Nexus 2023 Issue 14

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.

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Issue 14

27th July 2023

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.

Location

The Nexus office is located down the hall at the WSU, usually with Alexa playing sick cunt beats thanks to Jak

Social Links

Printing

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.

Jakob Cotton

Jakob Cotton

Editor-in-Chief + Design

Jak Rāta editor@nexusmag.co.nz

Deputy Editors

Tehana De Klerk tehana@nexusmag.co.nz

Seamus Lohrey seamus@nexusmag.co.nz

Te Ao Māori

Kae’sharn Hose kaesharn@nexusmag.co.nz

Tatiana Warren tatiana@nexusmag.co.nz

Staff Writers

Joel Collins

Leilani Summer Yashanshi Kala

Illustration

Filly Arias Marin filly@nexusmag.co.nz

Media Team

Kat Whitaker kat@nexusmag.co.nz

Jasmine Gorman jasmine@nexusmag.co.nz

Cover + Centrefold

Filly Arias Marin @kid_filly

Contributors

Edward Parker Holland Flatties

You think I didn’t warn you? I specifically remember saying that we were changing. I thought you were ready? You think I’m gaslighting you? Sorry you feel that way. It’s not you, it’s me.

There’s this unspoken rivalry between us and everyone else. Nexus is the younger, more up-to-date cool cousin to student media. I think there’s this notion that all roads lead back to traditional media. That structure of News, Features, and columns. I’m bored, there’s no other way to say it. I’m not saying that other mags aren’t doing a great job but why is it all so serious? Why are we so hard on ourselves and the work we’re producing? Because mate, it’s a rivalry.

Not anymore, I refuse to have a rivalry with people who don’t care about what it is Hamilton’s doing. So I present a 7 page visual novel about how Otago is… okay the irony isn’t lost on me here. Basically it’s a funny comic that our Illustrator and I thought of on the fly. Then we had to full send and commit. Would we have liked a

longer story, definitely–though it’s still good on its own.

Life’s about having a laugh, and right now I’m cracking the fuck up hey.

Anyway, here’s a list of the things I’ve laughed at over the past 2 weeks:

• Cowboys vs West Tigers – Farking laff mate

• Colleen Ballinger playing a Uke and apologising for some heinous shit

• Attenzione Pickapocket. Those poor parisian children

• Reece Walsh calling a ref a fucking cunt. Onya Walshy

• META threads getting sued. What.

• Bald head matching my bald p-. Doja Cat ladies and gentleman

Stay cooked kids, and make happy accidents.

Until next time, Jak

Wahi Matua Editorial

It’s done, it’s made and we’re all staring in awe. Maybe awe isn’t the right word. Confusion perhaps? Hundreds of millions spent and not a single clay duck range in sight? Seems a massive foresight really. The Pā, while impressive, isn’t what comes to mind in necessities for the tauira. Especially coming off thre back of Chris Luzon mentioning their intention to fund the school of Health. We know the higher ups are rubbing their mitts together at the prospect of those med kids rethinking the trek to the mighty south or the humbling Tāmaki Makaurau.

So here’s what we’re thinking–let’s break down what we’d want to see that money spent on to better enhance our campus experience, or just be a better representation of what this university stands for. Dictating what we think is important has been the MO for Nexus since the dawn of time, let’s get that clear.

Underground Tunnels

What it is: You know when you’re at the Zoo and there’s those viewing bubbles to look at Meerkats… only us? Well imagine those and just a massive series of tunnels connecting them under the uni campus. If it works for the government, why would it not work here?

Why it’s beneficial

Well it gives you the ability to run from class to class and check if it's the right class without that embarrassing moment of walking inside the lecture hall and having everyone staring at you. Seems like a fuckng win to us.

Kupu Whakaatu Feature

01. Giant 300m High Billboard that’s bright as fuck

What it is

Well. It’s what it is. Like use your imagination bro.

Why it’s beneficial

Stay with us here. Think about the safety on campus, being able to see the entire campus at all hours. Also who doesn’t want a massive Tina from Turners ad playing at 3am on those dusty walk homes.

02. A uniform

What it is

A preppy secondary-school style uniform. Blazers, dress shoes, you name it.

Why it’s beneficial

nothing spells sophistication better than making the students dress up like we're at private school. It distinguishes us from the rest and makes us better than everyone else.

04.

Burnout Pad

What it is burnouts!!!!!!!! Wooooooooo!!!!!

Why it’s beneficial

Why it’s beneficial: playing a bit more into stereotypes here but why not appeal to the beautiful people of the Waikato more. A nice little study break accompanied by the calming smell of rubber, mmmmmm. I suggest putting it on the Village Green.

05. A Diving Board

What it is

a designated spot for diving into the lake

Why it’s beneficial

I’ve heard some yuck stories about freshers jumping into the lake this year and they’re not on their own, it seems to be a repeating cycle. So, while we’d like to keep you out of that toxic body of water (hence the sharks), we also want to make sure that if you take the plunge that it’s somewhat worth the STD you’ll catch.

population loves. It can even be a call back to the uni’s early roots. Bring back the 60’s baby!

The lates and greatist in the Nexus Team, FIlly is our resident illustrator of the stars.

Originally the idea of this was pitched when he was interning for us and now he's part of the team and we couldn't be more excited to have him.

His mahi is nothing short of an eyegasm, with his pieces exploring religious connotations and iconography while also showing his love for all things music. The kid is talented and we're exciting, I'm excited, for you all to see what he's made of going forward. Keep an eye on this one before he shoots away.

Do yourself a favour and follow him, @kid_filly

Filly Marin

Covered Tohunga Mahi Toi

Pānui Whakaahua

Pānui Whakaahua

A Loose Collection of some Abstract Thoughts by a Wholly Unqualified Author

A long-winded conversation about criminal justice reform, philosophy, and the nature of our existence.

Successful people tend to be incredibly humble, giving credit to good fortune and luck to the point of cliche. For example, Elliot of Grey Matter in Breaking Bad (At least outwardly, they must be more honest with themselves in their own head).

It seems like being what society deems as successful (mostly focusing on riches and material possessions) is caused by some amount of luck and good fortune. It also seems to be caused by a mix of at least some hard work, higher education, and innate intelligence.

This may be hard for some to stomach. Not everyone gets to be a genius. I don’t get to be a genius. For people feeling

uneasy, just remember that there is more to life than just what society deems as being successful. Was the Buddha successful? By society’s standards of success, with a focus on material goods, it appears not. But in terms of fulfilment, satisfaction from life, or legacy, he is likely far more successful than any of us.

That being said, those characteristics of successful people (hard work, education, and smarts) cannot be credited to the successful person in question. Why does someone possess a desire to work slightly harder than the person next to them? It is hard to say. Some mixture of nature (their genetic makeup) and nurture (their upbringing and how that shaped who they are). If you ask why someone is slightly smarter to the person next to them, the answer again can be chalked up to nature and nurture.

This realisation that the actions and outcomes of people, their decisions, their lives, and everything about them is completely out of their control. The decisions they make are only a result of the science experiment that they are - if you raised a child with their DNA with the same upbringing and life experience and put them in the same situation, surely they would make the exact same decision.

Figuring this out is becoming aware of the illusion of free will. It is true that I feel, you feel, we all feel in control of the decisions we make. But our decisions are only the sum of our genetic programming, our life experiences up to that point, and the options immediately in front of us. Considering this, how would it be possible for us to truly have free will?

For example, my decision to contribute to this very magazine. It must be a decision of my free will, yes? Not necessarily. A year ago my father told me that he occasionally writes pieces on topics that he is passionate about. For him, he has gotten a few pieces of writing published in New Zealand’s leading Catholic magazine. Good for him, I guess. Better than me slumming it in Nexus (friendly fire, I know). As well as this, I must have some natural inclination to write. Nature (I hopefully share some DNA with my dad) and nurture (my education and upbringing made me writey). Just one example but you get the idea.

Once you realise this, and apply it to the people around you, then go one step further and apply to people society deems as worthless (such as incarcerated people and houseless people) and you realise there is no such thing as a “bad person”. There are only people who have made bad decisions, and may even completely regret those decisions.

This knowledge is truly liberating. It allows you to be so much more empathetic to all your fellow humans, to know that if you had their genetic makeup, and their life experiences, [FACTORS THAT ARE COMPLETELY OUT OF YOUR CONTROL], you would make the same decisions and end up in the same situations as any person on this rock. How can you condemn, pass judgement, hate, or otherwise throw stones with such liberating knowledge?

Would the world be a better place if everyone shared this understanding? A world without religion. It makes you wonder why the Queen put a hit out on John Lennon /satire. The Queen defo out a hit out on Diana tho, /not satire. I thought it was a matter of public record.

very year in the United States, around 1,000 people are killed by police officers. Every year in the United States, around 50 police officers are feloniously killed in the line of duty. I have no political comment to make, the numbers tell a truer story than I ever could. Certainly not a shabby K/D by any standards.

What would these numbers look like if all police officers were given human empathy and philosophical worldview training at police college? Who is to say? Something to ponder, perhaps. Maybe they’d get the same value from reading Nexus.

Criminal justice reform is a topic that interests me greatly; it should interest us all.

For those blind to this enlightenment of the free will illusion, I can see why religion is so appealing. Right and wrong. Let someone else do the thinking; let someone else figure out what is good and bad. But on this rock, there is always nuance. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

This goes against religious understandings of this world. Indeed, what truths don’t?

Black and white understandings of right and wrong, good and bad, cops and robbers, black hats and white hats. All in all, a completely childish level of thought. In my opinion, religion truly is for those who seek out the childish comfort of absolutes in this world of unknowns. Not hatin’, just observin’. I can only write such scathing words as a former devout believer myself. When a religious person says they will pray for me to return to the fold, I reply that l will pray for them to leave.

Good and evil, sin and repentance.

It is so obvious that the Bible is full of simple surface-level ideas, written by uneducated early agriculturalists five thousand years ago, full only of barbaric mythology with questionable moral value. The whole book verges on the idea that Eve had free will to eat the forbidden fruit. Free will is paraded as the reason bad things happen, even though God is supposed to be good, all-powerful, and all knowing.

Anyways, I’m a bit off-topic.

Just remember, Do What Thou Wilt.

What we have covered today may seem groundbreaking, my dear readers. If you are interested, I highly recommend Sam Harris’s podcast on free will - after all, my opinions written here are only the sum of the information I have absorbed in my life, Sam Harris pods included.

I must write one caveat. While no person can be inherently bad, it appears some are genetically coded to have psychopathic tendencies with a propensity for violence. It appears these people might be inherently bad. The question of what society should do with a young child who tests positive for these traits is a philosophical conundrum for another day, and the moral repercussions of such a scenario should intrigue (and terrify) all of us.

Better luck next Netflix!time,

Glamorous

Pouaka Whakaata

By Leilani Summer

My latest binge in a day has been Netflix’s ‘Glamorous’, a comedic drama starring none of the iconic Kim Cattrall from Sex in the City. Iconic is one thing this show was gunning for - the efforts for this show to be totally Gen Z-approved are admirable; the show reeks of it.

The show follows Transgender actress and singer Miss Benny, who plays Marco Mejia, a young MUA who somehow lands a job in a luxury New York makeup brand as second assistant to Kim Cattrall's character, Madolyn.

Considering I managed to watch this show in less than a day, it was pretty damn good. It was very stereotypical of Netflix and was not very distinguishable in style compared to the likes of ‘Never Have I ever’ and ‘To All the Boys I loved before’. There’s something about the high budget and perfect casting that Netflix creates that makes it a bit unrelatable; I often wonder if things between a bit more natural and rough around the edges would do better. I mean, the shoes are great, and it’s hard to pick out flaws, but the general sterile feeling does not provide the same sense as other TV series produced more organically! We all know Netflix can perfect a ‘perfect’ series, but I think we will get bored of this style of series and want more soon. With Netflix’s budget- wouldn’t it be awesome if they cast ten small directors to work on different shows and movies every year just for some range and perhaps encourage different filming styles? Just a thought; however, capitalism will hate it.

Rotten Tomatoes gave the show a 55% which I think is pretty accurate. It’s great to watch in a day, and I applaud Netflix’s efforts to make the show ‘woke’; however, it’s a bit same-same! Better luck next time, Netflix!

We Are Lady Parts

Pouaka Whakaata Jak Rāta

If, for some reason, you've not seen the greatness that is 'We are Lady Parts', well you're doing yourselves a disservice. It's got punk music, feminism and muslim representation. But something that a lot of people forget to mention, it's fucking funny

The main actress, Anjana Vasan is known now for Black Mirror, but she's genuinely just a massive laugh. It's British comedy, so it's basically like us with a thicker accent. It's raw and emotional, just love it aye bro.

So, if you're so inclined, give it a look and lemme know what you think. I truly care about your opinions.

Run Rabbit Run - Not vegan friendly.

Extraction 2 - I didn’t pay attention to the plot but Chris Hemsworth

The Good Bad Mother - 8/10. That's all really

Holland Flatties

Waikat' Flats is proudly sponsored by

I’ve spent the first 20-odd years avoiding the aux like the plague. My extreme fear of musical judgement exists because music choice is such a personal thing, and I knew if one person didn't agree with mine, I might not like it so much. How easily musically influenced I can be was proven by the six-month period I spent listening to Nickleback because my ex seriously liked it, so I convinced myself that I did too. But not in the feel it in your bones- timeless kind of way. You know those songs that everyone loves, that fit in any period, and you know you’d make your kids listen to. That’s what should get more appreciation. With the rise of Tiktok sounds and snippets, a culture of ‘fast music’ has been created. Like fast fashion, but music, you know! And like there are capsule pieces in fashion, the same applies to music.

Another theory I’ve created that is correct is the way music correlates with a stage in your life, a place, or a feeling. I think Aotearoa makes some of the best music in the world and does an excellent job at purely

encapsulating the feeling this beautiful country radiates. Now that I’m overseas, there’s nothing more I love to listen to than some vintage Fat Freddy’s Drop, Anika Moa or Flight of the Conchords. These, among many other great artists, have created ‘Capsule’ music, you may not listen to it every day, but every day that you do is a great day, and you appreciate it even more. Don’t get me wrong; there are a ton of new artists doing the same; it’s just that there’s so much new content coming out every day now, so not all of it can be on that tier.

What I'm saying is, define what timeless sounds you really like and what you’re confident in liking and embrace it. Who is anyone, including myself, to tell you what you should like? I’m saying you should feel confident in your taste and share it, like I'm doing here. Anyway, because of all my musical theories, I’ve decided to rank this list by a few feelings, moods, and vibes instead of likeness. Have a go!

Okay, you want to come off cool and respectful and like you have good taste. If all backfires or they tease you about having bad taste, point out you’re already dating their kid, so clearly you do. There’s no rebuttal to that. You also have to seem like you’re not trying too hard, so don’t pick something too niche for their generation- here are some safe bets;

Anything Otis Redding!, Her’s, The Beach Boys (so underrated!!) And if you were trying to impress my parents, definitely play Bob Marley.

After9pm

Anything from the Weeknd's older albums (think House of balloons), A bit of Frank Ocean, depending on the vibe, dabble in some 50 Cent because why not. Anything on ‘Anti’ by Rihanna is also a super safe bet. I also stumbled back across Bryson Tiller while writing this, and 14 year old I wasn't as distasteful as I thought; he kind of still slaps!

Anything Steve Lacy, Anything Mac Demarco, The Smiths and always always always anything from ‘The Devine Feminine’ by Mac Miller!

Before 9am Personal Preference ;)

If you were me....

Peppers, Lana Del Ray, who knew she would get any better. Breath Deeper - Lil Yachty remix, Tame Impala. Leaning- Dallas Tamaira, so pretty.

Okay, surely, there’s something you like from all of that. However, the essential part of all of this is to have rad playlist names; here are some of mine (that I’ll let you keep credit for!). Better Than Sex, Permanent fuck me eyes, 3 am Boogie Baby, You Look like you Put Honey in Your long black, Tastes like river water sounds like home, I wanna get sandy with you

SUPREME SLAY

Nothing screams awn like a supreme cap and puffer jacket with a faux lining. With the Henna and Sketcher sneakers. Gaddamn.

Trend Alert: Sneakers and Supreme matching

Kakahu Tauira Fit Check

Lovelle, 21, Engineering

1. I know it's Māori

2. Same as Navodi

3. I think so? It brings awareness right?

4. I don't have a favourite.

5. No but test us next time.

Jade, 21, Teaching

1. Celebration of new year, new life and growth.

2. It's the holiday of our indigenous people

3. Depends on who's doing it.

4. I don't have an exact favourite.

5. Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā- Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te- Rangi

Fazeel Aqil, 21, Health

1. Something to do with the stars.

2. Yeah, I think so. It's the same value for Māori.

3. Depends on the those celebrating.

4. I don't have a favourite star.

5. I actually can't.

Navodi, 19, CompSci

1. It's the stars

2. Definitely. I value culture.

3. I think it's a good idea.

4. The really bright red star.

5. Not yet but we will learn.

Sylvee, 35, Teaching

1. The Māori New Year

2. Yes we should, it's ours

3. No answer really.

Vinny, 21, Comms

1. It's the Māori new year

3.population I'm going to say no.

2. Yes, we should. They're a huge

4. I'm going with the Sun. We'd be dead without it.

5. I cannot, I'm sorry. I'll learn

1. What is Matariki?

2. Do you think we should value Matariki as highly as western News Years Day?

3. Do you think it's okay to commercialise Matariki?

4. What's your favourite star and why?

5. Can you name the Matariki stars?

4. Pōhutukawa

5. Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-āRangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-teRangi

Wheako Tauira Lifestyle

CROSS THEM OUT PLEASE ONLY THE WIERD KIDS DO THIS.

Aficionado

Alfresco

Australian Mint

Baked Earth

Bavarian Cream

Black White (Surely they just mean grey?)

Blue Bayoux

Buddha Gold

Claypot

Craigieburn

Cutty Sark

Dawn Pink

Edgewater

Fandango

Kidnapper (yes this is actually a Resene colour)

Lickety Split

Norwester

Persimmon

Portofino

Promenade

Razzamatazz

Soapstone

Swiss Coffee

Toffee

Wedgewood

Xotic

Zucchini

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: 1. Lolita

The temperature

The Blind Side 4. Tax Evasion

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

HALF PRICE ALL THE TIME

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With the Government’s half price fare initiative you will also receive a further 50% discount until the end of June 2023, so its a great time to start using the bus!

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