N.22 / V.47
16 Hit the Esc Key Video games are for lazy, awkward teenage boys who do nothing but sit at their keyboards drinking Mountain Dew, spewing hate and Doritos everywhere. Or at least, that’s the false stereotype that seems to capture the public imagination.
22 Liberation vs Escapism: The Mayhem of the Writing Mind
18
There have been numerous (boring) studies about
Hamilton Hideouts
the links between creativity and madness, but the
When it comes to Hamilton know-how who
of manic, psychotic, and highly creative people are
better than to ask than @lovethetron. For our
rather similar. The major difference is that the voices
escape issue we went to the experts regarding
in a writer’s head don’t tell us to jump off a bridge.
the best getaways in Hamilton, for when you
Well, not usually. They usually spend half their time
need to detach from reality for a while, and don’t
saying our writing is shit, and the other half leading
have a cool g to throw on flights to Fiji.
us a merry dance down the path of a story.
4
NEXUS NEWS
4
The Untold State of Your Union
5
WSU Elections
6
Celebrity News Newsmakers in the News
6
And You Thought Ponytailgate Was Bad?
general consensus is that the thought processes
28
A FASHIONABLE LIFESTYLE Christopher Kane Spring 2016 RTW
29
THE SINGLE LIFE Lying to Your Family
30
HE PUNA KŌRERO
Editor Brittany Rose editor@nexusmag.co.nz Design Olivia Paris design@nexusmag.co.nz Deputy Editors Alix Higby, Jules Craft Managing Editor James Raffan
Te Waiora & Fetty Wap ki Whakatāne! News Editor Sam Marelich
31
AUNTY SLUT Studying for a Phd in PDA
32
NEW LOCALS Diary of an Outsider
33
Photography Alix Higby, Olivia Paris, Rachael Elliot
COOKING FOR STUDENTS Pork Meatballs
09
REVIEWS
12
ENTERTAINMENT
14
ARTS
15
AUTEUR
34
SNAPPED
35
BLIND DATE
Advertising Andrew James aj@wsu.org.nz Offices Ground Floor, Student Union Building Gate One, University of Waikato Knighton Road, Hamilton Online nexusmag.co.nz facebook.com/nexusNZ @nexusmag Spotify: nexusmagazine
ISSUE 22 26
40
PUZZLES
Contributors Alexander Nebesky, Chris Reive, Chris Kader, Jared Wooldridge, Caitlin Orton, Hp, Tania Collins, Peter Dornauf, Dr. Richard Swainson, Rachael Elliot, Emma Nygard, Jess Wilson, Aunty Slut, Shalini Guleria, Zac Lyon
YOUR SPACE
28 SEPTEMBER 2015
A Glass House: Claudelands
ESCAPE
Editorial NEXUS MAGAZINE
Sweet Escape Brittany Rose
allowed to watch TV or movies. So books it was. While my sister played with the cat and my brother went skateboarding I escaped the dramas of being 12 by reading fiction. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events was my favourite world to climb into, I adored Violet Baudelaire, and still think of how she tied her hair in a ribbon before inventing whenever I tie mine back to write lecture notes or cook dinner.
Sometimes reality becomes way too much to handle: thinking
The term ‘escapism’ has connotations of an unpleasant reality
about the future, doing the washing... even putting pants on
— the desire to escape a world of horrors or seek a distraction
can be super challenging. On days where your hair is lank and
from overwhelming depression — but this week we’re taking
greasy and you have at least three looming deadlines, you may
a slightly less melodramatic approach with our Escape issue.
experience an overwhelming desire to run the fuck away from
Jared Wooldridge explores games as a medium for escape from
your responsibilities. I know I do. For me, these days often result
everyday drudgery, we let you in on some of Hamilton’s best
in endless Tumblr scrolling, YouTube watching or boyfriend
chill spots, and Rachael Elliott dives into the Mayhem that is the
cuddling. Despite appearing to be the antithesis of productivity,
University of Waikato’s online literary journal.
mentally checking out and ignoring pressure can be a good thing — everyone needs an escape once in awhile.
Uni is stressful, and being a poor student is hard work. We all need to escape. But drugs are expensive, and dealers unreliable.
As a child I lived in books. The “nose stuck in a book” song
When we’re only three weeks out from study break it’s best to
from Beauty and the Beast doesn’t even begin to cover it. I
hide from reality in a world of fiction (or procrastinate on your
might aswell have built a fort out of novels and set up camp
readings by delving into this copy of Nexus), or sit and watch
with a pile of granny smith apples because, honestly, all I did
the ducks. Either that or drop out of uni to escape assessment
was read fiction and crunch through fruit. I played no sports, no
completely; a short-sighted and stupid (yet simultaneously
instruments, I didn’t have many friends and we weren’t often
smart) decision.
1
NEXUS MAGAZINE Lettuce
Blind Date
AGM What?
No-Date-Dave
Anon
I love reading the Blind Date section of Nexus. I love hearing the drama, the
What the actual fuck was that AGM?
drinking, the dancing, the food. Its good. But would it be too hard for just a couple
Did the WSU not release the budget before the meeting because of how
of them to end with more than a “cheeky add on FB” or a stolen cheek kiss that
bad it was?
only one of you wants? C’mon guys we are all dying to hear and aspire to your sex
Why are they overspending every single year?
success story each week.
Didn’t shit go down last year because of this?
Please Nexus Daters, Take it off and get it on, hop on the good foot and do the bad thing and of course tell us all about it via the beautiful 300 word recount.
Video Games LDR
Where are all the good games in Level Zero? I feel like you have a lot of empty cases and no actual good games. Are you hiding them from us? Do you not trust the students? Also, have you considered getting SingStar in?
What happened to the beer? At least there were more pizzas than the SGM.
Lecturers Tech Inept John
Can all lecturers take 1 hour mandatory course on how to operate powerpoint, panopto, youtube etc. They have phds but cant even get a link to freaking youtube open. Frustrating seeing lecturer spend 10 mins trying to adjust lights.
Where are you? Anon
Where is Kate Lunn when you need her? I mean come on Kate Lunn
Business Proposal Anon
Can the union make a carpark where we can park for free or for cheap? My dad has access to a builddozer, let’s make this happen. FOR THE STUDENTS
FREE EVENT // FUN CHALLENGES // PRIZES Round up a crew of mates, or represent your club, hall or sports team! Sign up your team of 3 - 5 today at:
>> http://goo.gl/forms/GxyiGt6I7u <<
or scan the QR code to the right →
Disclaimer Letters published contain the opinion of the writer and the writer alone. Nexus publications take no responsibility for the content or opinions so expressed. By submitting your letter you give consent to its publication in Nexus and subsequent public scrutiny. Letters are the authors own work and Nexus will not edit to compensate for lack of intelligence or coherency. Nexus reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish any letter which breaches any law, is defamatory to any person, or contains threats of violence or hate speech. Email your lettuce to lettuce@nexusmag.co.nz
2
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
News from the University NEXUS MAGAZINE
PhD student Bridgette Farnworth has won a $85,000 University of Waikato Research Institute Scholarship to
ONYA
TRICKS OF THE LIGHT
study light as a form of pest control.
CHANGE THE FLAG? PhD student Alex Kravchenko was interviewed on Paul Henry about an online poll he created that asks Kiwis to choose their favourite flag design, ahead of the flag referendum.
WOMEN IN TECH Grace Nolan has won a scholarship to attend the world’s biggest Women in Tech conference in Texas, the Grace Hopper Celebration.
MELLOW CELLO Hillary scholar and cellist Sam Lucas has been accepted as a finalist in one of Australia’s biggest music CRICKET STARS
competitions, the Melbourne Recital
Freddy Walker (above), Arnie Yugaraja, Sam Cooper, Chris
Centre Great Romantics Competition.
Fawcett, Jake Harvey and Elliot Santner made the Hamilton Star University Cricket Club’s premier team, eyeing a three-peat of titles this season. Full stories available on the University website. Got a story to share? Email meganb@waikato.ac.nz — thanks to those who’ve sent in their stories.
CV UP TO SCRATCH?
CALLING FOR BIG IDEAS
The 2015 B Semester exam timetable is
Last chance to book in for a one-on-one
Do you have an idea for a business or
available online at timetable.waikato.
CV support consultation.
project you want to get off the ground?
ac.nz/exams/ Students who have a
Email careers@waikato.ac.nz to book.
You could secure $5000 to make it
learning or physical disability and need
Or come to a CV-writing workshop in
happen with the new Summer Start-Up
other exam arrangements must contact
Hamilton on Tuesday 29 September,
Programme Scholarship.
Disability Support Services by Friday 9
1-2pm, Level 2 Student Centre, or in
Visit waikato.ac.nz/scholarships for more
October. For more info email exams@
Tauranga on Thursday 15 October, 12-1pm,
info and to apply — applications close
waikato.ac.nz.
A01, Windermere Campus.
Friday 2 October.
SAVE LIVES – GIVE BLOOD
GRADE SCALE CHANGE IN 2016
WANT TO LIVE AND WORK IN JAPAN?
Just one donation can help save the lives
The University’s changing its grading scale
Live, travel and teach English in Japan as
of up to three people. The mobile blood
to the same percentage-to-letter-grade
an Assistant Language Teacher or Co-
unit will be at the UniRec Centre every day
scale as other New Zealand universities,
ordinator for International Relations with
this week from 10am-2pm. Go to www.
from 1 January 2016. More information
the JET Programme. Find out more at the
nzblood.co.nz to check if you’re eligible to
and a conversion table are available here
info session on Wednesday 30 September,
donate or talk to them on the day.
waikato.ac.nz/go/grading-scale
1pm-2pm, I.1.09, Hamilton.
Go to iWaikato or Student eNews for more information and other need-to-knows.
NEED TO KNOW
EXAM TIMETABLE RELEASED
NEXUS MAGAZINE News
NEXUS NEWS NEWS FEATURE – NGA PITOPITO KŌRERO
THE UNTOLD STATE OF YOUR UNION Sam Marelich and Jules Craft
With the lusty promise of $5 pizzas and Pam’s drinks the Waikato Students’
•
Operational staff costs continue to increase, with a total wage bill of almost
Union held its Annual General Meeting last Wednesday. Unfortunately this
$400,000. This is expected to increase due to ‘wage inflation.’ Most Nexus
raised more questions than answers, painting a worrying picture of a confused
writers, including the Sub Editors and News Editor, as well as a large number
and fractured organisation.
of awesome students who help run events (including O-Week) are unpaid.
The WSU has an bizzare structure, whereby the board set strategic goals that are then carried out by a paid staff. It’s tempting to blame the board, with ruthless machiavellian tactics, plots and subplots — the ever present features of student
•
ORI2015’s Hullabaloo cost the WSU roughly $10,000. This was not mentioned.
•
The WSU expects a fall in income next year.
•
In 2013 and 2014 the WSU posted a $40,000 deficit each year. Although financial statements from 2015 were not provided to students, General Manager
politics. The board are then expected to work with (and often take orders) from
David West expected a “smaller deficit of around $20,000” when asked. Despite
the operational staff that are supposed to be working towards the strategic goals
losing $100,000 over the past three years and an expected fall in income, the
of the board. Sounds like a game of accountability hopscotch? Let’s continue... With a document titled ‘State of the Union’ it appears the WSU has done a lot this year — Nexus is doing great, large scale event Hullabaloo entertained hundreds of students while the number of clubs on campus and advocacy services grow steadily.
organisation presented a budget that will supposedly break even in 2016. •
Despite high readership rates for Nexus, circulation has been cut by 25% in 2015. The magazine may cull between 8-12 pages for next year.
It must be stressed that this is not a political ploy to ensure Nexus writers start
Despite promising “constitutional democracy” the AGM can be seen as an
raking in coin — we both finish studying this year. We aren’t running for election
unfortunate event that managed to expose the structural flaws that continue to
(or reelection). The WSU, and therefore Nexus, exist to strengthen campus culture
dog the WSU, with little chance for meaningful changes to be made.
and the student experience.
A brief rundown on some of the key issues that face the WSU:
Without pro-active and engaged students, your voice remains unheard. The issues
•
4
2014 saw deep cuts to Board Honoraria, with student representatives earning
raised in this article highlight the lack of direction and control that have resulted
$20,000 less than last year. The board are paid a total of $60,000. $30,000
from this. It is our right as students to ask the hard questions and understand what
of this is paid to the President, $7,000 each to the VP and VP Maori and
the institution intended for our benefit is doing. It is also our collective responsibility
$2,000 to each fo the eight directors. A fresh proposal to further cut Board
to expand and enhance campus culture. Join a club, listen to Noize Radio and make
Honoraria has been proposed. Despite meeting minutes showing students
sure you place an educated vote in the upcoming WSU board elections. No one
would be consulted on the distribution of the $20,000 of cuts, this money
wants to see the end of club support, advocacy, representation, and increased
appears to have been ‘lost’ in the system, with no clear student benefit.
student experience. Froth, get amongst, and take pride in being a Waicat!
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
News NEXUS MAGAZINE
NEWS – KAWEPŪRONGO
WSU ELECTIONS James Raffan
It’s election season again at the Students’ Union. Nexus is covering all 16 candidates standing for 11 positions but those anxious political trainspotters will notice two big names missing from the election spread. The current VicePresident and Vice-President Māori have decided to leave after serving out the year and providing the WSU with some much needed if slightly boring stability. We thought it would be a good chance to ask them why they are leaving and what the future holds. You have chosen not to stand for election again, can we ask why? Kate: It simply came down to managing my time and prioritising my commitments. You usually find that most of the good WSU board members are involved in a number of different activities on campus. This year, I had quite a few things on my plate from tutoring to interning to being on WULSA. To be honest, it was all a bit too much when you added law papers on top of it. I made the decision to stand for WULSA President, after also serving as the Deputy-President this year. We’d made some good progress with WULSA, and I felt I could still contribute to that club more than I could with the WSU. WULSA had a lot of fresh faces who were more than happy to help but needed a little extra guidance. Some of the WSU Board members weren’t there to participate constructively, which made it harder to justify staying on in this role too.
Taha: For me I think strengthening all minority voices whether it be international, short, tall Māori, P.I, whatever. I think diversity on campus creates a certain unique atmosphere, but at representative level I feel the Union could do great with a wider range of skill sets and backgrounds. What are you most proud of from your time with the WSU? Kate: After a pretty crap experience in 2014, I never would have expected our SGM last month to go as well as it did. I’m so proud to be part of a team that worked hard to improve student representation on campus. Furthermore, I’m proud to say we passed our constitutional amendments with the full backing of the students in the room. Also, I spent approximately 14 nights driving the WSU vans to town since I joined the board, and zero students vomited in them. This is a win for any director. Taha: Ktk, I don’t know aye. Not getting the sack for being a useless kient. What sort of attributes do you need in order to achieve in the role? Kate: The Vice-President needs to be pretty organised and have really good people skills. You have to be able to lead a boardroom but also have the skills to talk to your everyday student at a BBQ. You have to be able to motivate a team, but at the same time you have to be prepared to be the bad cop. It’s your job to call out inconsistencies and say that something is a bad idea. You have to support the President, but the Board won’t get anywhere if you’re just a yes-man. Taha: An open mind, strong personality and a good attitude. Be aware of what’s going on, but equally weigh up that things are never going to be easy but there is a way. Look for support, look to those you know and if you need to ask for help ASK!! And if you need to be a cunt be one ktk.
Taha: I feel I have completed most of the initial objectives I had originally set for
What piece of advice would you give to your successor?
myself, I have grown and learnt so much for which I am appreciative.
Kate: Oops — crossover answer above. Doodle Poll is your friend — you will
What made you decide to take up your role in the first place? Kate: I came onto the scene as a Director mid-2014, and was elected to serve the next year. Unfortunately, Roy was unable to continue his role and had to resign. Most of the board made it clear to me that I was their preferred Director to step into the Vice-President role, so I put my name forward. I was the thirdlongest standing Director and had held similar roles before, so I felt like I had the experience and capabilities to steer the team. Taha: The main reason I stepped up for the job was to help the board of directors
be organising a lot of meetings. Also while Neil Quigley may look friendly and harmless, don’t fall for his charm so easily. Make sure you remain critical and also provide constructive ideas for how the Board can move forward. Taha: Stay true to what you know, who you know, and how you do things, understanding the thin line to being reasonable and a pushover. Don’t let those who support you distract you, as your cause is a lot bigger than theirs. Yes, do your best to help but one saying that will never leave me is, ‘your true reality is when you get home from work’. Take that how you please.
gain a better understanding of Māori issues and perspectives. Not only that but I
What’s next for you?
thought giving leadership around cultural diversity was needed.
Kate: I’ll still be on campus next year completing my fourth year of study
Do you feel like you have achieved enough in the last year? Kate: I feel that we made some solid progress this year, but there’s definitely more that the WSU can do for students. We worked hard to improve representation on the University Council and consulted with students to make sure the VP-Māori’s role
(LLB(Hons)/BCS). You may see me getting trashed in a classy, presidential way at the Law Ball, or if you take PR classes, I could be tutoring you. Taha: Finish thesis, take time to be with my family, bigger better opportunities. Work for a better future.
was effective. The WSU has the potential to be a stronger voice for students — that’s
What would you say to anyone thinking of running for the WSU?
the one thing I wish we did better. Our national body isn’t doing what we need it to,
Kate: Make sure you take it seriously and contribute. I wouldn’t want those
so I feel that the WSU needs to step up and advocate for students on a larger scale.
responsible for my welfare as a student fucking around, and I doubt many others
Taha: In my personal opinion nope, as I said earlier I have not quite achieved all that
would either. Also, be a team player. Don’t let egos get in the way of doing good
I set out for, but the board seems great so I am pleased with the developments
things for those you represent.
and can’t complain with the amount of achievements we as an organisation have
Taha: Good luck, you will never know until you try.
completed in the last year. What is there still left to achieve? Kate: To be honest, quite a lot. But the budget that the WSU works with is pretty small and the expectations are quite high. I’d love to see more spaces on campus for our clubs to use and enjoy. Our advocacy service is relied on by a lot of students, and it’d be great to develop this so we can help students with a wider range of issues. Being a better advocate for students not only at the university but nationally should be a priority for the board in 2016.
5
NEXUS MAGAZINE News
NEWS – KAWEPŪRONGO
AND YOU THOUGHT PONYTAILGATE WAS BAD? Elaine Gyde
A new biography which is being serialised by the Daily Mail has released sordid details of British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s time at Oxford University as a student. In this case “sordid” means allegations that he, “put a private part in the mouth of a dead pig whilst it was sitting on someone’s lap.” He put his penis in a dead pig’s mouth whilst it was on another lad’s lap, just a standard night out really. This alleged incident supposedly happened as part of an initiation with
CELEBRITY NEWS NEWSMAKERS IN THE NEWS
Piers Gaveston, an exclusive dining club at Oxford, with the biographer claiming that there is photographic evidence implicating the Prime Minister. The book, titled Call Me Dave also allegedly includes details of the Prime Minister regularly smoking marijuana as member an additional club, the Flum Club. The Daily Express reports this as being confirmed by his friend at Oxford, James Delingpole.
Elaine Gyde
Aside from sex with dead pigs, and Delingpole being a silly name, this story MediaWorks has launched a new celebrity gossip website, Scout, which will be
is further complicated by the fact that the book is partially written by Lord
popping up on a Facebook timeline near you. You may remember Mediaworks as
Ashcroft, a conservative lord in the House of Lords. Lord Ashcroft, former
the place that employs Guy Williams or the place that cancelled Campbell Live —
deputy of the Conservative party, fell out with Cameron after not receiving
that TV show that lots of people didn’t really watch but cared about very deeply.
a promotion to match his £8 million donation to the party in 2009. In this
Scout is aimed at young people and features both local and international celebrity gossip. It describes itself as, “... a multi-platform digital-only entertainment website and app producing highly shareable local and international celebrity stories, breaking news and original TV series and webisodes. That means, we hope you’ll
year’s general election the rift was evident — he heavily criticised Cameron and made internal polling data publicly available. Clearly the motivations behind publishing this new biography stem from bad blood between Ashcroft and Cameron.
love it and you’ll share it. SCOUT has been developed as a joint venture partnership
While Cameron’s scandalous youth might seem like some old-fashioned
between MediaWorks and Rachel Glucina, the #1 local player in the celebrity
fun, official advice from Nexus is not to follow the British Prime Minister’s
entertainment industry.” Some examples of the headlines of their top stories for
lead: it is unlikely to be the secret to becoming Prime Minister, and will
instance are, “EXCLUSIVE: Mike Hosking Hoovers New Ferrari on Remuera Road”,
definitely result in never being able to order sweet and sour pork again.
“Zac Guillford and the Bachelor in a biffo”, and, “Kris and Caitlin Jenner make up with a kiss and a selfie.” While celebrity gossip is probably a sound business strategy and there might be an audience out there for trashy Mike Hoskings Ferrari news, the enterprise has been shrouded in controversy and derision. The centre of the troubles is editor in chief, Rachel Glucina, “#1 local player in the celebrity entertainment industry.” Earlier this year Glucina, who at the time was writing for the NZ Herald, outed the identity of the waitress involved in ponytailgate and wrote an article containing overly sensual descriptions of John Key’s involvement, which was then hastily updated with the sexual overtones removed. Soon after what became known as Glucinagate, she left the NZ Herald for Mediaworks, announcing the move via twitter. Despite all this it’s highly likely that Scout will prove a lucrative venture for Mediaworks, so if you’re interested in celebrities or just want a laugh, check it out.
CLUBS 6
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Remember to RSVP for
CLUBS AWARDS
Email ria@wsu.org.nz
Sports NEXUS MAGAZINE
SPORTS OPINION – PITOPITO KORERO HAKINAKINA
HIGH FIVE – NGA TAKE E RIMA
RWC SHOCK RESULTS Japan beat South Africa Hard not to include the Cherry Blossoms’ 34-32 win this year. Such a quality match from the minnows.
Georgia beat Tonga Overshadowed by Japan’s win, but equally impressive. Very few people expected Georgia to take a 17-10 victory at this year’s tournament.
Ireland beat Australia Aussie won the Tri-Nations in 2011, but Ireland were
CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOOM AT RUGBY WORLD CUP Chris Reive
too good for them in RWC pool play, taking a 15-6 win.
Canada beat Tonga In 2011, Canada stunned the Tongan side with a 25-20 win. Tonga still finished above Canada in their
The stage was set.
pool though.
Lining up at one end of Brighton Community Stadium was Japan. A team who has only registered a solitary win (vs Zimbabwe in 1991) despite having participated in all seven world cups.At the other end of the park was South Africa. The two-time World Cup champions were at full strength, and looked to make an example of their adversaries.
Australia beat Namibia, 2003 Not a shocking result in terms of who won, but who saw a 142-0 thrashing on the cards? I certainly didn’t.
On paper, this should have been one-way traffic. On paper, South Africa should have run riot over the Cherry Blossoms. But rugby isn’t won on paper. Coach Eddie Jones has done wonders with the Japanese squad in the lead up to the tournament, which was brought to my attention via a feature on 60 minutes
SHOULD IT BE A SPORT? – ME HURI HEI HAKINAKINA?
a couple of weeks back. The former Australian coach had his team training up to three times a day to get ready to make a statement when the World Cup began. And they did. Japan showed they meant business from the first whistle — competing hard and defending well. They took an early lead, and when the half-time whistle blew they only trailed 12-10. It was more of the same in the second half — Japan competed and stuck with the Springboks much better than everyone anticipated, and traded points with them, too. When Ayumu Goromaru scored and converted a try in the 69th minute to tie the game at 29-29, the heart-stopping feeling of a nail biter rose. It looked over in the 72nd minute when the Springboks took a penalty to go up by three, but that changed when Coenraad Oosthuizen was shown a yellow card with two-minutes on the clock. The Cherry Blossoms launched their final attack and put together a play off a scrum for Karne Hesketh to score a try in what would be the final play of the game. Japan firmly stamped their mark on the tournament with an impressive 34-32 win, and absolutely shook up their group.
GOOSE PULLING Goose Pulling is a “sport” in Belgium, and the Netherlands. You ride a horse at speed and attempt to pull the head off a goose that is suspended via a wire. In 1920 the rules were changed amidst animal rights complaints so now
Well done to Eddie Jones. Taking the reins of a team who hasn’t won at the World
the geese must already be dead.
Cup since 1991 and winning your first game — all that training must have worked.
Should it be a sport? Let us know what you think editor@nexusmag.co.nz 7
NEXUS MAGAZINE Left vs. Right
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE Currently, when an infant is born, parents are eligible for up to 16 weeks of Paid Parental Leave to be paid for through taxpayers dollars. Good? Bad? And who does this affect most, mums, dads or children? LEFT – MAUI
RIGHT – MATAU
Despite passing its first reading 61-60, Sue Moroney’s embattled Paid Parental
The focus on Paid Parental Leave extensions is nothing more than an extension
Leave Bill, which seeks to extend leave to 26 weeks from the current 16 weeks,
of our continued focus on the wrong things, at the detriment of the youngest
could fail again. This is because the government is threatening to use an
and most vulnerable of our society.
unprecedented financial veto — never before used to shut down an entire bill — in order to stop it.
We have accepted the lie that it is truly possible for all of us to do everything. We can have high flying careers, be successful parents, run a non profit and
As many others have pointed out, the argument that this eminently sound social
maybe a startup on the side. All while juggling a hectic social life and healthy
policy is currently not budgeted for and therefore has to be stopped, appears
relationship while giving ourselves time to grow and develop as people.
pretty rich in the context of millions spent on John Key’s vanity flag, bribing foreign businessmen and billions bailing out finance companies. I’m not one to gripe about government accounts, but it does send an interesting message
Newsflash: you aren’t a machine and you only hurt yourself by pretending that you are.
to the public. Our seemingly endless capacity to rush through — and fund —
Sure, we can blame big corporations and neoliberal agendas as the great big
undemocratic policies (and kickbacks) seems to fall apart when it comes to
puppet masters who have so successfully eroded our standards of living and
implementing the very reasonable results of the democratic process.
formerly plush middle class lifestyles, but what if it was our own fault?
It’s difficult not to see it all as a very cynical, and stereotypical, political game.
Right now, it’s commonly accepted that most professional women will have
After unanimously stopping Moroney’s bill in its tracks in February, the National
children, take up to a year off and then get straight back into full time work,
Party and its ‘coalition’ remora fish allowed most-favoured parasite David
shipping the kids off to daycare. The middle class standard of living where mum
Seymour to introduce legislation and take credit for extending leave for parents
(and let’s be honest, it was usually mum), would stay at home looking after
of premature babies, which was part of the bill everyone just voted against.
the kids and then consider picking up work when the kids finally hit primary
That was then, now the Northland by-election has changed the balance of
school, is over.
power and the government is going to resort to even more egregious antics
The issue with paid parental leave is that it is simply a symptom of our
to stop this reform. Reform which is in line with international best practice and
underlying cultural bankruptcy, where we’d rather farm our children out to
promises to not only make for a slightly more humane society for children,
corporate daycare providers than let mums and dads make the choice to look
parents and families, but also save a lot of that precious government treasure
after the kids at home.
they’re so worried about, by contributing to better outcomes for citizens down the line.
Yes, we need to extend paid parental leave and ensure parents get to spend more time with their newborns, but we need to drastically rethink the way we bring up our youngest citizens, ensuring that they get the love, care and attention that they need.
8
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Reviews NEXUS MAGAZINE
FILM REVIEW – AROTAKENGA KIRIATA
FILM REVIEW – AROTAKENGA KIRIATA
TRAINWRECK
A WALK IN THE WOODS
Jared Wooldridge
Richard Swainson
As a massive fan of Amy Schumer, I surprised myself with how
A Walk in the Woods is an adaptation of a Bill Bryson book,
long it took me to finally watch and review Trainwreck. Having
a memoir about the travel writer’s attempt to walk the
seen it, I’m disappointed I didn’t do so sooner. Her brand of
Appalachian Trail at age 50. As Bryson, 79 year old Robert
comedy is easily identifiable in the movie, even if it is surrounded
Redford is a quarter century too old for the part, yet still
by a few familiar rom-com tropes, but even then they don’t trap
manages to seem a generation younger than raspy voiced
or suffocate the humour and story around them. The story itself
geriatric Nick Nolte, who plays Bryson’s travelling companion
is fairly basic, although the characters and performances still
and contemporary Stephen Katz.
allow you to be hooked in, if you let it.
At least Nolte has something to do: Katz’s battle with booze
Amy plays Amy, a woman who, as a child, took one lesson
provides the material with what little dramatic spark it possesses
from her father to heart: monogamy isn’t realistic. As such, she
and his flirtation with a fat woman in a laundromat is good for
doesn’t think that the life of having a family is for her, although
an embarrassed, guilty snigger. Redford, by contrast, is saddled
when her boss asks her to interview a famous sports doctor (Bill
with such banal, wooden dialogue that Bryson barely registers
Hader), that may potentially change. The premise is nothing too
as literate and his interactions with spouse Emma Thompson
inventive, but the content that fills it in is quite funny. The sex
— an actress 23 years his junior — have all the complexity of a
scenes in particular are hilarious, and kudos to John Cena for
television sit com.
giving us the worst dirty-talking ever. Until Ezra Miller comes along later in the film.
A Walk in the Woods is guilty of the greatest crime there is to narrative art: not knowing what the story is or what the
Trainwreck is basically built around Schumer, and whether or not
point of telling it might be. A failure as travelogue — though,
you’ll enjoy it depends on how much you enjoy her. Personally,
of course, there is plenty of postcard pretty imagery — it also
I love her. She offers some pretty great laughs, but she also
falls flat as a character study, a midlife crisis film or even an
shocked me with how well she handled the dramatic stuff. The
Odd Couple-like buddy movie. Dull incident is piled upon dull
movie has its flaws, sure, but as a romantic-comedy it is easily
incident without evident structure or theme, and then it all just
one of, if not the best you could see this year.
ends. It’s as though its makers were inventing a new genre: the adventureless adventure film. Even the bears are boring.
9
NEXUS MAGAZINE Reviews
MUSIC REVIEW – AROTAKENGA WAIATA
FOOD REVIEW – AROTAKENGA KAI
BEAUTY BEHIND THE MADNESS BY THE WEEKEND
MAVIS & CO Caitlin Orton
Hp
The Weeknd may well be the sexiest RnB act out there at the
As a full time Basic Bitch, I have participated in many mainstream
moment and that’s not necessarily because he did a song for 50
activities. The most recent; coffee date with the girls at Mavis &
Shades of Grey, or that he says “Motherfucker” a helluva a lot.
Co Café.
It’s because he has the kind of silky smooth vocals that made us
Now I’m not one for coffee, but lord do I love a good cup of tea.
fall for D’Angelo, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. The Weeknd
Mavis & Co made me the best cup of tea that I have ever had.
is the next step in the male RnB whakapapa and his new record,
Sorry Mum.
The Beauty Behind the Madness, continues his legacy of more
Honey, lemon and ginger. Three ingredients that seem so simple
beauty than madness.
yet when mixed in the wrong quantities can produce a pretty
Opening with the funk filled groove, Real Life, The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), hits his trademark rhythms by elongating
10
foul concoction. To the barista who made my tea. You sir, are a genius. A bloody genius.
certain phrases to coincide with the stretched out beats that
Despite the pretty bleak weather last Thursday, the girls and
back him. He sings in a way that sounds as if he is always getting
I chose the outside patio to sit and plan our evening in town.
out of bed. He is sleepy, soulful and continually at ease even
Five girls, five different orders. And yet we were all given our hot
when he’s hitting the more risqué subject matter of fucking and
drinks at the same time and with barely any wait. Kudos for that.
cocaine which, let’s face it, is the heart of his subject matter.
The patio was nicely decorated with a small garden and retro
It’s at its peak on Tell Your Friends, the lyrics throughout this
sugar containers and even our cups matched the vintage chairs
record are a discord; a juxtaposition. The velvety voice feels
painted in pastels. All in all, it was the kind of place any hipster or
like it should be spilling out the most luxurious and comforting
basic bitch friend group would be found.
rhymes you could imagine but instead, The Weeknd constantly
The lemon, honey and ginger tea cost me around four dollars,
uses near gangster-rap lyrics which are part of the magic. The
slightly less than the other girls’ cups of coffee, but still a little
Michael Jackson-styled single Can’t Feel my Face, might comply
expensive. If this had been a cup of bagged tea I would have
with the censors, but that R18 tone remains and that is what
justifiably felt ripped off. But considering it was freshly made, the
makes this record so good.
perfect temperature and so, so tasty I can’t complain.
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Reviews NEXUS MAGAZINE
BOOK REVIEW – AROTAKENGA PUKAPUKA
BOOK REVIEW – AROTAKENGA PUKAPUKA
ATTACHMENTS BY RAINBOW ROWELL
BITCH LIT BY CHOWDHRY & SHARRATT (EDS)
Tania Collins
Brittany Rose
While the plot to Attachments did all work out in the end, it felt
This short-story anthology, edited by Maya Chowdhry and Mary
a little bit stalkerish to me. Set in 1999, when the internet was
Sharratt, is all about bitches. It’s spewing with “characters that
still a relatively new and novel, Attachments is the story of two
give Lady Macbeth and Imelda Marcos a run for their money.”
best friends and workmates — Beth and Jennifer — who send
The protagonists are confronting and unsettling, while the
each other emails during work time. It is also the story of the
stories themselves range from shocking to fantastic.
tech guy who monitors the employee emails. After reading Beth and Jennifer’s conversations he decides simply from their witty exchanges that he is in love with Beth. There were times when Lincoln, the novel’s main character and narrator, was slightly unlikeable and just plain pathetic. I have a kind of love/hate relationship with this novel, the emails are incredibly funny and the overall writing style is great, but the characters seem a little two dimensional and unrealistic and it takes a while for the story to really pick up and go anywhere. Attachments is one of those novels that I didn’t feel overly compelled to finish, I could have — and at times did — skip a
The whole book is worth a read if you enjoy the thought of an R-rated version of Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent. If you prefer your damsels distressed then it’s probably not your cup of tea. Below are the stand out stories that have stayed with me years after first opening the pink polka-dotted book: Big Bad Momma, by Lynne Taylor, is a very short short-story at only four pages. The nameless anti-hero has two motivations: maternal instinct, and revenge. Written in first person with an unbroken internal dialogue, the story’s compulsive, rhythmic pulse is shattered in the midst of a mosh pit.
few pages, but I was still able to follow what was happening.
Mimi by Sherry Ashworth follows the boring, ordinary Jean from
Rainbow Rowell, as an author is a little hit and miss for me, I have
her acquisition of a new kitten to the demolition of her marriage.
either really loved her novels, or not been able to connect with
It’s a bizarre story that paints cat ladies in a whole different light.
them. Attachments was definitely a miss.
As a fan of short-stories, contemporary fiction and badass bitches who rival Rihanna (not that I’m pitting women against each other), this anthology was as near perfect as is possible.
11
NEXUS MAGAZINE Entertainment
HOROSCOPES – WHAKAKITENGA
Capricorn (December 22 — January 19)
Cancer (June 21 — July 22)
If you have a friend in a dark place you cannot worry,
You’re telling everyone how to play, and keep acting
you can only care. To worry is to add more petrol to
like you’re the team captain. Your rank says Gold, but
the flame, you now make their actions responsible for
your attitude screams bronze.
your happiness.
Aquarius (January 20 — February 18)
Leo (July 23 — August 22)
You live, you die, that’s all. Might as well try it all…
Don’t live to work, work to live. #YOLO and you’re
Get Pandemonium AND that one with the apricot sauce.
wasting it.
Pisces (February 19 — March 20)
Virgo (August 23 — September 22)
Those with a strong marijuana habit should take at least
Your new bucket list: 1) Listen to Home Brew 2) Vote
a month before making big life decisions. For those who
on climate change 3) Don’t vote for a flag change 4)
don’t touch the sticky-icky and can’t make any decisions,
Go for a run then take a shit – be careful not to faint
it is advised you find something to relieve a little stress...
on the toilet.
Aries (March 21 — April 19)
Libra (September 23 — October 22)
Wake up every morning as if you are the teacher and
If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, you are
the world your student. Except on weekends, and
probably in a James Franco movie. Cut off your arm!
weekdays after 6pm. This is when the wise rest.
Cut off your arm!
Taurus (April 20 — May 20)
Scorpio (October 23 — November 21)
Cause a raucous, make a scene, then play the victim.
God doesn’t make mistakes, he makes trees, and leaves,
Does this sounds like a fun game to you? NO. Didn’t
and lakes. Oh and ISIS, Aids, and fuckwits who raise the
think so. Own your ish.
patent on medicines by 500%.
Gemini (May 21 — June 20)
Sagittatrius (November 22 — December 21)
Namibia had a bigger chance of beating the All Blacks
Philosophy is a waste of time, you can’t prove or disprove
than you do of making your parents proud. Fuck
anything is in this world. Except student loans, and child
expectations and keep chillin’.
poverty. Soooo many hungry cats running round.
WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT – NGA MEA PAI, ME NGA MEA KINO
WHAT’S HOT 1. The rare and elusive deadline extension.
N.22 / V.47
1. Asking for Snapchat usernames on Yik Yak. Desperate.
2. Extra car parks in Gate 1.
2. Looking down at your winter bod.
3. Planning all of the nothing you will
3. Climbing to Level 4 of the library
do in five weeks’ time.
12
WHAT’S NOT
ESCAPE
and not being able to find a seat.
Entertainment NEXUS MAGAZINE
PLEASE DON’T QUOTE ME – KAUA AHAU E WHAKAHUATIA MO TĒNĀ
TRENDING ON TWITTER – NGA KORERO HIRA O PAE TĪHAU
#PLEASEDONTASKMETO
“YOU CANNOT WIN AN EMMY FOR ROLES THAT ARE SIMPLY NOT THERE”
Chris Demers @whispers2scream · Sep 22 #pleasedontaskmeto sit through any movie with “Furious” in the title. 1
– Viola Davis accepting award for Best Actress
5
Hashtag Prophet @YahBoiSelfie · Sep 22 #PleaseDontAskMeTo come over to your place and you have no food
“HERE’S ME AND MY LITTLE SON BATMAN #NOFILTERNEEDED”
52
46
Charley Kaye @charley_ck14 · Sep 22 #PleaseDontAskMeTo be the Designated Driver. You’re the Reason I Drink.
– Demi Lovato thinks her dog is a human boy
25
“WE LIVE IN A WORLD FULL OF INFURIATING RULES”
60
krautsider @krautsider · Sep 22 #PleaseDontAskMeTo eat less pizza 42
69
– Mike Hosking discusses politics
YIK YAK OF THE WEEK – TE YIK YAK O TE WIKI
Girl doing poo next to me, you have a lil too much confidence.
68
BEST OF THE WEB – NGA TINO O TE IPURANGI
UK YOUTUBERS (UNDER 150K SUBSCRIBER EDITION)
tyrannosauruslexxx (118,204 subs)
ChewingSand (147,686 subs)
Hannah Witton (146,631 subs)
booksandquills (138,532 subs)
Lex Croucher is a funny, blonde vegan
Hazel Hayes — not to be confused
A history graduate and sexuality nerd,
Sanne Vliegenthart works as a Digital
who uploads “silly internet videos.”
with the cafe at 587 Victoria St—- is an
Hannah Witton annunciates the ‘g’s on
and Social Media Manager for a book
The topics of which range from
Irish filmmaker who uses her YouTube
the end of ‘ing’ words and vlogs about
publisher. Most of the London-based,
lighthearted Favourites videos (filled
channel to post fun, pastel-vibe
monogamy and heteronormativity in
Netherlands-native’s videos are book
with comic books and Lush products),
videos. According to her YouTube
amongst her Drunk Advice series. Do I
reviews. She enjoys “dystopian/
to tongue in cheek How-To guides.
About, “If you like witty, sassy, Irish
Look Like A Slut? is her most popular
apocalyptic novels, sci-fi and a
How To Deal With an Existential Crisis
girls... you’ll hate this.” She’s lying, her
upload (873k views) and her merch
variety of graphic novels, YA and
is a highly recommended watch.
Tipsy Talk show is hilarious.
slogan.
contemporary literary fiction.” 13
NEXUS MAGAZINE Arts
Jewish Superman Peter Dornauf
The comic book Superman thus becomes a modern mythical saviour figure (sublimated theodicy) perhaps because the traditional God figure had become impotent or redundant — in other words, dead. The irony is that the German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, (death of God fame), introduced the idea that humanity itself needed to become the “superman” (ubermensch) which was used by Hitler, with a little debasement and perversion, to justify and support his own cause. The
Not a lot of people know that the original Superman comic strip was created by two Jewish American graphic artists: Jerry Siegel and Joe
The modern comic in New Zealand was given well researched coverage
Shuster. That’s an interesting fact in itself, but when you add in the date
in Adrian Kinnaird’s recent publication, From Earth’s End: The Best of
of publication, 1938, it takes on another dimension.
New Zealand Comics. However that historical treatment was obviously
The red-capped one was thus introduced to the world one year before Hitler invaded Poland which precipitated the events of the Holocaust.
not thorough enough because it failed to include the work of our own esteemed comic book writer, Dean Ballinger.
Long before that, of course, going back to 1933 when Hitler became
I first came across the man’s work some years back, browsing through
Chancellor with the subsequent burning of “un-German” books the
Hamilton’s premier comic book store, Mk 1 Comics, down the north end of
same year to purge the country Jewish cultural influence, the writing
Victoria Street. I was instantly attracted to the back cover of two volumes
was on the wall. Jews watching these events from afar in America
(Olio) that revealed the writer to be well versed in matters art historical.
would not only have been anxious but also wondering, with a certain
Clever references to surrealism for the initiated were included and the
frustrated impotence, about what could be done to stop this anti-
content of the volumes didn’t disappoint. My favourite would have to
Semitic plague.
be the Jackson Pollock strip consisting of six frames of random squiggle
Thus it’s not hard to see that in a flight of compensatory and imaginative fancy, a couple of Jewish boys come up with a ‘solution’ albeit in fictional format, of a hero in tights with magical powers that would save the world, rescue runaway trains and avert disasters. Which
14
machinations of history.
lines closely followed by the more anal retentive Piet Mondrian work of empty outlined frames boxed surrounded with small neat squares. For the more perverted, there was Robert Crumb inspired material called, Derek the Degenerate included.
I suppose, when one thinks about it, is not too far from some version of
Anyway, Ballinger has recently co-opted several Hamiltonian comic
a Jewish God who rescued his people back in the day by raining frogs
book graphic artists to contribute to a large volume of work entitled,
on the Egyptians and parting the Red Sea to help the Hebrews slip the
Hamiltron: City of the Future!! The launch is sometime this month, but
net of oppression and slavery.
be in quick. Only 200 copies of this collector’s item will be for sale.
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Auteur NEXUS MAGAZINE
Auteur House Presents... Frank Sinatra (part II)
The Joker is Wild (1957)
Richard Swainson
Like From Here to Eternity, Some Came Running is based on a novel
A potentially standard Hollywood biopic of singer and comedian Joe E. Lewis is transformed by Sinatra into something approaching true drama. Lewis was a personal friend and drinking buddy of Frank’s and he knew Lewis’ world of small bars, mafiosos and casinos inside out. It shows. Some Came Running (1959) by James Jones. The book was poorly received but the film — about an aspiring novelist returning to his post war home town — is a minor masterpiece of melodrama. Eschewing all Rat Pack bravado, both
Frank Sinatra’s film career began with an appearance as himself in a
Sinatra and Dean Martin give sensitive, understated performances.
1935 short — a document of the then 20 year old’s first real success as
The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
a professional entertainer — and concluded 49 years later, the charisma
This is the quintessential cold war thriller. Sinatra is a soldier in Korea
still intact beneath a bad hairpiece, with a cameo in the otherwise
and his platoon is brainwashed by the Chinese. Laurence Harvey is an
lamentable Cannonball Run II. Strangely enough, the latter made a
old comrade in arms who is programmed for assassination. Brilliantly
huge impression on me. A fan was born.
directed by John Frankenheimer, the dazzling opening and tense finale
Sinatra appeared in a great deal of awful movies, especially in the late 40s/early 50s period, when his singing career was bottoming out. The
are complemented by some genuinely strange love scenes between Sinatra and Janet Leigh in which non sequitors flow thick and fast.
Rat Pack pictures are also not particularly good — the infamous “clan”
Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964)
of entertainers being a more effective live act — and like many other
The best of the Rat Pack films is also the only genuine musical amongst
nominal screen tough guys as he aged Ole Blue Eyes played too many
them. Peter Lawford had by then been replaced by Bing Crosby, playing
cops and/or private eyes on the verge of retirement.
Alan-a-Dale to Sinatra’s Robin Hood and Dean Martin’s Little John in a
This aside, there were high points. Last week’s overview of Sinatra on
comedic updating of the classic story to Jazz Age Chicago.
film fell at least five titles short. The following complements that list.
15
NEXUS MAGAZINE Feature
HIT THE ESC KEY Jared Wooldridge
Video games are for lazy, awkward teenage boys who do nothing but sit at their keyboards drinking Mountain Dew, spewing hate and Doritos everywhere. Or at least, that’s the false stereotype that seems to capture the public imagination. Take me, for instance. I am a gamer, and I’m not overly fond
is getting you down, or you need to cool off, people turn
of Mountain Dew. No, when I sit down at my keyboard it’s
on their consoles and computers for a variety of different
usually with bourbon. Or cider. Maybe vodka. Rum. Tequila.
reasons. For some, it may just be because they enjoy it more
You know what, I think that’s another issue entirely, but
than they enjoy playing rugby. Not as many injuries, either.
the point stands; games are not the downfall of western civilisation, and they’re not the destroyer of countless social lives. Also, the idea of gamers as predominantly male is inherently false, as is the view of them always being socially awkward and lazy. No, games offer much more than mainstream seems to realise. Gaming can be an escape in much the same fashion that people use movies, or books, or even music as an escape. Sure, gaming is far from perfect, but sports are too. So there.
16
Escaping Into The Story Now I’m what you would call a gamer. I also live with a couple others, but I’ll get to them in a minute, but gaming is an escape for all three of us. I’m all about the story. Whether it’s a good book, an opera cycle, a movie or TV show, the story will just suck me in. If it’s any good. Stories offer their own methods of escape, letting one detach themselves from the world around them (and all its troubles) to become involved in another world for a while. Everyone gets that, what with
You might be asking yourself (really, it doesn’t matter
reading books and all (If anyone still does that, of course).
whether you are or not, I’m answering it anyway), what kinds
But this is where gaming becomes an escape for me; I love
of games provide an escape? I cannot really answer for every
movies, and books, and shows, but gaming offers a far more
gamer; there are so many different games out there, from
interactive, engaging, and drawn-out story. Games like
Candy Crush to League of Legends, each providing their
BioShock, or The Last of Us, or The Walking Dead, all offer
own value to the player. There are those who prefer gaming
stories that rival any movie or book with their depth, and
online with friends, those who prefer racing cars, those who
being put into the position of a playable character just makes
prefer strong and involving stories, and so many others. Not
the story that much more satisfying — or heart-breaking
only this, but there are different things that these gamers
— as you play. In this regard, games can be an even more
may be escaping from. Whether life is just boring, study
effective escape from the world around us than a good book.
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Feature NEXUS MAGAZINE
Escaping Into An Alternate Reality Onto my living buddies, codenames Legendary Eagle: ReluctantColon, and Amabelle. Both these individuals are fantastic, and I love them both in their own unique way. They also enjoy gaming online, with however many others. ReluctantColon is more a shooty shooty bang bang type gamer, specifically on Counterstrike. I asked him about gaming, and he told me that part of it is the thrill of being able to do things that we cannot do in reality. It can be thrilling, particularly, as he says, when you’re the last person left on your team, and the odds are against you. That’s the stuff movie heroes are made of, and you get to live it out. Also, as he (helpfully) pointed out, pants are optional for gaming. So not only can you escape your humdrum life for a while, you can do it in the most comfortable way. As for the people that he and Amabelle game with, they are anonymous. All they know are screen names, and this anonymity allows for a community whose true sides are revealed to all. Escaping Into The Character Amabelle, on the other hand, quite enjoys superhero games, and is actually a Dew drinker. Partially for the butts on display (I must admit, Nightwing got a hot booty), but also because these games feel very much like an extension of other stories
Whether life is just boring, study is getting you down, or you need to cool off, people turn on their consoles and computers for a variety of different reasons.
she has already fallen in love with. It’s the thrill of reading a Batman comic, and then being able to go around as your own hero or villain, and get up to all sorts of hijinks. Not only that, but she can roll on these adventures with her own crew
However, let’s not forget that as with everything in life,
of people who like these same stories.
there are negative aspects to gaming. For all of these points
The Downside Of course, there are some things that can ruin this escape for ReluctantColon and Amabelle. Amabelle in particular has to endure sexist douchebags (10/10, would not recommend), who are just the worst. Not only that, but the twelvies (from their lingo, I deduced that these were twelve year-olds who follow the stereotype) who think they’re all that and a bag of chips, only to go and die and rage a lot. Also, some of these twelvies can be Australian apparently, which can also be quite annoying. What else is annoying?
raised, they are true for these individuals, and many others like them; however, there are those who can take it a little too seriously, and buy into fictional worlds too much. There are stories of people dying through playing video-games. People can be so caught up in the game, they forget to eat or drink. There was the story of a couple who neglected their child, who died, whilst gaming, and stories of others who sought out and killed their opponents in real life. This is without including the knowledge that violence in video games can be a harmful influence.
People constantly interrupting them. I mean, you wouldn’t
For those of us who merely enjoy losing ourselves in another
want someone talking to you whilst you’re reading, right?
world, taking our minds off mundane matters and engaging
So what gives someone (I, Jared Wooldridge) the right
in exploits beyond the limits of our reality, gaming is merely
to wander into ReluctantColon’s room and just begin a
an escape. It does not make us all sweaty, lonely loser boys.
conversation? Speaking of which, people complain about the
We are still who we are, it’s just that every now and then, I
lack of sociability of gamers, whilst gamers can be engaged
might enjoy being someone else for a while. I always come
in conversation with each other. Meanwhile, those who
back to Jared Wooldridge, though. There is no game yet
complain are on the couch, busy not talking to one another.
which can eclipse my sheer awesomeness.
17
HAMILTON HIDEOUTS Alix Higby and Olivia Paris
When it comes to Hamilton know-how who better than to ask than @lovethetron. For our escape issue we went to the experts regarding the best getaways in Hamilton, for when you need to detach from reality for a while, and don’t have a cool g to throw on flights to Fiji.
The very top of the outer stairs of J block, University of Waikato “You can climb to the top and be totally by yourself or have a wee little date, without anyone bothering you.” — @lovethetron This spot is a little cramped so we wouldn’t recommend bringing the whole crew, but if you just need a break between lectures you can get a sweet vantage point at the top of J block to watch campus go by.
The Cemetery above the Gardens Nexus received multiple tip offs about the hut behind the gardens. Apparently this is everyone’s not-so-secret-secret spot for late night macca’s, solitary reflection, and illegal substances. The view over the Gardens isn’t bad either.
Raglan Technically not Hamilton, but a Hamiltonian’s escape nonetheless. Black sand and surfer’s waves, if you’re not from here you must put this on your summer ‘15/’16 to-do list. Only a 40ish minute drive out of the city and you’re at the edge of the land. Take a Wednesday study week break to The Raglan Wharf who do a mean fish and chip.
Rocket Coffee off Barton “This is the centre of the world as far as I am concerned.” — @stepdoran Rocket Coffee is the inner-city hideaway. Nexus friend and contributor Chris Yousef was on the grind when we popped in one rainy afternoon, it was quiet and relaxed with the smell of freshly roasted coffee baked into the walls. Rocket also run classes to teach you the perfect pour, and have taught the art to many of your Hamilton baristas. Last coffee orders at 3.30pm.
After-hours Templeview on a Weekday “It’s lit up and empty and perfect for solitude and looking at the city from a distance.” — @lovethetron Our visit to Templeview in the suggested time-frame couldn’t be dampened by the drizzle of September Spring rain. It’s still, but not eerie, and the park benches outside the temple are perfect for getting out of the city, both physically and mentally.
Other Escapes Duck Island, Wellington Beach The actual island not the ice cream place although that is amazing too. [currently submerged by an overflowing Waikato River] Russian Bell Tower, Hamilton Gardens It’s absolutely amazing and most people aren’t aware of its existence as it’s hidden away up high. The Brick Caravan, London Street We want to have a tea party here one day! The Balcony at Ibis They do a decent cheese board, and it overlooks the river and it feels rather luxurious. “For a GREAT coffee off the beaten track, Jord Espresso. Wee shipping container cafe next to Gallagher. Little bro of Demi Urgos” — @ JennaLynchNZ
Feature NEXUS MAGAZINE
LIBERATION VS ESCAPISM: THE MAYHEM OF THE WRITING MIND Rachael Elliott
There have been numerous (boring) studies about the links between creativity and madness, but the general consensus is that the thought processes of manic, psychotic, and highly creative people are rather similar. The major difference is that the voices in a writer’s head don’t tell us to jump off a bridge. Well, not usually. They usually spend half their time saying our writing is shit, and the other half leading us a merry dance down the path of a story. Writers have walked the knife edge between insanity and
as Tracey, and she spearheads Waikato’s very own literary
genius for centuries. It’s why we so often turn to drink. We like
journal: Mayhem. Working with past and present students
our drink and we like our drugs — just ask Edgar Allan Poe,
on the Editorial Board, Mayhem is a vessel to showcase the
William Faulkner, Dorothy Parker, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen
writing of Waikato students. Tracey says in her opening
King, Katherine Mansfield, Jack Kerouac or any number of
address of issue one “from the outset, as I listened to
other famous authors. We’re frickin masters of escapism.
students exchanging their work-in-progress, I knew I was
When we’re not fucked up (and sometimes when we are), we
in the presence of explosive talent that demanded a wider
change personalities like other people change clothes. And
audience.” But a quick browse through the first two issues
anyone who has ever listened to an author talking about their
is enough to tell you that Mayhem can’t really be described
characters or pseudonyms like they’re living, breathing people
as ‘escapist’ art — much of it is visceral, deeply felt and
will tell you (in hushed voices) that writers be fucking crazy.
breathing through lived experience — or what some people
Now, I’m pretty sure that Dr Slaughter (despite being a drummer in a rock band) isn’t a meth head, a closet pot
like to call “angry boys and girls” fiction. So how can raw and unashamed writing like this be escapist?
fiend, a raging alcoholic or schizophrenic — but fuck me,
One member of the editorial team states “I don’t know if I
can she write a story or what? She’s so good in fact that
could call writing a form of escapism, I would say it is exactly
she’s just added another title to her growing list of badassery
the opposite. For me it’s a way to confront and examine
(Uni calls these ‘accolades’), by winning the prestigious
things/feelings and at other times to scream about injustice
Landfall essay competition. But round here she’s known
without getting locked up. It’s cathartic, which is perhaps a
23
NEXUS MAGAZINE Feature
non-traditional form of escapism?” Another reckons writing can be transcendent (and that maybe through that there is some kind of escape). Another thinks writing is always somewhat escapist: “I get to be all the ‘me’s’ I can’t, or don’t want to, be in real life, and to try on a bunch of other skins too.” But are we truly escaping when we don another skin? Are our characters enactments of the selves we refuse to be, the dark parts of our personality on steroids and too many Cruisers? Or are they complete figments of our overactive imaginations? Some argue that there are conflicting sides to the creative writing coin: introspection and escapism. Escapist genres (like science fiction, romance or fantasy) often get a bad rap. They’re called shallow, superficial, trite — they’re described by some long nosed writers as ‘sub-literary’. But they remain popular with readers, who, at the end of their crappy 9-5 day, don’t want to think about the terrible shit happening in the world. They just want to romp in the Scottish heather with Jamie Fraser, fight Lord Voldemort with Harry, or play the Game of Thrones with Varys and Little Finger. But it’s still got to be somehow relatable. If your reader can’t relate to your characters and their experiences then you’ve lost them. If your surreal setting is integral to your plot then have at it, but if your reader has to wade through sixteen pages describing the blue grass in the ‘paddock-like’ enclosures and green ‘sky-like’ dome over our heads, then
Creativity can only take place in an environment of full permission — you have to escape to that place, however playful or dangerous, where anything is allowed.
don’t waste their fucking time. If your story is so weak it has to hide behind screeds of adjectival waffling, then readers won’t read it. You want relatable escapism, not tangential escapism. (Appreciating the irony that this paragraph is somewhat tangential). Neil Gaiman said “I hear the term [escapism] bandied about
Keep writing. Hate yourself? Keep fucking writing. Your
as if it’s a bad thing. As if ‘escapist’ fiction is a cheap opiate
words deserve to be written. So write them.”
used by the muddled and the foolish and the deluded, and the only fiction that is worthy, for adults or for children, is mimetic fiction, mirroring the worst of the world the reader finds herself in.” But is fiction truly either escapist or reflective? Can’t it be both?
Regardless of whether it’s ‘true’ or not, gifted writing is firmly anchored in lived experience. If our lived experience is different to that which we’re writing or reading, then we can still escape ourselves, and by writing them, we are able to escape our subjects and our internal censors. And no matter what stuffy,
Tracey says, “To be creative you have to escape, from rules,
humourless, whiny old men say, on the page we can escape
prohibitions, expectations, fear of the audience. You have
society’s expectation that we should be good girls and boys,
to shut down that sly internal censor that whispers what
and instead embody all kinds of deviant, unacceptable,
you can and can’t write. Creativity can only take place in
improper rudeness. And say the word cunt sometimes.
an environment of full permission — you have to escape to that place, however playful or dangerous, where anything is allowed.”
24
extinction? Keep writing. Don’t want to see a pen again?
Want to get involved? Submit to Mayhem via mayhem. submissions@waikato.ac.nz
So, writers! In the words of our Editorial team: “Keep
Want to know more? Come to our launch of Mayhem issue
writing. Is it shit? Keep writing. Can’t get that one word you
3, 6.30pm October 1st at the Art Fusion Gallery, Level 0,
want? Keep writing. Think that humanity is on the brink of
Student Centre. Nibbles, drinks and readings provided.
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
go on tree t yourself!
$17.90 usually $22.30
Offer available at any BurgerFuel in New Zealand. Not available with any other offer. One voucher per person, per visit. Not valid for online ordering. Expires 01/11/15. 30/08/15.
Leaving town soon? Need storage? SPECIAL STUDENT OFFER Save $200
S E L F S TO R AG E
Call Shirley for all the details Ph 846 6144 â&#x20AC;˘ storeit4U@xtra.co.nz â&#x20AC;˘ 176 Ellis St, Frankton www.storeit4u.co.nz
NEXUS MAGAZINE Feature
A Glass House: Claudelands It’s late afternoon when we reach this week’s flat, hidden down a Claudelands’ side lane. Long time friend of Nexus, and author of renowned playlist ‘Beats by J’, Johnny opens the door, “Hello Nexus, and welcome to my crib.” Up one flight of stairs the waning sun falls through ceiling-high window panes onto the living room floor, illuminating a pair of A1 design prints and a MacBook left open to Facebook. There is a cat door in the downstairs bathroom for Millie and Tillie, and a scratching pole behind a Freedom Furniture couch. Trashy TV provides comfortable white noise, but an antique dining table set in the corner tells us these are not your regular basic bitches. More oversized windows open the master bedroom onto the back garden, overgrown and weary after a miserable winter. We never meet the cats, but perhaps they are just lost in the long grass.
26
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Your Space NEXUS MAGAZINE
27
NEXUS MAGAZINE Columns
A FASHIONABLE LIFESTYLE – NGA KORERO HUATAU
“THE TIES WERE ALSO QUITE DANGEROUSLY USED AS NECKLACES; PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS.”
Christopher Kane Spring 2016 RTW Jess Wilson
Kane brought back his iconic neon lace from Spring 2011 RTW in a collection that merged pop art with homemade kitsch. Kane stated that the theoretical wearer of this collection would be a girl who is “crazy in love!” — crazy being the key word. Patchwork 90s geometric shapes, fringing, and squiggles were recurring themes. Zip-ties printed with the iconic designer’s name were used as accents to garments and as makeshift hair ties. The ties were also quite dangerously used as necklaces; please do not do this.
Christopher Kane is my favourite designer. From his very first collection of fluorescent bandage dresses with plastic buckles, frilled lace, and chainmail which inspired imagery of punk mermaids, I was hooked. That was back in 2006 for his Spring 2007 RTW collection. That collection firmly secured him as the game changer in the fashion industry with almost all of his collections being replicated en masse in chain stores across the globe. Kane helped kick start the Russian flower embroidery trend back in 2010 (remember when Glassons was all over that a few years later?). After his Spring 2011 RTW collection, every fashionable girl was investing in structured metallic clothing and organza dresses and skirts with bright embroidered flowers. His Resort 2012 collection made pleated silver skirts très cool.
28
N.22 / V.47
It is striking how Kane managed to bring together such intense and seemingly conflicting themes to create a cohesive collection that didn’t overwhelm the viewer. Apart from making it look as though acid neon and dainty lace belonged together, Kane managed to merge Western fringing and 90s geometric shapes into several looks without inducing nausea; instead, Kane managed to induce desire. Yes, this hodgepodge of conflict is actually desirable, just look at the excitement on Tumblr when you search the collection. (He seems to always create excitement no matter what the theme/s of his collection, remember how everyone was wearing galaxy prints after his Resort 2010 collection?).
In recent years his collections have been toned down. Though
Whether we are going to be seeing zip-ties at Glassons and
still setting trends, his influence hasn’t been as obvious. With his
Cotton On next season is uncertain, but what we will definitely
recent Spring 2016 collection, I think that’s all going to change.
be seeing is a lot more neon, which after seeing this collection, I
Welcome back, Christopher Kane.
am totally down for.
ESCAPE
Columns NEXUS MAGAZINE
THE SINGLE LIFE – TE KOIORA TAKITAHI
“BACK TO LYING TO YOUR FAMILY — DON’T LISTEN TO YOUR PRIEST WHEN HE TELLS YOU IT’S A ‘SIN’”
Lying to Your Family Emma Nygard
I wasn’t a particularly rebellious teenager so sometimes I like to look at my continuous holiday at Hotel Single as some repressed act of teenage defiance. However, every anarchist has their breaking point. There is only so much ‘no, I’m still single’ repeating and disappointed-sigh-enduring one can take before they resort to straight up lying. For example, the time I got a kidney infection while on holiday at home and lied about it probably being due to the lack of toilet paper at my flat, instead of confessing that it was almost definitely due to some wondrous night of passion
When I was in year twelve my mum attempted to have the
after a drunken stint at the Outback. Something my nana who was
dreaded ‘you know I’ll love you no matter what’ conversation with
married at my age, would most certainly not understand.
me. Which is roughly as petrifying as another mother attempting
In retrospect, that was probably an inappropriately embarrassing
to have the ‘I’ve found you a girl’ conversation with her severely
thing to share with you all, but who am I kidding? The only people
gay son. So at age sixteen I was forced to have the intensely
who read this column are my three, maybe four, friends — hola!
uncomfortable coming out conversation with my mum, only I was coming out as straight. Because, apparently my lack of male suitors had encouraged her to the only reasonable conclusion, that her only daughter must be gay. This is pretty much how my family works. Every time I visit my nana she is disappointed at how single I remain. Then proceeds to blast me with 1001 reasons why I should be married with children by now, after not so subtly trying to matchmake me and Jordan, the good catholic boy that attends church every Sunday — No thank you. … and is a civil engineer!
Back to lying to your family — don’t listen to your priest when he tells you it’s a ‘sin’. Does he have an incomplete bachelor’s degree? I don’t think so. Listen to me. I deem it completely appropriate if it’s saving your ass from having to listen to a 60 min pep talk about how you will get there someday. So if you’re also sick of pesky parents and other trying family members hounding you about your single-ness, just lie and tell them you are in fact seeing someone, but no they may not meet them. Or if you wanna get elaborate, hire a friend or stranger and bring them home to live out your own cliché rom-com.
Okay, I’ll think about it.
29
NEXUS MAGAZINE Columns
HE PUNA KŌRERO
“SELFIES IN ONESIES, AND HILARIOUSLY ENOUGH, TONGS AND SUSHI”
Te Waiora & Fetty Wap ki Whakatāne!
poolside beersies. Typically, splashing, laughter, and noise were all at full capacity, because after all: everything we do, we do it big. Day two offered a buffet of beauty; Mataatua whare, Te Ana ā Muriwai, Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, all were experienced sleep deprived, and hungover. Wardrobe changes, ID hunts, and tipsy Friday night banter only means one thing in The Dub, The Boiler Room is on the agenda. Saturday’s Amazing race = Busking, selfies in onesies, and
YIAAAAH BABY, 17-38. A congregation of black and yellow flooded the driveway of Big May. In typical 21st century fashion, Snapchats were MyStory’d to solidify that, yes, Te Waiora was g-rollin’. University of Waikato vans manoeuvred through Tainui farmlands and eyes glimpsed the first sight of the coast. The warmth of Te Hokowhitu A-Tū was felt, not only by the sun that kissed the Marae ātea, or by Nanny Hine’s distinguishable pipes, but by the boil up juice that stained everyone’s chins. Tūteao; where whaikorero were laid, respects were paid and acknowledgements made. It was Adios Texas, and waddup
30
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
hilariously enough, tongs and sushi at the finish line, lol! Tamanui-te-rā went into Saturday night hibernation, and the sweet sound of fizzing beverages filled the air. Funnel after funnel, Rima Hex after Rima hex, game after game; wheke’s were out in the magnitudes. 300 words really doesn’t do our first Haerenga justice, not even mildly. Heoi ano, I te mutunga o ngā rā e whā, i unumia..horomia te waipiro ki a Haurangi mataara. Wheako katoa nga āhuatanga pai o Ngāti Awa te toki. I whakakotahi te kāhui kowhai me te pango, i whakatoka nga hononga o te rōpu. Te Waiora — He whānau, he āhurutanga.
Columns NEXUS MAGAZINE
AUNTY SLUT – KOKA KAIRAU
“MAYBE THEY’RE HOPING YOUR GROUP WILL COME AND WATCH THEM HAVE SEX BECAUSE THEY LOVE THE THOUGHT OF Y’ALL BEING THERE.”
Studying for a Phd in PDA Aunty Slut
See, I’d never go into Uncle Slut’s place of work and put my hands down his pants. I’d never interrupt dinner with his mother with spanking. And if he was standing talking to a group of people, irrespective of what they were doing, I wouldn’t ignore them all to suck his face. Why? Because that’s just fucking rude. PDA aside, if you think your partner’s life revolves around you to the extent that you can interrupt him while he’s working with a group of people then you need to take a look at yourself. Aside from anything else, it’s common courtesy to at least acknowledge
Dear Aunty Slut,
there are other people in the room. Usually humans do this by
I was recently working in the Library with a group of friends on an
saying hello.
assignment and the girlfriend of one of the guys in the group came in, didn’t say hello or acknowledge anyone but walked straight up to him spread his legs ran her hands up and down his thighs, stuck her tongue so far down his throat I’m sure it was poking out his arsehole, then just turned around and left again. Why would someone want to treat the person they love like they are a lump of meat? Do guys really want to be treated like that in public? From Miss PDA is OK, Not Assault (Abridged)
Many years ago now I had a boyfriend who acted like a jealous prick whenever my male friends were around. We were not a demonstrative couple, so I found his sudden tendency to spank me as I walked past, insist I sit on his lap, and demand tongue kissing unnerving. And gross. And awkward as hell, because he didn’t seem to realise that everyone knew what was going on, and that he looked fucking pathetic. He didn’t own me, and his possessive crap was the final nail in the coffin of our relationship.
Dear Miss PDA is Ok, Not Assault,
Why? Because jealous, possessive, controlling bullshit is not only
I’m a pretty voracious advocate of PDA. I love it. Uncle Slut and
deeply unsexy, it’s also one of the first indicators of an abusive
I are shameless exhibitionists, so we’re pretty free and easy with
relationship, and therefore, scary as hell.
the affection. It’s not unusual to find us kissing, cuddling, spanking each other or trying to cop a sneaky feel in public. And if we make people uncomfortable, too fucking bad. Behold, the world’s smallest violin, playing just for those losers.
But everything within a good relationship should be negotiated. Maybe he gets off on her throwing herself at him. Maybe she does. Maybe they’re hoping your group will come and watch them have sex because they love the thought of y’all being there. But
But, you know, there’s a subtle difference between showing
you know what? I doubt it. If she tries that shit again, perhaps
your partner that you care about them and that you find
pointedly say how nice it is to see her, but the grownups are
them irresistible, and acting like a possessive weirdo. And that
working right now.
difference is usually context.
Love, Aunty Slut
31
NEXUS MAGAZINE Columns
NEW LOCALS – KORERO MAI TĀWĀHI
“I MISSED MY HOME, MY ROOM, MUM’S COOKING, AND MY FRIENDS. IN SHORT, EVERYTHING...”
Diary of an Outsider Shalini Guleria
torture. I missed my home, my room, Mum’s cooking, and my friends. In short, everything, and I didn’t want to stay here. Why was this so hard? I mean everyone has to leave their home one day; I never thought living away from home could be this difficult. Each day felt like a month and this is no exaggeration. But slowly I did get used to it. I had no choice but to suck it up and keeping pushing forward. Personally I feel I am a pretty good looking bloke, sorry I might sound a bit vain, but I do have people skills. Since I have arrived here I haven’t expressed myself completely,
Entry One: 20th September 2015 Stepping out of the airport I was struck by the beauty of this new land, I was finally here. My parents being overprotective came with me; I know slightly odd but I can’t blame them I am their only
myself and just enjoy this beautiful place and make it my own. And this is exactly what I did. Now when I walk around uni, I am me and people know me. My
my university and the halls of residence; in all I was having a blast.
friend circle is much bigger than what I had back home and, to be
But time flies fast and before I knew it, my parents were about to
honest, I am doing pretty well with my life. When I reflect on my
board their flight back to Sri Lanka.
early days it makes me laugh as I was being so silly. This new place
already missing them. My real test was about to start and I don’t think I prepared for it. The next couple of weeks seemed like a
N.22 / V.47
So, dear diary, I made a decision that I will stop feeling sorry for
child. First few weeks went great, we went sightseeing, I visited
I did say my parents were being slightly over protective but I was
32
I’ve always held back.
ESCAPE
has transformed me for the better and has taught me life lessons that have built my character. Oh! it’s 6pm, need to attend my group meeting will write soon.
Cooking for Students NEXUS MAGAZINE
Pork Meatballs Zac Lyon
4 garlic cloves, minced 5 green onions, finely chopped 1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce 1 1/2 tablespoon hot chilli sauce 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar 3 teaspoons cornflour
As my eyes are burning from the 3.45am start, my stomach is grumbling,
1 teaspoon pepper
confused with what time it actually is, and where the bloody food is. These
1 teaspoon salt
early morning games that a great number of you will be up for require some serious sustenance right from the get go. Firstly, you can’t watch a game of
Method
ruggers without rugby snacks. Chip ‘n’ dip, popcorn or carrot sticks are a must
Made this nice and easy since we will all be tired.
— even if it is 4 am. Secondly, breakfast (muesli and yoghurt is my go too) is a must if you are to stick through the day and try to accomplish something. Ain’t nobody run on empty, except Richie McAwesome Hedgehog. Lastly you’re going to need something to fuel the body come dinner time. To continue with the gruelling early morning schedule, I suggest a protein and fat rich dinner. You guys must also not overlook the issue of dehydration, so stay hydrated and keep those electrolytes flowing. It is said watching the All Blacks in the quarterfinals amounts to 3 litres of sweat lose. Stay safe.
1. Simply throw everything into a large bowl and mix thoroughly. 2. Roll a spoonful into small balls and set on a large tray. 3. You can either fry them off in a large pan on a medium heat or batch cook them in the oven at 180C. Turn them to brown each side nicely. 4. You can serve these bad boys as is with a dipping sauce (aioli and some sweet chilli sauce mixed together is quite good), or you can throw them into a bun, Subway style for a quick and easy dinner, or post/pre coitus...
Ingredients
I mean rugby snack.
1 kg of pork mince or half pork half beef. ½ cup finely chopped fresh basil
Enjoy guys, makes sure you keep the faith — believe in black, right to the end.
¼ cup of chopped coriander
Peace.
33
NEXUS MAGAZINE Snapped
Snap nexusmag your shenanigans! The best snap each week (printed with the Burgerfuel logo), wins a voucher from our mates at Burgerfuel. Claim it from the Nexus office in SUB.
34
N.22 / V.47
ESCAPE
Blind Date NEXUS MAGAZINE
Brought to you by The Bank and 97.8 The Edge. Each week Nexus attempts to make a love/sexual connection. if you’re keen for a date on us, email editor@nexusmag.co.nz
He’s a regular charmer, who claims his eyes are his best feature, and he’s humble too. A self confessed Rugby player who claims to be “mistaken for Nehe Milner-Skudder.” Whoever that is. She’s a catch! A social butterfly, and a diligent law student as well — two for the price of one. He’s looking for a match with a great bod, someone who likes to laugh. Let’s hope his jokes are as good as his self-promo.
XX
XY
After being called up by the crew at Nexus, I stressed
Basically I got dressed and readied by my friends for
a little about what was going to happen on this date.
this blind-date. I had a few drinks before the date to
Walking in, I immediately saw an old workmate so
bring out the inner gangster that I am.
The Lady’s Experience
chatted to her for a little bit before going to the table. Arriving first I sat down and took a look at the drinks menu, having not had anything before I left home I knew for sure that I was in need of something to calm my nerves a little bit.
The Gentleman’s Experience
I turned up fairly early to find her sitting there waiting (she didn’t look very impressed). *Charm mode on* 20 minutes into Nexus and Chill we had hit it off pretty well, talking about the usual, “what’re you studying?”, “where are you from?” convo starters. I soon realised that this
Being seated for a minute or so my date arrived and
girl is about that grades life when she told me she was
introduced himself. We immediately ordered drinks and
disappointed with an 89% on a law assignment… brah.
got to talking, learning that we both do the same degree at Uni and share a few mutual friends the conversation was freely flowing.
We then decided to order food. I was so keen for the Lamb Shanks but my friends told me not to get it because it’s “messy to eat”, just to watch her order the
Ordering an entrée and then mains, we were slowly
Lamb Shanks. We had our feed and decided the night
pushing through the tab. Getting to the end of our meal
needed a few more shots to lighten the mood. We
we decided to order a cocktail so I let him choose. We
continued to yarn about our life experiences/aspirations
ended up ordering two Long Island Ice Teas since he
in which I quickly grew respect for this chick. We talked
had never had one before. Slowly downing them we
and drank throughout the rest of the night until we got
still had a bit left to spend and were given four shots of
asked, by the waiter, to leave because The Bank was
the bartender’s choice. Not being told what were in the
waiting on us to close. I waited with her until she got
shots we chose two each and downed them, thankfully I
picked up, then I taxi’d it home with two hot Americans.
got the two best shots while he had the worst.
All-in-all coolest experience and I highly recommend it
By the end of the night we went our separate ways but
to all the subscribed readers out there. Thanks Nexus
I’m happy to say I’ve made a new friend thanks to Nexus.
for the free piss and thanks to my date for a cool night.
35
WSU Election Candidates PRESIDENT CANDIDATES
INDULA JAYASUNDARA
SHANNON STEWART
“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong”
As your current President, I am standing again because I believe we can do
~ Tecumseh ~
even better. This year we have championed some vital issues for students as a result of the connections and relationships that have been formed. We
Students at Waikato University, have we forgotten what it feels like to work
have huge opportunities going forward to solidify our position on campus
together to achieve our common goals? As individuals we may be strong,
and as one of the strongest Student Unions’ in the country.
but a sense of unity among all associations, faculties and groups on campus could make us stronger. Having been a Director for almost a year I have had the privilege of working with an extremely talented set of individuals bringing their own set of skills to the board room table. However, the feeling of being a part of a ‘group’ as opposed to a ‘team’ and the lack of team chemistry within the board have been our biggest hurdle; preventing us from providing the best possible services to the students. If a team of 11 students cannot put their differences
I am the President who has the experience, professionalism and passion for student issues and welfare. I am also the first President to build great relationships with important stakeholders to get the best outcomes for students. Thanks to the changes we have made, we are in the best position to bring cheaper food on campus, negotiate more funding for student services and secure better resources for the Union and our students. These are just a few of the things that I will work towards if I am re-elected.
aside and support each other, how can they support 12,500 students? This is
I have been engaging with students on behalf of your Union for over 2
why I believe, that change starts from within.
years now and I have a good understanding of what students want, but am
Brothers and sisters, a huge part of ‘leadership’ means to make one liable for
also always free for students to voice their opinions. In the last few years
holding a team together and motivating them to progress towards achieving
the organisation has gone from strength to strength and I will see that
OUR goals. I am not running for President to promise you more sausage
continue if I am re-elected for 2016.
sizzles and freebies for orientation week, I am here to propose a plan that would be the stepping stone to a better university experience for all of us. This is a brief insight into a few concepts introduced through my preliminary ‘Presidential Plan’ for the year 2016, if elected in the upcoming election: Phase #01: ‘Synergy’ – Solidifying internal relationships; particularly of associations within the university Phase #02: ‘Union-ship’ – Reinforcing external relationships with student unions across the nation Please visit my Facebook page for the preliminary ‘Presidential Plan’ for 2016, which expands on the basic concepts listed above: https://www.facebook.com/indula.community #ChangeStartsFromWithin
HANA-TE KOWHAI OHIA
Running for Vice-President
Running for Vice-President Māori
My name is William and I would love to be your Vice President. Most of us
Mauri ora e te whānau!
running think the WSU is more important than it really is and take ourselves
My main mission at this point is to be a genuine voice for all Māori students,
more seriously than we should. Having said that, the WSU can make student
no matter what walks of life they come from. I will keep our whanau in
life a whole lot better, or worse, depending on its leadership. The WSU
the loop, voice your opinions, keep my door open, speak up when needed
supports clubs and cool student initiatives, provides some important student
and most importantly to keep our cultural integrity intact. I come from a
services and represents students on important issues like paid parking and
wharekura and mainstream background, I understand the value of standing
the university curriculum. I’m passionate about student life at Waikato
confidently in both worlds. My most recent study buddy is my nanny, and
and would like to help the WSU make it that little bit better. I have had
she personifies mana wahine and is a great example to me.
experience as an advocate with the Hamilton Youth Council and the Ministry
He uri whakaheke tēnei o Mataatua, o Takitimu, o Tokomaru waka. Kei Te
of Youth Development. I have also had student governance experience on
Raupapa (WMS) ahau e ako ana i ngā pūkenga rautaki, ki a whakaāhei i ahau
the Waikato University Law Students’ Association. I would love to support
ki te tautoko i ngā hāpori tāngata whenua o te ao. Koinei taku pae tawhiti.
the WSU in locking in this year’s progress. I am the only person running for
He pae tawhiti tō tēnā, tō tēnā o mātou. Ko mātou katoa tērā e hīkoi ana i
Vice President but your vote would be very much appreciated and I promise
tēnei ara o te mātauranga, e whātoro hoki ana ki te rākau a te Pākehā. Tēnā,
to represent every student as best I can.
me hīkoi ngātahi ai mātou ki a wepu i tēnei piiki wero kei te pae tata, ko te
Thanks!
whare wananga tērā! Tēnā koa, hikina to pene, tukua mai tō pōti.
ANTHONY RAWIRI
WINARA LEVI
Running for Vice-President Māori
Running for Vice-President Māori
Waikato te awa, Waikato te Hapū, Pōtatau te tangata, Mauri ora
Tiihei Mauri Ora!
E te atua, nana ngā mea i hanga, noreira e mihi ana. E te Kīngi Māori, Tuheitia,
Hei whakapuakitanga maaku ka whakahōnoretia too taatou matua nui i te
te whānau Kāhui Ariki, nā rātou e noho ana ki runga i te ahurei ō ngā mātua
rangi, e ihoa kia taawharautia too ingoa tapu. Ka tika kia rere ngaa mihi
tupuna, rire rire paimaarire. e ngā mate, haere atu ra ki tō moengaroa i raro i
ki te Kiingi Maaori e piikau ana ngaa mahi toimaha moo te iwi Maaori, kei
ngā parihau o ngā mātua tupuna. e ngā waihotanga, kia ora tātou.
taku ariki, Kiingi Tuheitia, kia tau iho te aiotanga ki runga ki a koe. Otiraa ki
I have ties to Waikato, Raukawa, Tūwharetoa, Kahungunu and Maniapoto. I
a koutou katoa, ngaku pia, ngaku Hoariri, ngaa tauira me ngaa kaimahi o Te
am a 4th year student doing a conjoint degree BA/LLB, majoring in Te Reo,
Whare Waananga O Waikato, hiinei taku reo whakamihi ka Irirangi ki runga
Tikanga and Law. I am passionate about promoting Māori on campus and
ki a koutou.
in the wider community. Over the past 4 years I have held a variety of roles
He uri teenei no Ngaati Haua , Ngaati Werewere e hiahia ana kia hiki te
including Student Ambassador, PR Officer for Te Whakahiapo and Kīngitanga
maanuka kua whakatakotoria e te paakihi nei a WSU. E hoa maa, maaku
Day volunteer. I will work to ensure that Māori are able to connect with all our
e tuu hei reo koorero moohau, moo ngaa nawe, moo ngaa amu, moo ngaa
various clubs and organisations here on campus. To all students, no matter
peehitanga katoa e whakapātaritari ana te tauira i a ia e ako ana ki koneki.
where you come from, we are all one family looking to be sucessful in life. I leave you with this thought. He kanohi kitea Wherever you go, there you are, a face that is seen ! Paimārire
VICE-PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT MAORI CANDIDATES
WILLIAM LEWIS
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
JORDAN SMITH
SHALINI GIULERIA
CHARLOTTE SANSON
I’m not asking for you to vote for me. I’m just
I am one of you, a student of this University
Well dear Waikats, it feels like four months and 11
asking you to check the box next to my name. I
and bringing people together is what I do well.
days since I was running for director — only because
have been a volunteer for the WSU for the last year
Becoming WSU director was never on my to
it was. Yes, I am back and more opinionated than
and have helped organise and run O week, re-O
do list, as a first year I always looked at other
ever having spent the last while navigating my way
Week as well as several other cultural and social
directors working during open days, interacting
through the battlefield that is local politics. Like last
events. I believe this background has provided
with students and I always wondered one day
time, I’m not going to try and sell you on why you
me the necessary experience and skills to act as
this could be me. Now, I am in my third year of
should vote for me but more importantly on why
a director for the WSU and help enhance your
Chemical and Biological engineering and I think
you should vote. WSU acts as a representative for
university life. Throughout my time volunteering I
it’s time for me to take on this role. I am a people’s
issues that matter to YOU. You want cheaper food
have realised that there is nothing students care
person and I want to make a difference for you.
on campus, extended library hours? Vote. You’re not
about more than free stuff, especially food (except
I see this university immersed with different
fussed about the little things? Then start thinking
maybe alcohol but a proper bar on campus isn’t
cultures, different people and as a WSU director
bigger! Don’t get enough money from our generous
happening anytime soon). If elected I will strive
I want to enhance this diversity; by breaking
government to make rent? Vote. Think students
to provide more opportunities for the WSU
the barrier between domestic and international
deserve warm, insulated flats? Vote. If you have an
to provide students with some much needed
students. We are all unique and the word ordinary
opinion, act on it. If you don’t, act on it as well! Lastly
nourishment, as well as push to have the free vans
shouldn’t be on our dictionary.
and somewhat contradictory to my earlier statement
to town available more than just 2 weeks a year.
So vote for me and be SUPER!
but like all good politicians, #votecharsanson.
PATIENCE NGARA
BRAD FULCHER
BRIANNA MORGAN
Every good Student Union needs Patience. I’m reliable,
I’m a typical Kiwi fella who’s up for a bit of fun
When I was told to write this I decided to ask
honest, a little bit sassy (the good kind, I swear!) and
and a game of NBA 2K. I’ve travelled from the
my friends for a little help, they came up with
most importantly, I’m genuinely passionate about
mighty TGA to the blissful city of Hamilton
everything from free brie cheese and crackers
making sure your time at Uni is amazing. I used
in pursuit of a university degree, and so far
with every vote, twerking for votes (which if you
to catch myself thinking, “am I really gonna keep
she’s working out well. Next year will be the
know me you would know I can’t twerk to save
paying thousands of dollars, to spend four years here
home stretch for me, and being my final year,
my life) to free scooter rides. I decided although
and be miserable for all of them?” No no. As a wise
I strongly feel that I can contribute some good
these ideas are great and all would be put on the
woman once said, “Aint nobody got time for that”.
chat while shuttling students to and from town
backburner until drastically needed. Instead I want
After realising I wasn’t the only one feeling this way,
during O-Week if given the opportunity by you
to say that I am applying for this position to help
I decided to do something about it. I’m not here to
fine people. Running for WSU is many miles out
you guys. After being a volunteer / intern for the
force student involvement but introduce more things
of my comfort zone, but at the start of the year
student union during REO, sitting in a dunk tank
that students actually want to be involved in. If this
I made a promise to myself to get on board with
whilst balls were flying from all directions from
interests you, check out my Facebook page (www.
as much as I can and contribute in a meaningful
you students, burning soup (sorry guys!) and
facebook.com/VotePatience) or if you see me around
way. I have some mighty fine ideas, and more
much more, I realised that I want to be your voice.
campus then stop for a chat. For a fierce student
importantly, I’ve got the drive to make sure
So Vote for me, and who knows maybe one of my
representative with the right priorities, vote Patience!
things happen.
friends three ideas may come true? Brie anyone?
WINARA LEVI
KALE ISAAC
Hello fellow students,
Te Whare Waananga O Waikato, the waka that I
My name is Kale Isaac, I am currently in my second
I go by the name Kaelyn. I’m the first in my
paddle to ensure I get to my final destination of
year of a Bachelor of Management Studies. I’m
family to graduate high school and get into
success, my Hawaiki
president of the Waikato Uni Snowsports Club,
university. I came to university to let my parents
Readings, Tutorials and Lectures, the currents
and try my best to be a genuine good cunt… But
think I was actually smart. I am a second year
and waves that I work through each day getting
the most important thing for you to know is that
student studying Communications majoring
that one bit closer.
Ben Lummus is my second cousin. I stand for and
is Leadership and Public Relations. This is
Lecturers, the stars that I use to navigate my
want to work towards change. I’m a big supporter
meant to be my opportunity to outstand other
waka.
of student culture and believe that being a Waicat
candidates but I have a small network, empty
Taku mana Maori motuhake, the paddle that
should mean more than simply studying at the
pockets and little skill. I’m not innovative or
propels my canoe, no matter how harsh the
same institution as one another. Waikato offers us
intelligent but I found most of my awesome
conditions are.
the opportunity to find new interests, connect with
campaign ideas on Pinterest and Instagram.
Vote for me and I will do my up most to ensure
many different cultures, and of course engage in a
However, I am a passionate individual who
you have a smooth journey through the oceans
healthy nightlife. It is my dream help foster growth
seeks nothing but the best for people. Life is full
that you are trying to conquer.
in a sense of community and pride within our
of regrets. You could use one more. Vote Kaelyn
Peace be the journey!
university. Vote for me “Cuzzy Kale” to help create long lasting student culture and traditions. Chur
for WSU student director.
How to Vote Voting will open at 9.30 am on Monday 5th October and close at 4.00 pm on Wednesday 7th October. Voting is online through your Waikato student login. Please follow the
WILLIAM MORRIS
TROY ANDERSON
I have a lot of real world experience to bring
I’m a student in my third year studying
to the WSU; I am a good organizer and a hard
engineering. I’ve been volunteering for the WSU
worker, who stands out from the crowd and
for a few months now so I have a good idea
who wants to stand up for you, after all that’s
how the organisation works. So I know how sick
who this election is about, the students, not the
a student bar sounds, or how awesome a giant
Polling stations will be available at Level
candidates. I am not here to inflate my ego, I
river float with a shit ton of beers would be, but
Zero and other locations around campus
want to get stuck in and do my best to represent
I know the vice-chancellor is not going to have a
from time to time. If you are unsure
students and their needs. I am an outspoken
bar of that shit. I’d love to make some ridiculous
of anything please come to a polling
guy and I want to push boundaries, to get more
promises of cool shit that will never happen, like
station, or the WSU office, and ask.
for students, to keep the board accountable. I
the abolishment of 9am lectures or changing all
want to make speak up for students in the paid
the drinking fountains to serve beer instead of
parking debate and I want to help look after
water. But let’s be realistic, we all love cool shit,
students facing hardship to. Finally, when it
but as cool as cool shit is, if it’s not realistic, it’s
comes to working on the free WSU vans to town
not worth our time. So vote for someone who
during O week, having a guy that looks like an
will use their time effectively; vote Troy Anderson
extra from sons of anarchy is a bit of a bonus.
for realistic change.
instructions carefully. You may only vote once and if you try to vote more than once all your votes may be disqualified. So please make sure you do it right the first time.
Candidate information sessions will be held in Level Zero, check our facebook page for details.
DIRECTOR CANDIDATES
KAELYN KINGI
NEXUS MAGAZINE Puzzles
SUDOKU
7
4
5 2
8
2
1 9
1
5
2 2
4
3
8
4
9
6
7
3
8 9
4
2
5
3
7
4
3
6
3
8
7 1
9
5
9
6
5
9
4
5
3
1 2
1
4
2
7
3
6
6
7
2
3
MEDIUM
9 8
9
9
2 4
7 4
7
3
8
2 1
7
9 1
7
6
EASY
4
6
4
5 1
5
7 9
2 1
6 9
4
9
6
2
HARD
CODEWORDS
SLITHERLINK
Each letter in the puzzle is represented by a number 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 26. Crack the code to solve it.
Join the dots to create a single continuous
18 18
Q
9
Q
12
23
11
23 1
25
13
17
7
25
7 3
1
19
9
25
24
19 1
15
8
15
23
8
19
9
15
12
10
14
24
23
22
19 2
25
23
2 14
9
7
17
12
15
19
16
6
23
9
24
25 13
8
12
24
1
15
9
10
9
8
24
26
8
23
6
12
9
24
5
19
25
8 19
23
16
21
16 25
10
20
25 25
15
8
23 9
10
5
10
20
17
17
15
14
20
2
19
8
8 24
25
7
25
8
24
22
26
4
12 3
25
1
1
10
2 9
4
8
5
25 9
10
23
10 13
23 9
16
23
10 9
16
11 9
17 25
9
17
9
9 2
9 20
24
loop. The numbers indicate how many lines
1
14
2
15
3
16
2
4
17
2
2
5
18
3
2
6
19
7
20
8
21
9
22
10
23
11
24
TRIVIAL
12
25
In the Lion King, Timon is what type of animal?
13
26
What breed of dog was known as a coach dog?
must surround each number and the loop must never cross itself.
Q
1
2
U
S
S
D
P
T
C
I
K
G
I
R
V
O
N
E
40
N.22 / V.47
How many words can you make from these letters? The letters must touch horizontally, vertically or diagonally and cannot be used more than once in a word.
ESCAPE
3
1 2
3 2
1
2 3
2
3
3
2 1
Orange is the New Black is a TV series set in what sort of institution? Growing plants using water instead of soil is know as what?
WORD TWIST
2
1 3
2
3
Puzzles NEXUS MAGAZINE
CROSSWORD
KAKURO
Solve the clues and fill in the words.
Fill all of the blank squares in the grid using only the
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
numbers 1 – 9 so the numbers entered add up to the
10
corresponding clue. You cannot use the same number 11
12
13
15
16
18
19
20
22
23
24
31
33
38
34
42 46
48 51
57
61
58 62
63
66 69
12
38
14 6
15
40 3
13
13
10
37
9
20
4 10
40
47
5 19
26
36
44
42
15
29
35
43
50 56
25
39
41
17
21
28
32
more than once in a run (eg. 7, 1, 1).
17
27 30
14
6
19
3
45
14
6
22
16
6
8
49
4
38
52
53
59
54
55
3
18
60
64
65
67
68
70
71
SIMPLE PUZZLES FOR SIMPLE PEOPLE Copy the Robin using the grid lines as a guide. Make sure you count the squares carefully!
Across
51. Where Korea is
20. River barrier
1. Letter add-ons, for short
53. Shade tree
25. Silent approval
4. Dynamite
56. Sunbathe
26. Bullfighter
7. Worker’s compensation
58. Restaurant furniture
27. French impressionist
11. Carry
60. Author Santha Rama __
28. Air pollution
12. Tall tale teller
61. Introduction (abbr.)
29. Hightailed it
13. Orderly arrangement
64. Tens of hundreds
30. Twice cinq
15. Oscar, for one
66. Shooting sport
31. Frosts, as a cake
17. Look too long
67. Dutch uncles
32. Satisfied
18. Court fig.
68. Pleasant tune
34. Deceptive ploy
19. Hit with hail
69. Tallies
35. Put to work
21. Cookbook abbr.
70. Debate side
37. Genetic material
22. Bread type
71. Director Spike
42. Super Bowl org.
23. Deuce follower
44. French farewells
24. Against
Down
47. Sanction
27. Fish eggs
1. Word with mouth or training
49. Back talk
28. Peanut butter choice
2. Ohio or Maine
51. Loathe
30. Numbered cubes
3. To put down
52. Replay feature
33. Ear part
4. Name of a book
53. Bert and Big Bird’s friend
36. Ancient Celtic priest
5. Smartly dressed
54. Kitchen scoop
38. Object of worship
6. Tall woody plant
55. Not optional
39. GI morale booster
7. Used to be
56. It is
40. Genesis spot
8. Beautiful creation
57. Singer Paul
41. Noble gas
9. Thanks
59. Resting on
43. Video game maker
10. Head features
62. Primary color
45. The scarlet letter: __ _
11. Despot
63. NBA tiebreakers, for short
46. Restrain
12. Ogled
65. Not just some
48. Brit. military award
14. Informal assent
50. ___ Stanley Gardner
16. No more than (2 wds.)
41
HUI TAUIRA MĀORI Māori Student Hui Friday 25th September 2015 10am – 2pm Te Kohinga Mārama Marae Open to all Māori students from all Faculties to discuss student representation and support. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Hurihia for catering purposes – hurihia@waikato.ac.nz