Nexus 2023 Issue 13

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.

connected

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Just Jak doing Jak things, as per.

We wanted to do some photos of things that we liked.

We break down what's hot and what's not.

We gave you monsters and faculties.

The Nexus team made it. Just for yous. All for yous

Tehe puzzles Social Links Disclaimers

Nexus is a magazine made by students, for students. As such it’s sometimes controversial views don’t actually represent those of the Nexus Editor, the writers, or the sponsors.

The Nexus office is located down the hall at the WSU, usually with Alexa playing terribly dated music.

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an independent, not for profit, non-government organization established to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. FSC® vision is where the world’s forests meet the social, ecological, and economic rights and needs of the present generation without compromising those of future generations.

Where to Nexus?

Fancy seeing you here. Come here often? Who am I kidding, of course you don’t. You’re way too perfect to be in a dive like this bro. Ignore everything I said and just stick with me here. We’re in our “reinvent ourselves” era. And I’m so glad you’re holding my hand on this journey, because I won’t lie–I’m pretty scared, my friends. And you're pretty.

Nexus isn’t for the long-form reader anymore nor is it a space for deep thinking and hella intense kōrero. We’re just trying to have fat yarns and fuck around. And that’s precisely where I’m at with this magazine. Oh, welcome to all you new students. I’m Jak and I run this bad boy rag with the loosest grip of any human possible. It’s an amalgamation of shit and some writers ready for a laugh. So take nothing we do seriously because it’s not that deep.

On the thought of reinventing, there’s this massive weight that’s been lifted post issue 12. It’s sort of this niche feeling that editors feel with the

immense pressure we put on ourselves to just create, create, create. But what if it’s the wrong way about that? My boss and I have been arguing that we think that this may be the last year for physical media, meaning it’s time to wrap it up. As a response to that, we thought that our pieces needed to fill the pages and create this immersive sense of being. Like the mag needed to exist and we were the ones to make that happen. Were we wrong?

I’ve noticed that attention spans are leaning towards content that’s easily digestible. We make news videos, create reels and we're just fucking sick cunts. So let’s have a mag that reflects that. We’re going to try something new and throw away stuff I don’t find fun anymore and make shit that reflects you but is also just hella fun.

So that’s that. Welcome back to Nexus. Or welcome to what’s Nexus.

With love, Uncle Jak

Welcome back or welcome to Uni–you’ve made it. Well made it somewhere. In the grand scheme of things, it’s still a terrific feat and we’re happy to have you here. But it’s time to make some tough choices dear traveller. You needn’t worry though, we’re here to help make those decisions with you without taking away from you now being the adult you were meant to be. Or born to be. Both really.

We decided it easiest to just give you the choices to make. It’s going to be less complicated though as it’s really only two decisions you’re going to make but they could very well predict everything about who you become and what uni can do for you. All a little bit intense right? Good. Welcome to being an adult hey. We’re going to start off with a short quiz. Some lead to the next question, some lead to your

answer. It’s nothing to do with us not having the energy to pull a complete choose your own adventure out of our asses but it's also easier for you. Ready? Let’s hit it.

1. First day on campus, how are you doing?

• I’m not even there. (go to page 12)

• Checking out the lakes but it’s not all that (go to the next question)

• It’s so amazing, I’m not sure where I want to even start. Like what next? (go to the next question)

• It’s okay, not sure what I should be saying? (go to question 4)

2. O’week happened, where are you heading after?

• I’m going home, it’s not worth doing shit now plus there’s more things I can be doing (go to page 32)

• More drinks, more parties, more stuff (go to the next question)

• My best mates place, I love them more than being drunk (go to the next question)

• Food. Probably something fried (go to the next question)

3. Where are you heading on your day off from uni?

• Back to uni, the grind never stops (go to page 41)

• My best mates place, gotta keep up the relationships with the bros (go to the next question)

• Probably the beach hey?

• I wanna go to Wellington (go to page 20)

4. You’re now just realising how much extra work there is to do, ain’t like High School. How do you cope with stress?

• Weed probably (go to page 12)

• My friends always have my back, I love them (go to page 34)

• I don’t get stressed, uni fuels me (go to page 41)

• Stress? What? (go to page 12)

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

THE PENULTIMATE NEXUS GUIDE ON

RIST

• Fish the lake

• Pop manus into the lake

• Try not to catch anything after popping manus in the lake

• Get tested after feeling sick after popping manus in the lake

• Never touch the lake again

• Devour Chips and butter chicken sauce

• Drive around the Gate 1 carpark looking for a free space despite knowing there are none

• Using the elevator next to stairs in the student centre because you’ve had a long 1 hour tutorial and your leggy weggy’s can’t handle two flights of stairs

• Look at the Pā still being built

• Ponder.

• Try out Stacy’s new fancy cafe

• Go to Re-orientation week and try and grab as much free stuff as you can fit into your bag

• You can go op shopping on campus, so like go do that. The girlies are cool as hey. It’s called rewind.

• Just fuck around and find out. Or whatever.

• Look at the art

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

DROP OUT

You know the saying “school isn’t for everyone”? Well don’t take it as a loss. You just weren’t cut out for the trials of tertiary education–the thrills of no sleep over 3 years, only to realise the field you’re wanting to get into is already overly saturated with about a million other people fighting for a living wage position that only sort of touches on what you learnt. Be for real, you’re already sure that you could learn a trade or move into a marketable skill. I heardyoucansortofmakebanksellingwizzsticksandtoepicson foot-finder. Send me a link ��

The Outback

• For people who prefer Tinder over Hinge

• Hopefully you’re not over 22, that’s a crime

• Last night was a movie!’

• Probably had to transfer from savings account to buy more drinks

• Vodka Cranberry

Wonder Horse

• We get it, you’re actually cool.

• You actually know where to take someone on a date (+ it was definitely from Hinge)

• 100% chance you’re either an ‘artist’ or over 25

• You would rather die than drink a cruiser

Last Place

• For the people that don’t feel old enough for wonder horse

• Outfit is either entirely thrifted or entirely Princess Polly, there’s no in between

• For finance bros that don’t think they are finance bros

• Spicy Marg ��

Keystone

• Probably there with colleagues

• For the ladies who like to caption photos ‘With the best’ or ‘Before things got wild!’

• Definitely Mimosas all round

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

Mr. Pickles

• You definitely order an Amaretto Sour

• Probably wearing Boston Birks

• Everyone’s dated someone who’s worked here, you’re not special x

House

• Makes it onto everyone’s Instagram story

• Where Hallensteins and Glassons thrive

• Probably getting that blue fishbowl between 6 and $2 Tacos - you corporate cheapskate x

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

Coyote

• You wear sunglasses in the club

• Def kissing your friends and taking a photo

• Long whites

Back Bar

• Yeah

There's nothing more I love than a controversial review, so here I am! We are four episodes deep into Sam Levison’s latest series- The Idol- Starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd). Like Euphoria, the hour-long episodes come out every Monday, and there’s nothing more exciting in my life now!

The general response so far surrounding this show is that people hate it. The main critique is that it is 1. oversexualised for no reason and 2. people think the Weeknd can’t act/ he’s making everyone cringe. I’m here to say that both of these points are invalid. I don’t think the show is over-sexualised, I think it makes you uncomfortable, and that’s exactly what Sam Levison intended. We all know that it is part of his style, and after making Euphoria, he had to make something that would stand out.

If a couple extra nipples or sex scenes are bothering you, just skip it but I hardly even noticed until everyone on my Tiktok was complaining about it! I think it’s great to test the limits of television, and like all great art, it’s supposed to make you feel a bit uncomfortable. The main thing is it’s a show; everything’s consensual, so there’s nothing to be a keyboard warrior about. Point two of people thinking the Weeknd can’t act perplexes me because he can act, and he’s doing a fantastic job of playing a character that

is meant to be cringe, and that naturally comes across as potentially ‘bad’ acting, but that’s so the point. I feel for both Lily-Rose Depo and the Weeknd because even though in my opinion, they are doing some of the best performances I have seen, because of who they are, they are going to get hyper-critical responses. The general public feels the need to pick apart everything they do.

As for the show, so far, the storylines are great, and as I mentioned, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, that’s the point. Amy Seimetz initially directed the show, and the show took on a more feminist storyline. When she walked away from the front, 80% of it had already been filmed before Sam Levison and The Weeknd came in and rewrote and reshot the whole thing.

I would love to see these original episodes and how they were filmed in a more feminist light when the show is so heavy in quite the opposite now. Seeing as we are four episodes in, this opinion may change by the end of it, but so far, I’m giving the series 8/10. Sorry to everyone who finds The Weeknd dirty-talking cringe!

The Glory

Male lead that actually has patience, the earth is healing. 8/10

Black Mirror

I'm not going to bang on and on about this season because I'm sure the internet has been ablaze with controversial thoughts about what this season is and what it means.. Here's a hot take, it's all part of the plan right? We're meant to be taking something from it and it's all about starting conversations. Here we are, conversing.

The season takes a stripped back approach, looking at how analogue equipment has the same, if not more intense, effects on the human brain. We're looking at film camera, talisman and just random murders in Scotland.

But the overall show was just good. So I see you all looking at my 3 and wondering what I'm smoking. The show just didn't have a beat, you're not given a moment to just breathe. Not because it was fast-paced (you watched that Aaron Paul jerk-fest in episode 3) but because it just had no tonal breaks.

The joke at the minute is that I'm a serial-optimist and I don't know how to put aside my inherent need for a `happy-ending. It's true but I don't like hearing it.

Take a watch and get amongst it if you're wanting to feel scared or sad. Or just wanna see some ass-cheeks.

Cheezels

An absolutely piquant treat, though wearing them on your fingers is possibly even more piquant. 10/10

The Chiefs performance against the Crusaders

I love just crying. 8/10

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The Good Witch - Maisie Peters

Jak Rāta

Transfer to another Uni

Waikato is an acquired taste. The drink and uni–and it’s not for everyone. Sure it’s beautiful and you can breathe clear air with no worry that the world is going to gas you with the constant traffic (Tāmaki Makaurau), mouldy flats (Pōneke), Cows (Otautahi) and just plain sadness in our mighty south.

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

JOHNPAUL KIM

Nexus: How do you begin to approach your art works? Is there a specific process to your madness?

JP Kim: It really depends on the project.

For personal stuff I usually have a basic idea that I'll loosely sketch out in pencil, then I'll go in and fill in the details while I ink. A lot of the fun of drawing for me is not knowing what is going to happen and experimenting/ exploring while I go along. I find that if I try and plan things out too much I end up overthinking everything and it comes out stiff. For client work it's a bit different. I like to do a lot of research and prep work beforehand, those sketches will be a little more developed because communicating with the client is important. Especially if I'm handling their IP, I feel like I have a responsibility to do right by their world and characters, but I definitely still leave myself wiggle room to play around.

Nexus: What’s one thing as an artist you can’t live without?

JP Kim: Music! So much of my inspiration comes from just vegging out and listening to music. I've imagined entire comics based on a scene that pops into my head while I'm listening to a song, it's so important to me. I would die if I didn't have music.

Nexus: Who are some of your inspirations?

JP Kim: OOF, there's a lot haha. Here is a random list in no particular order: Farel Dalrymple, Taiyo Matsumoto, Tori-Jay Mordey, James Stokoe, HR Giger, Natasha Allegri, Cornelis van Haarlem, Kim Jung Gi, Junji Ito, Rebecca Kirby, rattt_Poison, James Harren, Egon Shiele, Katsuhiro Otomo, Rebecca Sugar, Victo Mgai, Tomer Hanuka, Wayne Barlowe, Charlie Immer, Shawn Tan, Sachin

Teng, Tw.ei, Frank Frazetta, Hieronymus Bosch, cavnine

Nexus: What’s on your current playlist for creating?

JP Kim: Haha, again, a list in no particular order: Cobra Man, Cho Yong Pil, Cliff Martinez, Trevor Something, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Alexandre Desplat, Aurora, Carpenter Brut, William Shatner, DYAN, Joe Hisaishi, Robyn, In Love with a Ghost, Grimes, Kate Bush, CHVRCHES, Clint Mansell, Hans Zimmer, Agnes Obel, Weyes Blood, Wet Leg, Tsuneo Imahori, Gorillaz, Zahara, Kishi Bashi, Little Dragon, Little Big, OGRE YOU ASSHOLE, Mazzy Star, Sylvan Esso, Johann Johannsson, Lorde, Daniel Olsen, Arthur Sharpe, Pinkshinyultrablast, The Ronettes

Nexus: Is there a snack you enjoy while creating art?

JP Kim: Any kinda gummy! But I don't chew on 'em, I kinda suck on 'em and slowly let them melt over a long period of time so I can also play with it in my mouth. Kasugai gummies are really good for that because they kinda peel apart as they melt. Also love Sour Patch Kids and Swedish fish.

Nexus: What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d gotten when you started?

JP Kim: Don't be afraid to make bad art! It's a natural part of the process and doesn't mean you're any better or worse than anyone else. Nothing is going to be good the first time you do it, so don't let the fear of something looking bad stop you from creating! Just make shit and have fun and you'll get better! OH, also, drawing from life is super useful for learning foundation shit without getting bogged down in theory.

Covered Tohunga Mahi Toi

Pānui Whakaahua

Move to England or Aussie

Ever since last week, your TikTok FYP has been littered with videos of some girlies jumping ship and launching across the ditch. This is your time, your moment and your final chance to see what the great isles have to offer. I’m not saying give up your dreams of becoming a Nurse or a Teacher forever but I’m also not saying that you should stick around to see it all fail. You’re one of a kind. It’s time to show those 30,000 other kiwis in England why you deserve the residency over them. And if Aussie is the go? Well then you’re going to sport a mighty tan when you come back for A-tri 2024

RETRO SPECTIVE

A small look into life at Waikato before yous all came and took over. With love of course.

1992

Pick Up hours at Mahi

Do an Irish goodbye but don’t actually leave. Start coming to class less and start working more. Red, White and Blue motherfucker. These colours don’t run. You got the dog in you and you should mahi hard and reap the rewards. You’ll probably have some naysayers telling you that you can’t do it but you’re just built differently. Plus no one is going to be mad at the person shouting an extra drink at pre’s or when you’re out at House on Hood. That’s if you’re not already working, because we know the grind NEVER stops for you bub.

Kupu Whakaatu

Okay, this is where logic comes into play. Although not to escape the jury, I think Ted Bundy was the least convincing killer that made it to court. I mean, he fooled everyone with his looks. And nope, I'm not part of those weird clubs that visit his hometown and worship him as a sex god. I don't respect it at all, but logically any killer that wants to get away with anything should try and look as typically 'normal' and 'hot' as Mr Bundy. I feel it increases your chances of not getting caught or getting away with a crime

but at least 50%! Thank gosh, he didn't get away with what he did, but it makes you wonder how many sparkly-eyed - perfect-haired serial killers are just roaming around freely! Any law student would indeed have the brains to seem the most charming and the least threatening villain ever. I mean, imagine if he had a law degree, too; he'd probably still be out there. Next time you're in your lecture, look around and see who looks most likely to be there to learn about how to get away with murder…. or the least possible!

I was trying to find a horror character that works in favour of the economy. Perhaps one that sells its victim's body parts or even sells their blood to hospitals. However, I could not find any (please credit me if you use this idea in the future!), so I had to go off who I thought would look the best in the office. This goes to Slender Man; I mean, he went through the effort to get a tailor-made 9ft tall suit,

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

so he deserves some credit. Even though he kills his victims, the suit remains perfectly intact, making me wonder if killing is a part-time hobby and if maybe he's just a finance bro. I happen to know a few finance bros who like to turn up or text me explicitly in the nighttime, so who knows… they could really be him!

Thelma & Louise that shit

Now before I hear the uproars of you all saying that Nexus supports suicide, I’m not implying you pull off a cliff jump and launch yourselves over the edge. Plus, there’s no cliffs–only bridges. What I’m saying is you and your best mate should just leave together, go into the nail painting business with each other. I know you were already saying to each other that moving to the beach and teaching surfing or reading palms was a better call. So just do it, bite the bullet so to speak. On the plus side, you’re not exactly going to miss much considering you and your mate are going to be friends forever. Right?

Hunter Stunter

Comfort + style? Not really but we can't deny that this dude is wearing EXACTLY what we want to be wearing. Overall just a fucking vibe.

Trend Alert: Shiny shiny boy

Kakahu Tauira

Just Graduate Early

Since you’ve got your degree and know every-fucking-thing. You may as well not even bother staying here and just finish it up early. I’m not saying you won’t learn anything new but I think we both know that you’re just better than this place. It’s time to take it seriously and consider an early graduation.

Did you just google if that was a real thing?

Are you now questioning if I’m taking the piss?

You okay?

UNTIE ME DADDY

I'VE GIVEN YOU ONE FREEBIE...

CROSS THEM OUT PLEASE

ONLY THE WIERD KIDS DO THIS.

1. Humbert Humbert is a character in which popular novel?

2. What can you figure out about the weather by counting the cricket chirps?

3. Sandra Bullock won the 2009 Best Actress Oscar for her role in which movie?

4. Why are Amsterdam's buildings so narrow?

ANSWERS FROM LAST WEEK: