TA September 2009

$3.90

SEPT 2009

Your darkest hour: I S SN 0 1 1 3 -3 4 0 3 (P r int ) ISSN 1175-7140 (Online)

getting through tough timeS Drive a Monster Truck!

Year One tickets Heaps of CDs, DVDs and more!

Jet • David Dallas • Tahuna Breaks Dakota Blue Richards • Basshunter poster Careers in fashion, hospitality, performing arts, design

UCOL’s School of Fashion based in Wanganui offers a three year degree and a one year certificate programme for people wanting a serious career in the exciting world of fashion.

Why is Trelise looking back?

Because UCOL’s Fashion Graduates are coming

The degree explores the fashion design process from concept to garment completion. You are expected to produce a collection of garments for the annual fashion show plus a professional design portfolio.

All this will help you secure a job in the fashion industry or start your own label, like famous fashion designer Trelise Cooper.

The certificate programme will help you develop technical skills in design, patternmaking and sewing to industry standards. Also if you already have a certificate or diploma in fashion, there are limited places on our degree year 2 & 3 classes to upgrade your qualification to Bachelor status.

ENROL NOW AS UCOL’S BACHELOR OF FASHION OR CERTIFICATE STARTS FEBRUARY 2010

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CONTENTS

Beat of change: 24 Your darkest hour: 6 Fashion design: 32 Dakota Blue Richards: 15

Drive a Monster Truck! 5

SPECIAL FEATURES 5 6 11 12 14 15 24 30

Drive a Monster truck!

Your darkest hour – stories of getting through tough times NCEA myth-busters Body Art Awards Eco haps!

An interview with Dakota Blue Richards Beat of change – global change through music NZ Post Poetry Awards winners

MUSIC 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Interview with Jet Talking to Pendulum Tahuna Breaks, Isaac Aesili and David Dallas Smokefreerockquest Kiwi music news with Kiwi FM C4 Vodafone Select Live POSTER: Basshunter

CHOICES AND CAREERS 26 27 28 32 33 35

Technology Graphic design Performing arts Fashion design Hotel management Where will you live next year?

REVIEWS, PREVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS 35 36 38 40 41

Games Books Movies CDs DVDs

REGULARS

4 News quiz 42 Grabbag

NEXT MONTH: COMPUTER GAMES – partly educational or pure evil? We want your opinion (please).

Email rain@ tearaway.co.nz

We’ve all had them – those days when you cross over to the dark side and just want to scream words like *#$@%#, &^$*## and *$%@! I guess that’s one of the wonderful things that make us human (other mammals would also like to do this sometimes I’m sure, but lack the vocabulary. Why do you think some dogs bark so much?)

Here in NZ we’re super lucky really, to grow up in a war-free zone, escaping serious poverty and disease. But that doesn’t mean life is always roses and fish ‘n’ chips. So, this issue is dedicated to everyone going through a bad time.

Hopefully the stories we’ve collected of people who’ve picked themselves up and tried again will give you the inspiration to do the same.

Improving your lot won’t always happen overnight but (in the immortal words of Pantene) it will happen.

That applies to more than just bad hair days, you know.

RAIN FRANCIS, Editor PS – A BIG thank you to all the other stories we received that we couldn’t publish!

PPS – Want to join the Tearaway team? Email me: rain@tearaway.co.nz

Did someone say DIZZEE RASCAL? September 09 cover Artwork by Mandy Ord mandyord.blogspot.com

Hell YEAH, we did! YOU asked the questions, DIZZEE gave the answers...

Get online to check out the result: www.tearaway.net.nz

TEARAWAY magazine is an independent publication of TEARAWAY Press Ltd. HEAD OFFICE: PO Box 7351 Wanganui Phone: (06) 349 0049 Fax: (06) 345 0071 TEARAWAY MAGAZINE IS PRODUCED BY AND FOR NEW ZEALAND YOUTH The opinions expressed within these pages are those of the individual writer, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Tearaway magazine.

Publisher and Executive Editor: John Francis CEO: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz) Editor: Rain Francis editor@tearaway.co.nz Sub-editor: Jonquil Brooks Operations Manager: Anita Smart (anita@tearaway.co.nz) Digital and Online Manager: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz) Designer: Leo Francis CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE: Isaac Aesili, Kevin Anderson, Lisa Arthur, Cam Carpenter, Rhys Coneybeer, Mel Dalgety, David Dallas, Alexander Donohue, Elesha Edmonds, Terefe Ejigu, David Eng, George Gates, Marty Greentree, Jordan Harrington, Annie Hawker, Gemma Henderson, Sammy Hickson, Ashleigh Hope, Fleur Jack, Seini Jensen, Tessa Johnstone, Rachel Lynn, Su’Ad Muse, Drew Neemia, Feilidh O’Dwyer, David Osten Gifford, Kate Russell, Ratha Sem, Amy Steele, Charlotte Trevella, Erin Young, and Brad, Craig, Jane, Shayne and Tamara.

ADVERTISING: Josh Kosmala (josh@tearaway.co.nz) Anita Smart (06) 349 0049 (anita@tearaway.co.nz) Distribution: Anita Smart Printed by: Webstar, Masterton Subscription Enquiries: anita@tearaway.co.nz

Variety, creativity, earn and learn?

Get a Modern Apprenticeship in Food & Beverage or Cookery

Visit www.hsi.co.nz or text ”career” to 963

NEWS QUIZ

News to you?

Well, this month it’s back to current events – so let’s see how much news you kept up with over the month or, if you don’t watch the news at all, let’s at least see how many answers you can guess right! I mean, come on, it’s a one-in-three chance, right?

1. Minty, a cheeky resident of the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, recently beat her three-day record of being on the run as she once again took to the streets of Christchurch. After six days of rather cold freedom, Minty was lured back to the reserve by a banana. What sort of animal is cheeky Minty? a) Hippopotamus b) Human c) Monkey 2. A group of schoolchildren made the unfortunate discovery of a half-decomposed body in a creek in Whangaparaoa last month. They initially believed the body was a _________ and played with it for 11 days before it was reported to the police… Nice. a) Dead cow b) Crocodile c) Prop from CSI: Miami 3. A 60-year-old man has been convicted of doing what to a woman in a Minnie Mouse costume at Disney World in Florida? The man’s son said to the media that there was no way his father would do such a thing, but we all know how creepy those scary mid-life crisis men can be. a) Photographing b) Punching c) Groping 4. The State of Origin series is an annual rugby league face-off between New South Wales and Queensland in Aussie. NZ doesn’t really have a lot to do with it, so why-oh-why is Auckland Mayor John Banks sticking his nosey beak into the planning of next year’s competition?! a) He’s optimistically trying to weasel his way onto the Red’s bench, hoping for a fiveminute run-around at the end of a game if they’re winning b) He wants to merge the two states into one

JONO PERKINS puts your news IQ under the spotlight

Can you believe it?! Another whole month down already! Thirty one days can fly by so fast. Just think, it was a whole 31 days ago that you were sitting down, pencil in hand, getting 10 out of 10 for last month’s Michael Jackson quiz!

big superstate… a bit like his city here in Auckland come to think of it c) He wants one of the State of Origin games to be hosted in the soon-to-be revamped Eden Park 5. Tragically, a ferry sank in the Pacific Islands last month, killing 95 men, women and children.

In which country did this take place? a) Fiji b) Tonga c) Samoa 6. A somewhat fuming Russian woman was upset that she was not given French nationality when she applied. How did she say ‘stuff you’ to the French? a) She threw a coffee mug at the Mona Lisa b) She went to a flash restaurant and told them frogs, snails and horsemeat “taste like old underpants” c) She put on a beret, picked up a picnic basket, put some red wine, cheese, a baguette and grapes in it, and walked along the main streets of Paris. She would walk up to people, throw the basket at the ground and watch their trauma as they desperately tried to salvage the remains of their fine French cliché cuisine 7. We’ve all seen the ads. NZ ‘celebrities’ doing their part for Greenpeace, letting us all know that they’re going to ‘sign on’. What did Prime Minister John Key say to around 500 business men and women in Brisbane, about Keisha Castle-Hughes’ contribution to this ad campaign?

a) “Keisha is a role model for all New Zealanders and it’s great she is using her influential position for the good of the world” b) “Stick to acting” c) “Keisha Castle-Who?” 8. Weta Workshop has skilfully crafted a fake floating _______ which has been anchored in Wellington’s Oriental Bay in the hope of shocking people into the realisation of climate change. a) Whale b) Iceberg c) School bus full of kids 9. A British skydiver survived a _____ metre freefall, landing on the metal roof of an aircraft hangar after both his parachutes failed on him. Had he landed three metres either side of where he did, he would have fallen straight onto the concrete! a) 610 b) 12,000 c) 34 10. Cadbury has been under attack lately over the change to using a certain controversial ingredient in their chocolate. Because of the anger of a few good Kiwis, the much-lovedchocolate makers have announced they are now changing back to cocoa butter instead of ___ ___! a) Cow urine b) Palm oil c) Human hair

Answers at bottom of page 42!

For your chance to drive an HB Monster Truck enter online at www.tearaway.net.nz/monster-truck-competition Entrants must be 18 years old and hold at least a restricted NZ drivers licence to be eligible to win. For full terms and conditions see our website.

TOUGH TIMES

The darkest hour is just before dawn...

The

It’s an age-old proverb which may first have been committed to paper in the

darkest Sometimes life sucks. Sometimes it’s awesome.

17th century.

What happens when the suckful outweighs the awesome?

Four hundred years on, and it has been used in countless song lyrics, album titles, poems, band names, inspirational speeches and self-help books.

Why so popular, and why are we banging on about it, 400 years later? Because it still rings true!

Often, when things are at their worst, they’re about to get better. No matter how low you go, there is always hope, so hang in there!

Something’s gotta give...

Ever heard the saying ‘do what you’ve always done, and you’ll get what you’ve always got’?

If your problems are growing bigger than you are, it’s time to change. It may take a while, hurt a lot, and be hard work but, like most things that don’t come easy, it will be worth it.

The thing is, no matter how hard the situation, there is always hope. Sometimes it helps to hear other people’s stories – for proof that you can get through things and turn your life around, and for inspiration on how to do it.

Over the next few pages, we share people’s true stories of facing their darkest hours and making it through to the other side.

Remember – you are not alone.

The journey through These three stories are excerpts from a magazine launched recently to support NZ young people. The Journey Through – ideas for getting through tough times – is available from Skylight 0800 299 100 or www.skylight.org.nz Skylight actively supports young people, and their families/whänau and friends, through tough times – whatever they are.

Tamara, 18 I was in a group that was really into binge drinking...I used alcohol to escape from all the problems I had.

Dealing with the root causes behind them would mean having to face the pain and the sense of rejection I had always pushed to the back of my mind. But my pain kept following me wherever I went and whatever I did, and it felt like I had to carry it alone.

One morning I woke up, still drunk from the night before. I thought I had no strength in me anymore to carry the heaviness, so I tried to end my life. Fortunately the big man upstairs decided otherwise, and I called for help.

Now I can look back and see that the people I needed to help me get through those tough times were actually right there beside me the whole time.

All I had ever needed to do was to ask them for help.

Jane, 15 My family and I left my country almost one year ago. We are refugees. I have lost my world.

Everything has changed.

I have cried a lot. All the things I loved about my country now make me sad because I miss them so much. It’s been hard to make new friends, and I worry a lot about my friends back in my country.

At times, I didn’t want to live – everything was

hour

too hard and too different. Sometimes I feel like screaming with anger – it’s not fair.

Even though I’ve had lots of help, especially at my school, I struggle all the time to make sense of what has happened.

I worry that people will not like me. One day I was being bullied and I felt nervous, dizzy and sweaty. I went to the school nurse. She was very good to me.

For the first time, I could actually tell my story, and it felt better to have someone listen and support me.

Craig, 15 Since I was a kid, I dreamed about running at the Olympics. I trained a lot and would try to beat my times. I was really competitive.

When I was 14, I went skiing and fell down over a rock. To cut a long story short, I had a long time in hospital and at physio, but I can’t run anymore. I can’t even play a sport like rugby or cricket or basketball.

I work out and am trying to find some sport I can do and get good at, because I have to have something to go for. My coach was gutted too but reminds me no one gets the perfect life.

It’s been really hard having my dream disappear. I’ve been angry about a lot of things and not always a good person to be round.

You are

not alone!

If something’s bugging you, communication is the best answer. Find someone you can talk to, or even email – whether it’s Youthline, a teacher, school counsellor, mate or family member.

If you’re not ready to do that, go online – there’s heaps of websites where you can find support. People care about you!

Youthline 0800 37 66 33 talk@youthline.co.nz (Note: this e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it, or free text to 234)

www.youthline.co.nz Lifeline 0800 543 354 www.lifeline.co.nz Skylight www.skylight.org.nz Students Against Violence Everywhere www.savemovement.org was developed by a group of Year 11 students at Nelson College.

The Lowdown www.thelowdown.co.nz is an awesome Kiwi website where you can find out about depression and how to cope with it. In a world first, they’ve developed a web-cam support service, in addition to existing online, phone and text-based support. To book a session, email webcam@thelowdown.co.nz

Having kids saved my life

Amber Frankland-Hutchinson (18) was just 15 when she fell pregnant. Three months after having her first child, she fell pregnant again. But frankly, she says, her kids saved her life. Amber attends the Taonga Teen Parent Unit in Clendon, Manurewa. She tells ERIN YOUNG her story

When she first found out she was pregnant, Amber says she was scared. “I think I was in denial. I didn’t really want to be pregnant, I was really scared to tell my family and nobody knew for about four months.

“By then, I didn’t really have a choice but to keep the baby. So I was just scared – scared, and didn’t want to tell anybody.

“The longer I waited to tell people, the more scared I got. But my family was quite supportive, so after that I got excited. The baby’s father was excited too.”

Maturity skyrockets Amber’s biggest worry at the time was, “that I was gonna get a hiding!” she laughs.

“And I was just scared of the responsibility – I was quite a naughty girl, so not being able to drink or whatever scared me. That was quite a big thing, I was quite a drinker.

“I wasn’t in high school when I fell pregnant, I’d already left and was just doing a course. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, to be honest, I was just living in the moment – I didn’t really have any aspirations.

“When I fell pregnant and I stopped drinking for a while, I had time to think about things. And especially once I actually had her and I couldn’t drink because I was breastfeeding… well, your level of maturity just skyrockets.

“I thought, ‘I’ve gotta get out of this mindset and do something positive, because I’ve got my daughter, and my son is on the way’. I had them to think about too. I couldn’t do this anymore.”

Making the decision As for the reactions of other people, Amber says that, “Yeah… you do get ‘the looks’, especially from older people, they tend to look at you funny.

“And when you have the kid, people are like ‘Oh that’s a cute baby, is that your little sister?’, and you say ‘No that’s my son’, or ‘My daughter’, they get really stand-offish.

“But there are a lot of good people out there too.”

Amber decided to keep the baby because, “I’ve never believed in abortions, and I also think a big part of it was I didn’t want to take the test or tell anybody, so I just left it.

“With my son, I was thinking about having an abortion, but I wasn’t sure how far along I was. It turned out I was beyond the threshold anyway, and I’m really, really glad for that now.

Wake-up call And how has having children changed her life the most?

“My whole maturity level, really. I do still go out and have a good time, but I’ve rearranged my priorities. My kids come first, and then getting educated and a good job so I can provide for my kids comes second, and then whatever I want to do comes last.

“But I don’t feel like I’m missing out, because the main thing that I want is for my children to have a good life, so being at school isn’t a drag or anything because I really, really want to do it.

“I think for me, falling pregnant was what snapped me out of being an idiot. If I hadn’t fallen pregnant and had my daughter, I don’t know where I’d be – I’d probably be, I don’t know, shoving needles in my arms or something stupid; that was the path I was on.

“But falling pregnant woke me up, and I’m really, really glad for that. My kids saved my life.”

‘I think for me, falling

pregnant was what snapped Advice

me out of being an idiot’

So what advice would she give to other young women who find themselves in that situation?

“Find somebody you can really trust and talk to, somebody who’s had kids and knows what it’s like and what you’re going through, and who’s going to be supportive.

“Or come to Taonga! Just find a good supportive person. Do the best you can for your baby.

“A place like this [Taonga Teen Parent Unit] is really good – most of the girls here are really good friends of mine, because we all know what each other’s going through, we’ve all been there. So it’s one big support network, it’s really good.”

“I guess my best advice to others would be to just live life to the full, and make good choices. And to remember that if you have kids it’s not the end of the world.”

Photo by Jess Maccagno

TOUGH TIMES

TEREFE EJIGU (20) is a former refugee from Ethiopia. He arrived in NZ when he was 12 and is now in his second year of a development studies degree at Victoria University in Wellington

Starting all over

again Interview by Tessa Johnstone

I didn’t know anything about NZ before I came here. I’d studied geography at school in Ethiopia but had never looked at NZ on the map because it was so small.

I always had in my mind growing up that I wanted to be in a beautiful, nice place – a place that looked like NZ – so I think I’m in the right country.

Ethiopia is beautiful too, but it’s different.

It’s not like people think – not all desert. My grandparents were farmers so I grew up on a farm in the south; I was used to that kind of culture and I like nature.

Mixed feelings I was excited before I got here, but at the same time I was very sad. I was going somewhere I didn’t know, I had all this family I was leaving behind, and I had to start all over again.

My mother went to Kenya for a few years, she was in Kakuma Refugee Camp and then she came to NZ. Two years later she brought out me and my two older sisters.

She was on her own at Kakuma, and we were living with my grandparents. It was very exciting to see her after that long.

The ups and downs What I miss about Ethiopia are the little things, like playing soccer with my friends using balls we’d made out of plastic bags, just playing around and spending time together.

I miss my family. I also miss the sun, especially the morning sun; getting up and going places with my friends; the little things that make a big difference.

I do feel very lucky to be getting an education here. I went back to Ethiopia in 2007 and I saw that many of my friends weren’t able to continue with their studies – because of money, mostly.

Coming from a wealthy family helps, but

It was my family that really helped me through that. We were all having similar experiences.

I got very involved with running too. That helped me to meet people and gain friends, who helped me with English and with study. And to be part of a group of youth as well felt good.

Another world Ethiopia is a diverse country. From the outside it’s just one country, but within it there are 85 million people, and over 84 different tribes and languages. It’s another world.

For me, I don’t really care what tradition or what culture you come from. We’ve started an

‘It was frustrating at times trying to get your points across - you just want to yell it out sometimes, but you can’t’ otherwise you have to be very, very clever to get a sponsor or something. Otherwise you don’t get the chance to go to university.

Ethiopian youth group and our aim is simple, just

Challenging and frustrating

celebrate our differences; to make us feel like

English language was hard when I first got here.

I was able to write and read in English, which helped, but coming to a place where everyone speaks a different language was very challenging.

It was frustrating at times trying to get your points across – you just want to yell it out sometimes, but you can’t. It can make you feel uncomfortable.

The culture is different too. The school, the food, the shops and the environment – it all has a different flavour. But you get used to it after a couple of years.

we’re not alone, because everyone is experiencing

to get to know each other.

One of our ideas is to get together and

culture shock, and experiencing how difficult it is to be a New Zealander.

You have to have two personalities – one is for your family and for Ethiopia, and the other is for NZ. You have to balance both.

It can create conflict within your family and you feel sort of uncomfortable and lost sometimes. You can’t be ‘full’ Ethiopian because there’s no place for you.

Being a refugee or migrant is very challenging.

A diverse community It feels like there’s a lot of Ethiopians in Wellington, but I feel sometimes that there are not enough activities for everyone.

The number of youth has really increased in the last few years, which is exciting, and makes us feel more at home.

The community gets together around Ethiopian new year, or at parties, but I feel like there should be more structure in the community.

It’s made it difficult for people to get together here because of lack of understanding of each other. The adults especially are not able to come to a point where they agree on anything, it always falls down.

The politics in Ethiopia play a big part in what happens here; and religion as well. Ethiopia has 60 percent Christian – about half Orthodox – and 30 percent Muslim.

Getting together Coming from different tribes or places, people have different views, and sometimes the kids inherit their family’s views.

It’s easy for that to happen in NZ, because there’s not much to bring us together here, and not much time. The gap gets bigger and bigger.

We want to bring everyone together and create this positive atmosphere where everyone trusts each other – if that works, anything can happen.

We could even influence the adults to let go of what happened in the past and move forward.

It feels very happy to get together with people from your own culture because pretty much the rest of the time you’re in NZ culture; it’s nice to have a small amount of time with your own people.

There’s a difference between Ethiopian youth and Kiwi youth. Family plays a big role for us – no matter how old we are, we always think of ourselves as part of a group or a collective, never just as individuals.

In some ways, especially if you’re living in a foreign country, you feel very connected to other Ethiopians even if you’re not related.

Some Ethiopian youth have adapted very easily to NZ culture, some for good and some for bad, some get lost easily.

Breaking news Terefe has just left for the United States to take up a prestigious athletics scholarship at East Michigan University in Detroit, where he plans to study international relations.

He’s a step closer to his goal of representing NZ at the Olympics and says this opportunity is “a dream come true for me”.

Go Terefe!

More

than meets the eye

I think we see the word ‘refugee’ differently to other people. I find the term ‘refugee’ quite offensive in some ways – it puts you down.

There are all sorts of reasons why people come here – political, or because their life is no good where they come from. I think there’s more to it – your culture, where you come from, your place – you have another world behind you.

But people mostly know what they see on TV, they have a negative view of refugees. Because of that, for many youths, the term refugee can make them feel insecure. It makes you feel picked on.

I think we see the word ‘refugee’ differently to other people.

I find the term ‘refugee’ quite offensive in some ways - it puts you down.

To NZ youth I would say: don’t get too influenced by what you see on the TV. It often shows our countries being poor and deprived of a lot of things.

There is that sort of thing, but there’s more.

Youth should explore and learn more about different cultures; not judge on colour, or the way they wear clothes or how they speak.

Other youth play a big role in how refugees or migrants adjust to NZ. Not being afraid and getting to know people like me; asking if we need help. Sometimes it’s hard for us to ask.

My friends were in Ethiopia, so if I hadn’t had Kiwi friends who helped me get through, it would have been even more difficult.

ASHLEIGH HOPE talks to

George Kingi, social worker at Te Korowai

TOUGH TIMES

Shayne (14) and Brad (15), two current participants in Te Korowai programme for serious offenders from Waitakere

Brad (left) and Shayne (right)

Te Korowai programme, managed by ex-

Doing heaps

policeman and youth worker for the past

Brad describes some of the things they do as part of the programme, “We get drivers licences, we do body impact, go to the pools, learn about hygiene, and do arts and crafts, and we are going snowboarding this weekend”.

Shayne talks of the more glamorous side of things, “Sometimes we do part-time work on Outrageous Fortune and Shortland Street”.

They also learn about Mäori history and take part in different forms of Mäori art, such as traditional carving, which Sid believes helps them to develop their cultural identity and awareness.

They also do work within the community and help out with local charities, such as the Salvation Army.

12 years, Sid Kirby, serves as an opportunity for young Maori with violent histories to learn new skills and explore themselves and their heritage.

Both Shayne and Brad had been previously involved in robberies and other such misdemeanours, and both were court-ordered to take part.

The programme runs from nine till three each day, and is largely based at the Auckland museum.

However, the support from Sid, and the boys’ social worker George Kingi, does not stop when classes are over – they are both there for the pair, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As a result, Brad and Shayne look up to them and know that even when they are finished with the programme they have made bonds that can’t be broken, and that Sid and George will always be there to support them.

Respect All these activities are provided for the participants as an opportunity to experience new things that they otherwise may never have been able to do, as well as teach them skills which they can transfer into the workforce.

ROAD CRASHES ARE THE SINGLE GREATEST KILLER OF 15-24 YEAR OLDS

Perhaps most importantly, they are taught about self respect, and the importance of having respect for their heritage, their community and others around them.

After being involved with Te Korowai for six months, Shayne now aspires to “stay legal” and get a hands-on, outdoor job, similar to the odd gardening jobs he is enjoying now.

Brad recognises that this is a better life than “sitting at home, getting bored and wanting to rip people off”.

Message for all of us With a few months left of the programme to go, and after having learnt so much already, it is clear that Brad and Shayne are on a positive path in their lives and will hopefully remain there.

As Brad so wisely puts it, “You just have to remember to stay on the positive side, you can’t let that negative force take you over”.

A message we could all benefit from.

HELP US IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF YOUNG DRIVERS. Tell us what you think should be done to improve road safety in New Zealand.

Visit:

www.saferjourneys.govt.nz to have your say on New Zealand’s road safety strategy to 2020.

Public consultation runs from 18 August to 2 October 2009.

You can also call the Ministry of Transport on 04 439 9000 or write to us at Safer Journeys, PO Box 3175, Wellington 6140

CHOICES

NCEA

myth-busting

Starpath discussion group

Confused about NCEA? Well, it’s now official – you’re not alone... Recent research has revealed that many students who want to go to university have misconceptions about NCEA and how to navigate the complex mix of subjects, credits and standards required to reach tertiary study.

The Starpath Project at The University of Auckland has completed an important study into subject choices and NCEA. Researchers talked to more than 160 students, parents and teachers about their understanding of NCEA, and how subject choices are being made in our schools.

Starpath researcher Seini Jensen warns you may be off the path to university if you hear yourself saying any of the following: ‘I’m only Year 9 (or 10). I don’t have to think about it yet’ How well you achieve in Years 9 and 10 can affect the subjects you can take in your first year of NCEA in Year 11, especially academic subjects which are needed for university. Year 9 is the time to start thinking about whether university is for you and what subjects you need to get there.

‘I’m not worried, I’ve got heaps of credits’ There are a lot of credit requirements to keep track of and you may not be on top of all of them. Make sure you are getting credits in the subjects and standards you need for your university course, and try to achieve more than the minimum.

‘I’m doing maths and English. This is good for university’ Sometimes schools run different versions of core subjects (like mathematics 101, 102, and 103). It’s best if you are taking achievement standards maths or English if you want to go to university.

‘I can’t get into the subjects I want’ This can happen for a number of reasons. It could be school timetabling or your level of achievement at school. If this happens to you, talk with your teachers about how this might affect your pathway to university and what can be done about it.

‘I don’t know if my subjects are approved subjects’ It is important to know if your subjects are approved, both for gaining the University Entrance qualification and for gaining entry to specific courses at university. You can check each subject on the NZQA website: www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ ‘Exams stress me out! I prefer internals’ Internal assessments are a great way to earn your credits, but this can become a problem when you avoid exams or external assessment. It is a sure-fire way

of falling off the path to university. You will miss out on important subject content and exam skills you need for entering and succeeding at university.

‘I’ve got my NCEA Level 1 Certificate. I’m on track for university’ Not necessarily. Meeting only the minimum requirements for NCEA Level 1 might not be enough.

‘I’ve got my literacy and numeracy requirements, I’ve got University Entrance’ No, this is incorrect. The literacy and numeracy requirements are only part of what you need to gain University Entrance. And the numeracy and literacy requirements for University Entrance are not the same as those for NCEA Level 1 Certificate.

‘I’ve got University Entrance, I’ll be right!’

Maybe not. Sometimes University Entrance is not enough, it can be competitive. Some universities and courses select only a small number of students from a bigger pool of applicants. This is where achieving merits and excellences gives you an advantage.

‘My parents haven’t got a clue about NCEA – who’s going to help me?’

You’re not alone if you think your parents don’t get NCEA. Most parents we talked to found the NCEA system hard to understand, because it is complicated. Show this article to your parents (or another family member) and together you may be able to talk to your teachers if you think you could be off track.

Start planning early

Seini Jensen

Seini’s advice for all NCEA students is to start planning early, and talk to your teachers about your aspirations and what subjects, standards and level of achievement you need to get there.

If you know the university course you want to get into, work back from their entry requirements.

“Remember these are common misconceptions or traps. If you find you have fallen into any of them, you are not alone. Many other students are in the same boat. The common solution to all of these problems is to seek advice from someone at school to help get you back on track.”

BODY ART AWARDS

Naked talent Photos by Michelle Deacon

Creatures great and small took over the stage at the 2009 NZ Body Art Awards in a fusion of fantasy and meticulous design.

LISA ARTHUR takes a closer look...

Held on July 25, at the Bruce Mason Theatre on Auckland’s North Shore, these were the fourth New Zealand Body Art Awards, with 62 contestants battling it out to win in one of eight categories.

Supreme award The SPFX Fantasy Award was won by Kelly Zhong-ni Ren, who also picked up the Supreme Award at the end of the night. North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams presented her with the award.

Other categories included Hand Painted Body Art, Air Brushed Body Art, Mask, SPFX Creatures, Ethnic/Tribal, and Mäori Myths and Fantasies. There was also an Emerging Hand Painted Body Art section for those artists who had not competed previously.

Models appeared on stage in their category groups, and one by one paraded in front of a large audience and the judges.

While many models wore only a small pair of underpants, one model backstage said that she didn’t find it cold and enjoyed being painted. Models were from a wide range of ages, with even an expectant mother taking part.

Frogs and aliens Body art can be done by hand or airbrushing, and models usually wear little or no clothing to provide maximum canvas for the artists’ designs. Designs this year ranged from animals such as frogs, to fantastical monsters and aliens.

The Body Art Awards are an annual event, with the first event held in 2006. The aim of the show is to promote a positive image about body art and special effects, and to also foster excellence among its practitioners.

The show also provides funding for the NZ Body Art Trust so that it can continue its work in promoting the industry. In the past, luminaries of the industry, such as Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop, have been involved in the judging.

Nothing to hide Promotion for this year’s awards included an eight-hour exhibition in the Queen Street Whitcoulls, providing an opportunity for the public to gain an understanding of the art of body painting.

A stage was set up in the shop’s front window to allow the public viewing and photographing opportunities.

Previous Supreme Award winner Carmel McCormick worked on the models throughout the day, providing the public a glimpse into the effort that is involved in the industry. Body painter Carmel McCormick is best known for her latest work in the Air New Zealand ‘Nothing to hide’ advertisements.

Airbrushed winner, Yolanda Bartram

SPFX Fantasy Award and Supreme Winner, Kelly Zhong-ni Ren

Hand Painted winner, Carmel McCormick

For more details on the winners, check out www.nzbodyartawards.co.nz

ECO HAPS

Make a

green film

Have you started on your short film yet?

There’s still time!

Need more inspiration? How about some loot? Tune in to www.theoutlookforsomeday.net to see what you can win (besides the glory of being both an award-winning film-maker and an eco-hero).

Remember, the theme is ‘sustainability’ and you basically have free reign to go crazy and interpret that however you see fit. Get a move on though, because entries close on September 18.

Clean up

the world September 4-11 It’s been ten years since the first Clean Up the World Week.

Now it’s one of the biggest community-based environmental campaigns in the world, being held in over 120 countries, and with 35 million volunteers taking part.

In NZ, Keep New Zealand Beautiful runs Clean Up week. What can you do to be one of the 35 mill? Get your green self to www.knzbcleanupweek.co.nz to find out more – and register!

Get the beach Sept. 1-24 to

This month, ‘A Day at the Beach’ sees a courageous crew of young people embarking on an outrageous adventure festival – trekking 350km down the West Coast of the South Island.

The journey will thread together a series of exciting events along the way called ‘Beach Days’ and ‘Wild Nights’.

Get amongst the action by turning up to an event – imagine days of local food, native-tree planting, beach cleanups, beach art, competitions and more. Then imagine nights of live music, Kristin van der Poel Ruth Hockin short films, inspirational speakers, celebrations of local success stories, and local food and beverages – this is only North Beach, 10am the beginning, the potential is endless!

The Last Resort, 6pm 0 1 Partnered with Keep New Zealand Beautiful, the Beach Days Wild Nights festival aims to plant at least 1,000 native trees along the coastline, remove at least ten tonnes Tauranga Bay 10am The Bay House, 6pm 0 7 W E S T C O A S T A C T I O N F E S T I VA L Westport of waste, and educate thousands of Kiwis Expecting a crowd of over 5000, 'A Day at the Beach' is a multi-faceted about the health of our coastline. environmental action & entertainment festival. From September 1st to the 24th 2009, an action-packed lineup of inspirational events will unfold along one of A professional film crew is also Study with the Leaders the most iconic coastlines in the world - the West Coast of New Zealand’s Razorback Beach, 10am South Island. The Festival brings together some of the country’s finest documenting the journey, with Punakaiki Punakaiki Hotel, 6pm 1 1 Undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered entertainment & adventure, and engages in powerful positive action for the Cobden Beach, 10am nationwide release set for early 2010. environment.

Greymouth 1 4 in Design, Fine Arts and Visual & Material Culture Paroa Beach, 10am Stay tuned to Paroa The Festival unfolds through a sequence of exciting events called Beach Days The Union Hotel, 6pm 1 5 & Wild Nights – imagine arts, live music, local food, beach cleanups, native www.adayatthebeach.org.nz Hokitika Beach, 10am tree planting, competitions, film screenings and more. The events are linked in Hokitika Stumpers Cafe, 6pm 1 8 MASSEY COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS sequence by a small group of passionate young New Zealanders who are for daily updates and to see doing a massive 350km walk along the coastline - from Karamea in the north, Wanganui River Mouth, 10am to Franz Josef in the south. But you don’t have to be an extreme adventurer to how you can get involved 2 1 Hari Hari get amongst the excitement! The Festival provides something for everyone - in this adventure of a and getting involved is as easy as spending a day at the beach. It’s an opportunity to join thousands of New Zealanders in taking powerful positive Okarito Beach, 10am lifetime! action for the environment, and to take part in the adventure of a lifetime!

2 2 Okarito

2009

0800 MASSEY

http://creative.massey.ac.nz

www.adayatthebeach.org.nz We’re currently calling for volunteers to help bring the Festival to life.

If you’re interested, please email volunteer@adayatthebeach.org.nz.

For all other enquiries contact festival co-director Louis Brown louis@adayatthebeach.org.nz

24

Franz Josef Blue Ice Cafe 6pm

Kahurangi National Park Karamea

MOVIES

At the ripe old age of 15, she’s already worked with mega-stars like Nicole Kidman and the Blond Bond himself, Daniel Craig, in The Golden

Compass. Now Dakota Blue Richards stars in The Secret of Moonacre. Our movie guy, DAVID ENG catches up with the British starlet...

The

Is it true that Moonacre director Gabor Csupo personally asked you to audition for the lead role of Maria Merryweather?

I just found out when you asked the question! I think that’s pretty cool. It’s cool when somebody’s interested in you without having even seen you audition.

What was the biggest difference between filming The Secret of Moonacre and The Golden Compass?

The Secret of Moonacre was a much smaller production and there were fewer people but it was nice because we were in another country.

And The Golden Compass was mostly green screen, so it was much nicer to be outside in a real forest.

Do you share any similarities with Maria Merryweather?

I think I’m more like Maria at the end of the film than at the beginning. I hope that I’m not as up myself as she is, and that I’m more accepting of new and different things and people. But I think I share the same fun-loving spirit that she has – that might just be part of being young.

The costumes you wore don’t look like they were very comfortable. What was it like sporting those outfits all day long?

It was very hard to breathe in the costumes – especially after lunch! And it was a very long process to get into costume, because there wasn’t a single costume which I wasn’t laced into in some way. But they were so beautiful that I couldn’t bring myself to hate them.

In the film, Maria deals with a lot of animals, such as rabbits, hedgehogs and snakes. Did you have any problems with them on set?

No, I loved all the animals and spent most of my spare time petting them. It was nice to have animals around, for the same reason that it was nice to be shooting in the forest – it was quite new to me to have real things to act against.

A typical day on set must be long and tiring. What do you do to unwind?

My wonderful make-up and hair artist Nana Fischer is also a very talented masseuse, so I spent my free time on set pleading with her for a massage.

And at the weekends, we would go out and see the city of Budapest, and we visited the Gellért Baths. So, most of the time, it was like being on holiday.

What were the greatest challenges working with all the special effects Csupo created for the film?

For most of my scenes, I didn’t really have to deal with any of the special effects. The final scene was kind of hard because, other than the ground we stood on, all of what was in front of me was green screen.

I think I found it more embarrassing than challenging really, because instead of looking out in front of me at the sea, I was actually standing in front of around a hundred props guys and crew, who were waiting for me to deliver my lines.

Who has a better sense of humour: Daniel Craig or Loan Gruffudd?

Daniel is quieter and more reserved, and he has a darker sense of humour, and Loan has more of a childish sense of humour.

You get to pick one actor and one actress to work with in a future film... who would you choose?

Johnny Depp, because he is an amazing actor, and because, from what I’ve heard about him, he’d be a really nice, fun guy to work with. And Kaya Scodelario, because the one time I met her, she was really lovely, and because I loved her in Skins.

Where to from here? Any secret projects you could spill the beans about?

I might be doing a short film called Rain and I might also be doing a film called Lovely to the Last, and I am waiting to hear back from a few auditions I’ve been to.

If anything was meant to be secret, I’ve already spilled the beans by accident!

Read David’s preview of The Secret of Moonacre on page 38

MUSIC It’s been six years since Melbourne-raised rockers Jet blindsided us with their frenetically catchy single Are You Gonna Be My Girl and had international critics hyping the praises of Aussie rock (alongside peers The Vines and The Living End).

The less well received album Shine On followed and it’s on the eve of the release of their third album Shaka Rock that AMY STEELE spoke with the very chatty Mark Wilson from his hotel room somewhere in Japan

Jet Congratulations on the new album. Is there a track on there that you’re most looking forward to people hearing?

Yeah, I guess it’s weird – there are some songs that you really look forward to people hearing played live – Start the Show is one of those. Also Seventeen is another one – we are all really happy with how it turned out. Another one would be Beat on Repeat.

That’s interesting – because you’ve chosen a different track as your first single of the album (She’s a Genius)…

That’s a song that was really immediate and catchy. Those other tracks wouldn’t have been right for the first single – it’s been three years since our last album and we wanted something which would say, “Here we are and we are back”.

You have toured and played with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Iggy Pop – all iconic figures. What did you learn from working with them?

Mostly, it was how to be a cool, nice, down-to-earth guy; basically, not to be a dickhead. I mean, these are guys who revolutionised music and they were still really cool and straight down the line.

In press interviews you’re very honest – especially about your journey as a band and your individual losses. How do you remain honest in an industry which can be very superficial?

I think it’s a quality inherent in all Australians and New Zealanders too. It’s the no-BS way you are brought up and it’s something you hang on to. It can sometimes be to your detriment as well…but I like to keep my circle of friends small and guarded and surround myself with good people.

All the Kiwi bands we know are the same. Whereas some of the American bands are choreographed with stylists…

So there’s no stylists for Jet then?

Haha, no way. Our fashion faux pas are all our own!

You all live in different parts of the world – what has that meant for the songwriting process?

It’s difficult but we write separately and then when we all get together that’s when Jet starts. We send emails back and forth and it just means you have to get on a plane and see each other.

So when you go on tour do any of you have family you leave behind?

None of us have children but there are girlfriends.

Cam is getting married just before the next record comes out. It was meant to be well before, but then we had to change record labels and that’s how it has happened. So he gets two days off and then he’s back on tour.

And I’ve got a girlfriend as well, but they often come on tour. It’s hard being away but then there are lots of benefits as well – like after the tour when you might have six months off. It’s either a feast or a famine!

When can we expect to see you in NZ? Well, we have only been to NZ once and we want to get back. I’m not sure – guys in bands don’t plan tours – record companies plan tours. I just get a bit of paper under the door telling me what I’m meant to be doing that day.

We are going to be in Australia at the start of next year so I would be pretty disappointed if we couldn’t make it to NZ then.

ENTRY CODE:

CD9JET

Smoking-hot-off-the-press copies of Shaka Rock.

Click on www.tearaway.net.nz, zap in the entry code and you’re there.

MUSIC

Pendulum

Originally from Perth, Pendulum is a drum and bass band who have managed to cross the musical divide and gain mainstream appeal across the world. CAM CARPENTER talks to Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen

When it comes to drum and bass you are either become completely obsessed with the genre or you absolutely hate it.

This is not the case if you’re into Pendulum.

Their music merges the liquid sound of drum and bass with the live energy of rock.

“It’s something about the energy of the two – they’re really similar and go really well together,” says Gareth.

Fan fusion With musical influences like Concord Dawn, Tool, Queens of the Stone Age, and Rage Against the Machine the band has a pretty mixed fan base.

“That’s why our audience is all like emo-screamo kids and punk kids and skaters and stuff.”

Hailing from Perth, Australia (which some call the drum and bass capital of the world), the band’s first album Hold Your Colour topped the UK charts, jumping to become one of the bestselling drum and bass albums of all time.

Pendulum’s sophomore release In Silico followed Hold Your Colour’s success with party anthems like Granite and Propane Nightmares.

Mad action behind the scenes Pendulum are well known for their pumped-up sets at some of the biggest festivals in the world, including the Big Day Out and this year performing a massive set at Glastonbury, although when you see Pendulum live there is so much more going on behind the performance.

“There’s about 9 to 13 computers at any one time, all going simultaneously, processing different sounds and adjusting the mixers and stuff like that.”

When it comes to making a sweet tune, Gareth says there isn’t really a recipe.

“We can’t really make a track go until it just sounds as sonically full and forced to the wall as possible, you know. You’ve got to be prepared to write 50 tracks and scrap 49 of them.”

Kiwi drum and bass legends Concord Dawn were big supporters of Pendulum from the beginning.

“Concord Dawn have been amazingly supportive of us since day one. It was Evan from Concord Dawn who was the first person to pick up on Vault and play it out and we have utmost respect for those guys.”

Pendulum plan to head back to our shores in 2010 with a DJ set.

ENTRY CODE:

CD9PEN

Experience Pendulum’s style for yourself! We’ve got copies of Pendulum’s album In Silico to give away. Head to www.tearaway.net.nz to enter

MUSIC PAGE TAG

The questions

They are all releasing shiny new albums soon, they are all awesome fresh Kiwi talent, and they all describe their music as having ‘soul’.

Meet MARTY GREENTREE (Tahuna Breaks), DAVID DALLAS and ISAAC AESILI

Heart and soul David dallas

1. Smooth, sincere, soulful.

2. Heaps of songs that you’ll enjoy.... if you have good taste :P 3. I just listen to the beats I’ve been sent and if one of them makes me feel a certain way or brings something to mind I just try and run with it.

4. Some sort of festival with every act I’ve ever wanted to see in my lifetime – OutKast, MJ, Prince, Jamiroquai, the whole Wu-Tang, Bill Withers, Pac, Biggie, Led Zepp… that’d be a nice start.

5. I don’t smoke – my mum has smoked a pack a day for as long as I can remember so maybe she put me off it. I just wish my mum would give up for health reasons.

6. I’ll be doin’ a little tour of my own round September and October.

Check out my website www.daviddallas.co.nz 7. Yup, check out the site for details.

1. Your style in three words?

2. What can we expect from your new album?

3. Who/what do you channel when writing music?

4. What would your ultimate gig be?

5. What’s your attitude to smoking?

6. Where can we see you next?

7. Do you have any all-ages gigs coming up?

1. R&B, soul, fusion.

2. Songs that make you laugh, songs that make you cry, songs that make you dance and songs that sound fly.

3. I was channelling lots of different inspiration during the making of Eye See. I was trying to see through the eyes of nature, the eyes of young people and the eyes of various cultures, to write songs that make you think about things in a different way. I was also trying to channel the spirits of other artists that inspire me like Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Miles Davis and Jay Dee. 4. I saw it – it was Stevie Wonder last year, live in concert with a 15-piece band.

5. Don’t smoke – you might think you are cool but you are just a fool, it’s a waste of money and a waste of life. If you are on to it you will respect your body. Good health is not something to take for granted, it’s a precious gift to be protected.

6. I’m doing a national tour in September. http://eyesee.co.nz 7. I’m looking for an opportunity to play an all-ages gig over summer and I hope to perform and do workshops at some high schools next year.

BONUS QUESTION: When you were a kid, what did you dream of being when you grew up? I wanted to be rich but then I figured out that doesn’t make you happy so I wanted to make music to make other people happy.

Isaac aesili

BONUS QUESTION: What’s the first thing you think about when you wake up? I wonder if I’ve got any emails...

marty greentree Singer/guitarist, Tahuna Breaks

1. From the heart.

2. Expect 13 songs straight from the heart, recorded with passion and a whole lot of love and honesty. There’s upbeat raw funk, righteous groovin’ roots reggae and a touch of mellow goodness. It celebrates life by embracing and acknowledging the good, the bad and the silly!

3. I channel me! I try to make sure each song has a piece of me in it, whether it’s a good piece or a dodgy piece! They are not strictly autobiographical but are all based on my own personal experience, that way I can perform them with conviction and soul.

4. The next one, cos every gig we play is one more than I ever thought we’d play so I just count my blessings.

5. There are thousands of other things that I would rather spend my hardearned money on than cigarettes. Smoking doesn’t appeal to me.

6. From now till the end of October we will be on the road at a town near you so hit up www.tahunabreaks.com for details.

7. Bound to have! Again, hit up our website – you can download a free song while you’re there too!

BONUS QUESTION: What’s the best thing about having so many members in a band?

The variety of ideas, perspectives and musical territory that we are able to explore. The music stays fresh and fulfilling. Also, performing live with seven mates who I know have ‘got my back’ gives me the strength and confidence to play out of my skin and do things I never thought I could do.

Giveaways! We’re giving away copies of all three of these shiny new albums from some of our freshest local talent. Want one?

Get to www.tearaway.net.nz with the entry codes.

ENTRY CODE:

CD9TAH

ENTRY CODE:

CD9DAL

ENTRY CODE:

CD9ISA

e wn & Whit Black, Bro aks re – Tahuna B Awesome Something s la al – David D aac Aesili Eye See – Is

Smokefreerockquest PAGE TAG

The questions

1. Your style in three words 2. Ultimate band/artist to support? 3. Best song lyrics?

4. Marmite or vegemite? 5. What will you do if you win Smokefreerockquest?

Ruling the regions That’s it! The regional finals are done for the year! Talented musos have been unearthed across all genres and we can’t wait for the national finals – bring it! But first... here’s three more regional finalists for ya.

Queen Charlotte College & The Correspondence School

1. Fast, catchy, SHO! 2. Midnight in Motion / Going Nowhere Fast 3. Family Reunion – Blink-182 4. That’s irrelevant 5. Get Sam a spanking new DW kit, buy Huntley a yellow Musicman Sterling bass, Get SHO! an Explorer, get Matty-J a haircut and get Josh a life. Then we’d probably go twogging...

Wanaka

Allies

Mercury Brigade

Otumoetai College

1. Tropical, punk, allies 2. Foals 3. Hey Hey Hey – Bloc Party 4. It doesn’t matter, they are both Australian 5. Become rockstars!

Mt Aspiring College

Recommended

By Your Mom

Bay of Plenty

Photo by Amanda Beets

Marlborough

1. Alternate indie rock’n’roll 2. Beethoven 3. Ballad of a Thin Man – Bob Dylan 4. They’re both yuck 5. Dance until someone makes us stop

Want more? Know who won the regional finals in your area?

It’s all at www.smokefreerockquest.co.nz

MUSIC

KIWI MUSIC NEWS

Oi!

Find out who’s doing what in NZ music this month, with

Young song makers!

Dunedin captured for your listening pleasure

Kiwi FM is starting a new radio show soon that will be dedicated to young musicians’ songs – and we’d love to hear your stuff!

Your music doesn’t have to be a certain genre, like rock or hip-hop, just anything that you’ve got recorded – even if it’s totally weird!

Send it to us, and you may even hear yourself played on Kiwi FM soon.

Details at www.kiwifm.co.nz Schools Show @ Kiwi FM, PO Box 47560, Ponsonby, Auckland

Kiwi FM’s FLEUR JACK

Open mic nights are a great place for up-and-coming musicians to start out and test their material on new audiences.

Alistair Burns thought it would be a great idea to capture some performances happening in the Dunedin area and make a song and dance about how good the talent is.

He has completed his mission and released On the Horizon: Pages from Dunedin, which is a fabulous compilation of music captured in its raw form. It’s jam-packed full of live, original music performed with full passion by 17 different acts.

You can hear it for yourself at www.horizonmusic.co.nz

Gig ‘n’ kai

Wanna catch a live gig, but don’t want to leave the house?!

Check out Guess Who’s Singing For Dinner every Tuesday night @ 8pm.

Burger Fuel puts on some food, a band comes in to play three live songs and have a chat about life on Indie Alt New with Fleur Jack.

“I wanted to have a band on my show every week and I thought what better way than to lure them in with the promise of a darn tasty kai” – Fleur Jack Thanx Burger Fuel!!

MONDAYS Mellow Mondays w/ The Good News Diary TUESDAYS Guess Who’s Singing For Dinner?

WEDNESDAYS The Rock Factory Musicians Helpline THURSDAYS Indie Album of the Week Interview FRIDAYS Party Rock Night

102.2FM AKL 102.1FM WLG 102.5FM CHC

with FLEUR JACK Monday – Friday 7pm – 9pm The Best of I.A.N. Saturdays 12pm – 3pm & Sundays 1am – 4am Audio on Demand 24hrs, 7 day @ www.kiwifm.co.nz

New

from Drew Hello people!

What have you been up to? Oh yeah... really?... That sounds cool!

Apra Silver Scroll Award If you’re a songwriter, the Apra Silver Scroll Award is the most prestigious award you could ever hope to win for yourself.

It means you wrote the best song in the whole of NZ for a whole year! And it’s voted by your fellow songwriters.

The ceremony is being held this month and for the first time ever it will be held in Christchurch at the Town Hall. And the five nominees are: Shayne Carter (Dimmer): Degrees of Existence Jess Chambers: Island James Milne and Luke Buda (Lawrence Arabia): Apple Pie Bed Phil Madsen: Dancing on the Moon Jeremy Redmore, Simon Oscroft, Matthew Warman, Aidan Bartlett and Nick Campbell (Midnight Youth): The Letter

Ask

You can read the lyrics and listen to the songs at www.apra.co.nz

CHART!

CHART (www.christchurchmusic.org.nz) is a Christchurch website dedicated to promoting local music/musicians and events.

They’ve teamed up with The Pulse (www.thepulse.org.nz) and, if you have a question, head to the Pulse website and type ‘Ask Chart’ into the search. The answer to your question will be posted on the Pulse website.

If you are super proactive and want to know all about the music industry, CHART has an amazing resources list that has info written from all types of people in the music industry.

Do you have burning questions about the NZ music industry, like ‘How do I record a CD? How do I start up a band? How does a record company work?’ Then ask CHART!

I’m sorry, but I actually can’t hear what you’ve been up to because I’m not there. Anyway, I’m sure what you’ve been up to is pretty cool! If not... this is awkward…

I didn’t realise how much NZ loves Basshunter! Wow! He’s coming to NZ in October and tickets are flying out the door. Get yours quick – and if you’re a Basshunter fan, enjoy this month’s poster!

Also happening in October are the Vodafone NZ Music Awards. They’re happening on October 8, and C4 will be bringing it to telly the same night. I’ll be on the red carpet checking out all the celeb action and glamour, so keep your eye on C4 for all the details!

But wait, there’s more! If you call 0800 C4 MUSIC now, you will win an all expenses paid trip to Africa! That’s not true. I just made the Africa bit up. I don’t even know why I said that.

I think I said it because of the ‘But wait, there’s more’ line!

Anyhow… There is actually more! Your whole class could be coming to the NZ Music Awards with us! That’s right! C4 is taking a class to the biggest night in music. Visit c4tv.co.nz for all the details.

How good is it to have Family Guy back on week nights?! If you haven’t caught it yet, watch it tonight at 7. If you’re reading this on the weekend then the above comment doesn’t apply! :) I don’t want to finish on a negative note, but I’m going to! Someone still hasn’t owned up to stealing our C4 toasted sandwich maker! If you haven’t heard, it was stolen from our office and I’m not happy! If you have a spare one, be sure to send it our way and I will hook you up with a date with Phil Bostwick!

Make sure you’re watching Select Live weekdays 4-6! Do it or I’ll wastify you! Joking!

Or am I? Love, Drew

Young people are breaking free from the human-made

GLOBAL FOCUS

tragedies of war, poverty and crime, to challenge and change the world – and they are doing it

Raising awareness

through music. SU’AD MUSE of Just Write tells us

about issues

how musicians AfroReggae and rap artist K’naan are

in our communities, and around the world, is one

raising awareness about the plight of people in the

of the most powerful ways we can make a difference

slums of Brazil and in the civil war in Somalia

and create change.

Dr Phil, our favourite TV psychologist, famously said, “You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge”. But you can’t acknowledge what you don’t know, so change needs to begin with knowledge.

All it takes is one person to speak out and spread the word.

And young people all over the world are doing just that.

First, they focus on the issues they are passionate about: from climate change, poverty and domestic violence, to sustainability, education and conflict. Then, using their talents and doing what they love most, they find creative ways, such as music, dance and film, to get their message across.

These young people do not rest until they are heard loud and clear. Most importantly, no matter what anyone says, they refuse to be silenced.

Photo by Coc@ CC Photo by One Off Man Mental CC

AfroReggae

AfroReggae

AfroReggae didn’t only make music. The group strongly believed youth needed to be educated to stop the cycle of drug trafficking and violence.

Right from the beginning, using music and dance, they set up projects and programmes to show young people that they had opportunities in life.

Alongside youth, AfroReggae also worked to unify the favela and make it a safer environment. They exposed corrupt cops, staged talks with drug lords and held free and regular concerts in the favela, bringing the people together not just to entertain them, but to empower them.

True to the cause

Favela flava From the favelas (slums) of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, in the midst of racism, poverty, gang warfare and drugs, there comes a beat – a beat of change and new beginnings.

In 1993, police gunned down 21 innocent people to avenge the deaths of three murdered cops. A group of young friends reacted and decided that enough was enough.

They understood that fighting back with sticks and stones was not the way. As young as they were, they knew that violence only leads to more violence. A new way of bringing about change was needed, a way that would make people listen.

Music was their answer and so AfroReggae was born. “Through music we changed our reality,” said AfroReggae member Anderson Sa.

They did all this with the determination to create change pushing them forward. And with their plastic drums and rubbish cans they slowly started to gain momentum. So much so that, in 2000, the group signed an international record deal.

Staying true to their cause, AfroReggae vowed to put their earnings from their record deal back into their projects. They have now expanded globally, with a strong UK partnership and over 3,000 young people in Rio participating in music, dance, theatre and circus programmes.

What started as a simple beat is now a global rhythm. Indeed, through music they changed their reality.

The favela is a place of poverty; they had no instruments, no teachers, no money, nothing. But that didn’t stop them. With whatever they could find – trash cans, bottles, tins – they played their music.

AfroReggae were as much a social movement as they were a musical sensation. Their music was funky and fresh, but most importantly it carried a message. It was a medium to show the true realities of favela life and make political statements.

Photo by Coc@ CC

Trash-can music

AfroReggae

Dusty foot philosopher

Take action Once you have decided on the cause or the issue that most concerns you, raising awareness doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

K’naan Photo by Megan Cole CC

K’naan Warsame, a Canadian musician, originally came from Mogadishu, Somalia.

Somalia, a land of past poets and present troublemakers, was once an African success story but, since 1991, it has been ravaged by an ongoing civil war.

Like thousands of young Somalis, K’naan fled the country with his family as a teen and headed for the US, later relocating to Canada.

Witnessing the horrors of the conflict firsthand, K’naan knew the power of weaponry. But in a strange country so far away from home, he discovered a weapon more powerful than any semi-automatic machine gun – the weapon of speech.

Intrigued by the art of rapping and with a desire to speak out against the plight of his people, K’naan used speech to convey his messages.

Criticising the UN His first performance was a daring piece before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in 1999, criticising the UN’s involvement, or lack of, in war-torn Somalia.

The UN isn’t used to being told off by a kid, but they listened and even invited him back!

In the audience that day was Senegalese singer, Youssou N’Dour, who was so impressed by K’naan that he offered him the chance to contribute to his upcoming album AND to join his world tour! All this from getting up and having the courage to speak your mind.

From there, K’naan went on to develop as an artist. With his widely praised 2005 debut album The Dusty Foot Philosopher, K’naan established himself as a force to be reckoned with.

People listen But K’naan never forgot where he came from. Like his first performance, K’naan wanted his music to have meaning; as he puts it, he creates “urgent music with a message”.

Due to its universal appeal, music has long been used as a means of raising awareness. And in the technological age we live in, music can be used to reach more and more people.

K’naan uses the power of music to draw the attention of people from all walks of life and enlighten them about the atrocities happening in his motherland. His lyrics are vivid and his audience sees, as much as hears, what he’s talking about.

From Geneva to New York, K’naan has captivated audiences from all over the world, and he continues to spread his message and raise awareness. He doesn’t let anyone suppress his views. He speaks out for what he believes in and, through his music, gets others to listen.

It can be as simple as talking about local and global issues with your friends and family.

You could join or start a club in your school/community, such as an Amnesty International group, which looks at a range of issues from conflict to human rights abuses.

For the more daring, activist concerts and free gigs are always big hits. You could look at getting your local youth council to host it and could feature local musicians and young talent.

To reach a wider audience, get more ideas and/or share your successes with other young people, submit articles, videos and pod-casts to the Just Focus website at www.justfocus.org.nz.

Learn more www.afroreggaeuk.org www.knaanmusic.com www.justfocus.org.nz www.savethechildren.org.nz www.unicef.org.nz www.amnesty.org.nz www.globalissues.org Borrow the DVD Favela Rising from the Global Education Centre library (www.globaled.org.nz)

Beat of change crossword Go into the draw to win a Trade Aid prize pack full of food and other goodies.

Complete the crossword puzzle, and send your answers, along with your name and contact details, to Fiona, Global Education Centre, PO Box 12440, Wellington 6144.

Across 6. The capital of Brazil (3,2,7) 7. One way to raise awareness (5)

Down

1

1. One issue young people are raising awareness about (8) 2. K’naan came from this region in Somalia (9)

2

3 4 5

6

3. The beat of change in Brazil (10) 4. Another word for slum (6) 5. Raising ____ through music (9)

7 EclipseCrossword.com

This Global Focus feature is a Tearaway and Global Education Centre project. This article was funded by NZAID – a government organisation helping out with aid and development around the world. The purpose of Global Focus is to provide young people with a forum and information about global issues. For more information, visit www.globaled.org.nz.

CHOICES

Kevin (middle) and his wind turbine

Otumoetai College student KEVIN ANDERSON took conventional wind turbine design and turned it on its head for his year 13 technology assignment, making a portable wind turbine small and light enough to be packed into a car

Wind turbine

in a box

Kevin’s client was a busy manager who wanted a renewable power source to charge a battery bank that would run his laptop and mobile phone while camping for long periods.

Kevin tackled this problem by creating a completely portable wind turbine that can use light winds to charge any small electrical device, from mobile phones through to iPods and laptops.

Starting from scratch Kevin researched multiple renewable energy sources before choosing the wind turbine as the most feasible idea.

However, he soon realised that there was very little existing technology on the market that would fit his brief and that he would have to start from scratch to make a lightweight and compactable turbine that was within his strict budget.

As conventional turbines are generally fixed permanently in one location and situated in areas with regular high wind speeds, Kevin found that existing parts were either too heavy or expensive for his purposes and were often inefficient in low wind conditions.

This led Kevin to seek out unconventional materials in his construction, starting with the smart drive engine taken from a washing machine that provided the power for the unit.

To take advantage of both high and very low wind speeds, Kevin fine tuned the smart drive to turn in even the smallest breeze and conducted multiple trials to find the most efficient wiring setup to take advantage of very low currents.

Kevin (left) working on his project with his teacher

Power while camping The design of turbine blades is extremely complicated and this provided Kevin with his biggest challenge.

Kevin went with a standard design to stay within his budget and timeframe but used sculpted foam for the material of the blades and covered them with a single layer of fibreglass.

This unique solution proved to be lighter, cheaper and easier to work with than conventional materials such as wood or solid fibreglass.

To make the base tower lightweight, yet strong enough to support the turbine in high winds, Kevin combined a slender 30mm diameter pole constructed from four one-metre sections with a system of guy ropes similar to a tent to provide stability from the sides.

Kevin’s innovative combination of these two elements significantly reduced the overall size and weight of the unit, which can be completely broken down into a compact 1000 x 300 x 300mm box that fits easily in his client’s car and comes in under Kevin’s planned weight limit of 40kgs.

The finished unit can be assembled by two people in less than 10 minutes and his client reports that the unit can easily charge both his mobile phone and laptop while camping.

Ingenuity The innovation and perseverance that Kevin showed in making the turbine was rewarded when his project took the top prize in the Year 9–13 Technology category of the 2008 Transpower Neighbourhood Engineer Awards.

“I definitely thought that this was going to be a challenging project when I started,” said Kevin, “but I knew that if I could get on top of it and really work hard that I might pull it off.

“Throughout this project I learned so many new skills, common practices and techniques and I feel that I used ingenuity and inventiveness to design and construct a highly efficient, light and easy-to-use wind turbine that suited my client’s needs.

“On the whole, it was a long and amazing journey that used good tech practice to produce something my client was 100 percent happy with.”

CHOICES PAGE TAG

MEL DALGETY still recalls ‘shaking with excitement’ and feeling ‘elated, but completely overwhelmed’ by her success at the 2009 Print NZ Pride in Print Awards

Winning the ‘mini Oscars’ Mel won a gold medal for her design portfolio and the top apprentice award in Digital Processes for Print.

“The awards are like a mini Oscars for print and it felt really special to me to be part of such a great event.”

The real thing She’s achieved a lot in a few years – and her creative digital design career began with the Diploma of Computer Graphic Design at Natcoll.

“I chose Natcoll because, along with learning how to use the essential software, the course comprised a wide range of design briefs that, as much as possible, reflect real industry experience.”

After Natcoll, Mel started work as a Mac operator at Rainbow Print. Her potential was soon recognised and she was offered the opportunity to further her education with a digital pre-press apprenticeship.

Learning on the job Rainbow Print director Graeme Duncan believes in the value of on-the-job experience. “Mel came to us with a good skills base acquired at Natcoll.

We quickly realised what she was capable of and wanted to encourage her professional development.”

As she worked through her apprenticeship, Mel also progressed in her career. She is now a graphic artist, with full responsibility for a diverse range of print media tasks covering the whole process, including client liaison and project design from concept to production.

Work of art It was Duncan who suggested Mel enter her portfolio in the Print NZ Awards.

“It was just such a work of art – it was fantastic,” he says. “Mel stands out as a young person with heaps of talent, a fantastic work ethic, great communication skills … She really is the complete package, I have nothing but glowing praise for her.”

Mel completed the required unit standards for the portfolio section of her apprenticeship while still a student at Natcoll. Her winning portfolio shows how her skills have evolved.

“It was essentially handmade – I wanted to use a variety of methods and materials to encompass my love of handcraft and use different printing methods and embellishments to create a unique piece.

“I also had to select the jobs to include and put together detailed briefs and information for each one, with all elements balanced, consistent and visually interesting … [the] outcome is a fantastic reward for all the time and effort, heart and soul, poured into it.”

Good start Mel loves her work – and the confident, creative professional of today is positive Natcoll gave her the best start.

“Small class sizes, a friendly and supportive environment, plenty of opportunities for one-on-one tutoring.

“Natcoll was a challenging, motivating, inspiring, testing, discovering, rewarding and fantastic experience.”

‘It was essentially handmade - I wanted to use a variety of methods and materials to encompass my love of handcraft and use different printing methods and embellishments to create a unique piece’

PAGE CHOICES TAG

[09] 827 7327

Every so often a very talent comes along and GEORGE GATES is one of those people

www.excel.ac.nz

SING IT!

EXCEL

School of Performing Arts

As a youngster I used to watch and listen to my relatives singing and playing on the marae and it seemed only natural for me to start singing.

With my kapa haka experience, I entered the Mäori TV talent show Ngahau and then our school talent quest before winning the Tauranga regional Starquest. At 16, I made it into the top 12 of NZ Idol.

So when I arrived at Excel School of Performing Arts, I had already done a lot of singing, but I knew that to last the distance I needed some training for my voice.

The one-on-one vocal lessons each week in my first year taught me things I didn’t even know about – things like diaphragm breathing and placement. I went on to win the coveted Top Male Vocalist award for 2008.

We had classes in songwriting and I learnt how to work on a song and fine-tune its melody and lyrics.

Also a real highlight for me was being part of Excel’s winning team in Disney’s Camp Rock the Tasman show.

Now I’m halfway through a tour of NZ as one of the singers on Excel’s tour team. Each year, 20 of the first years are chosen for the second year tour.

We rehearse for three months and are then on the road for five months, all around NZ. The friendships, the skills, the experience of these last two years – absolutely PHENOMENAL!

Book an Audition Today

Give it a go!

Book your audition for the 2010 intake now.

Courses in dance, drama and music (drums, bass, guitar, keys and vocals). The minimum age for entry is 16.

For more information on EXCEL School of Performing Arts and the entire audition process, visit www.excel.ac.nz, or call us on (09) 827 7327 or email info@excel.ac.nz

Dance•Drama• Music

A love for photography has taken second place behind a desire to act and now TONI SCOTT has taken that next step

A passion for acting I loved doing drama and art at school so I knew it would always be part of my future.

At first I picked photography and started a course in Wellington but, after a year, my desire for acting came on so strong that I finished the year and started looking around for drama schools.

My friend at work told me about the drama course she was taking at EXCEL School of Performing Arts. I found out it was more than just a drama school as it also had music and dance courses.

With about 100 students from around NZ and being Christian based, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

And so here I am in the second semester of a one year course in drama.

I’ve been blown away by what I’ve been learning about how to use my voice and my body to express myself. The class is real tight and we have gotten to know each other so well.

Our tutor is hugely experienced and is really stretching us.

Another aspect of the course which I’m really enjoying is the chance to do a dance minor. EXCEL has some of the best hip-hop tutors in the country and the standard is huge.

Going to EXCEL is definitely the best decision I’ve made and I’m doing something I’m passionate about as well as growing as a person.

‘I’ve been blown away

by what I’ve been learning

about how to use my voice and my body to express myself’

With a growing reputation as one of Auckland’s up and coming hip-hop dancers, JORDEN MOORE is full of creative juices

On the

dance path When Michael Jackson died this year, one of my dreams – which was to dance with the King of Pop – was taken away. He has always been such an inspiration to me and has been one of the main reasons why I’m following the dance path.

I’ve been part of the dance crew Limit Break which went to the 2008 World Hip-Hop Champs where we made it into the final 12.

Already having reached an excellent standard of dance in hip-hop, I wanted to stretch myself and take a year to really work on my dance.

EXCEL School of Performing Arts was the obvious choice.

I knew of many who had been through the school and gone on to form many of NZ’s top crews including Dziah, and Sweet and Sour.

The classes in jazz and contemporary are opening up a whole new world of dance for me. In the choreography classes we are given very usable techniques which we put into practice straight away.

I really like the practical nature of this course. We are pretty much dancing most of the day and I’m with a whole lot of other people who share the same passion.

‘The classes in jazz and

contemporary are opening up a

whole new world of dance for me’

NZ POST

POETRY AWARDS

Finally, after months of hard slog and anticipation, thousands upon thousands of words were set free, to excite, intrigue, mystify and entertain the judges of this year’s NZ Post National Schools

Words

liberated!

Poetry Awards.

The Liberate Your Words competition attracted over 330 stunning entries, and poems were judged in two categories: Best Poem, and Best Lyric Poem.

The Best Poem winner was Charlotte Trevella’s To a Sister. And the winning poem in Best Lyric category – You Just Can’t See It by Sammy Hickson – was recently made into a song by Jason Kerrison of Opshop!

Winner: Best Lyric Poem Sammy Hickson

What was Jason Kerrison like?

Top guy – he was really relaxed and funny. The whole team there were great!

Who are your favourite songwriters? Do you have any favourite lyrics?

I love Steven Curtis Chapman’s Cinderella. I like the way it’s written by a dad for his kid and portrays the connection between a dad and his little girl which is so beautiful! Listen to it!

But other than that… well, to be honest, I’m not a huge music listener, I prefer making my own haha. But Julia Grace and Brooke Fraser are cool too.

How long did it take you to write You Just Can’t See It? Well I wrote different bits at different times and that was usually a one minute scribble down. And then when I was feeling real inspired about the whole self image thing I collected together a bunch of stuff, changed the words and typed it out – probably in total it took 10 minutes to be honest.

Have you written lyrics before?

Yea, I write stuff down when it comes to me and play round on the guitar or piano and make it into a bit of a song.

What kind of background do you have in music?

I’ve played the flute for about seven years, I’ve always sung a bit and now learn at a performance arts school, Create, and sing in a church band. I also attempt to play the guitar and keyboard but that’s just a bit of fun in my room – I’m a bit of a wannabe really haha.

Random facts about Sammy: I only like my Weet-Bix soggy • I like floury apples (haha, yes I know, you’re probably thinking ‘gross’ but each to their own) • I don’t own an iPod. Yes, shock horror – but I assure you, I live

How was the recording process?

Great – it was a lot of fun to see what really goes on behind the scenes!

How do you feel about the finished product? How does it differ from your original inspiration?

I thought Jason and the team did a fantastic job – it was better than I imagined – but I really hadn’t imagined much.

What do you think makes a good song?

A combination of easy words to remember and a tune you can’t help but remember.

Ambitions?

To help teenage girls who struggle with self image; help and go to Freeset – an amazing organisation set up for prostitutes in Calcutta, India to get them off the streets, and making bags.

What are you going to do next?

Good question! Still working that one out – I guess you’ve just gotta see where things go.

You just can’t see it

What inspired your song lyrics?

I wrote it for anyone (but particularly teenage girls) who suffers with self image. It’s such a big thing for so many people (and I don’t exclude myself from that category – we all suffer from it a bit).

It’s about how it’s your inner self that matters, and when you lose that, you lose yourself, end up confused and trapped. It’s also about how, when you try to be more beautiful, it’s a race you can’t finish – there’s always something you think you can fix about your outer image.

But being yourself on the inside – you can do that better than anyone else on earth. There is no use being beautiful – because everyone is in their own way – if it’s all you care about.

Year 11, Middleton Grange School, Christchurch

1.

You think you’re standing on your head Because everything is upside-down Lights are flashing, always red Can’t lift your ugly frown

Chorus You’re trying to set a bar you can’t limbo Hurdles that you can’t jump Run a race you can’t finish You’ve been worn down like a rock by the tide 2.

You’re walking in the circle of confusion Every step is one closer to where you started You take a step away and it follows you Its voice echoes in your steps

Chorus There’s no use being on the beach at sundown If you can’t see the sunset There’s no use being under water If you’re drowning 3.

You’re trapped by a box You think you can’t escape But the secret is the door’s wide open You just can’t see it Click here to win a copy of Jason Kerrison’s You Just Can’t See It (with lyrics by Sammy Hickson)

he stars.

k

Who are your favourite writers/poets? answers, finding only Hall and Hone Tuwhare. I really I lovefor the poetry of Sylvia Plath, Bernadette enjoyinsects novels byto Lloyd Jones, Ian McEwan, Meg Rosoff and Barbara Kingsolver. shatter against And I love Chekhov’s plays and short stories, and Arthur Miller’s plays.

our skin, our crib rocked

How long did it take you to write To A Sister?

I takein about hour to write a poem, which apparently is quite short, but the an night: with a poem like this, my ideas for the theme and some of the imagery had been forming for a few weeks. the house built on sand.

I see you have a book coming out. Tell me about that. How longYou have youthe worked on it? held weather Yes, it’s called Because Paradise and it’s a collection of my own poetry. in ayour Having book eyes, published has been one of my goals since I was very young, but this book only contains poems dark and writhing whenwritten since I was 12 and most of the poems included I have written in the last couple of years. you turned them oftopublishers the I approached a number when I was younger, until when I was 12 I got an offer from Steele Roberts to publish a book of my poetry sky, watched clouds in a few years time, once my poetry had matured. the stars.

Sosmoulder it has takenamong some time to get to this stage, but now the anthology is coming out, I feel that it’s been well worth waiting.

Year 13, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, Christchurch

What are you going to do next?

As far as poetry goes, I will keep writing and sending my poetry in to competitions and publications. I don’t imagine I will have another book published for a few years, as I don’t have enough time to write as much as I’d like to, but I would definitely like to have another anthology published at some stage in the future.

I would also like to write a novel at some stage, so hopefully one day I will be able to realise that dream as well.

Ambitions?

Next year, I will attend university in either Auckland or Otago, with the hope of being accepted into Medical School at the end of the pre-med year. I want to be some sort of medical specialist, possibly in oncology, and combine this with writing and having a family.

What are you most looking forward to about the Writers and Readers Festival?

Unfortunately I will miss most of it as I am singing with my choir in the National Choral Fed finals, but I am looking forward to reading my poem at the NZ Secondary Schools Poetry competition prizegiving and the release of my book coincides with the festival.

To a Sister

Charlotte Trevella

when the

You have lots of experience writing. Is this something you’d like to do professionally?

I want to continue writing and, hopefully, having my poetry published throughout my life. I am definitely planning to have a career outside of all There was thebut wind too, things writing-related, when I’m older I might take time off to write a novel. that scoured bald hills

Our cat caught an owl and brought it to our doorstep; a contorted parcel of tendon and flight, what a gift it was, the hollow scaffolding of wings and the blood; urgent viscous red. * There are reminders: the tessellation of our hands, bees stealing sweetness from clover to feed their pale, squirming larvae, the dresses hanging in our wardrobes: hand wash dry in shade bright colours may fade over time. *

You are thirteen years old and the light shines through you, a stained glass window of clavicle and brightness as you place a bird in the waiting earth, above you, the macrocarpas swallowing the syrupy evening of a hot and helpless day.

BecauseParadise Charlotte trevella

Charlotte Trevella

on sand.

r

What inspired your poem?

The references to the owl are a real experience which naturally made quite a big impression on me. I guess I made a connection between the fragility of the baby owl and that of a younger sister whom I’d watched grow up.

Because Paradise

oo, s nly nst ked

Because Paradise

Society 7, 2008 hankar’s ition in d as one s in the t of the British writing, unning, lives in o study versity.

Winner: Best Poem Charlotte Trevella

Random facts on Charlotte: I wrote my first poem when 6JP >JPG? RDI < R@@F@I? AJM ORJ OJ OC@ I was seven â&#x20AC;˘ I love cross country running and skiing â&#x20AC;˘ The most challenging thing Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done was an Outward Bound course +@R 7@<G<I? -JNO 4MDO@MN <I? /@<?@MN 4@@F ><NC JM @Q@I C<Q@ TJPM KJ@H H<?@ DIOJ < NJIB =T ,KNCJK N '<NJI (@MMDNJI For all the poems that made it into the finals, click here "+1/&"0 ),0" '2+" "IO@M JIGDI@ <O IUKJNO >J IU KJ@OMT<R<M?N

BecauseParadise ell a Ch ar lo tt e tr ev

O@MHN <I? >JI?DODJIN <KKGT The New Zealand Post National Schools Poetry Awards are supported by Tearaway magazine, New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week, the New Zealand Book Council, Booksellers New Zealand, the New Zealand Society of Authors and literary magazines Sport and Landfall, and the bNet.

For extra chances to win, head to www.loop.co.nz

CHOICES PAGE TAG

End of year collection at UCOL.

Designer

heaven RATHA SEM

computer graphics, illustration, business studies and marketing.

These aspects of the study are really important because no matter how good a designer you are, if you can’t market your product well you’re not going to survive in the industry very long.

Assistant Designer at KOOKY Fashions Ltd Bachelor of Fashion, UCOL

Going the extra mile I was born in Cambodia, so my earliest years were spent there.

After the civil war, when I was seven, I immigrated to NZ with my family. Hamilton is my home town.

I don’t remember a lot about Cambodia. I didn’t really have the opportunity to have hobbies and interests like most Kiwi kids now, but I do remember playing hopscotch and elastics as a young girl… I was really good at hopscotch!

Learning the ropes Here in NZ my sister and I loved playing dress-ups. We got given all these 80s hand-me-down dresses; it was great fun, especially when our little brother joined in. He was the cutest. We called him ‘Princess John’.

My parents were both tailors and taught at the polytechnic in Cambodia so fashion has always been a part of my life.

When we moved to NZ, my mum did a lot of outwork and sometimes I would come home from school and help her out with little things, like sewing care labels on and marking elastics. Very quickly, I learnt the ropes of constructing a garment.

I had also taken home economics from intermediate right through to Sixth Form Certificate. I have to say my sewing teacher in high school was a big part in developing this passion.

Finding out At UCOL I first studied the Certificate in Fashion programme and I loved it!

It really was a great starting point for me as I wasn’t so sure at first if I wanted to commit to three years of study.

After that first year I knew that this was definitely what I wanted to do, so I continued on to do the Bachelor of Fashion at UCOL. As well as the basics of design, pattern and construction there was

My favourite part of the programme was learning pattern-drafting skills because knowing how to do this enables me to bring even the most complicated designs to life.

My least favourite part was definitely the sleep deprivation as the deadlines for assignments approached!

The lecturers at UCOL were really positive and always willing to go the extra mile to help out students who were motivated to learn. Knowing that they were available when you needed some extra help made a big difference.

Also the fact that the UCOL facilities were available 24/7 meant that you could work around other commitments you might have.

Life at KOOKY Since graduating, I’ve been working as Assistant Designer at KOOKY Fashions Ltd. It’s an eye-opening experience being in the industry. There is still so much learning to be done.

There is a lot of variety in the job which I enjoy as it challenges me. Twice a year we have photo shoots and I really enjoy this as you get to see all your hard work for the past six months come together.

It’s a strange kind of feeling – kind of bitter-sweet, because you have just completed the new season’s collection but then it’s finished and you start all over again.

My first photo shoot in Auckland was pretty exciting. Just seeing how it all happens was a real learning curve.

Also my first trip overseas was amazing. It was like being in a designer’s heaven. Everything you could ever imagine wanting to design with was there at your fingertips.

The thing I enjoy most about this job is seeing the process of an idea, from a drawing to a finished garment, and the graduation of each collection coming together.

End of year collection at UCOL.

Could this be you?

I would recommend UCOL as a place to study – it’s a friendly and relaxed environment to learn in. Lots of the programmes are practical and hands on.

Some of the best parts are being around friends, going to exhibition openings and seeing creative minds at work.

If you are interested in fashion, you would do well in this industry if you are someone who is motivated, creative, has good problem-solving skills, has good people skills and can work under a lot of pressure.

If you have a passion in life, just work hard and go for it! Nobody is going to be on your back reminding you of what you have to do. It is up to you to be motivated and get your work done.

CHOICES

Gimme five...

Are you looking for a career that has heaps of potential to take you places? Do you want something new and different

We sent FEILIDH O’DWYER to

every day? Are you a ‘people person’?

Tourism, hospitality or hotel management could be the career for you, and we’ve got just the place to get qualified. It’s the Pacific International Hotel Management School (PIHMS).

Here are five reasons why studying at PIHMS is an awesome idea:

#1 The crew!

New Plymouth to see what life at PIHMS is really like

place for you. The trainers at PIHMS have all worked in the industry, you get placements in top hotels both here and overseas, and, from the feedback from students, you have a great time along the way.

First and foremost, the people maketh the place, and I met some really nice students at PIHMS. Everyone is there for the same purpose.

Students come from a variety of countries and cultures, and, by virtue of living together on campus, the PIHMS students become tight.

#3 The environment

#2 The education

I was well impressed by the three course meals served at lunch and dinner – very delicious. These meals are prepared by students of course – their

If you’re interested in getting industry-recognised, indepth training in the hospitality industry, PIHMS is the

Enrol

Taranaki is beautiful dairy country. The mountain dominates the vista but it’s just a beautiful place all round: very lush and green. Perfect if you want to escape the concrete jungle for a bit!

#4 The kai

Now September

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training prepares them for all aspects of the industry.

#5 The vibe The PIHMS facility is only 10 minutes drive from downtown where there are plenty of good artsy places, bars, cafes, restaurants and, of course, Len Lye’s Wind Wand sculpture.

Taranaki is privileged to be close to both sea and snow. New Plymouth is one of the few places where you can surf and ski in the same day.

North & South magazine recently named New Plymouth the country’s top town – and the best place ‘to live, love, work and raise a family’.

PAGE CHOICES TAG

Where will you live next year?

Most students from outside Wellington stay in a hall of residence for their first year, and love it! It’s a great place to meet people and enjoy the social side of Victoria University and Wellington.

There’s plenty of choice too – fully catered or self-catered halls, with most of the accommodation being very close to the central city.

It’s also a good way to make that transition from living at home to braving the sometimes hazardous world of student flatting!

Whether you’re interested in a hall, an apartment complex or whänau housing, Victoria has the options.

If you’re keen to go flatting instead, the nice people at Victoria can help point you in the right direction for flat hunting and give you advice on tenancy agreements. They even have an online database of accommodation that you can search.

Find out more about the range of options at www.getamongstthebest.co.nz or go to www.victoria.ac.nz and search for ‘accommodation’.

Remember – applications for halls of residence are due by October 1 2009.

Considering enrolling at Victoria University in 2010? Time to start thinking about your digs! Applications for halls of residence are open and are due by October 1 2009, so get applying now…

School leavers who achieved NCEA Level 2 with Excellence in 2008 are guaranteed a place in a hall for 2010 – provided that your application is complete and received by October 1 2009.

GAME PREVIEWS

Wii owners can now enjoy visceral dismemberment of mutants, and serious gamers can unleash the potential of ‘Soap’ MacTavish’s night vision goggles.

Cosplay time Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 DEVELOPED BY: Infinity Ward PUBLISHED BY: Activision AVAILABLE ON: PC, Xbox360, PS3

Infinity Ward’s Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare has been one of the unqualified success stories of recent years, garnering both extremely positive reviews and massive numbers of sales. The inevitable sequel, therefore, has high expectations placed on it, with some predicting the game will sell over 11 million copies in two months.

Only a few short but exciting previews have been released so far, including a gameplay movie of an SAS raid on a snow-shrouded airbase.

The gameplay, which starts off stealthily before things go to hell and a chaotic firefight breaks out, showcases ultra-smooth graphics, nail-biting tension and all-out action, suggesting that Infinity Ward may succeed not just in matching the success

ALEXANDER DONOHUE has it all

of the first Modern Warfare, but in exceeding it.

Those with a liking for excess may be interested in the Prestige Edition of the game, which looks set to retail for around $270. In addition to the usual steel case, art book, downloadable content voucher and making-of DVD, you also get a fully functioning pair of night vision goggles and a rather stern looking bust of SAS captain ‘Soap’ MacTavish to store them on when you’re done cosplaying as a spec ops commando.

Dead Space: Extraction DEVELOPED BY: Visceral Games, Eurocom PUBLISHED BY: Electronic Arts AVAILABLE ON: Wii

Wii owners were unfortunately deprived of the visceral horror and strategic dismemberment shenanigans of Dead Space when it was released last year.

Thankfully, a new title – Dead Space: Extraction – will finally allow users of Nintendo’s console to

experience the joy of using deadly weapons to blow the limbs off hideous mutants.

The gameplay seems to be essentially that of a light-gun game, with the player travelling along a fixed path while using the Wii Remote to aim and shoot.

Games of this type have had a tendency to be somewhat shallow in terms of story and gameplay (the light-gun genre did start off in the arcades, after all) but it looks like the developers of Extraction are making a good effort to add depth.

Weapons will offer alternate firing modes and you’ll have some degree of control over camera movement. You’ll also be using motion control to solve puzzles in addition to combat, and there’ll be multiple ways to proceed through the game’s horror-infested environments.

It also looks like Extraction will have something of a story to it. It will act as a prequel to the original Dead Space, and introduce a new female main character, who will undoubtedly have all manner of unpleasant things happen to her.

GAME PREVIEWS

Continued

Gran Turismo PSP DEVELOPED BY: Polyphony Digital PUBLISHED BY: Sony Computer Entertainment AVAILABLE ON: PSP/ PSP Go

There’s been discussion about a Gran Turismo game for the PSP for a long time now. Of course, the famously fastidious Polyphony Digital are not the types to be rushed and, some five years into the PSP’s lifespan, the game is finally nearing release.

It looks like all that development time has been put to good use, however, as reports suggest Gran Turismo PSP will boast a staggering amount of content for a portable game.

Despite storage limitations, the developers have managed to fit in over 800 cars (which is more than Gran Turismo 4 for the PS2) and 35 tracks.

The graphics also look extremely good for a PSP game, and will apparently run at a smooth 60 frames per second to maintain the all-important feel of speed.

There’ll be ad hoc multiplayer and, if you have a PS3, you’ll also be able to play online.

Gran Turismo PSP is slated to be one of the launch titles for the new PSP Go, and so will be available as a digital download from the PlayStation Store. Owners of older PSP models need not worry about missing out on their racing fix, however, as a Universal Media Disc version will also be available.

BOOK REVIEWS

Vulture’s Gate

by Kirsty Murray A futuristic setting, robots and no women, this is Vulture’s Gate. Women had become extinct after bird flu killed them all.

So a society full of men?

With kids still being born? Sounds a bit… gay doesn’t it? That’s what I thought. Especially when the main boy, Callum, kept saying he wanted to find his fathers.

But this is a ‘kids’ book and there is nothing remotely uh, of adult themes. How could there be when Callum is 11?

Bo, the main female (yes, it’s not all males!) hasn’t even hit puberty yet. So if you are after a love story, then this will not fulfil at all. If you want an adventure filled with weird characters and strong friendships then this is for you.

The characters are believable, which is beneficial to the ease of reading this. Don’t take my word for it, read it yourself – ANNIE HAWKER

LA Candy

by Lauren Conrad Californian Jane Roberts, along with her best friend Scarlett, are not sure what they are getting into when they sign up to have their lives followed by film cameras for the new reality TV show, LA Candy.

Their quick rise to fame is accompanied by a new apartment, job opportunities, a significant pay rise and a new social calendar.

Unfortunately, alongside the benefits come gossip, boy trouble, scandal and betrayal.

Written by someone who has experienced firsthand the world of reality TV, LA Candy is a surprisingly good read, great for all those fans who want a souvenir from their favourite retired star – RACHEL LYNN

Wings

by Aprilynne Pike Fifteen-year-old Laurel has always known that she differs from other teenagers her age; she was adopted and until recently had been homeschooled.

One morning, Laurel wakes up to find she is more different than she originally thought; petals resembling wings have begun to grow out of her back.

This debut novel is a charming, young-adult fantasy which presents a world that blends magic and reality. With trolls, faeries and young romance, it offers a compelling adventure that is both whimsical yet captivating.

Ideal for young adults looking for a new book to read after the Twilight series – RACHEL LYNN

BOOK REVIEWS

Nosferatu, anyone?

Furnace: Lockdown

by Alexander Gordon Smith Furnace: Lockdown is the first instalment of a three-part series about the toughest prison in the world for young offenders, Furnace Penitentiary. It follows the story of 13-year-old Alex, who has been framed for murder.

Alex, along with his comrades Zee and Donovan, witnesses the terrifying reality that is Furnace Penitentiary, and faces the demons that will be the end of every single prisoner in Furnace; it’s just a matter of time.

Dodging the spine-chilling Wheezers, Black Suits and the warden with an empty, poisonous smile that can make grown men cry, Alex vows to do anything to get out of the prison.

This book is an exciting thriller that is hard to put down. Every chapter develops into more havoc for Alex and his friends, and it is hard to find even a glint of hope for the main character.

But Alexander Gordon Smith ensures that Alex’s fate will fit the book’s frightening feel – GEMMA HENDERSON

Riding the Black Cockatoo

by John Danalis Take a country separated by race, throw in some people who want to connect the races together and you get, well, pretty much every country out there.

John Danalis is a white middle-aged man living in Australia, who enrols in indigenous writing at uni. While in class he inadvertently blurts out that his dad kept an Aboriginal skull on the mantelpiece in his childhood home.

This little outburst causes John to look at why that was. He then treks on a journey that takes him through very emotional paths on the way to national restoration.

John has documented his powerful journey in this book, which would be highly recommended by any multicultural teacher (I would assume).

I enjoy how Danalis writes, using very casual language without dumbing down the emotion.

There is some humour thrown in for good measure too. It is an entertaining read.

This is a powerful story of reconciliation and ones man’s journey to self-discovery. If you are a fan of going against the grain, then this novel shall engulf you – ANNIE HAWKER

Plague of the Undead

by Gary Cross Fangs? Check. Bloodlust?

Check. Not a single sparkle in sight?

Double check.

Sure, we all loved and adored Twilight and the utterly gorgeous vamps who shone like disco balls and were hopeless romantics. But is anyone else hanging out for a good old-fashioned novel full of all the juicy, horrific adjectives used to describe a classical Nosferatu?

If, indeed, you are, Plague of the Undead is a perfect book to ‘sink your teeth into’. Set mainly in London in the 1600s, when the plague was running rampant, a master vampire arrives on a merchant ship on a mission to rid the world of sinners by turning them into bloodsucking undead – a slightly redundant act in itself.

The vamp and his mistress are soon followed by a band of vampire-hunting monks.

Of course, the best part is the gore – vampires with black lips, red eyes, smelling of decay, their throats torn to shreds by the attack that claimed them.

If this isn’t enough, the gruesome effects of the plague are sure to make the bile rise from the pit of your stomach.

A great book for horror, vampire, history and fantasy buffs alike – JORDAN HARRINGTON

Nina of the Dark

by Ken Catran With a dragon on the cover and a magical sword wielded by a sorceress, this book has all the hallmarks of a great fantasy novel.

It starts well with an orphaned baby and just gets better and better.

The author has definitely

got the genre sewn up.

A medieval orphaned girl is expelled from her village and introduced to a hostile world. She uses her untrained magical ability in an uncharted quest to save the world she has come to know so well.

Catran’s use of new monsters is entertaining and his battle scenes are vivid and compelling, and I was surprised by his concealed subplots.

When I thought the book was fading off into ‘they all lived happily ever after’, I was again pleasantly surprised by a well thought out ending that almost takes it from science fantasy to science fiction.

With its metal masks and spooky witches, it vaguely reminded me of Doctor Who – GEMMA HENDERSON

BK9SOL

Giveaway!

Furnace: Solitary

by Alexander Gordon Smith Escape was just the beginning. Framed for a murder he didn’t commit, Alex was sentenced to the horrifying Furnace prison.

In the darkness of the hole, your worst nightmares come to life. Alex is now in solitary confinement, where the real nightmares live – the warden, the Wheezers, and something much, much worse.

The clock’s ticking, because if he doesn’t escape soon he’ll be turned into a monster. Forever.

This is the second book in the series. Part adventure. Part horror. All heart pounding.

We have five copies to give away!

Grab the entry code and head to www.tearaway.net.nz to enter.

MOVIE PREVIEWS From flatulent cavemen to fairytale

Hairy oafs and fairytales

princesses – DAVID ENG checks out four very different movies

FREE TX!

We’re giving away tickets to see Year One – turn to Grabbag on page 42 for deets.

Year One

Given the huge success of children’s fantasy on the silver screen, especially the Harry Potter films, it was only a matter of time before JK Rowling’s favourite childhood novel was adapted for film.

Originally titled The Little White Horse and written by Elizabeth Goudge in 1946, The Secret of Moonacre ticks all the right boxes for a school-holiday special filled with magic, mythical creatures and even an enchanted love story.

Set in Victorian England, the film is about a young orphan named Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) who is sent into the care of her only remaining uncle Sir Benjamin (played by Ioan Gruffudd, Mr Fantastic of Fantastic Four) in a mysterious castle named Moonacre Manor.

In the mansion, she discovers a magical book which resembles her family who are trapped under a curse and caught in an ancient feud with another family over magic pearls.

Like any other classic story from a fairybook tale, Maria discovers that only she, as the last remaining Moon Princess, possesses the power to bring the families together and bring peace to Moonacre.

Director Gabor Csupo (Bridge to Terabithia) manages to bring the novel to life, using impressive special effects to create a new and fascinating world in which Maria sets out on her journey to find that happy ending.

Photo by Francois Duhamel

Following on from his recent performances in Tropic Thunder and Nacho Libre, Jack Black stars in this latest comedy which is given the prehistoric treatment. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Directed by Ghostbusters’ Harold Ramis (better recognised as Igor), this film dishes out the laughs in the only way Black can. Basically, this means immature jokes about flatulence, circumcision and grotesque female body hair.

Set in the land before time (obviously), Black plays Zed, an oafish, inept caveman who is kicked out of his tribe for his lack of hunting skills. Along with his cave-mate Oh (played by Juno’s Michael Cera, forever typecast as the awkward outcast), Zed treks through different historical periods, running into an assortment of interesting characters on the way.

For those who enjoy the mindless fun of seeing Jack Black making a complete jackass of himself, or for those just looking for a good ol’ chuckle, Year One is definitely a good film to catch with your mates on a Saturday afternoon.

The Secret of Moonacre

Funny People The Soloist Any film involving Robert Downey Jr and Jamie Foxx together is bound to be a good one.

Based on a true story, this latest drama from Joe Wright shows Downey Jr playing Steve Lopez, a down-on-his-luck journalist craving another good story by any means necessary.

On the street, he runs into a homeless guy named Nathaniel (Foxx) playing a two-string violin, and discovers he was once a Juilliard student before dropping out.

Fascinated, Lopez decides to write a piece on him and finds out all about his life and what turned him from a promising musician into a bum.

Both men give great performances. Downey Jr portrays Lopez as a typical working-class man who helps Nathaniel and his beautiful music back to Juilliard (and Lopez actually wrote the biography this film is based on).

In comparison, Foxx portrays Nathaniel as a slightly off-balance man but so believable you would expect to find him on any typical American street, with a trolley full of possessions.

The Soloist is a frighteningly real insight into a part of the world that rarely gets recognised.

Making his mark comfortably in the comedy business, Judd Apatow joins Seth Rogen (Knocked Up) and Adam Sandler (The 40-Year-Old Virgin) doing what they do best – being comedians.

Funny People tells the story of George (Sandler), a veteran stand-up comedian who discovers he has a terminal illness and has less than a year to live.

During a routine performance at a local club, he meets Ira (Rogen), a struggling comedian yet to find his niche. Envious of George, Ira is taken under his wing and the two strike up a very strong relationship.

Much like Knocked Up and The 40-Year-Old Virgin address life’s important lessons like parenthood or the path to manhood, this film reflects the true value of friendship and treasuring life.

A few regulars join the cast: Leslie Mann (Apatow’s real wife) plays George’s ex-wife Laura, Eric Bana is Laura’s new husband, and Jonah Hill (that fat guy from Superbad) is a fellow comedian and scene-stealer in some hysterically awkward moments.

Instead of expecting a film that will have you roaring with laughter from start to finish, you’ll find a feel-good film with a hint of drama and even a bit of bromance. Thankfully it cuts down on the gay jokes and male genitalia from other Apatow films.

MOVIE REVIEWS

Michael

Movie Mann

Hollywood’s star-struck eyes have turned to Michael Mann’s latest film Public Enemies, all thanks to two of their hottest A-list actors Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, finally together on screen.

Based on the real life of notorious gangster John Dillinger,

Public Enemies was another good-guy-chasing-the-bad blockbuster, commonly found in a number of Michael Mann’s films.

Intrigued by this cliché narrative, DAVID ENG was encouraged to take a look at some of his earlier works...

Ali (2001) In one of his more enjoyable films, which seemed destined for another Oscar, Michael Mann sure had his work cut out for him. In case you didn’t know, Ali tells the story of one of the greatest (and most controversial) boxers in history and the struggles he faced in his time.

Formerly named Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali definitely led an extraordinary life – his conversion to Islam, his fight against Parkinson’s disease, not to mention some of the greatest boxing matches ever seen.

What made his life even more incredible was that he lived in a time when ‘coloured’ people were constantly discriminated against, which Mann captured perfectly.

Ali was played by Will Smith – who bulked up considerably since his Fresh Prince days – and the film focused on Ali’s character with such precise detail that the audience got a real feel for the man he was.

Apart from Smith winning best actor, the film was strongly supported with exceptional performances from Jamie Foxx, John Voight and Ron Silver, just to name a few.

The film is just over two and a half hours long, but it doesn’t feel that way when watching it. Ali is an amazingly realistic insight into a hero that many at the time looked up to.

Collateral (2004) Doing very well in the box office upon release, this 2004 action flick doesn’t involve huge explosions and well choreographed fight sequences. Instead, Mann makes the narrative simple – a typical contract killer Vincent (played by an aging Tom Cruise) is sent out to kill five different people during the course of a night.

On his way from one killing to the next, he runs into innocent taxi driver Max (played yet again by Jamie Foxx). When Vincent steps into his cab, a twist of fate forces Max to accompany him on his ‘jobs’ which unravels into one intense night.

Cruise and Foxx play their roles brilliantly and contrast each other well; Cruise as a calm and collected hit-man and Foxx as a frightened yet morally conscious cabbie. Both just doing their jobs like any other night.

As most of the film takes place in a cab, the narrative focuses on the conversations between the two, building on the kind of people they are and specifically their justification for doing what they do.

Most of the scenes are filmed with hand-held cameras, which seem to be Mann’s specialty, but it works very well here. The whole film is made more realistic and each action more believable.

If you haven’t already seen it, I definitely recommend checking this one out.

Miami Vice (2006) The most important thing to note about Miami Vice is that it was a long-running TV show that was definitive to the 80s. Undercover cops Sonny Crockett and partner Ricardo Tubbs were the epitome of cool, chasing down the baddies, with rolled-up sleeves, slick moves and even slicker hair.

Over 10 years after the cops-and-robbers classic Heat was made, starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Michael Mann seemed like the right man to bring the buddy-cop genre into the new millennium.

Unfortunately the results were not as good as expected. Bearing very little similarities to the actual show other than the names, this big screen adaptation features Colin Farrell as Crockett and Jamie Foxx as Tubbs who, although both great actors, do not execute the characters very well.

They spend a lot of the time trying to look cool and it’s also hard to follow exactly what’s going on since the narrative doesn’t seem to flow very clearly (apparently about some sort of drug heist that goes pear-shaped).

Don’t get me wrong, there are a few good action sequences and they are shot very well visually. It just wasn’t enough to save the movie which feels unrewarding after sitting through the whole 134 minutes.

MUSIC REVIEWS Basshunter Now You’re Gone – The Album Are you a fan of European dance music?

Is that Crazy Frog tape in your RX-7 so worn out it’s starting to fall apart?

Did Aqua’s break-up make you so angry you tore your Vengaboys posters off the wall?

Fret not – help is on its way!

And if bass is your thing, prepare to flip out: Basshunter’s album has enough of it to push the world off its axis and cause every organ inside your body to explode!

When just handling the disc caused my eyes to start bleeding, I knew I was in for some serious bass.

Those wanting more from their audio than just low frequencies will also find plenty to love. The bass is just the chocolate in this Swedish pop treat – it’s candy coated in sweet melodies, pounding rhythms and catchy tunes.

Its lyrics: caramel swirls of poetry with words so biting in wit Charles Dickens could’ve written them: ‘Bass/I love Russian girls/privjet Russia/Russia put your hands up in the air/bass’.

Now You’re Gone – The Album: bold and simple music made for a tough, perplexing world.

Considerately named for those customers who’d otherwise mistake it for a box of raisins or a pair of socks – RHYS CONEYBEER

Falter As Far As I Can Get From Here Falter’s long-anticipated debut album is in high rotation on my stereo right now. In fact, it’s not often I say this, but every song on this album is worthy of being called a ‘stand out’.

It’s been an eventful journey for Falter, having played 100 shows across the country on the Boost Mobile school’s tour in 2006. Since winning the national Smokefreerockquest in 2003, the Auckland four-piece have released a string of singles and an EP, giving fans a teasing taste of what may ensue.

As Far As I Can Get From Here is a pure reflection of their talent and the hard yards they have put in, packed with well balanced and energetic tunes that are guaranteed to get stuck in your head.

The influence of Jimmy Eat World on the final track Out of Control seems apparent to me but this is not to say Falter have not developed their own unique sound which has matured since I first saw them live in 2003 – KATE RUSSELL

Alexisonfire Old Crows/ Young Cardinals This new offering from Canadian punks Alexisonfire is certainly

not for the fainthearted. It is just as brutal as their past efforts and stays true to their hardcore roots.

At the same time, the album showcases a more refined songwriting style and delivers a final product which is perhaps more polished than their other records.

If you liked the direction of their 2006 release Crisis then you will love Old Crows/Young Cardinals.

In moments of The Northern and for the track Burial the tempo is taken down a notch and the heavy bass, perfectly distorted guitars and furious drumming are removed, stripping things right down, revealing the beautiful and haunting melodies of singer Dallas Green.

While some diehard fans may view this album as too soft, I think it delivers a flawless mix of new and old – ASHLEIGH HOPE

Placebo Battle for the Sun Long the angsty symbol of alternative/emo music, Placebo’s latest album reaffirms their position at the top of the blackclad pile.

Old-school fans of Placebo will be happy (ironically) to note that the band’s sixth album is still as fresh as ever. The original style of Placebo has persevered, with essentially the same catchy beats and singalong lyrics to sway your head to.

This band prove that ‘bleak’ is a long way from ‘bland’, with each song from the band’s career being distinctly different and original.

Newer fans will also be drawn to the differences in the latest CD, with less of a focus on being depressing and more of an upbeat indifference.

The best way to describe it is like Placebo having a drinking contest with Muse in some seedy bar (and winning).

For those who become fans because of this album, be warned: preparation is necessary before immersing yourself in their more emotionally intense back catalogue. Placebo take no responsibility for any black nail polish or poor selfesteem that may result – DAVID OSTEN GIFFORD

The Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D To title your album with the statement The Energy Never Dies could be handing any reviewer a silver platter with something to profusely criticise. But The Black Eyed Peas steer well away from any criticism with the unmistakable presence of intense energy throughout their album’s 16 tracks.

Ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm that all the bated anticipation for the long-awaited fourth studio album from The Black eyed Peas has been well worth it. This album has flooded onto

the charts, our iPod’s and dance floors with its extravagant and futuristic sound.

From the creative party anthem of I Gotta Feeling, to the unique blend of Jamaican rhythm with modern day electronic funk in Electric City, The Black Eyed Peas head away from the music of 2009 and create the sounds of (what they call) 3008.

No matter what, you have to respect bands that take risks and push the boundaries; The Black Eyed Peas did exactly that – ELESHA EDMONDS

Eskimo Joe Inshalla I used to love a bit of Eskimo Joe. Some of their early tracks like Sweater and Wake Up would definitely make it onto my ultimate playlist.

But now, when I think Eskimo Joe, I just hear those dreaded lyrics over and over… ‘Black Fingernails, Red Wine’… To say that song was thrashed on the radio would be an understatement!

So what have the boys from Western Australian brought to the table with their fourth studio album?

Track one, Foreign Land, is a unique mix – a rock song, heavily spiced with Middle Eastern flavours. It’s a very fitting start to an album titled Inshalla (the Arabic term for ‘If God wills’).

The most upbeat song on the album is Let Me Down – a very funky, 80s sounding track. But on the first listen, the remaining tunes just seem to merge into background music.

In saying that, when you give the lyrics time to sink in, a deeper meaning becomes apparent. It’s definitely an album that grows on you – KELLY WILLIAMS

The Getaway Plan 2004 –2009 The music of Australian quartet The Getaway Plan is an impressive mixture of alternative rock and pop punk. Their sound is sophisticated and highly varied; full of feisty guitar riffs and traditional punk rock bass and drums, with nuances of melodic piano among their beautiful and unexpected breakdowns.

The group’s vocalist Matthew Wright delivers unforgettable, powerful melodies, which are often accompanied by some pretty vicious screaming.

The album itself is a two-disc collection of demos, b-sides and rarities, which comes after the band announced their breakup this February.

Despite their scarce back catalogue, consisting of only an EP and one full-length album, Other Voices, Other Rooms, this assortment of gems truly delivers, providing a sound overview of their career for budding fans, while also giving old fans a treat with rare recordings and flawless live performances – ASHLEIGH HOPE

DVD PREVIEWS

Off the planet!

The Adventures of Merlin An exciting, ambitious and action-packed drama which sees Arthurian myths, monsters and legends revitalised and given a modern twist.

The story starts with the young Merlin (Colin Morgan) leaving home for the first time and arriving in Camelot; a kingdom where magic is banned.

Throughout the series (four discs!) we see the relationship develop between Merlin and the young Prince Arthur (Bradley James), as they face danger from evil sorcerers and magical beasts.

Bionicle: The Legend Reborn Your favorite Bionicle toys come to life in this all-new movie adventure filled with action and excitement!

Mata Nui, once a great and powerful ruler, finds himself in a remote wasteland of scrap parts and burnished metals.

After winning a dangerous gladiator battle, he is asked to help fight the local villagers’ real enemies: the evil Skrall and Bone Hunters.

Together with a band of gladiators and scavengers, Mata Nui embarks on an epic adventure to imaginative new lands where exciting Bionicle secrets will be revealed.

Bring It On 5: Fight to the Finish Christina Milian stars as sassy cheer captain Lina Cruz, whose world is turned upside-down when her family moves from the urban streets of east Los Angeles to the sunny beach town of Malibu.

At her new school, Lina clashes with Avery, the ultra-competitive all-star cheer captain, while also falling for Avery’s super-cute brother, Evan.

Lina’s always been able to rise to a challenge, but can she create a new all-star squad, beat Avery

at the Spirit Championships and still keep her romance with Evan?

Hot music, fierce competition and high-flyin’ fun continue in this all-new movie!

Heroes: Season 3 Experience all the explosive action and shocking twists as Heroes: Season 3 comes to DVD! Rediscover the phenomenon in this six-disc set that includes all 25 suspenseful episodes from the seriesredefining third season’s volumes, Villains and Fugitives.

Plus, go behind the scenes with the show’s writers, stars and artists as you explore hours of exclusive and revealing bonus features.

17 Again If somehow you had a chance, would you do your life over?

Thirty-something Mike O’Donnell (Matthew Perry) would. Then, one mysteriously magical moment, Mike gets his chance.

Suddenly, he’s back at Hayden High (and is now played by Zac Efron) where he’s the star of the basketball team, a total hottie and a classmate to his own teenage kids… which gives Mike a chance to go from not-so-good dad to really cool friend.

The International Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) is determined to expose an arms-dealing ring responsible for facilitating acts of terrorism around the globe.

But as his investigation leads Salinger and his partner, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts), deeper into the secret world of greed, corruption and murder, they become targets of a deadly conspiracy – a conspiracy so vast, they soon find the only people

left to trust are each other.

This pulse-pounding thriller plays a high-stakes game of suspense, intrigue and explosive action.

Race to Witch Mountain Fasten your seat belts for the thrill ride of your life in Disney’s fun family action adventure. Jack Bruno (Dwayne Johnson), a Las Vegas cabdriver struggling to stay on the right path, gets an outof-this-world incentive when two aliens, disguised as teenagers, suddenly appear in his taxi.

In a race against government agents, an alien hunter and time itself, Jack must help the children recover their lost spaceship so they can return home and save their planet and ours.

Breathtaking chases, close calls and special effects make this an action-adventure the whole family will enjoy.

Picture This Mandy (Ashley Tisdale) has just been invited to the biggest party of the year by the most popular boy in the school, but there’s one problem – she’s grounded!

When her father (Kevin Pollak) agrees to let her go and study with friends, he insists on checking in every half hour via video cellphone.

Trapped by technology, Mandy and her ‘cell’ mates need a little ingenuity – and a lot of imagination – to make it to the party without exposing the plan to Dad’s prying eyes!

Mega giveaway packs!

We’re giving away three mega-packs containing every single one of these DVDs. Check out Grabbag on page 42 for details and entry code.

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Year One tickets Win tickets to see Jack Black’s latest outrageous comedy Year One. When a couple of lazy huntergatherers are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. In cinemas September 24.

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Nivea Visage New NIVEA VISAGE: fuss-free, effective skincare routine – all in one. For effortless clear skin, NIVEA VISAGE has developed two innovative multi-tasking cleansers that will leave your skin deeply purified and refreshed: NIVEA VISAGE 2IN1 Wash & Scrub and NIVEA VISAGE 3IN1 Waterproof Make-Up Remover. Available at pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.

We have 10 packs to give away.

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Schick Silk Effects The playful new Schick® Silk Effects+ razor brings a fresh burst to your bathroom with a colourful limited edition floral design. The new Schick® Silk Effects+ floral design reflects the carefree shaving experience it provides. The blades are wrapped with microfine wires to help achieve smooth, hair-free skin without nicks, cuts or razor burn – resulting in a silky smooth shave.

We have three packs to give away including a pair of sterling silver Meadowlark Cherry Blossom earrings.

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GB9NIV

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GB9SHK

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GB9CHW

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Chews to share Peanut Chews – bite-sized chewy pieces, loaded with peanuts and caramel. We are giving away GIANT share bags each containing 180 pieces!

Chews to share with your mates… why not share with your whole class! Peanut Chews bags are available in Milk and Original Dark. Share the experience – bag one today!

CD packs Five chances to win this great CD pack!

Pixie Lott – Turn It Up Mariah Carey – Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel Hannah Montana 3 Demi Lovato – Here We Go Again The Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D DVD mania This month we are giving three people the chance to win every single DVD featured on our DVDs page (see page 41). Here’s your chance to add these eight awesome movies to your collection! 17 Again, Heroes: Season 3, Race to Witch Mountain, The International, Picture This, The Adventures of Merlin, Bionicle: The Legend Reborn and Bring It On: Fight to the Finish.

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GB9CDS

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How to Enter 1. WEBSITE: register at www.tearaway.net.nz and use the entry codes to go in the draw.

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GB9DVD

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2. SNAIL MAIL: on the back of an envelope, write all of the products you’d like to win, along with your name, age, address, email and phone number. Send to Tearaway September Grabbag, PO Box 7351, Wanganui.

ENTRIES CLOSE September 30 Answers to quiz, page 4 : 1.c, 2.b, 3.c, 4.c, 5.b, 6.a, 7.b, 8.b, 9.a, 10.b

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Enter online at www.tearaway.net.nz

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t a in g e b s r e e r a c e iv t Crea

l l o c t Na Whether it’s designing posters, websites, animations, graphics for TV, music videos or advertising, at Natcoll we’ll teach you the essential skills for your new creative career.

Digital design has transformed the way we see and experience the world and there are loads of great career opportunities available to students who master the tools of creative digital design. From our introductory iCreate course through to our advanced diploma courses you’ll learn skills to tackle the creative world of digital design. Get in touch today on 0800 66 55 44 or visit our website at natcoll.ac.nz

Animation . Computer Graphic Design . iCreate . Interactive Design

0800 66 55 44 NATCOLL.AC.NZ

Video Post Production . Digital Media . Web Development - plus more!

QBrand - 73868