We look forward to seeing you at more great events LUSA has planned for 2025! Be sure to bring your student ID to collect all the freebies!
LU NAPS
With Uni now in full swing, we can expect you beautiful students to be feeling quite tired.
Even with coffee and free Red Bull from LUSA (all run out now ‘cos you drank it all so quickly!) to help push you through, our back-to-back lectures and late nights at the Grouse are catching up on us!
So, a cheeky little nap might be all you need to get you through the day!
Late night studies, flat party heading into the small hours, can’t keep your eyes open any longer? Feel free to take a
nap on our beautiful campus. We highly encourage it, and if you happen to see one of your friends napping during a lecture, or in an awkward position or strange place on campus, then snap a pic and send it through to our supportive Instagram Page @lunaps and we’ll celebrate that nap!
After all, naps are great for your brain health, mood, and performance (once you’re awake of course).
Here are some shots of your fellow LU campus nappers... Welcome to the club!
MEET RANGI... The Guardian of Lincoln University’s Campus
By Zara Weissenstein
If you’ve spent any time at Lincoln University, chances are you’ve seen Rangi - Lincoln University’s dedicated security supervisor, patrolling the campus in his golf cart and checking in with students. But what you might not know, is that behind the Campus Security uniform is a big softie! Rangi has great commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our students, a fierce opposition to bullying, and an ever-growing passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Rangi has been working in security on and off for over 20 years, but his journey at Lincoln University started the day after a national tragedy when he arrived on campus to help protect and support the Muslim community. Six months later, he was offered a supervisor role, providing him with job stability and an even greater opportunity to make a difference.
Over the years, he has found that his job has become far more than just patrolling campus. Enjoying the daily interactions with students and staff has become a big part of why he loves his job.
His typical day (when nothing goes wrong) involves general patrols, responding to calls, and occasionally assisting locked-out students (and sometimes staff).
Sometimes, he encounters people who aren’t supposed to be on campus, and his job is to handle those situations so students can go about their day without worry.
Knowing that his presence helps people feel safe is one of the parts of his job that he likes the most. As a neutral figure outside of any faculties and such, students will often confide in him when they’re struggling, and he’s always ready to help someone get the support they need or even just lend a listening ear.
“Making a difference and seeing students happy and safe - that’s the goal.”
Rangi prioritises making sure Lincoln University is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. His approach is simply being visible around the campus, changing up his patrol routes to keep things unpredictable for anyone who might intend to cause any mischief, and checking in with students to make sure they’re ok and feeling good.
“If I see a student who seems off, I’ll stop for a quick ‘Hey, how’re you going?’ just to get a read on them. If I feel it is necessary, I’ll guide them to student health personally, so they know exactly what’s happening and what’s being said.”
His open-book policy ensures students know they can trust him, and he’ll only escalate situations when absolutely necessary for their safety.
Rangi is now a great ally of the LGBTQ+ community, but he admits he wasn’t always. His perspective changed through his partner, who has many LGBTQ+ family members. Over time, he realized it was unknowing that caused his misunderstanding, but now, through both personal experience and his work at LU, he has learned to understand and embrace the community.
“The LGBTQ+ community needs protecting, and I make it my personal job. Bullying is one of my biggest pet hates, and this community often becomes a target.
That’s not okay. Someone’s got to step up for them -and who better than someone in uniform?”
The appreciation he receives from LGBTQ+ students motivates him to continue.
“I’ll never stop, because seeing them safe and smiling is what it’s all about.”
Rangi has a clear message for any students who may feel unsafe being themselves on campus:
“Don’t hesitate to reach out. We know about all the resources and can refer you to the right places. Our team is more than happy to step up and help out. We’re also here just to talk - and we keep things confidential unless we absolutely have to take action.”
Rangi’s presence on campus is more than just a uniform, he’s a guardian, an ally, and a friend to so many of Lincoln’s students. So next time you see him, don’t be afraid to stop for a chat. Chances are, he’ll be looking out for you anyway.
When asked to describe the Lincoln student community in three words, Rangi laughed and responded, “Bat shit crazy! (In a good way).”
His favourite memory?
Leading the university’s first Pride Walk. “Dressing up, getting involved, and just having fun with it was amazing. If ‘gay’ means happy, then yeah, call me gay; I don’t give a shit, because I had a blast that day!”
A Final Message to Students: “We’re in your corner. We’re here for your safety. Don’t hesitate to come up and say hey!”
What does your Club do, and what does it stand for?
SPACE is a student-run social and advocacy club that supports LGBTQIA+ students at Lincoln Uni.
The club has existed for several years in various capacities but has always been available for our queer community and allies. In our social capacity, SPACE runs small events throughout the year. These include our ‘Gays in the Garden’ events that facilitate a space for students to socialise over a cuppa. Later in the year, we organise and host our premier SPACE Ball event off campus. SPACE Ball is all about individual self-expression and being that fabulous you.
In our advocacy capacity, SPACE partners with LUSA and Lincoln University to highlight and celebrate the university’s achievements made for the LGBTQIA+ community.
If people wish to join SPACE Club, how do they go about it?
LGBTQIA+ people and allies can join SPACE through our rubric page and social media. All of our events are posted via socials, with no commitment to attend events. SPACE creates space for safe and healthy discussion, and that is available when and where our community needs it. Alternatively, students can reach out to LUSA to connect you with our community.
Who are your 2025 Exec?
Our Executive committee this year is made up of 5 people from a range of backgrounds. From those who study agricultural science to those in recreation, from urban to rural upbringing, the Exec covers a range of experience and knowledge.
About the President: SPACE President Lyndon, grew up in the Western Bay of Plenty on a sheep and beef, deer and dairy farm, later moving to the urban environment. In 2022 Lyndon moved to Canterbury to study for a Bachelor of Environmental Management, and now, a Masters of Parks Management.
What events did you organise as part of Pride 2025?
As part of Christchurch Pride Month and Lincoln University Pride Week, SPACE hosted and partnered to deliver a range of events:
• Crafts and Korero - Crafting session in partnership with Te Awhioraki.
• Gays in the Garden - Caught up with the community over a coffee for some banter.
• Court Theatre Events - Thanks to LUSA, the SPACE community was able to catch a ride to the Court Theatre Event ‘ Queered Scriptless’, and we all died of laughter.
• Sunday Riccarton Market - Everyone loves a little dress to impress, so on Sunday, SPACE hosted an interactive fashion game for the Christchurch community.
Learning, Teaching and Library
Library Collections
The Library holds an extensive range of items to support teaching, learning and research. Our collections cover printed, electronic and audiovisual material, digitised collections and archival resources.
Library Services
Ivey Hall, our magnificent building at the heart of the campus, has a great selection of study areas and spaces to suit your needs. There are a range of areas including group study spaces, individual study desks, bookable study rooms and booths.
The Library Enquiries desk is here for you on the ground floor. It is staffed during opening hours so if you have any questions, please ask!
Explore our collections on Te Kete Wānaka
Academic Success
Take control of your studies!
Whether you're adjusting to university life, navigating your academic journey at Lincoln as an international student, or just looking to improve your study skills, we’ve got you covered.
Visit us in L003 in the Library or check out our online resources on Te Kete Wānaka.
We're here to help you succeed!
Scan me to learn more
Inclusive Education
We support students with disabilities, impairments or health conditions to overcome the impacts of these and have an equitable chance of success!
Some of the support you might receive from us includes:
• Test and exam arrangements
• Notetaking support
• Alternate assessment arrangements
• Assistive technology advice and support
• Academic support
We’re based in the Library along with other learning support services!
We’d prefer an appointment, but you can also pop in. We can also be contacted at: inclusive@lincoln.ac.nz Find our resources on Te Kete Wānaka
PRONOUNS FOR DUMMIES
By Anonymous (he/him)
The expanding understanding of gender expression and identity is commonly seen as a battlefield between the left and right; with arguments of “there are only two genders”, “gender-neutral pronouns don’t work for individuals”, or “it’s too confusing”. And let’s be honest, that’s bullshit!
Pronouns are easy. Pronouns are simple. In school (that is English first language speakers) we learn how to identify someone we don’t know and their possessions. See it is as easy as that.
There are a few different ways to think about or help start getting gender-neutral pronouns (they/ them) right:
• Imagine you didn’t know a person and you found their wallet, something you’d possibly think is “should hand this in as they’re probably looking for it”.
• Someone has a name commonly used by males and females, like Sam, and you’re looking for their office, so you ask reception, “I’m looking for Sam ____, where is their office”.
• I’m looking for my friends where are they? or, I’m looking for my friend where are they?
And many more ways to think about it, like simply just using their name.
It is something we are taught from a young age and now use subconsciously so it isn’t at the forefront of our minds when we use them. However, with the raising awareness and understanding of gender expression and preferred pronouns it has brought it to the forefront of conversation, making people now feel like they must go out of their way.
But don’t get us wrong, it’s not a cardinal sin to get someone’s pronouns wrong, say sorry, apologise, and ask them their preferred pronouns. It is a journey, but as long as your respectful and being considerate of others that’s the first and easy step to inclusive language.
My key cheat to it is:
• Ask them their pronouns
• Just use their name
• Just assume they/them (it works for groups and individuals).
So my he, she, and they readers, pronouns are easy, and mistakes are allowed. Just don’t be a dick and respect others.
New Student & Visitor Centre
Located on the ground floor of the George Forbes Building through the waharoa – Te Paepae Tapu a Rākaihautū, the new Student and Visitor Centre replaces the former Main Reception area in Hudson and will be the first port of call for most visitors to the University. This new entry point to Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University is presided over by a pou created by Ngāi Tahu artist Fayne Robinson.
Senior Chaplain’s Office
The Senior Chaplain’s Office has relocated to the Ground Floor of George Forbes, in the south-western corner of the Student and Visitor Centre.
George Forbes Level 1
Wellness spaces are located on the eastern side of Level 1:
• Parents’ Room – with comfortable seating, fridge, microwave and changing table.
• Wellness Room – a safe space reserved for quiet reflection.
• Sensory Room – with neurodivergent-friendly features.
International Student Advisors
The two International Student Advisors, Denise Pelvin and Spring Xing, have relocated from Hudson to Forbes level 1, opposite the wellness spaces.
LUPISA
The LUPISA office has relocated to George Forbes ground floor, in the space previously occupied by the Bookshop.
Visitor Parking
A limited number of diagonal visitor parking spots are available at the entrance to the University (via Gate1). This parking is strictly for visitors only and is managed by Property Services.
Pride events around the world are more than just celebrations; they’re powerful expressions of love, diversity, and unity. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene canals of Amsterdam, Pride festivals serve as vibrant showcases of LGBTQ+ culture, activism, and community spirit. As we eagerly anticipate the festivities of 2025, it’s time to delve into the excitement and significance of these monumental events.
A kaleidoscope of colors, pulsating music, and joyous celebrations take center stage across cities worldwide. These events not only provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves authentically but also serve as crucial avenues for raising awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and issues. From the poignant commemorations of historical milestones to the exuberant displays of solidarity and resilience, each Pride event offers a unique experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ identity.
10 BIGGEST PRIDE EVENTS OF 2025
10. STOCKHOLM PRIDE
The largest Pride event in Scandinavia, with an estimated 50,000 parade participants. While pinpointing the total number of visitors is challenging, it’s safe to say it could exceed 100,000, considering the event’s size and reputation.
9. SYDNEY MARDI GRAS
With over 300,000 expected revelers, stands as the largest LGBTQ+ event in the Asia-Pacific region. From extravagant costumes to dazzling floats, experience the vibrant spirit of Sydney in this unforgettable celebration of love and acceptance.
8. AMSTERDAM CANAL PRIDE
Expected to draw 800,000 visitors, offers a unique spectacle on its historic waterways. Join the festivities and soak in the open-minded atmosphere of Amsterdam – it’s an experience like no other!
7. SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE
Over 1 million participants and spectators, embodying the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history. With diverse community groups, colorful floats, and powerful messages, it’s a celebration of activism and resilience.
6. PRIDE IN LONDON
Drawing an estimated 1 million attendees, is a vibrant celebration of love and diversity. Experience the historic landmarks adorned in rainbow hues and immerse yourself in the city’s renowned inclusivity.
5. COLOGNE PRIDE
(CSD)
Anticipated to attract 1.4 million participants, reflects the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Experience the spirit of activism and celebration in Europe’s dynamic LGBTQ+ capital. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!
4. MADRID ORGULL
Join over 2 million attendees in Madrid for Madrid Orgullo, solidifying its position as the biggest Pride event in Europe. From elaborate floats to pulsating music, immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Europe’s largest Pride celebration.
3. NYC PRIDE
Prepare for a monumental celebration at NYC Pride. With over 2.5 million visitors, and as the largest Pride march in the United States, NYC comes alive with colorful parades, diverse community groups, and powerful messages of equality and inclusion.
2. TORONTO PRIDE
Boasting over 10,000 parade participants and typically attracts around 3 million attendees throughout the festival. It’s one of Canada’s largest Pride celebrations, embodying the city’s inclusive spirit. Join Toronto Pride and experience the warmth of Canada’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community!
1. SÃO PAULO PRIDE
São Paulo Pride holds the Guinness World Record for the largest Pride parade attracting up to 5 million visitors. Join the monumental celebration in Brazil’s vibrant city, where love knows no bounds and unity reigns supreme.
Toronto Pride
São Paulo Pride
New York City Pride
in New Zealand
Written by Ace 2
It’s anywhere and everywhere; movies, books, songs, yo mama’s bedroom, your brother’s sock, the pool table in the Halls common rooms... It’s the way that men swagger down the street, fresh from the pub, the laughter from women after a few drinks, white teeth behind red lipstick, a hand trail up an arm, a heated kiss...everywhere you look, nothing but sex or a means to get there.
In most western media, especially TV, there is a lot of sex. Sometimes as a very poor plot device, sometimes tastefully done, but still unnecessary, to me anyway. Finding something to watch that doesn’t offend your eyeballs gets harder and harder with each month. Netflix is drowning, or more dripping with sex-driven shows, so much that it might as well be PornHub.
University and hormones are running rampant with each new batch of freshers that come in. Everywhere, sex is talked about, mentioned or sought after...and sometimes messily achieved in some not-so-private spaces.
As much as sex is ‘cool’ (as long as you get consent, consent is important, fam), there is more to life than having sex. How do I know this? I am asexual, I am well versed in things that are Better Than Sex™.
“An asexual? Isn’t that what plants do?” Yes, and no.
Asexuality (in humans) is the lack of sexual attraction, not the lack of sexual drive.
It is also NOT the lack of romantic attraction; sex and romance are two very different things and are something that is often ignored. But, like most aspects of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s less of a definition and more of a metal slide covered in dishwashing liquid and water.
Asexuality is a spectrum; a multi-faceted diamond, a 3D model of a castle with all the secret passageways and booby traps and pitfalls that scarily mimic real life, but on steroids with an enthusiastic Italian plumber in stripper heels to guide you. It can be scary to navigate, difficult at times with a shit ton of eMOtioNAL DAmaGE from the constant external pressure to be fucking normal, dammit!
It’s the constant need to defend yourself, to explain that yes, you would like a romantic relationship; hold hands, cuddle, be supportive and supported, just to have that someone to lean on, do things with, and to have what everyone else wants... someone to love and love you! You just don’t want to have sex.
Can we have a stable, meaningful relationship that doesn’t revolve around sex?
Yes, it is possible.
But no, there seems to be this constant need for others to ‘fix’ my ‘problem’, as if there was something to be fixed! As if it were a disease, a virus; something you could get vaccinated against.
Nothing is broken, our brains are just wired differently. We do not require sex to function, it isn’t a necessity, (no matter how much the first years and animal science department want to disagree). Some people, as weird as it may sound, do not require sex, do not like sex, or are just flat out not interested. It’s that simple.
“Oh no,’ I hear you cry, ‘it’s rare, right? There must only be a few of you, correct?”
Well….in a study done by Williams Institute, at the University of California (Los Angeles), they determined that 1.7% of the population is asexual. So, if we apply that to the population of America (about 333 million), then around 5.6 million of them are asexual. Now apply that to the world. 7.9 billion people. 1.7% of them are asexual. For those of you who suck at math, thats 134.3 million.
That’s more than the population of Japan. If you got all of us together and shoved us in a country, we would be the 10th most populated country in the world, above Mexico. So yeah, I guess we’re rare in the way that sleeps attainable during exam week; a small percentage, but there nonetheless.
“You haven’t found the right one.”
The right one for what, exactly? The right one to piss me off so significantly that I’d probably go to jail for premeditated murder? The right one to forge the sword of the Chosen One? Bring balance to the Force? This one vexes me greatly. Please, for the love of cheesy garlic bread, be more specific.
“How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t tried it?”
Sex is like food. Some food looks gross, like week-old vomit on the window of Colombo’s common room, or the slightly dubious Sunday Frittata in the dining hall. You don’t want to touch it. That’s okay. No one is going to force you to eat it. No one should force you to eat it. That’s assault. Some food looks kinda…meh. Like, you’ll eat it if you’re hungry, but sometimes you aren’t hungry for it. Most of the time you aren’t hungry for it. That’s fine. Sometimes, the food looks really good, and you want to eat it, even if you don’t normally. That’s fine. Others may want to eat all the time, others don’t want to eat at all, and some people are picky eaters. Others will only eat a certain type of food. Others may want to try new food, and some once they try, find that they don’t like it. That. Is. Okay.
“Oh, you’ll change your mind.”
Bitch, I think not! This one really annoys me. Society expects us all to have a clear idea of a career, and how your future should look, a 5 year plan and so on. So, when we express ideas like ‘I don’t want kids’ or ‘I don’t want to get married’, people immediately say that you’ll change your mind, you’re young etc. like it’s wrong.
“What if your partner wants sex?”
Admittedly, this one hasn’t come up all that often, but I’d choose to date someone who will respect my boundaries. Anyone who decides that they want to spend their life with me and try to coerce me into sex will find themselves at the wrong end of the sword, and not in a kinky way either.
Despite all that life throws at me; the constant pressure to have sex, to submit, to conform to what society wants me to do, these are constants that I hold onto:
I am asexual.
I am proud of it. This bloodline ends with me.
RAM REVIEWS
Christchurch Pride
Christchurch is known for its English heritage, it’s not only the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island, but also a city with a growing LGBTQ+ community.
The city offers a modest yet welcoming rainbow scene, primarily centered around local bars and yearly events that bring together both locals and visitors.
One of the highlights of the LGBTQ+ calendar in Christchurch is the annual Pride Week, which features a variety of events ranging from parties and film nights to discussions and cultural shows, celebrating diversity and fostering community spirit. While smaller compared to Auckland’s Pride, Christchurch’s version is deeply cherished for its intimate and friendly atmosphere. Unleash your inner rainbow spirit and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Ōtautahi.
44 Welles Street, Christchurch 11am til 10.30/12pm Monday-Sunday
The best margaritas and tequila in town! Take a trip to Oaxaca with live music, DJ latin nights, cocktail classes, Lazy Jazz Sunday Sessions, Rush Party & Balls N Bingo by Drag Queens. What more could you want!
DARKROOM
336 Saint Asaph Street 7pm til late Thursday - Saturday
Known for producing an awesome variety of live shows from comedy and drag to burlesque, poetry and more… it’s the perfect space to hangout with beer while and have a laugh with your mates. Likewise, it’s comfortable and affordable for those on a budget.
BOO RADLEY’S FOOD & LIQUOR
Level 1/98 Victoria
4pm - 12am Tuesday - Sunday
With an award-winning status, expect this Southern USA-inspired eatery to be gay-friendly. Grab a quiet booth, listen to the band playing and release your worries. Opt to share platters like spiced chicken and kidney bean enchiladas, bourbon glazed pork, and more. If you’re not drinking, treat yourself to a large milkshake or a dessert such as s’mores. Be sure to take advantage of their occasional burlesque shows for top entertainment. Indeed, one of the greatest gay hangouts in Christchurch.
Street
MUY MUY
ALICE CINEMA
The iconic Christchurch two-screen boutique cinema (and DVD rental store) catering to arthouse, foreign, festival, cult, retro and documentary films alongside Christchurch Pride Screenings. The Thirsty Peacock Cafe and Bar is open daily 10am til late.
ART GALLERY TE PUNA O WAIWHETU
Christchurch Art Gallery is Christchurch’s principal art gallery. Located close to Cathedral Square, this gallery shows New Zealand and international art and various rotating and traveling exhibitions like artists Chris Heaphy, Neil Pardington, Reuben Paterson, Peter Madden, Rohan Wealleans, Rita Angus, Dick Frizzell, and Colin McCahon.
PRIDE CLOSING PARTY
Start (and finish) your day at Boxed Quarter! Go from day-time market to afternoon drinks and music with friends, to a night of entertainment, DJs and delicious late-night treats.
This exciting collaboration between Ōtautahi Christchurch Pride, Tender Buttons and QueerHorizons brings you a party unlike any other Pride party, celebrating local performers and artists whilst also providing a safe environment for our community to express who they are without judgement.
209 Tuam Street alice.co.nz
Worchester Boulevard, Christchurch 10am - 5pm Daily Open til 9pm Wednesday
Boxed Quarter Saint Asaph Street Sunday 30th March 2025
Grunter’s Moped Mission
By Cam Holmes
2025 started with a bang for Lincoln alumni, Hamish Goatley and his team of moped adventurers, who travelled the length of New Zealand to raise funds for Hospice NZ and the Rural Support Trust!
Dubbed Grunter’s Moped Mission, the journey honoured Hamish’s father, Grant “Grunter” Goatley, who passed away 10 years ago from oesophageal cancer. Since starting in Cape Reinga on January 4th, the team has raised over $6,500 at the time of writing and reached Bluff on January 11th. Along the way, they faced a heap of challenges from snow, headwinds, early mornings, breakdowns, and flat tyres—all while couch surfing and relying on the kindness of strangers.
The crew, mostly Lincoln alumni included Caleb Smith, Kayla Calder, Jed McCready, and Hamish’s cousin, Aidan Fleming. Support drivers Phoebe Smailes (another Lincoln alum) and Stephen Calder have kept them safe along the way as support drivers. Awesome effort by a great group of people for an amazing cause.
Error 404: No Postgrad Spaces Found
In one of the Vice-Chancellor’s recent Panuis, he boasts about how great it has been to start the year off in the recently refurbished and reopened Ivey West and Memorial Hall, with separate offices and meeting spaces and fancy wool carpet custom made with the LU crest.
We’re glad you’re enjoying your fancy new offices and carpet Mr. VC, but how about all the postgrads (which you proudly announce now make up over 50% of LU’s role), who have been asking for more resources and generic PG study spaces for the past few years? We have been repeatedly told by the Uni, that dedicated resources and spaces for PG’s were a ‘priority’, yet three years into my journey I’ve witnessed them depleting rather than growing; to the point where we have just lost our only generic space on Level 1 Forbes, with no replacement offered.
The stark lack of dedicated spaces for postgrads is not just frustrating; it’s hindering our academic progress and overall wellbeing. While undergraduates rightly benefit from vibrant student hubs and collaborative learning areas. Postgraduate students, who often form a significant and vital part of the university community, are left feeling overlooked and undervalued. We’re not just students; we’re researchers, educators,
and future industry leaders, requiring environments that support our unique needs. Our requests for dedicated PG spaces aren’t just us feeling entitled, but offer the following benefits:
• Enhance research productivity: Postgraduate research demands focused concentration. Shared spaces, often filled with generic student chatter, make deep work challenging. Dedicated spaces offer a quiet, professional environment, conducive to research and writing. In addition, access to specialised equipment and resources, tailored to PG needs, could also be housed in these dedicated areas.
• Fostering a sense of community: Postgraduate studies can be isolating. Dedicated spaces help to create a sense of belonging and allow us to connect with peers facing similar challenges. In turn, this helps to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing, enriching our academic experience.
• Professional development: Dedicated spaces can host events, workshops, seminars, and networking activities specifically designed for PG students, whereby enhancing our professional development which can enhance our existing studies and future careers
• Improved wellbeing: Believe it or not, but PG studies can be quite stressful! A dedicated space offers a sanctuary where we can relax, recharge, and find support from our peers. Having a space that is ours, creates a feeling of value and respect.
• Increased visibility: PG’s are an important part of the Universities research output. Dedicated spaces allow for the visibility of the research being conducted.
We understand that space is a premium, but investing in PG spaces is an investment in the university’s future. Not only is this supported by the general PG cohort, but by the PG Office, Student Experience Team and LUSA, who have also made frequent requests and enquiries, which continuously fall on dead ears.
So Mr. Vice-Chancellor, while you enjoy your large offices and custom made carpets, spare a thought for the over 50% of us which make up the LU population and pay your salary who currently have no where to belong.
A BRITISH PORN STAR DEPORTED FROM AUSTRALIA FOR FILMING UNDERAGE MEN
Bonnie Blue, a controversial adult content creator - to put it nicely, (also known as a porn star!) has publicly addressed the backlash surrounding her infamous Schoolies” stunt.
This involved engaging in sex with “barely legal” young male students and filming the encounters for an adult subscription platform, which provoked widespread outrage and had her deported from both Australia and Fiji, for visa violations. But what actually
went down, and why does Bonnie Blue defend her practices as consensual and not predatory?!
CONSENT AND SAFEGUARDS
Blue argued that her actions were not predatory, emphasizing strict protocols to ensureconsent. She explained that participants must complete multiple consent forms, provide physical ID, and pass a breathalyzer test before taking ‘part’. But what she doesn’t highlight is that these filmed encounters were uploaded online for all eternity. We also need to highlight that these young men were “barely legal” (which, is the term, she used in her own promotional materials!) However, critics
argue that legality alone is not a sufficient defense.
Expert Concerns
Harrison James, an activist and sexual abuse survivor, raised concerns about the ethical implications of Blue’s actions. “Bonnie’s practice of sharing her location online and allowing participants to queue creates significant risks of coercion and exploitation,” James told News.com.au. “True consent requires emotional maturity and an environment free from undue influence, which these scenarios lack.”
James also criticized Blue’s framing of her actions as “educational,” stating, “Sex education should take place in trusted and regulated environments, not through
encounters that profit an adult content creator.”
James highlighted the power imbalance between Blue and her young participants, many of whom are just entering adulthood.
“Legality doesn’t equate to morality,” he said. “While technically legal, these actions exploit vulnerabilities and normalise predatory dynamics under the guise of education.”
Public Outrage
Blue’s stunt prompted a petition on Change.org calling for her deportation from Australia, which received 10,000 signatures.
The petition accused her of exploiting Schoolies events to prey on young men and profit from explicit content. Sound familiar?
For those of you old enough, to remember the late 90s and 2000s, the cultural phenomenon ‘Girls Gone Wild’, was where an adult
entertainment franchise, sold VHS and then DVD videos of female students, almost always intoxicated, baring their breasts on some hedonistic Spring Break trip in exchange for free underwear or hats!
Joe Francis - founder, dominated the soft-core porn market in the early internet days; millions of
people purchased footage of the girls – often barely over 18 and sometimes younger, predominantly white, thin, and blonde – getting badgered by cameramen to take more shots, take their tops off, make out with their friends, use sex toys on themselves. This has not aged well.
You can watch the documentary ‘Girls Gone Wild - The Untold Story’ now on Apple TV and Prime Video for the full story.
Back to Bonnie...
Following the cancellation of her Australian visa, Blue and fellow adult content creator Annie Knight relocated their activities to Fiji. However, they encountered similar legal changes there also,with the Fijian government accusing them of violating visitor visa conditions, which were ‘harmful’ to Fiji’s image, resulting in their eventual departure.
Just two hours before the news broke, the pair claimed that they had sex with 24 people the day prior!
Bonnie Blue goes on to say “It’s all the uneducated people jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about things that they have no idea about.
It’s unwarranted, in my opinion, but I remain unbothered.”
Have we heard the last of Bonnie Blue (whose real name is Tia Emma Billinger)? Heck no! In January the OnlyFans’ star shared she broke a record after sleeping with 1,057 men in 12 hours, and was feeling fine after the “encounters”. And while her goal had been 1,000 men, Bonnie actually slept with 1,057 - meaning she spent
an average of less than one minute per man. What the actual?!
“If I could go and sleep with as many people as I could, not only do I educate those I sleep with, but also I get a video that can educate the wider audience,” she explained.
“It shows me saying to them, This is what I enjoy, this is what I don’t enjoy. And it also gives them an opportunity to tell me what they like.”
L I N C O L N U N I V E R S I T Y
R U N C L U B rUN
E v e r y w e e k f r o m t h e
1 7 t h o f F e b r u a r y !
M o n d a y , 6 p m
F r i d a y , 7 a m
5 k m , 3 k m , r u n n i n g + w a l k i n g o p t i o n s
A l l a r e w e l c o m e - n o s i g n u p r e q u i r e d
M e e t i n g i n t h e g y m r e c e p t i o n
C o n t a c t u s !
L U R u n C l u b ( F a c e b o o k )
@ l u r u n c l u b ( I n s t a g r a m )
l u r u n c l u b 2 3 @ g m a i l c o m ( e m a i l )
What are you Currently Studying?
I am studying for a Master of Science in Conservation and Ecology! I am completing my taught year part-time right now and look forward to writing my thesis on the lizards of Kaitorete later next year.
Fun fact: I also completed my undergraduate at Lincoln last year with a Bachelor of Environment and Society, majoring in Environmental Management and Water Management.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
I started my LUSA Exec journey in 2023 as Sustainability Rep. when a friend of mine encouraged me to nurture my passions and give it a go.
I was then inspired to run for the Rainbow, EDI, and Wellbeing role by the amazing mahi of Arabella and Zara, who each contributed so much to the Lincoln community in unique ways during their time in the role.
Getting to know the rainbow community at Lincoln through SPACE and social events also inspired me to run for this role.
I have been so fortunate to have a strong support network of friends and role models here, and I wanted to make sure that other tauira can find that too during their time at Lincoln.
How
Does Your Role Benefit Students?
A large part of being on the LUSA executive that benefits tauira is representing student voices in different areas of the uni and helping to set goals and directions that are in the best interest of Lincoln students. In my role as Rainbow, EDI, and Wellbeing Rep, this especially looks like advocating for our diverse communities on campus and ensuring that all students can feel safe and celebrate who they are in every aspect of university life!
Another fun part of my role is getting to help organise events such as Lincoln’s annual Pride Walk, Marama Hauora (Wellbeing Month), and Mental Health Awareness Week. I love these types of events as they benefit students and our wider community by bringing people together to celebrate, learn, and build a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
What
Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
As Rainbow, EDI, and Wellbeing Rep, I currently sit on the SPACE and Thursdays in Black (TiB) club executives, ESD Faculty Teaching Committee, Te Rōpū Wheako Tauira Student Experience Team, and EDI Working Group.
I also attend the ESD Student Rep meetings to hear from your class reps.
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
While in this role, I would most love to achieve greater interaction, collaboration, and celebration between student groups on campus. I’d especially love to do this through different club collabs and believe it could help build a safe and inclusive Lincoln community. I’m also excited about exploring and encouraging different ways of self-expression for tauira on campus.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
Give it a go! There are so many people on campus who can support you through the role, and you may just help create the change that you want to see in the world!
Kaiwhakarite Tauira I Student Buddy Programme
Here to help you settle into uni life.
You may still be feeling a bit like a fish out of water, as beginning university is a big life change, so it’s invaluable to have someone who can answer all your questions, point you in the right direction if you get lost, introduce you to some new friends and show you our campus resources.
‘Student Buddies’ are here to help! They are current LU students ready to help you navigate your time at LU. This programme is open to all students, and you can sign up at any time. When you do, you will be paired up with one go-to person who can give you some guidance and help you to feel more comfortable.
Check out some of the fun activities Student Buddies have done outside campus too! Including the Little River Rail Trail and a trip to Hagley Park, hosted by the Buddies.
Join today by emailing experience@lincoln.ac.nz
Student Buddy Lunch
Every Tuesday you will find some of the buddies having their lunch in grounded, if you would like to join them any time just rock up and take a seat. This can be a great opportunity to meet other students, practice your conversational English, to ask any questions you may have, and just have some other students to hang out with (Grounded is on the ground floor of the Forbes building) Come and join us over the next few weeks.
What’s the future of Selwyn bus services?
Proposed options in our draft Annual Plan 2025/26:
ecan.govt.nz/ telluswhatyouthink
PostGrad Week 7–11 April 2025
Thursday 10th April, 10am–11am, Glass Meeting Room, Grounded
Pride at Lincoln Uni Pride at Lincoln Uni
A peek into what was said about our LGBTTQIA+ community through the 2024 LU Student Diversity Survey
By Paul Rutherford, Research Assistant
This article contains references to queerphobia, racism and discrimination. See support services available at the end of this article.
Pride Month is a time for celebration and reflection on the LGBTTQIA+ community at Lincoln Uni. For some tauira at our university, however, Pride Month is also a reminder of the challenges they may face in their daily lives. In our 2024 LU Student Diversity Survey, we gathered valuable insights into how students feel about diversity, inclusion, and acceptance at Lincoln Uni. Here is a peek into what it said about our LGBTTQIA+ community.
What does
LGBTTQIA+
Mean?
LGBTTQIA+ is an inclusive term that encompasses a wide range of sexual orientations and gender identities. It includes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Takatāpui, as well as Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and others. While the rainbow flag is a symbol for many, not everyone within this spectrum identifies with it. Identity is a very personal thing.
Understanding Our Identities
Our campus community is a melting pot of diverse identities, including sexually and gender-diverse identities. While 83% of respondents identified as heterosexual, a significant 13% identified as non-heterosexual. The largest non-heterosexual group identified as bisexual (6%), followed by homosexual (4%) and asexual (1%). Some students also described their sexual orientation as pansexual, questioning or demisexual.
affiliated with religious groups. This intersectionality can present unique challenges in seeking belonging, as it can be harder to find others with similar demographics to connect with. It’s important to remember that identities may evolve over time, as we learn more about ourselves, our sense of self can change.
Perceptions of Diversity
(If you’re wondering about some of the words in this article, you can read more about them on this glossary (or scan the QR code) www genderminorities.com/glossary-transgender/
Most respondents identified as cisgender (their sex assigned at birth aligns with their gender identity), however there was a group of students who identified as transgender.
Diversity also extended beyond sexual orientation and gender identity, with LGBTTQIA+ tauira also identifying as international, Māori, or Pasifika, and those
Some respondents reported that members of minority groups, especially gender and sexually-diverse students, may experience challenges in feeling a sense of acceptance and belonging at Lincoln Uni. Although this perception has improved since the first survey in 2018, it’s clear there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone feels truly included.
LGBTTQIA+ students were more likely to agree with the statement “I feel I need to hide some characteristics of myself to fit in here”. Stereotypes can make it harder to truly see a person for who they are, and some students reported feeling misunderstood. Taking the time to understand others can help bridge this gap.
Experiences of Discrimination
The survey revealed a mixture of experiences, many related to racism, homophobia, transphobia and sexism. These experiences included verbal slurs, hate speech, and actions that led students to feel discomfort, isolation, or the need to hide some part of themselves. Some students reported avoiding certain groups or “not wanting to think about it” altogether.
Discrimination can cause harm and contribute to feelings of isolation. For some LGBTQIA+ students, feeling the need to hide their identity to fit in can be exhausting, contributing to stress and mental health struggles. Microaggressions, such as homophobic jokes or dismissive comments, can be just as harmful as overt discrimination.
Bisexual students, the largest non-heterosexual group, sometimes face misunderstandings from both heterosexual and homosexual communities. They can feel invalidated in their identity, especially if others don’t take their sexuality seriously. One student shared that their sexuality had been fetishised, which is both uncomfortable and objectifying.
Asexual students also experience challenges. Others may not accept or understand asexuality, especially when it doesn’t align with the excitement that some students feel about relationships or sexual attraction. It’s important to remember that not everyone shares the same interests or priorities, and that’s ok!
Transgender students, who may be the most visible members of the LGBTTQIA+ community, may sometimes face more overt discrimination due to misunderstandings of their identities. This may be why, in the survey, transgender students
were perceived as having the lowest levels of acceptance and belonging compared to other identities. Their identities often challenge societal norms and people’s sense of self. Yet, think of the courage it takes to live authentically as their true selves! I hope we can all find inspiration and strength to be our authentic selves and to extend acceptance and support to those doing the same.
Homophobia on Campus
23% of tauira indicated they had witnessed homophobia on campus, 5% had experienced this, 2% reporting this was more than one time. Interestingly, most reports came from heterosexual students, highlighting that discrimination can have a broader impact than non-heterosexual students alone. Those who reported witnessing homophobia understandably reported lower perceived acceptance of gay, lesbian and transgender students in the earlier section of the survey.
While the visible support for the LGBTTQIA+ community (such as Rainbow Crossings and the Pride Walk) is celebrated by many, it has also had some resistance. Ideas that challenge us can be difficult to accept at first, but it’s essential to be open to understanding different experiences.
Celebrating Diversity
We can help create a more accepting and understanding environment for all identities by supporting our diversity. Take time to share and listen to the diverse experiences in our community – there are many clubs, meeting spaces and events you can engage at, we have our student magazine to share and read about our diverse identities. Rainbow Crossings are a visible symbol of our inclusivity, and the Pride Walk is one of the many active celebrations on campus. You don’t have to be LGBTTQIA+ to appreciate these features – many heterosexual students shared
positively in the survey about them as well. Our LU values of manaakitaka and wairuataka are all about treating each other with compassion and respect, and embracing all identities.
If you need support
There are many sources of support on campus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you feel comfortable with to discuss any issue you may be facing. Your well-being matters, we are all in this together.
Some sources of support on campus include:
• Student Health & Wellbeing 03 325 3835
• Wheako Tauira Student Experience Team experience@lincoln.ac.nz
• LUSA and LUSA Clubs www.lusa.org.nz
• You can also free call or txt 1737 anytime to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor.
• Lifeline 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or free text 4357
• In an emergency or immediate danger, including mental health support, always dial 111
If you want to support others
There are many ways to engage with others to help foster well-being and belonging. Join a club, start a club, join the Student Buddy Programme.
For more ideas and information, contact LUSA (lusa.org.nz) or the Wheako Tauira Student Experience team Experience@lincoln.ac.nz
Flat party too rowdy? Did someone popped a manu on your picnic table? Coffee table gone bye-bye?
We have the thing for you! Join Lincoln University’s Carpentry Club and you can fix it!
We have free material available and tools for use by all club members.
Keen to join? Send us a DM and we’ll organize a time for your health and safety induction. Once we’ve signed you off, you’re able to use the equipment whenever you need them!
Located at the woodshed behind the LUSA Clubhouse, it’s just a short 2-minute walk from Grounded.
Follow us on Instagram at @lucarpentryclub for information on upcoming meetings, demonstrations, and check out people’s projects.
Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition
During the summer holidays, 11 LU students flew up to Rotovegas to compete in the Moana Oceania Soil Judging Competition. With over 150 participants from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and the USA, this event marked the largest soil judging competition ever held in the Southern Hemisphere!
Soil judging challenges participants to classify soil profiles, to determine the horizonation, texture, colour, mottling, and other distinctive properties of soil. Based on these classifications, competitors then make land use recommendations. The goal is to best match the classification set by local soil professionals.
On the first day, after arriving in Rotorua, we checked into our accommodation and headed straight to the opening dinner at Scion, where we mingled with fellow students and professionals. This dinner served as the perfect chance to network and practice a little friendly trash talk before the competition began.
The next two days were practice days. Here the LU teams had the opportunity to have a go at classifying six practice soil pits, offering a deeper understanding of the area’s unique soil and landscape history. Soils can tell a lot about a landscape and its history, kind of like a time capsule! During our practice days, we saw evidence of volcanic burial events, immature podzols, and even soils with phosphate retentions of 99% - to a farmer’s shock and horror!
The competition itself took place on the fourth and final day on a sheep and beef
farm near Lake Tarawera. The event featured three competition pits, two for team categories and one for individuals. LU’s students were divided into three teams; Basalt-n-Pepper, Fertile Minds, and Pumiscuous, with a mix of experience levels in each group. Together, they worked on classifying two team pits. For the third pit, it was ‘every man for himself’ where each student competed individually. This was an intense day of testing our soil judging skills and pulling together learnings from the practice days; thank goodness there was a coffee cart!
We’re proud to announce that LU students delivered ground-breaking performances, with two teams securing podium finishes: Basalt-n-Pepper:
• Top overall New Zealand Team
• 1st in University Teams Competition
• 1st in New Zealand Universities Competition
Fertile Minds:
• 2nd in University Teams Competition
A huge shout-out to coaches Roger and Louisa for their knowledge and support, as well as to Josh, Josie, Carol, and everyone involved in organizing the event. Their contributions were invaluable to the success of our teams.
Following the success of last year’s competition, the LU Soil Society is already gearing up for the 12th National Australian Soil Judging Competition, which will be held in Armidale, Australia, in November. If you’re interested in getting involved, whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, you don’t need to be a soil expert to join!
Handy Landy’s is a group of students keen to give back to rural communities during times of stress and hardship. Although we are primarily based in Canterbury, we are willing to travel near and far and take on any job, big or small!
We take immense pride in the agricultural industry and are always keen to be out there doing it, meeting local farmers and making a difference. We come from a variety of backgrounds however, we all value the importance of helping out rural communities.
Last year, after hearing about the flooding in the Clutha District a group of 10 keen students made the decision to head South and lend a hand. We also thought
that this would be the best utilisation of our study week (although our lecturers may disagree)! The team was mainly involved in removing debris and then repairing fence lines.
It was great to see the difference we made in the farmer’s lives, alleviating some stress and making a visible difference on their farms. Overall it was pretty rewarding work!
On our last day in Otago, the weather packed in so we headed off on some interesting farm tours. We caught up with Handy Landy’s founders Dave and Jess Ingham on their sheep and beef property in Owaka. It was great to hear a few yarns about the origins of the club and the adventures
their team had back in the day. Next, we visited Sandra, the MPI support person we were working alongside, and her husband’s dairy farm, where we toured their native plant nursery. We then went to a sheep and beef farm in Mokoreta, before ending the day at Curio Bay, where we got thoroughly drenched by the pouring rain!
We have some exciting trips lined up this year! Next term, we’re planning an overnight trip to North Canterbury to assist a catchment group with weeding and planting. Stay tuned to our socials and check your emails for more details - it’s sure to be another great trip!
By Anna Stuart, SVA General Rep.
On Saturday the first of March LU SVA ventured out to the red zone for this year’s ‘Big Give’.
The Big Give is an annual event run by our mates over at UC SVA, and this year it was focussed on Otakaro, the Avon River Corridor. The site we worked at was next to Oruapaeroa, which was a traditional kainga (settlement). This event is a great way to kick off the year by getting out into the community and doing some good mahi. Work we did this year included mulching, weeding, some planting, invertebrate sampling and processing, and trap building.
After all the work, we were treated to a sausage sizzle and snacks courtesy of Christchurch City Council and UC SVA, as well as an awesome live performance from the band, Second Nature. We also had the pleasure of listening to Colin Meurk, who is a local ecologist, talk to us about the history and ecology of the area.
The atmosphere of the event was very positive and it was so good to see all 340 attendees getting stuck in to make a difference. As the saying goes “many hands make light work”.
Overall the Big Give 2025 was such an enjoyable event and was very rewarding. It was great to see everyone out there in the sunshine having fun and putting in some good mahi! A massive thank you to UC SVA for organising, and we will be sure to be back next year!
Message from the LU SVA PresidentCharlotte Sweney
“The Big Give was an awesome first event to kick start the year for both the UC and LU SVA clubs. It was a great opportunity to return to the red zone and contribute to the ecological rehabilitation of the area. It was truly inspiring to see such a large amount of students volunteering in the Christchurch community! I look forward to future events and further collaborating with UC SVA this year.”
“If this looks like the type of thing you’d like to be involved in, keep an eye on our socials for more information!”
Lincoln Student Volunteer Army - SVA
CHAPLAINS
SENIOR CHAPLAIN
The Chaplain’s office has now moved into the Forbes building on the ground floor alongside the Student Experience area. Please feel free to stop by for a visit and a confidential conversation. We are here to walk alongside you and your journey here at Lincoln, so please utilise us especially if you are feeling anxious, or are homesick, lonely or have any other pastoral concerns. We welcome any spiritual questions and queries and are open to discussion on the topics which you are interested in.
The Senior Chaplain is on campus on Wed, Thurs and every second Monday. Feel free to email first if you would like to make a set time craig.fairhall@lincoln.ac.nz
For some inspiration and to put your study into perspective, have a read of the following article about Kobe Bryant.
Kobe Bryant is known as one of the all-time greats of NBA basketball. His name is often mentioned alongside Michael Jordan and Lebron James when discussing who is the greatest NBA player ever. But, of course, it didn’t start out like that.
When Bryant was 11 years old, he played in the Sunny Hill League. His father and uncles had played in that league as kids and dominated it. When Bryant played, he didn’t score one point all summer. Not one. In his own words “I was terrible”. At the end of his season, Bryant decided “to go to work”. He knew he had a lot to work on, so he broke it down to one thing at a time, working hard at improving one skill at a time. By the next season he was better. The season after that, he was a standout in the league. With consistent hard work he had gone from being one of the worst players to one of the best.
If you watch a highlight reel of Kobe Bryant’s NBA days, it’s hard to imagine him ever being less than amazing. It’s hard to believe that he had to work really hard at his game. However, the lessons he learnt in those early days about determination and hard work, are part of what got him to the NBA and kept him there for so long.
When we are developing in our sport, we often see people who seem to excel without needing to work at it. There are those who have a natural gift for sport, but natural gifts only get us so far. To really excel, it takes hard work. A strong work ethic coupled with a coachable attitude can take any athlete a long way.
REV CRAIG FAIRHALL
HORRIBLESCOPES
Aries
The sign of the warrior, always ready to charge into battle. You’re also the sign most likely to lose your cool when the Wi-Fi cuts out. Seriously, don’t mess with an Aries’ internet connection—you’ll have it fixed before others can even blink.
Cancer
You’re the emotional sponge of the zodiac, always in touch with your feelings. But here’s the kicker: You’re also the ones who will cry over a sad movie scene and then pretend you weren’t even paying attention. Nice try, Cancer, but we see those tears.
Libra
You’re the sign of balance and harmony, always trying to keep the peace. But let’s be real: You’re also most likely to spend an hour deciding what to order for dinner, only to go with their usual choice anyway.
Capricorn
You’re all about ambition and hard work this month. But when you’re not climbing the corporate ladder, you’ll be secretly binge-watching MAFS and judging the couples with ruthless efficiency. After all, even the boss needs a break.
Taurus
You’re all about luxury and comfort, this month, which is why your spirit animal is probably a couch potato. You will fight to the death for that last slice of pizza, and once you’ve claimed it, there’s no way you’ll be sharing!
Leo
Loving the center of attention again, and always ready to tell anyone who will listen. Funny enough, you’re also practicing your acceptance speech in front of the mirror—just in case. Hey, you never know when Hollywood might call!
Scorpio
You’re a bit intense, mysterious, and a little bit scary this month... no more than usual though. The funny thing? You’re the ones most likely to send a meme at 3 a.m. because you’re up, plotting world domination (or just overthinking that one thing you said last week).
Gemini
The sign of the twins is famous for your dual nature. Sweet and charming one minute, then totally over it the next. The funny truth? You’re the best at texting your mates back with a 10-paragraph novel... or ghosting them for a week. No in-between.
Virgo
You’re known for being the perfectionist of the zodiac. You’ll have your life organized down to the last detail for 2025, but the funny truth? You secretly love a good mess—just as long as it’s someone else’s to clean up.
Sagittarius
Little Miss Adventurer, who’s always ready for the next big thing. But while you’re planning your next trip to who-knows-where, you’re also most likely to forget where you put your keys. It’s hard to keep track when your mind is on a thousand different adventures!
Aquarius Pisces
The out-of-the-box thinker. You’re the friend who’s into the latest conspiracy theory or trying out the newest gadget. But the funny truth? You’re also the sign most likely to forget your birthday because you were too busy saving the world —or at least planning to!
Forever lost in your own world this month whilst imagining a better reality. You’re most likely to have a meltdown over a broken nail too. Hey, even dreamers have their limits!
Easter Egg Hunt clues will be shared on LUSA’s Instagram stories so make sure you are following us!
Lincoln University Muslim Association
Eid
7.00am–11.00am
31st March or 1st April (1st Shawwal) depending on moon cycle
Please bring some food to share
Takbeer: 7:30am
Eid Prayer: 8:00am, Te Kete Ika, Conference Rooms
Eid Reception: Followed by Eid Prayer, Grounded, Forbes Building
Are you an up-and-coming artist?
Fancy your band as the next Opshop, Tadpole, Blindspott, I Am Giant or Devilskin?
Enter the Selwyn heats of the 2025 Battle of the Bands national championship for the chance to gain valuable experience and establish yourself in the NZ music scene.
Finals will be held in Wellington on 27–28 June. Be in to win the title of 2025 champion, a tour of Japan, studio recording, music video and equipment.
