Nexus 2023 Issue 21

IT’S

It’s a new day, a deep breath, a sweaty face, a bootcamp, a catch-up, a challenge, a realisation, a conversation, a push and a pull, a moment of peace, a struggle and a win, a feeling, a superpower, a soundtrack and a stage, a weight plate, a new limit, a grind, a flex, a heavy set, a commitment, a culture, a community, a way of life, a second home, a place to discover your playground.

WE’VE GOT A WIDE RANGE OF ROLES TO SUIT ALL LIFESTYLES.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + DESIGN: Jak Rāta editor@nexusmag.co.nz

EDITORS: Tehana De Klerk tehana@nexusmag.co.nz, Seamus Lohrey seamus@ nexusmag.co.nz TE AO MĀORI: Tatiana Warren tatiana@nexusmag.co.nz

Filly Arias Marin filly@nexusmag.co.nz MEDIA Jasmine Gorman jasmine@nexusmag.co.nz

EDITOR: Leilani Summer leilani@nexusmag.co.nz

Marwa Nauman, Aspen Hodgetts, King Komodo

Hey, how are you? Been a minute since we’ve just sat and had a chat. I know it’s been kinda hard recently, don’t think I’ve not noticed the hard mahi you’ve been putting in. It’s noticed and appreciated every time. Though we need to have a bit of a kōrero about some things and I want you to just listen. Please.

I don’t have a lot to say, well nothing that important that is. A lot of the things that I put into this editorial space is either complaining, calling out people or just generally being a good cunt. Can safely say I’m all of the above this week. For those that attended the candidate debates, there were a few comments thrown around about Nexus and what it is we do with money or how it’s been broken down. Claims of us being shut down if we don’t listen to the demands of those candidates, negating the idea of free speech and ownership over art. Not that I’m calling Nexus art, but it is a platform for students by students. I’m four issues away from the end of my tenure now. I can taste the freedom, and I’ve never been more excited for something in my life.

I get that people are going to take shots when they are running for something and It was an interesting debate. But here is what you need to know. With recouping costs, volunteer work and minimum wage, there’s nothing hidden, nothing opaque and only transparency. Nexus isn’t

syphoning money, nor are we inappropriately spending.

Some context? It’s me, team. I’m the main designer, editor, comms and advertising person. It’s a world that isn’t for the faint of heart, and I wanted you all to know that I have your best interest in mind. But letters to the editor have, and will remain, open. If you have concerns about the goings on, then let us know.

Speaking of letters, what do the names Neil Quigley, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have in common? They all wrote letters. Not letters talking about colour choice or whether a piece needed a trigger warning but to support their mates when accused of varying levels of sexual assault. News has been flooding through of different celebrities in Aotearoa, and the rest of the world, supporting mates in their time of need. But so raises the question as to whether it’s something that you should be engaging in, when the story hasn’t been completely exposed.

Trust in your instincts moving forward e te whānau. I’ll catch you in the last 3 issues of Nexus for… this year?

Many churs.

Wahi Matua

random letters we couldn't read

Hah get pranked. It’s not. Just wanted to hook you in. But it is a big issue and if something isn’t done soon we may turn into some Orwellian Novel with weird accents. How did we get there? Let’s look at crime. It’s fueled by emotion and driven by the media. Thankfully, the elections are coming up so it’ll all be solved soon, right? Well, after watching Chris Luxon, who is being heralded by the blue team as a messiah, got ripped to shreds by Jack Tame and Chris Hipkins get ripped to shreds by current statistics, it makes me wonder, are we totally screwed?

Everyone seems to have gotten it wrong. Currently, it feels like the Government has let us slip into some dystopian novel while National sees real solutions to crime as difficult to understand as a dystopian no. What’s got our crime rates to where they are is partially by thinking the solution to our problems is simply locking people away. But it’s more than that. A rehabilitative system should rehabilitate, it's in the name. Putting kids in jail and ankle bracelets comforts our emotions of fear but doesn’t actually make sense when you look at the bigger picture.

The number of victims of crime under Labour has increased by 11.9 percent. That’s not a number that seems correct, is it? I mean, it seems there are stories everyday about a horrific ram-raid, assault, or some other brutal crime. A lot of people are scared, so much so that crime is a talking point of this election, but is this emotion being accentuated by the media’s approach?

Yes and no. You see, the main issue about crime is that violent crime is on the rise. From when Labour took up a single party Government, the number of serious assaults have increased by 121%, while reports of acts intended to cause injury went up by almost 30%. There was also a ram raid, a now ‘trendy crime’, every 10 hours in 2022. These are big numbers that are showing a bad rise. Any rise in crime is bad, sure, but violent crime leads to this intensified emotion. Unfortunately, intensified emotion also leads to less rationality in policy. The reality is, if our approach doesn’t stop seeing these figures as numbers and more as people, in regards to both victim and offender, then this will be a reoccurring issue in elections to come.

Feature Kupu Whakaatu

So I’ve talked about the bigger picture but what do I mean? Colonisation is a pretty big one that does make one or two roll their eyes when brought up in this discussion. I’ve heard it before, people make their own choices and cannot blame history for it. But, Colonisation wasn’t some isolated event with James Cook and his fellow colonial figures. If you strip a people of their culture, take up wars against them, take their land for which they rely on for economic prosperity, and teach them in a system and language they are unfamiliar with, how surprised can we really be when their mokopuna are negatively represented in many statistics. Including crime. Māori make up 52% of people in prison despite being only approximately 15% of the nation’s population. This is why I want to look at colonisation.

Former National MP Chester Borrows, is a big reason I see it this way. He had a close connection with Pātea (Poi E was made here!), a predominantly Māori area when he was there as a cop. Tikanga, he said, spread through this town. He said it was no coincidence that as their communities were forced to dwell in a Pākeha system, hanging on to any culture they were left with, that eighty percent of that town was on government support. After World War Two, when Māori moved from the ‘country’ areas to urban dwellings to pursue work, this led to, as Borrows says, higher incarceration rates. This was because many moved away from the last roots of their culture; their whānau support system. Now urban, Māori children, who were being kept in their whānau, being educated in their culture, were placed in state housing at significantly higher rates than Pākeha

children. This was happening more than 100 years after the treaty. Colonisation is certainly a cause for crime and not a one off event.

I hope after this you can understand why this can lead to a higher crime rate for Māori. They were robbed of an identity, their way of doing things, and were forced to adapt, fast, with little support. This narrative that they now have no excuses but to learn to live in this system is irritating for all these reasons. God forbid that other ethnicities and cultures have a different way of doing things, let alone what was assured to them by our nation’s foundational document.

So, what makes the most sense is not simply locking people away but better targeted support for issues such as this. As a pākehā, it isn’t my place to play white saviour and suggest Māori solutions to these issues. But, Te Whānau Awhina and Rangatahi Courts seem like they’re on the right track. That’s all from me on this.

This (kind of) case study on colonisation and crime shows real justice is looking at the root of the problem, not simply at what is sprouting. This way we can have long term solutions. If we go against the law, we have to face the consequences, that’s life. But how do we make sure that people feel the need to obey the law? When you’re looking at respective political parties' approach to justice, don’t just go on the emotive throw away statements. Look at how they treat the people and the real issues involved in the crimes.

This narrative that they now have no excuses but to learn to live in this system is irritating for all these reasons.

So, it’s your first election? (Or it’s not and you’re old like the rest of us) and you’re not sure who you’re meant to be voting for? Well shit, we don’t know either. Oh wait we’re being told that we’re meant to be the ones to help. Really? If you bloody say so. Here’s your attempted guide to voting in Aotearoa. Apparently.

ENROL

This may seem like common sense to some of you, but maybe stop being so annoying about it and allow those around you the space to learn hey? Here’s the thing, enrolling seems like a daunting task. But it’s as simple as visiting vote. nz. Do that aye?

FIGURE OUT WHERE YOU’RE VOTING

So you can vote on campus, probably, and that’s

about the best for all. But did you know that you can vote from literally anywhere in NZ? ���� Crazy if true right? Well the thing to remember is that it’s easier to vote in your electorate, because it’s just as simple as just doing a special vote. Even if you’re overseas as well! Not that there’s anyone reading this from some random place in the big world.

HOW TO VOTE

When you arrive at the voting station, you'll either show your EasyVote card or give your name and address to the person issuing forms. Once you've been given your forms, you'll head into a private booth to fill out the form. You'll make two selections - referred to as the party vote and the electorate vote. Your party vote is your selection for the political party you'd like to see in government, and your electorate vote is your choice for

the Member of Parliament (MP) you'd like to represent your electorate. Electorate candidates are usually members of a party, but can stand as independents. You don't have to vote for the electorate candidate from the party you cast your party vote for.

Once you're done, you'll be directed to place your forms in a box, and that's it – you’ve done your part to make the difference. Or you know, given into the societal pressures that come with being in a democracy. Baby’s first high pressure situation.

WHO TO VOTE FOR

We can already hear the groans, suck it up. We gotta talk about your options as a young voter, because figuring out where you are on that compass is important. There’s a way better graph available that you should use (votecompass. tvnz.co.nz) but in the rare situation that you need us to tell you who’s who so you can make that decision, Nexus is there to answer the call.

Labour Party Leader: Chris Hipkins

Deputy Leader: Kelvin Davis

Hamilton East Candidate: Georgie Dansey

Hamilton West Candidate: Myra Williamson

Who they are:

Labour is the current party in government. Described as centre-left, Labour value themselves on their opportunities for all, jobs, strong public services, quality education, and affordable healthcare. Their main focus is to continue their current policies and something about vege tax. Though they’re criticised for their inability to manage funds and taxes, causing the current wealth divide and cost-of-living crisis.

National Party Leader: Chris Luxon

Deputy Leader: Nicola Willis

Hamilton East Candidate: Tama Potaka

Hamilton West Candidate: Ryan Hamilton

Who they are:

National is the major opposition to our current government. Described as centre-right, National’s main focus is to deliver tax relief for the squeezed middle. What’s important for you to know is their intent to build a medical school right here. Neil Quigley has made comments on this,‘The first student intake would be 2027 - a present to you to start your second term in government!” in an email to Shane Reti. Showing a major unbiased view on government. But you know, finance bros.

Georgie Dansey & Myra Williamson

Ryan Hamilton & Tama Potaka

Kupu Whakaatu

Green Party

Co-Leader: Marama Davidson

Co-Leader: James Shaw

Hamilton East Candidate: Benjamin Doyle

Who they are:

Honestly guys, it’s in the name isn’t it. Their main focus is environmental impact and how we can reduce it. They’re as far left as you get in our current political scope, and as one of our minority parties their focus seems to be people and making sure to alleviate some of those stresses of being a human. They’re suggesting a Rental WOF, holding landlords accountable for shitty decision making, while also calling out the rich. By some of the rich. Lol.

ACT Party Leader: David Seymour

Co-Leader: Brooke Van Velden

Hamilton East Candidate: Himanshu Parmar

Hamilton West Candidate: Susan Stevenson

Who they are:

As our far-right minority party, ACT’s main goal is to create independent thought and an even playing field for all. They’ve actively ruled out the idea of co-governance if elected, stating that it divides the country where they want unity. ACT have stated that they wanted to establish a Ministry of Regulation to minimise government overregulation, and "Set[ting] the IRD on the gangs, the same way they got Al Capone." Is it tone-deaf or is it their way of combating the rising crime? Find out next week on white saviour complex.

Te Pāti Māori

Wāhine Leader: Debbie Ngarewa-Packer

Tāne Leader: Rawiri Waititi

Who they are:

The party advocates for mana motuhake, with a heavy focus on kaupapa māori and upholding the values of māori–they’re like a massive whānau. Heavily contentious in the political world, Te Pāti Māori are known for holding the government accountable when they’re not honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Their main kaupapa this time around is creating the framework and implementing a co-governance system and making sure Māori find their seat at the table.

Himanshu Parmar & Susan Stevenson

Benjamin Doyle

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer & Rawiri Waititi

Feature Kupu Whakaatu

Authorised by David Bennett MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Anonymous

My journey through the labyrinth of drug use and its entanglement with sexuality is a deeply personal tapestry of desires, discoveries, and dilemmas. It's a narrative that has unfolded uniquely for me, shaping my understanding of pleasure, vulnerability, and self-acceptance. But how do I even begin to tell the story? I don’t really know, but it’s a sort of cautionary tale for all you looking at the world of sex and drugs.

The Quest for Connection and Euphoria

There have been times when I've leaned into substances like alcohol, marijuana, or MDMA as companions on my path to deeper intimacy and heightened pleasure. These substances have acted as keys, unlocking doors within me that had remained firmly shut. They dissolved my fears and hesitations, paving the way for profound connections with my partners.

In these moments, the combination of drug-induced liberation and the raw

intimacy of sex created an alchemical blend of sensations and emotions that defies simple description. It was as if time stood still, and the boundaries between my partner and me blurred, allowing us to explore our desires and vulnerabilities with unparalleled authenticity.

The Tightrope of Risks and Temptations

However, this journey is far from a straightforward ascent. I've tasted the bittersweet fruits of impaired judgement, where the allure of pleasure overshadowed my rationality. I've walked a tightrope between exhilaration and recklessness, acutely aware of the potential for risky sexual behaviour when inhibitions are lowered. There have been instances when the haze of euphoria clouded my judgement, masking discomfort and pain, and leading me down a perilous path.

The Complex Nature of Consent

Through it all, I've learned to recognize

the profound significance of consent, especially in the context of drug use. In a state of altered consciousness, the lines of understanding can become blurred. It's become crystal clear to me that all parties involved must be fully informed, willingly participating, and capable of providing clear and enthusiastic consent. This is the bedrock upon which any drug-enhanced sexual encounter must rest.

Balancing Act and Support Systems

Navigating this complex terrain has required a delicate balance and a commitment to harm reduction. I've taken the time to educate myself about the substances I use, including their potential interactions and side effects. Safeguards have been a non-negotiable aspect of my experiences, ensuring that the risks are minimized.

Having a support network, people who understand my choices and can offer guidance, has been my lifeline. They've

provided solace during moments of doubt and vulnerability, helping me steer my course through the waves of temptation and uncertainty.

My Personal Odyssey

My odyssey at the intersection of drug use and sexuality is a chapter of my life, a narrative thread that has woven its way into the fabric of my existence. It's a story of ecstasy and vulnerability, of self-discovery and introspection. Each encounter, each experience, has shaped my understanding of myself, my desires, and my boundaries.

Ultimately, my compass is set on making informed, consensual choices that prioritise not only my physical well-being but also my emotional fulfilment. Whether I choose to embrace the fusion of drugs and intimacy or chart a different course, one thing remains certain: I am the author of my story, and the chapters I write are a testament to my quest for self-discovery, authenticity, and connection in a world where pleasure and vulnerability coexist.

Georgie Dansey

for Hamilton East

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

Leilani Summer

Becoming a millionaire as a kid seemed like the easiest thing in the world. You just had to find a treasure chest or strike it rich with a lemonade stand. But as an adult, it's a whole different ball game. It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack while blindfolded and with both hands tied behind your back. Even if you find that needle, how far does a million dollars get you? It definitely does not get you a yacht, a jet and a tiger like you may have once believed, but rather a deposit on a one-bedroom home in Auckland. I mean, think about the lottery; I can remember when the Powerball of 4 million was breaking news. With inflation, the equivalent has to be over 50 million.

Although a million bucks is no longer what it once cracked up to be,

However, that never happened to the H20 girls, so maybe I should leave the little me to dream

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

it is more possible than ever. I'm sure most of us will end up paying over a million dollars in taxes by the end of our lifetimes. So, if the monitorial goal of a million bucks is no longer relevant, why did we want it? I thought about what my early 2000s-born self wanted back then.

If it was possible, I think I would have spent all the million of my million dollars on becoming a mermaid. I mean, that would have been a good investment; I could have avoided the cost of living by being in the sea. The only downside is mass consumption and overfishing; I probably would have ended up at your local fish and chip shop. However, that never happened to the H20 girls, so maybe I should leave the little me to dream. Unfortunately, technology has not come

far enough in the last couple of decades to make this a possibility.

I used to believe that winning the lottery was pretty standard, and I did not doubt I would be the lucky winner. Although I was on something with my manifestation tactics, I did not win, so if I want to get a million bucks, what can I do?

I could get a job in New Zealand, where 20-24-year-olds earn an average of $959 a week, and living costs are an average of $500. It would only take 2,500 weeks or 48 years without spending an extra penny to save a million dollars. Or, I could do Only Fans. Child me did not see the world amounting to this; No possibility of becoming a mermaid, and the fastest way I could earn money was through selling nudes.

First of all, Swifty's do not come for me! I may be writing this article, but it does not mean that I agree with this title. It's serving internalized misogyny. I also want to preface this by saying there is no such thing as a bad feminist- unless you aren't one. It may be trendy and cool to be one at the moment (a significant win for society). Still, I do believe that most of us have the proper morals and beliefs and are in it for the greater good- we are just finally having a large number of conversations exercising our thoughts, which is well overdue.

Back to Miss Swift, T Swift has been openly feminist before it was trending. In 2012, when talking to The Daily Face, Swift was asked if she considered herself a feminist. She said, 'I don't really think about things as guys versus girls'; however, two years later, she clarified, telling the Guardian, 'I don't, and I didn't understand that saying you're a feminist is you're saying that you hope women and men will have equal rights and equal opportunities; I've been taking a feminist without actually saying so'. Being a feminist is not all about having the label- it's about having the right morals, which Taylor Swift and so many of us always had before we knew it was so important to be actively and openly exercising our views.

Whether you like the Woman's music or not, I think we all can respect the amazing career that she has built and still has. In 2023 alone, Swift claimed the most number-one albums by a woman in history, the most streamed country album in a single day on Spotify and the first concert tour ever to gross $1 billion in sales. Not only is it a win

for Swift, but it is a win for womanhood. Swift writes and performs openly about the heartbreaks she's had and times she had been done wrong by a man, and her stats prove that so many of us can relate. You must be a pretty empowering and inspiring woman to gross over a billion dollars on a tour attended by primarily females. Remember, guys, there was a time when music like hers would not even get radio time. Things are nowhere near equal, but things are evolving for the better as a mass. Once upon a time, we could not vote, and now the biggest performer in the world is a young female who sings about shitty exes in bedazzled leotards. That's fucking awesome.

Honestly, I'm not much of a T Swift fan; however, I did do a deep dive on everything controversial she's ever done. According to the Internet, the most controversial thing she's ever done is dated as many people as she should. It does not make her any less of a feminist that her songs are about men, which a few uneducated journalists have written about *Sorry, not sorry*.

The main takeaway from this is that Taylor is an outstanding feminist in the way she uses her platform to talk about issues so greatly affecting females and how she empowers women to live in their truth. You also don't have to be Taylor Swift to be a great feminist; every feminist would agree that it's not a competition or something we should judge people on a scale of good-‘bad'. Chur.

Leilani Summer

I wake up at 3am every morning because that's when the stock market opens. For breakfast I crack 5 raw egg yolks into a cup and skull it before I smash out a 3.5k run. I save the egg whites for later. Then I’ll hit the gym to lift some weights to my strictly DnB or gangster rap playlist. Judge me all you want, but this is the music that hypes my gains. I also can never forget to drink my protein shake in order to help my gains. This is all completed before 5am.

I have a shower, iron my shirt, spray my cologne and start my commute to the office. I stop into my favourite coffee shop where I grab a flat white in a takeaway cup. Even though I come here everyday, I don’t have a keep cup. I love to flirt with my barista while she makes my coffee because I know it’s the highlight of her day. Last week she asked me out on a date but I just don’t like her like that. Yeah, she's crazy aye?

When it comes to work, I show up whenever because I’m the most productive and achieve

the best results out of everyone in my office. During work, I’m a different animal. I grind and get that work done. I move in silence, never let them know your next move. They don’t want to see me winning, but I persevere regardless. I usually stay at the office until around 7pm or until the boss invites me out for after work drinks. He always invites me because I know how to have a good time and also how to suss a bag within half an hour. Yes I know, I’m efficient. I’m just built differently.

If I do end up finishing work before the sunset (highly unlikely) I might hit the gym again or head home to do some meal prep for the next 7 days. My go to? White rice, chicken breast and broccoli. My favourite podcast to listen to while I cook is either Joe Rogan or a self-improvement audiobook. To finish off another great day in Winner’s Land, I pop on my favourite movie, Wolf of Wall Street, while I cuddle the newest flavour of the week I met on Hinge. She is such a baddie. I will be so sad when I ghost and replace her next week…

Feature Kupu Whakaatu

When we talk about feminism, we usually think about protests, female activists, and women empowerment. Through media and entertainment, we’ve been influenced and educated about the power and compassion of women, but how have we as a generation truly been affected by this? First, we have to know what ‘feminism’ means; a quick Google search will tell us that it is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes”. With a focus on entertainment, we can then dive into the films of the early 2000s that inspire this feminist agenda whilst also empowering women.

The first films I’ll discuss are those that focus on women in the workforce. This includes the likes of Erin Brockovich (2000), Legally Blonde (2001), and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002). That last one seems a bit out of place, huh? So, let’s dive into these.

Erin Brockovich

This movie is a dramatisation of the true story of Erin Brockovich, as American paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmentalist. Portrayed by Julia Roberts, the film follows her legal case against

the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over its culpability for the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. With a strong female lead and the truth behind the story, this film started strong in the expansion of feminism in the early 2000s.

Legally Blonde

I’m sure every young girl idolised the fictional lawyer clad in pink known as Elle Woods. Portrayed as a ditzy, unintelligent, stereotypical blonde, Woods was able to prove her peers wrong by graduating from Harvard Law. Despite being a comedy at heart, the journey of self-discovery this female lead travels is an inspiration to women in the workforce; it shows the audience that they are capable of whatever they set their heart and mind on despite the obstacles they may face.

Tehana De Klerk

Feature Kupu Whakaatu

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

Like I said earlier, this one might be a bit out of a shock on this list, but how could I possibly talk about powerful women without mentioning Senator Padmé Amidala? While this is an epic space adventure, Natalie Portman’s Padmé is a force to be reckoned with in this Star Wars prequel. With the title of Former Queen of Naboo, Padmé once again represents the notions of strength, power, and love. For the science fiction loving film buffs, Padmé Amidala is definitely a woman that inspires hearts and minds.

The next (and last) films I’ll talk about are centred more around women in society, family, and friendship. These include Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Pride & Prejudice (2005), and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005). Let's get back into it, yeah?

Mona Lisa Smile

With a predominantly female cast, this film tackles many of the trials and tribulations women face in society, from work, to love, and even to friendship. While there are many characters I could focus on, the one who truly sticks out to me is Joan Brandwyn, portrayed by Julia Stiles. An intelligent young woman studying Art History at Wellesley College, Joan considers studying law. She is persuaded to apply to Yale Law School, where she is accepted. Despite this, Joan opts to play the stereotypical role of housewife at the time. The reason I chose to write about this character is because she tells Katherine (her teacher) that choosing to be a wife and mother does not reduce her intelligence. So, how does

this inspire feminism? The power of women should not only be reduced to the workplace; a woman's role in the home does not make her any less of a person than others. Women should not be ridiculed for wanting a home and family of their own, and Joan Brandwyn perfectly represents that.

Pride & Prejudice

There was no way I would have written about the joys of being a woman without including a period drama. Pride & Prejudice, a romantic drama based on the 1813 Jane Austen novel of the same name, follows the lives of five sisters who deal with issues of marriage, morality, and misconceptions. The lead protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, portrayed by Keira Knightly, is an intelligent, most admiral and endearing heroine. Faithful to her family, Elizabeth is a source of female empowerment. She inspired feminism through her resilience and power, and will continue to be an icon of Jane Austen’s works.

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

I chose this film for its portrayal of female friendship. While it may not inspire feminism’s traditional meaning, I think it is equally as important to discuss as the other films I have written about. Why? Because feminism requires support, but that support must first come from within. The four friends in this movie are a perfect representation of that, because they show the notion of ‘women supporting women’. The significance of this is so great, as women need to uplift one another to be able to be a driving force of the feminist agenda.

Well, there you have it. There are many other movies that also deal with feminism and inspiring women around the world, such as New Zealand’s own drama Whale Rider (2002). Women are so cool, remember that. Also, the early 2000s have the best films and you cannot argue with me.

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

[sad] poetry on unsaid things

You were like the sun's warmth after days of clouds and rain, like hot chocolate and warm socks on a freezing day, like a cold glass of water in the middle of the night, like soft rain noises just before bed, like varying textures of green in the wild, like applying balm to your lips, like the stars and moon on a clear night.

I never got to tell you any of this, I never even said "thank you' or 'i love you', I never told you that you made me want to live again. And now I never will, I'm sorry.

Feature Kupu Whakaatu

Nothing is worse than being a woman in her early twenties, except for venturing into the world of heterosexual dating. If you're a straight or bi-sexual woman with a preference for men, I’m praying for you, because men your own age most likely have not fully developed a frontal lobe. Never settle for less ladies… This is your personal guide to dating in the 21st Century.

Remember you are the prize - pussy makes the world go around.

Stop letting these bare minimum ass boys hit. I’m serious. Pussy is like currency, you can’t just give it out to any random person walking along the street. If he’s behaving like he deserves it, give it up. But if you’re begging him to hang out with you, if he's not putting in effort with you, if he's never planned to go on a date with you - drop him like he's hot sis. There are so many other men out there who would basically go to the ends of the earth for a crumb of pussy.

Even though this phrase is problematic and somewhat toxic, take it with a grain of salt - if he wanted to, he would sis.

Girl, I have been there. We all have. If he wanted to message you and ask you how your day was, he would. If he wanted to come over to your place and hang out, he would. If he really likes you, he would do something to show it. Trust me, the one thing you can guarantee is that men are relentless. If he's not chasing you and showing you how he feels, I’m sorry but he doesn't like you. #DROPHIM

Don’t chase. Attract. What is meant for you will always find you.

Think about it like this. The love of your life could be right in front of your eyes, but you’re too busy chasing after some little boy who just wants to get his dick wet. Stop wasting time with fuckboys, they are blocking you from you finding the love of your life. Once you take the trash out of your life, it leaves space for the right person to come in and sweep you off your feet.

Focus on yourself, Queen.

I know it's hard, but you have to detach yourself from male validation. Do you actually like him? Or do you like the fact that he validates you? He’s not as cool as you think, it's all you girl.

If he invites you over to his house for a first date, rob him.

Did I fucking stutter?

Natassja Kelly

Jak Rāta

Mārakerake

Hey bro, easy question first... how are ya? How’s it all going?

Kia ora!! Everything’s going pretty well, super stoked to be on here. So with your new single ‘Isn't It Nice?’ coming out soon, how would you explain your sound to someone that hasn’t heard of you?

The music I make is a blend of indie pop/folk and R&B. Think if Phoebe Bridgers met Mac Ayres and their music had a baby. My previous singles that are released most definitely have more of an indie folk sound compared to what I make now. I’ve leaned into the R&B genre recently with my songwriting too, as heard in my new single.

With all things important, I’m sure the Nexus audience wants to know – what’s your go to stress relief movie? What flick really helps you get into that space to be creative bro?

Oh my goodness, not gonna lie…a guilty pleasure movie of mine is Rio. The soundtrack is such a banger and immediately gets me into the space to create.

Is there an EP on the horizon? If so, who are some of the inspirations that you’re going to draw from to form it? If not, why not?

I have been saying that there’s an EP on the way for three years and y’know, it’s not a lie. There is definitely going to be one within the next year. Inspiration-wise, I’m drawing a lot from Bruno Major, Mac Ayres, Lizzy McAlpine and Phoebe Bridgers. A lot of R&B blending with indie pop and folk.

All of those artists I mentioned have a knack for their lyricism and imagery in their songs which I aim to have a lot of in my own writing. Bruno and Mac’s music is so incredibly vibey which is just so easy to write but Lizzy and Phoebe’s very folky sound has me writing things very down-to-earth and feels more authentic to the lyrics I write. I’m so incredibly excited to properly record and work on new songs for

the EP though, there’s so much music I am just itching to share with the world!

Dream collaborations, who do you wish to collaborate with one day? Dream scenario really.

Genuinely, I’d love to collaborate with either Bruno Major or Lizzy McAlpine the most. My music has been so heavily influenced by those two in the past few years - both being my top artists on my Spotify Wrapped during those years.

We want to know, how is the Kirikiriroa music scene? Competitive? Supportive? What’s it like for You?

Soooo incredibly supportive. I definitely got lucky and have some amazing friends and support in the music scene here. Just the Aotearoa music industry itself is so incredibly supportive in general.

I have a lot of friends in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington that have similar aspirations and goals as me and it’s just so cool to have that same level of support anywhere and everywhere. Being a relative new artist as well, I’m so lucky to have that support early on in my career!

And finally, if you could, who are some of your inspirations in life? Not just music related but generally.

Music-related, my biggest inspirations right now are Bruno Major and Lizzy McAlpine who both started out as independent musicians. I got to see them both grow as artists over the years and I hope to see myself do the same.

Generally…the people in my life inspire me so much. My family, my friends and just everyone I’m lucky enough to get to know and have in my life.

A lot of my music stems from my personal life and experiences, and without the people in my life, I don’t think I would have had the motivation or drive to do what I do now.

Tatiana Warren

This film is cinematic genius. The plot, the cast, the mise-enscene - everything was perfect for me. Last week while I was in bed I randomly decided to watch it on Netflix. I never had any desire to watch this movie, little did I know I was about to watch one of my new favourites.

The film takes inspiration from famous gangster Al Capone, and portrays the story of Tony Montana who comes to America as a political refugee off a ‘banana boat’ with nothing more than his best friend, Manny Ribera, and the clothes on his back. Manny is the pretty one, Tony isn't nearly as physically attractive, but it’s Tony’s attitude and demeanour that makes his character irresistible to root for.

I don’t want to give anything away, but watching this film makes me feel like I know what it's like to be a Cuban cocaine brick-flipping gangster in 1980s America, who essentially came off a ‘banana boat’ with nothing but the clothes on his back. Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino were perfectly casted to depict the fast-paced and tragic story of Cuban political refugee turned gangster, Tony Montana and the cocaine addicted trophy wife, Elvira Hancock. Michelle Pfeiffer was boots the house down giving cunt in every scene she was in. The fits were sophisticated, chic and continue to give inspiration to fashion today even decades after the movie was released.

Some say the ending of the film is the perfect depiction of a mental unravelling. The themes of the film hold underlying messages of greed, friendship, love and money. Plus the aesthetic is just so satisfying and for the times. ‘Scarface’ has been referenced countless times within rap and hip hop culture. One of the more notable references of the film in rap culture is Chief Keef’s alias nickname ‘Sosa’ which is a reference to the drug kingpin character in the film, Alejandro Sosa. Watch this movie. There is a reason why it’s still relevant in the culture to this day.

Examples of rappers referencing Scarface:

A$AP Rocky - Babushka Boi

‘The world is yours, Scarface, nigga’

Kanye West - Devil in a New Dress

‘The crib Scarface couldn't be more Tony

You love me for me could you be more phony’

Migos - Antidope

‘I’m feelin’ like Scarface, Al Pacino comin’ off a banana boat’

Ngā hau o Tāwhiri

Ayla Jade Jak Rāta

This song hit me in a way I was not expecting e te whānau. Her voice, from the jump is ethereal but in all the best ways. For my 90's kids, it's almost like the Bic Runga 'Sway' vibe that had a throat hold.

Since it was Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, I thought it was important to listen to wāhine māori and I couldn't be more impressed.

Honestly, all the waiata Māori that came out this year was on and it's enough to make you feel deep pride. Or something like that. Keep it up Ayla Jade, 'cos we'll be watching for the next one e hoa.

Ethan Beckton - Giggling and kicking my feet. 10/10

Oppenheimer - Honestly, I was expecting so much more and it wasn't all that aye. 0/10.

Chipego, 18, Engineering

1. I'm voting Bron.

2. David Seymour

3. Yeah, I think they do. And they're easy

4. With more money, they can reach more students

5. Definitely more respectful and inclusive

Daniel, 20, Engineering

1. Honestly, no clue

2. Trump aye

3. I reckon so

4. Yeah, then there's more suasages

5. I'm not sure

Jayden, 22, Psych

1. Te Pāti Māori

2. David Seymour

3. I think they do a pretty good job

4. As long as a portion of it goes towards feeds for tauira

5. More buildings that aren't ugly.

Oti, 21, Comp Sci

1. Vote Bron 2023

2. One of my tutors. All love but yeah

3. Yes, I think so.

4. I don't know aye

5. Security aye

Josh, 19, Business

1. I have no clue

2. Winston Peters

3. I think so

4. Nah I don't think so

5. I reckon Clubs aye.

1. Who are you voting for in the WSU Elections

2. Who do you consider to be a dick

3. Does the WSU have enough services for students?

4. Should the WSU get more money?

5. What can be improved at the UNI?

Lifestyle Wheako Tauira

WORD SQUARE

SIMPLE PUZZLES FOR SIMPLE PEOPLE

WHICH NUMBER IS RIGHT FOR THE JOB?

Movies that are now 20 years old

Thirteen Oldboy Memories of Murder

Cradle 2 the Grave Identity Monster

Peter Pan

Uptown Girls

Wrong Turn Hole

The Last Samurai

Bruce Almighty

What a Girl Wants Love Actually

The Haunted Mansion Lost in Translation

Honey

Mona Lisa

Smile

Freaky Friday

Sinbad

Barbie of Swan Lake

Big Fish

School of Rock

RANDOM TRIVIA

Who was Aphrodite’s winged son, often seen with a bow and arrow?

What year did the band Human League release an album titled "Dare"?

What was the name of the Earth's first artificial satellite?

Puzzles Panga