Our magazine, Salient, is run by students for students. Without the involvement of students, we wouldn't be able to operate. Every year, we welcome pitches and inquiries from individuals who are interested in writing for us. For more information, please email editor@salient. org.nz or visit our website at salient.org.nz.
complaints
Complaints regarding the material published in Salient should first be brought to the CEO in writing (ceo@vuwsa.org. nz). If not satisfied with the response, complaints should be directed to the Media Council (info@ mediacouncil.org.nz).
about us
Salient is published by, but remains editorially independent from, the Victoria University of Wellington Student's Association (VUWSA). Salient is funded in part by VUWSA through Student Services Levy. Salient is a member of the Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA).
The views expressed in Salient do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, VUWSA, or the University.
EDITORIAL ONLINE
Hi my name is Tyrone “Teddy” Christopher Igor O’Neill and I have short fluffy brown hair (that’s how I got my name) and rocky brown eyes like limpid tears and a lot of people tell me I look like Oli Sykes (A/N: if u don’t know who he is get da hell out of here!). I’m not related to Gerard Way but I wish I was because he’s a major fucking hottie. I’m a vampire but my teeth are straight and white. I’m also a witch, and I work at a magic school called Salient in Te Whanganui a Tara where I’m in the seventh year (I’m twenty one). I’m a goth (in case you couldn’t tell) and I wear mostly black. I love Dangerfield and I buy all my clothes from there….
Dearest Salient readers, if you know what fanfic I’m referencing in that paragraph, we can totally be best friends. For realz though, I’ve been terminally online since I was about ten years old. I’ve had parasocial relationships with every YouTuber you can think of, and I look back fondly on the Tumblr days of SuperWhoLock. In fact, a little over a year ago I (a twenty year old man) spent two hundred dollars to meet beloved Youtuber Daniel Howell (prev: danisnotonfire). It was, if I’m completely honest with you, one of the best decisions of my life … XD =^___^=
I’ve been around the block on pretty much every social media, and when you’ve seen and posted as much as I have, you’re bound to go viral eventually. One of the first times I experienced influencer status (albeit small), I went live on my story and read the entirety of My Immortal to everyone watching. Good times. I received death threats as a child from grown
NOTICES!
Have your say in the future of UniQ!
We have our Annual General Meeting coming up soon, where fellow students can nominate and vote on the executive team. This is also a space to discuss what you want from UniQ and help shape our direction for the coming year.
Alan McDiarmid 103 25/09
5:30 - 7:30 pm
adults who don’t like that I ship Destiel, my face was used non-consensually in a Youtube video because I’m one of those freaky queer kids, and, even now, my average screen time per day is well over ten hours. Guys, I watched the Dream SMP unironically. Lockdown really took its toll on all of us.
I guess it really only makes sense that I’ve been producing our online content this year.
Asking me to condense my life online into one measly editorial is like asking me to condense my entire life into one measly editorial; I just can’t do it. This issue of Salient is filled with features that both love and critique the internet, and I’m excited for you all to read it.
Teddy, Ngāpuhi (he/xe/it/ia) Speaker of the House
Bird of the Week
The Pohowera, also known as the Doublebanded plover or the Banded Dotterel, is a shorebird native to New Zealand. They can be found along coastlines, estuaries, and even inland riverbeds. Highly vocal and agile foragers, they use their sharp calls and quick movements to hunt for small invertebrates in the sand.
gig guide
WED | Valhalla | 7pm
Lipstick's Rom-Com Tour, w/Keira Batten Coogan, Sidney Holland
It’s Spring! Get out of the house! Go to a gig! Wednesday at Valhalla will be an all timer; Lipstick are celebrating their debut EP, Rom-Com. They’re a favourite—see Jia’s effervescent review: “I cannot recommend you see them enough. I find myself mentioning them in every conversation.” That’s Kiera Batten Coogan, for me. Her music is phenomenal—influences of many indie greats, yet entirely her own. Closing off the evening will be Sidney Holland, an excellent, pop-rock/new romantic outfit. An unmissable set.
SAT | Rogue & Vagabond | 9.30pm
Orbit Sessions: Solar Daze, Fine Wine Social Club
Rogue plays two important roles in Wellington. It is both a de facto centre for unionist labour organising, and a stronghold of soul, funk, and RnB. Both jobs are crucial; this Saturday it will be fulfilling the latter. Two excellent groups are playing: Solar Daze, and the Fine Wine Social Club. Expect a night of neo-soul and hip hop, outrageous sax solos, big basslines, and a mix of original tracks and absolute classics—both acts cite artists such as D’Angelo, Jill Scott, and Erykah Badu as key influences.
Enjoy our small, lovingly curated selection of gigs.
THURS | Valhalla | 7pm
So Keen's Album Release! w/ Side Eye, Mintaka, and Electric Tapestry [and more]
A day has passed. You’re back at Valhalla, shoes comfortably adhered to the sticky floor. Skating videos are projected onstage, past a sweaty mosh. Guitars punch through the miasma. You think you have a handle on the evening. But then… the next act appears. A nervous comic, trying new material on cycle lanes. Welcome to So Keen’s Album Release. Five bucks, four bands, and three amateur comedians—all offset by ambient videos of people eating shit on skateboards. Why? Why not?
SAT | San Fran | 8pm
The Butlers
Beloved Ōtautahi band The Butlers are embarking on a nationwide tour of Aotearoa, pulling from their catalogue and playing yet-unheard new singles. For the uninitiated, The Butlers are well worth the price of admission. Their music is rooted in indie rock but playful with its genre, moving fluidly from indie rock, to soul, to jazz, and back—you’ll be treated to fast paced guitar solos and bebop saxophone lines, in the same set. A treat!
protest calendar
MON | MBIE, Stout Street | 1-2pm
KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE
SAT | MOON | 8pm - 2am
The Dark Eighties
A long-running Pōneke club night is back! It’s The Dark Eighties, a dance party this Saturday at MOON. DJs Virago and Matai will be taking the decks to spin 80s tunes, from bangers to deep-cuts. Expect a sonic journey through the decade: goth, postpunk, new-romantic, Italo disco(!), synth pop, cult hits and more (and more and more). There is no dress code, but why not commit? Get some denim, hairspray, and big boots, and head down to MOON.
SAT | Sports Cafe | 10pm
No Scrubs: 90s + Early 00s Party
I really enjoy writing this gig guide. I cannot, however, improve on perfection. From Sports Cafe: “Calling all Barbie Girls, Teenage Dirtbags and All Stars: join No Scrubs for a 90s and early 00s party that will be Larger Than Life!! You’ll be Dancing in the Moonlight, Spinning Around and Jumpin’ Jumpin’ as we Pump It with all the best throwback tunes from 1990 - 2009!! If you Wannabe Livin la Vida Loca with us on the dancefloor then Say You’ll Be There and get in quick for tickets!”
Salient will be highlighting protest and direct action throughout 2024. In print will be a small selection.
Scan this code for a more comprehensive protest destination.
Aotearoa, despite constant calls from its people to the contrary, continues to align itself with American military interests. The NZDF attends regular exercises in order to speed up US “kill-chains” across the Indo-Pacific, and its soldiers remain deployed in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, the US weapons manufacturing base in the Pacific grows, with the enthusiastic consent of our government. At the centre of this growing military collaboration is Rocket Lab, a private US company with a launch site in Māhia; Lockheed Martin is a major investor, and the company has ties to international defence contractors including BlackRock. Payloads lifting off from Aotearoa have included US Military reconnaissance satellites providing intelligence used in Gaza; firms partnered with Rocket Lab are instrumental in the Israeli apartheid. Rocket Lab has also launched intelligence tech for the French military—currently suppressing Kanak dissent in New Caledonia. This Monday, join Peace Action Wellington and other activists in picketing at MBIE. Demand that we keep space for peace; reject US militarism, and reject NZ entering the growing arms race.
IT’S THE FUCKING NEWS
Meet Your VUWSA Candidates
As you may not have heard, VUWSA held its election debate on Wednesday in the Hunter Lounge. A modest number of students turned out to hear what the prospective candidates had to say, with renters rights, AI, and uni clubs highlighted as key themes.
Here’s a run-down of your candidates for 2025.
Standing for Engagement VP are Aiden Donoghue and Ethan Reille. Donoghue commented on the low turnout seen at the Hunter Lounge. He credited this to the fact that “people don’t feel comfortable being in the space” that VUWSA holds. One group’s reasons for leaving the debate: “boring” and “no beer”.
A curve-ball question to the Engagement VP’s was how they would make conservative students feel heard at Te Herenga Waka. Donoghue was unphased, saying “conservative people are just like us.”
Reille said he “won’t be a dick” when it comes to conservative students. He also said he wants Ngāi Tauira, the Māori students association, to have the same, if not more, resourcing than VUWSA.
Josh Robinson, who is running uncontested for Welfare Vice President, highlighted his focus on renter’s rights. Robinson described his experience with black mold, and declared “a vote for me is a vote to get shit done”.
Liban Ali is standing for President and faces the tough opponent of “no confidence” on the ballot. One of the sticking points in the presidential candidacy is the potential for an all male VUWSA exec for next year.
When approached by adjudicator Jessica Ye, VUWSA President in 2023, Ali stated that he would spend time actively listening to different perspectives from individuals external to the VUWSA exec. He noted that he would reach out to student groups focusing on women and gender minorities. When further pushed for concrete examples, Liban went to use the “women's collective” as an example, before quickly correcting himself that they were no longer operating as a club, and mentioning the “feminist law society” instead.
Candidates Ben Young, Rangimarie Mckay-Maxwell, and Aspen Jackman all made noise about the cost of transport to get students to university. However, all three of these candidates failed to state concrete steps which they would take to lower the cost of transport for students.
Likewise, Equity Officer candidates Mckay-Maxwell and Jackman both struggled when asked what their biggest priorities for students would be when the Local Body Elections came up in 2025.
On top of both of them settling with transport as a priority, Jackman stated that she wanted to further the council's plan to “reduce rent through zoning changes.” Closer to home, she wanted to improve accessibility to bathrooms on campus, noting that “doors are weird”, and proposed introducing warnings for loud or flashing content in lectures.
She also said she plans on “upholding Te Triti and all of that”.
Mckay-Maxwell, when asked about tangible steps towards making the university more inclusive, suggested equitable grading, saying “one thing about equity is not everyone has it equal”.
Standing for Academic Vice President are Ben Young and Ethan Rogacion [Editor's note: Ethan writes for Salient however is campaigning independently]. Young highlighted a need for clear AI use guidelines at the university, with Young suggesting that AI should be “integrated into degrees”. When asked about the environmental and ethical issues presented in AI, he said that these issues should be dealt with on a “case-by-case” basis across faculties.
Young also proposed incorporating printing and software costs into student services fees, but was unsure how he would deal with a push back against increased fees.
Rogacion presented a four-point plan which included increasing student representation on faculty boards, improving the relationship between VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira, fostering a collaboration between faculty rep groups, and improving training for class reps, which he called “outdated.”
Darcy Lawrey (he/him)
Meet Your VUWSA Candidates
Sole candidate for Education Officer, Aría Lal, like Young, recognises the importance of AI and the need for clearer guidelines on its use at VUW, and acknowledged the environmental impact of generative AI. She also proposed requiring closed captions on all recorded lectures.
Three candidates are standing for the role of Treasurer, William Bui, Vipul Patel, and Sanjukta Dey. Reminiscent of National’s election campaign, Bui wants to focus on fixing the budget deficit VUWSA has found itself in, but he recognised the importance of maintaining essential services. When asked how he plans on maintaining services while cutting costs, he suggested consulting with student rep groups. On the other hand, Patel wants to advocate for more funding from the university by showcasing the benefits of VUWSA.
Standing for Clubs and Activities Officer are Hawwa Niyaz, Avi Barpande, and George Baker. When asked how she plans on meeting with all 160 clubs at the university, Niyaz says she “doesn’t have a plan per se” but is “going to try”. Barpande wasn’t to be found at the debate but he says he is “ambitious” about making 2025 a great year and plans on supporting
the Women’s Fest and Pride Week. Baker put forward his ideas of a Clubs newsletter and Instagram to bring awareness to the clubs on offer at VUW, and says that there is room for improving the clubs system with better communication.
Hugh Acton is the sole candidate for Sustainability Officer, and he’s keen on starting a community garden on campus, as well as improving composting at the university. When faced with the challenge that compost can be stinky, by moderator Ye, Acton was sure he could find a solution. He also proposed a campaign to get VUW divested from fossil fuels, which the university failed to go through with in 2014.
Finally, standing for Postgraduate Officer are Craig Stansfield and Aishwarya Vyas. Only Stansfield made it to the event, who told a crowd severely lacking in post-grad students that he wants to see a “loving embrace” between the post-grad society and VUWSA in the future. Vyas says she is committed to practical solutions for postgraduate students, including "improving mental health services”.
Voting opens on Monday 23rd and closes Thursday 26th.
A Win for Student Power!
VUW Foundation Divests from Israeli
Stocks
In early August, Salient reported that the Victoria University Foundation—the organisation responsible for managing the University’s investment portfolio—held just over $47k in Israeli Government bonds through its fund manager, ANZ. This disclosure came after months of activism from groups like Student Justice for Palestine and VUWSA among others, calling for the University to boycott, divest, and sanction funds that involved investments in Israel.
As of 30 August 2024, the Foundation no longer has investments in Israeli funds, a move which SJP calls “a big, collective win.” As previously reported by Salient, ANZ has exited the wholesale funds management space, which forced the Foundation to seek out a new fund manager.
According to a Foundation spokesperson, “The Foundation will continue to invest in Nikko Asset Management NZ’s Socially Responsible Investment Equity Fund for Australasian Equities, and therefore only invests in selected companies listed on the NZ and Australian stock exchanges.”
“The Foundation’s policies and instructions are set out in the Foundation’s Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives, which is shared with each fund manager and published on the website.”
Frank Mackenzie, a spokesperson for SJP, said that the Foundation’s decision to divest was a clear demonstration of the power of student activism “pushing to hold these academic institutions and leaders to account, so that we are not complicit in these settler colonial, genocidal regimes.”
SJP continues to call for more action from the University on financial transparency. Mackenzie says the only way to ensure that subsequent Foundation boards do not walk back this win is to “ implement a full, financial and academic Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) policy against Israel.
“We also need ongoing proactive disclosure of all investments so the University and Foundation can be held accountable.”
eThaN rOGaciON (he/him)
Wellington Is Not Dying—It’s Just Having a Bit of a Time
OPINION: If you've read the news recently, you may have come across a few commentators proclaiming this: Wellington is dying. The evidence behind this gloomy news copy seems ample, too—see: the endless parade of sites closing down. Reading this in the context of the cost of living crisis and skyrocketing rents, it is hard not to fall into pessimism.
Despite all of that, the apparent mass exodus of Wellingtonians moving to Melbourne, and fewer places to buy a $6.50 coffee with a middling scone—there is still reason for hope.
Building Community, and Re-Building our Economy
According to statistics both from Aotearoa and overseas, outdoor festivals and community activations— CubaDupa, the Thorndon Fair, Rhythm and Vines—are great for the economy and community. They draw tourists from out of town (who spend money!), and draw locals out of their houses, fostering a greater sense of community.
And luckily for us, there ARE more street festivals coming—The Herald reported that Council has given the green light for a brand new New Year’s Eve festival on Courtenay Place this year. This is the first time that the nightlife side of town has been closed off to street traffic since 2017 and the event, according to the organisers, seeks to “bring back the community spirit of Wellington.”
As Councillor Geordie Rodgers told Salient in April, the city thrives when we have public spaces “where people want to spend time with their friends, where shopfronts are lively and open into a street full of people rather than an empty street with some parked cars.”
What’s more, we’re right about to enter this year’s cruise season, part of a summer tourist boom. Though The Post has reported a drop off in cruise visits, the reasons cited are broadly due to the global impacts of the cost of living. Importantly, what this demonstrates is that the challenges that Wellington faces in terms of its economy, while pressing, are not unique.
Government Decisions Have Not Been Helping
Pōneke’s issues are, however, exacerbated by Government decisions. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve certainly realised that the
eThaN rOGaciON (he/him)
Coalition’s programme of job cuts and reductions in the public service have had immense impacts on the city’s economy. Councillor Ben McNulty told Salient that the role the Government’s cuts have had on the city has been “devastating”.
“The last estimate I saw was that over $250m of wages are no longer circulating within our local economy from the job cuts. What we're seeing across Wellington is the downstream impact of the callous number of job losses.
As one of the city’s main employers, any reductions in Government agencies will inevitably have impacts across the sector, even among those who are not laid off. As Cr. McNulty explained, “It also goes further as even those still employed within the public sector are facing high uncertainty and are cutting back to be safe.”
Some struggling businesses have been blaming another foe: cycle lanes and a lack of parking!!! McNulty says reportage blaming such infrastructure projects only adds fuel to the fire, and isn’t backed by evidence. “Perception, however, can become reality and I'm sure there arwwe retail trips being made in the wider region with people avoiding our CBD as a result. I think that’s driving the negative sentiments we’re often hearing in the media.”
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers
Despite Wellington very clearly struggling at the moment, there are reasons for us to hope for something better. A key reason people leave the city is thanks to a lack of affordable, warm housing; the Council is making moves on this, too.
“If there's any issue that unites progressive councillors it's the need to have an abundant supply of housing in our city. That drives down rents and gives people real choice on where they want to live,” Cr. McNulty told Salient. “I've lived in flats with plants growing through the walls out of a lack of choice, it doesn't have to be that way.”
“Despite the current environment we are still a city of highly educated, passionate and creative people.”
With the 2025 Local Body Elections just around the corner, it is more important than ever that we all hold onto hope, and work towards a Pōneke that we can all call home.
Baby Steps: Uni Council Finally Agrees to Plan For a Living Wage
wiLL irviNe (he/him)
On September 9 the University Council passed a resolution tasking the senior management staff with developing a plan to implement a living wage strategy. The motion evolved from a proposal by Councillor William Bell-Purchas to amend the Council’s contentious strategic plan with a directive to phase in a living wage. Bell-Purchas told his fellow Councillors that the resolution “would show that we, as a Council, value and care about the workers that allow our University to exist, to educate and to research”. For the Council, the resolution marks the first time the University has made a formal commitment to working towards paying a living wage.
Living Wage is a global initiative that aims to calculate and provide a fair wage that workers can maintain a basic standard of living on. It takes into consideration cost of living factors and basic necessities in order to determine what organisations that value their employees should be paying. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Living Wage is calculated by Family Centre’s Social Policy Research Unit. Organisations like Wellington City Council and the Parliamentary Service have all achieved living wage accreditation, as have all of the major banks. The current living wage is $27.80. Comparably, the minimum wage, which is set by the Government, is $23.15.
While university staff like lecturers and researchers are often paid well above the living wage, estimates raised by The Post columnist and VUW staff member Max Rashbrooke show that the University has around 500 directly employed staff and 160 contracted staff who make under the living wage. In 2021, COO Mark Loveard told students that the University had “made a commitment to pay a living wage” and that they were “phasing it in over four years”. Three years later, no substantial progress has been made.
In a chamber packed with supporters, Councillors initially rejected Bell-Purchas’s proposal to include the Living Wage commitment in the strategic plan. This opposition was led in part by Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith, who makes $368,750 a year, or roughly $177.2 an hour. Smith, who is often touted as an austerity champion brought in to fix the University’s finances, based his opposition on the significant cost it would incur to the University. According to Rashbrooke’s numbers, this cost would be roughly 0.2% of the University’s annual revenue.
Smith’s salary alone could nearly cover the cost of paying all contracted staff a living wage in 2025.
VUWSA President Marcail Parkinson and Councillor Bell-Purchas both thought that Smith had a genuine concern about the cost for the University, with BellPurchas saying that “everyone at the Council table does have the University’s best interests at heart”. Parkinson, however, was more critical, saying that while Smith cared about costs, he was “using it as an excuse to offput the living wage”. Parkinson pointed to the fact that the resolution was not calling for an immediate cost, but a broader phase-in that could be balanced against costs.
Despite pressure from Smith, both Parkinson and Bell-Purchas viewed the compromise resolution as a major success. Parkinson said that VUWSA “definitely views it as a victory”, but added that “we need to keep an eye on things and make sure that the plan does go into place”.
Speaking to Salient , Living Wage organiser Finn Cordwell also stressed that he wasn’t criticising Smith, but instead asked why Smith couldn’t support the approach of other universities he had worked at, like Oxford University and King’s College London. Cordwell said he understood concern about finances, but thought that the point of departure from Smith was around the “principle of a living wage”.
“We’re asking him to make a commitment to the principle. He seems to have a problem with the methodology of the Living Wage”. Cordwell’s view was that if Nic Smith didn’t support the living wage, “he doesn’t have another solution to ensure that the cleaners aren’t living off food banks. I would ask Nic to put himself in the shoes of his workers and ask him if he could live off that pay”.
CNZ: Sticking it to The Man Since '59
DaN mOSKOviTZ (he/him)
65 years young, and with a unique voyage to being the advocacy group it is today, Consumer New Zealand is a useful organization to be aware of.
Founded in 1959 initially as the Consumers Institute, Consumer NZ was originally a state-run entity to promote (you guessed it) consumer interests. But, in circumstances which could never, ever repeat, 1986 saw government funding cuts and the continuation of Consumer NZ. Now they're non-profit, but still with their original modus operandi—they’re here to advocate for the consumer.
Because, as Consumer NZ spokesperson Abby Danem tells me; “These days, being a consumer is being a human.”
One of their most prominent features is Powerswitch. It’s a free aggregator of power providers in Aotearoa. You give it your address and some details on your own power usage, and it will give you some options.
“You can easily switch providers right then and there,” says Danem. “A lot of people think it’s quite a lot of work and life admin to change power providers but the providers will take care of that for you.”
A recent Consumer NZ study noted the average savings for those who switched providers was $524 a year, while also showing a loyalty tax for those who stayed with the same provider.
Consumer NZ’s reach extends beyond this, however: one of their key areas is ensuring you get value for money for the products you purchase. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, you’re usually entitled to a reasonable lifespan at reasonable quality, for whatever you buy.
“Quite often big box retailers will try to upsell you on an extended warranty, but often these don’t offer more protection than what you already have under the Act,” says Danem.
“So a fridge should last eleven years. If it starts cracking after four, you might think it’s time to buy a fridge.
But, based on our research, you’ve got grounds to say that this lifespan is not reasonable.”
“Government research shows the younger people of New Zealand don’t know about the Consumer Guarantees Act. They don’t know that there’s this secret power which can help you assert your rights when something goes wrong. The older generations do. So there’s this huge knowledge gap.”
It’s not just fridges—Consumer NZ has graphics and research into how long most major appliances should last.
They are also in the campaign business—currently, they have active campaigns tackling greenwashing, domestic flight prices, supermarket specials, and more. Quite often this will result in a complaint to the Commerce Commission
The Commerce Commission is the government organization in charge of regulating the markets and protecting consumers. But a singular, individual complaint is unlikely to get action out of them. So when Consumer NZ targeted the supermarket duopoly’s questionable specials, by collating a number of complaints and experiences from kiwis across the motu, they were able to provide the Commission with a jam-packed submission.
“There’s just so much power in numbers,” said Danem. “But we can gather everything into something really meaty and filled with high-quality evidence, to investigate.”
Everything mentioned up until now is free, but there is a partial paywall at Consumer NZ. Still, Consumer NZ itself will recommend canning subscriptions when times get tough, so they do try to have a lot in front of the paywall.
Behind the paywall is the ability to get advice from lawyers if you feel like you’ve been mistreated as a consumer, alongside expert product tests of most costly appliances and services. This includes lawnmowers, wifi routers, phones, laptops, air fryers and more.
Whakaata Māori CEO Calls for Updated Legislation to Address Digital Media Needs
Whakaata Māori CEO Shane Taurima has criticized the legislation governing the organization as outdated, calling it "not fit for purpose" during a parliamentary review. The Māori Television Service Act, Whakaata Māori operates under, entirely lacks mention of digital platforms. Taurima highlighted that Whakaata Māori is underfunded for digital content, despite launching a streaming service. Chair Jamie Tuuta noted funding disparities, with Māori broadcasting receiving significantly less than mainstream media. Both leaders urged legislative updates to address digital strategies and streamline reporting processes.
The chair of Parliament's Māori Affairs committee praised the work of Whakaata Māori:
“Thank you for your mahi. To not have funding increase from 2008 to 2021, yet to see the outcomes that you guys are delivering, is no mean feat.”
Educational Leaders Oppose Changes to Te Tiriti Obligations in Schools
Educational leaders across Aotearoa are opposing a government proposal to amend section 127 of the Education and Training Act, concerned it will "downgrade" schools' obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Ministry of Education claims the changes simply reorder the section to increase visibility for Māori student outcomes. However, leaders, including Te Akatea and NZEI, argue the changes risk diminishing Te Tiriti's role in education. They urge the government to reconsider the amendments, and maintain the current focus on Māori equity.
Pacific Nations & Languages
Welcome back to Salient’s Pacific language learning! This week we have Nauru. And, as always, there are things we may have missed or glossed over, and we encourage you all to do your own research. This column was created with the help of Violet Dowabobo.
History of Nauru
Originally settled about 3000 years ago by Micronesian voyagers, Nauru has a rich history and culture. Up until European contact in the early 18th century, Nauruan society consisted of 12 matrilineal kinship groups, each led by a chief.
Like many other Pacific Island nations, Nauru has had a complex colonial history, being passed around different administrations over the course of two centuries. Germany initially annexed Nauru in 1886, but during World War l, a small Australian force took over, removing the German administrative powers. Then in World War ll, Japanese forces arrived, briefly occupying Nauru, before Australian troops regained possession. However, the nation finally gained independence in 1968, eventually joining the UN in 1999.
Over the past two centuries, phosphate has been one of Nauru’s major exports and has played a massive role in its political and economic history. In the 1970s, Nauru was exporting so much phosphate that it was one of the richest countries per capita in the world. However, due to excessive mining of their phosphate reserves, they soon got into serious debt and now experience serious environmental degradation.
As of 2022, Nauru has a population of 12 668, with 94% being Indigenous Nauruan, and the other 6% consisting of I-Kiribati, Chinese, Fijian, and Solomon Islander.
Email greetings / Sign offs
Ekamawir omo = Hello (formal)
Omo yoran = Good morning
Omo yeko = Good afternoon
Omo yemero = Good evening
Omo yabum = Good night (both greeting and farewell)
Tarawong = Goodbye
Magada = Please
Tubwa (kōr) = Thank you very much
General phrases
Wo areit ed? / Mo awe? = How are you?
Omo, tūbwa kōr = Fine, thank you
Yen egōm awe? = What is your name?
Aña kõr … = My name is …
Awe amen e? = Where are you from?
Aña amen … = I’m from …
Dorerin Naoero = Nauruan language
Nauru = derived from the word Anáoero, which means ‘I go to the beach to lay my bones’. For some tribes on Nauru, the beach was used as a burial place.
2025 VUWSA EXEC NOMINATIONS
The VUWSA Student Executive is elected each year by the students of Vic. You’ll see the Exec on campus, hosting events, rallying students and in the media voicing student issues.
The VUWSA Exec are here to stand up for social issues, advocate for better learning standards & ensure the student voice is included in crucial university decisions.
EXEC ROLES
VUWSA President
Academic Vice-President
Engagement Vice-President
Welfare Vice-President
Clubs & Activities Officer
Education Officer
Equity Officer
Sustainability Officer
Treasurer / Secretary
Postgraduate Officer
Hello, my name is Liban Ali, and I will be running for President in the 2025 VUWSA executive elections.
Liban Ali for PRESIDENT
Over the last two years, I’ve had the honour of serving on the VUWSA Executive, first as Clubs and Activities Officer in 2023 and then as Welfare VicePresident in 2024. These roles have given me a thorough grasp of the challenges and opportunities that our student community encounters.
I am passionate about making VUWSA a place where every student feels empowered, heard, and supported. My campaign is built around three pillars: engagement, collaborative action, and empowerment. I feel that these ideas are critical for developing a vibrant and inclusive student body.
As someone who grew up in Naenae and overcame enormous obstacles to get here, I recognise the value of community and resilience. This effort is not only about me; it is about all of us. It is important to ensure that VUWSA truly represents our diverse student body and that we continue to collaborate to bring about positive change.
I’m looking forward to connecting with as many of you as possible in the lead-up to voting and hearing your ideas for making 2025 a year of progress and success for all of us.
Ethan Rogacion for ACADEMIC VICE-PRESIDENT
Let’s set the record straight: Vic is in trouble. Following on from last year’s staff cuts and the lasting effect of Covid, the University is still in recovery mode - and this has had a real impact on service delivery for students. But that doesn’t mean that our ability to learn needs to suffer.
If elected, I will push for greater collaboration between faculties, class reps and our many incredible subject-specific rep groups to ensure that your University is hearing you and accounting for your learning needs, while recognising the limits on our incredible University staff.
I’ll also be a staunch advocate for you when it comes to academic issues: from better support for PASS classes to greater clarity around the use of AI at University.
I have a track record of proven leadership and absolutely commit to ensuring that your University is working with your best interests at heart. I would be honoured to have your vote for Academic VP 2025!
Ko Ethan Rogacion tōku ingoa!
Ko Pīripini te whakapaparanga mai, engari ko Tāmaki Makaurau te whenua tupu. I am an LLB/ BA student, and I am excited to be running to become your 2025 VUWSA Academic VP!
Ko Ben Young tōku ingoa.
Nō United Kingdom me Switzerland ōku tīpuna.
Hi! Ben here, and I’m thrilled to run to be your Academic VP in 2025.
I have a few questions for you, the reader.
How can we expect to defend Te Tiriti when students are so time poor, they can’t attend a rally?
Ben Young for ACADEMIC VICE-PRESIDENT
As students, we all have a love-hate relationship with our university studies, my goal is to make them as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
There are several key initiatives I am planning for:
1. Minimising student costs. I aim to introduce free printing at campuses and continue advocating for free public transport for students. Many of us are living one student loan payment to the next, every little bit helps.
2. More study-leave support. We dread exam season and could all use some extra motivation. Let’s try rolling out of bed to grab free breakfast on campus to kick-start our day’s study.
3. Increased engagement. By growing closer with our faculty societies (BASOC, VicCom, VUWLSS, PolSoc, etc.), we can ensure VUWSA better represents and addresses the needs of students across each of our campuses.
4. AI Strategy. I seek to continue the previous VP’s integration of AI into our degrees. Learning how to harness it is a competitive edge.
Vote Ben for academic zen!!
Aidan Donoghue for ENGAGEMENT VICE-PRESIDENT
How can we walk forward together in a sustainable, green way when students are limited by their finances to only the cheapest options at the supermarket?
How on earth can we expect strong resistance against those who put profit before people if we can’t move as one?
Now being poor, in any sense, is nothing new to me. Growing up in a sole-parent household in Rotorua alongside 3 siblings, made sure I knew the difference between the haves and have nots, but the simple fact of the matter is that when you’re forced to have a necessity mindset, you can only survive.
My name is Ethan, and I am excited to be running for your next Engagement Vice President!
I’m sick of that. want me, I want you, and I want us to thrive. I want us to do something about it.
I’ve united my workplace and helped bargain a new deal with head office; I’ve fought for fair pay in others’; I advocate for youth empowerment; and for the past 3 years I have not stopped pestering VUW to pay a LIVING WAGE.
Lasting, real change takes
Ethan Reille for ENGAGEMENT VICE-PRESIDENT
I’m committed to building on successful campaigns and past achievements. I’ve advocated for renters’ rights, winter energy payments for students, and against the Treaty Principles Bill. With the 2025 local body elections approaching, I will push for a student agenda that reflects our diverse communities’ needs.
Now more than ever, students are facing decisions made by people who don’t represent us. We need to counter this by mobilising, showing up for one another, and activating our collective potential. I aim to create an environment where rep groups, clubs, and community advocates can lead, take opportunities, and benefit from collective action.
Key goals:
- Pushing a student agenda in the 2025 local body elections.
- Strengthening campaign continuity.
- Promoting climate justice.
- Advocating for more resources for Ngāi Tauira to empower tauira Māori.
- Cultivating a safe, inclusive space where students can thrive.
He pūtake wai, he mahinga mō ngā tangata katoa. Ngā mihi nui!
Tēnā koutou katoa, Nō Ōamaru ahau
Ko Kāi Tahu tōku iwi Ko Ethan Reille ahau
Kia ora tātou, ko Josh Robinson tōku ingoa (he/him), and I am running to be your Welfare Vice-President for 2025!
Josh Robinson for WELFARE VICE-PRESIDENT
Coming to Te Herenga Waka from a rural background in poverty meant that my path to tertiary education was different from a lot of my peers.
My driving force for kaupapa is to create the change necessary to create a better path for all tauira. This can be seen in my work over this year as your Equity Officer, such as helping organise the Winter Clothing Drive and creating the Winter Energy Payment for Students campaign.
Kia ora koutou, ko George tōku ingoa. I am running for Clubs and Activities officer for 2025.
I am a fourth year Law and Ba Conjoint Student, majoring in International Relations.
Hello! I’m Avi, a
This year have been a strong advocate for student poverty and renters rights. This journey has even taken me to a place where politicians have vowed to advocate for these policies in parliament, but there is still so much work left to do.
If you want to come along on this journey, vote Josh for Welfare Vice-President; and lets get sh*t done, together.
George Baker for CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER
Participating in clubs and extracurricular activities that the university has to offer has been the highlight of my experience here at VUW. Whether that be taking the stage with the Law Revue, or volunteering and being on the council for United Nations Youth Wellington. I believe this experience, along with the advocacy skills that I have developed from being class rep for 5 courses to date, make me a fit candidate for this role.
The importance of clubs and activities to the university experience can sometimes be understated, and I would make sure that students have the support and resources to maintain their pre-existing clubs, and form new ones.
I am a firm believer in the ability of clubs to bring together like minded individuals, and create unity within the university. However, there is room for improvement, such as reforming the room allocation system to avoid double booking, lowering costs for sports teams registrations, and having clearer communication streams between the university and individual clubs.
Avi Barpande for CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER
As a highly outgoing and dedicated individual, am passionate about helping people connect with each other. As your Clubs and Activities Officer,
I will work my hardest to organise lively and engaging events to uphold the colourful sense of community at Vic. I have had great success helping organise events so far and love working with a wide range of people for such a fun cause. Well-versed with the schedule and roles of past Clubs and Activities Officers,
I am ambitious about making 2025 an extraordinary year, particularly with supporting Women’s Fest and Pride Week. I greatly believe in feedback and gaining genuine insight into the student population. I want to accurately represent your student voice on various committees, so feel free to have a chat if you see me around campus!
thirdyear student and current Secretary of both BASOC and Victography.
Kia ora! I’m Hawwa, a dedicated and proactive leader with a strong background in advocacy, event organisation, and community engagement.
Hawwa Niyaz for CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER
I’m studying a conjoint LLB and BA in Psychology and International Relations and have extensive experience in the hard work it takes to run clubs and activities and give back to the student community.
I am deeply passionate about further enhancing student life and supporting our diverse range of clubs and activities on our campuses. I strive to maintain active and productive engagement and am committed to supporting clubs to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. I want to act as a pathway through which clubs can advocate for their needs and overcome challenges they may face.
see this role as an opportunity to make a meaningful impact for the development of support structures that uplift campus clubs and activities, positively impact students, and create a more dynamic and supportive campus environment. am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and aim to weave this into my role to drive positive student experiences and foster a sense of belonging.
Nora Quigley for CLUBS & ACTIVITIES OFFICER
Info not supplied -
Check our website: vuwsa.org.nz/vuwsa-elections for more
Kia ora and Namaste! I’m Aría, and am running for Education Officer.
I’m passionate about making learning and studying at Te Herenga Waka more accessible and engaging for everyone.
Aría Lal for EDUCATION OFFICER
As a student of Biotechnology, Art History, and Philosophy, and with experience in leadership roles like Academic Officer for the Bachelor of Arts Society and Events and Marketing Coordinator for the VUW Science Collective (among many others!), I understand the diverse academic needs of the VUW student community.
If elected, will focus on tackling key education issues such as improving online learning accessibility, managing the impact of AI on our studies, and ensuring that concerns about the quality, standard, and availability of educational resources are heard and addressed.
strongly believe in (and will advocate for) communication between students and faculty and for a more transparent, student-led process regarding changes to education provided at VUW.
am committed to advocating for you and for enhancing the academic experience at Te Herenga Waka. VUWSA works for students, and I am ready to ensure that your voice shapes the future of education here :)
Kia ora, My name is Aspen, and I am excited to be running to represent you as an equity officer!!!
Aspen Jackman for EQUITY OFFICER
I am a second-year student studying Theatre and Media, am a queer neurodivergent trans woman and I am extremely passionate about problems that face mine and other communities.
I’ve decided to run for equity officer as I might just live in one of the mouldiest flats in Wellington, so I 100% understand the inequitable and unjust situations students have to live in.
I have been a student rep for my classes and volunteered for the greens and I have really enjoyed the opportunities these have provided me and relaying the wants and needs of my peers.
I’m committed to pushing for a university environment where marginalized students feel not only safe and accommodated but also loved.
Rangimarie
am also very passionate about and will be advocating for a multitude of topics such as the importance of te Tiriti o Waitangi, capitalism, human rights, Trans rights, renters rights, Cost of living, the occupation and genocide of Palestine and many more.
An example of something I’m passionate about is Accessibility in the university, and something I would be advocating for is how to make bathrooms more accessible and safer spaces.
Feel free to send any questions you have on Instagram @AsspenBaspen
Mckay-Maxwell for EQUITY OFFICER
By centering Indigenous mātauranga in my practice, I aim to advocate for those who experience the most harm within colonial systems. I envision a future where marginalised students are not made to exist within a university built against us.
Instead, I hope to weave our experiences, identities, and cultures into the whakapapa of the university, fostering a learning space where we are not manuhiri but tangata whenua.
Ko Hugh toku ingoa (he/ they), he tangata tiriti ahau.
I am running to become your Sustainability Officer for 2025 because believe students deserve to thrive alongside papatūānuku.
Hugh Acton for SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER
In the second half of 2024, I was appointed as the VUWSA Campaigns Officer, which gave me the resources to support students in what they care about the most. As the campaigns officer I have been organising closely with Student Justice for Palestine Pōneke, Climate Action & Resistance, and other groups. This work has resulted in many community events, an awesome protest against the fast-track bill, and a successful campaign to get VUW to divest from Israel!
As your Sustainability Officer, want to keep this momentum up while focusing on making sustainable living accessible and fun for students!
To me, this looks like…
Creating a community garden on campus where students can learn to grow kai and connect to papatūānuku
Holding the university accountable to its social and environmental responsibilities
Advocating for better waste management on campus with more compost bins
Continuing to campaign for intersectional social, climate, and te tiriti justice
Let’s try and break free from this economic system that is systematically screwing our futures. Vote
Kia ora koutou!
Kia ora e te whānau, I’m William and I’m running to be your Treasurer/Secretary for 2025!
Alongside our wallets struggling in this cost of living crisis, these past few years have also been rough for VUWSA’s budget.
Kia ora! I’m Sanjukta, an Economics and Psychology student at Te Herenga Waka, originally from India.
I bring a mix of practical and personal skills that I believe would be a great fit for the secretary-treasurer role.
My name is Vipul Patel, currently studying the Executive MBA.
William Bui for TREASURER / SECRETARY
In 2023, we were even left with VUWSA’s budget in deficit, steering us into a direction which may impact our access to future services and initiatives.
It’s imperative we get VUWSA’s budget back on track – and your vote will help get this kickstarted. We can make this happen via:
Push for more student-centered initiatives that benefit YOU: ongoing initiatives, such as StressFree Study Weeks and Free Menstrual Products, are just the beginning – let’s do even more!
Ensuring financial prudence within VUWSA: a fundamental step in escaping this deficit.
Rebalancing some substance expenses: reviewing our budget, such as student media printing costs and quick cumulation of ‘trivial’ expenses, will enable more to your uni student lives.
We have some of the best student association support in NZ. Let’s make sure VUWSA stays at top in 2025, and that each one of us has consistent access to these crucial services!
Let’s all together bring the budget out of deficit.
Sanjukta Dey for TREASURER / SECRETARY
With a background in data collection and statistics from my degree, I’m comfortable handling budgets, analyzing trends, and keeping financial records accurate and organized.
I do feel I have a lot to learn from VUWSA and the role of being a treasurer itself, in context to my future aspirations. Beyond that, consider myself an intuitive and careful person.
I pay attention to the details and the people around me, which helps me make thoughtful decisions I believe in being considerate in my actions, ensuring that what I do positively impacts both the work and the team.
I’m excited about the chance to contribute in this role, combining my analytical strengths with a human touch. I’d love to bring my skills to the team and help make things run smoothly while creating a supportive and positive environment, for you all.
Vipul Patel for TREASURER / SECRETARY
With over 18 years of experience in a bank in roles involving budgeting, forecasting and reporting I believe I am the perfect candidate to be the Treasurer-Secretary of the VUWSA.
The VUWSA runs many initiatives throughout the year, and in this role my focus would be to make every campaign count and ensure students get maximum value out of each dollar spent.
I am enjoying being a student again and it’s a privilege I cherish. In my free time I like to explore Wellington and chill out with friends.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
He tangata Tiriti au. Nō Ingarani, nō Kōtirana ōku tūpuna.
Ko Bolton te kaipuke.
I tatū tōku whānau ki Waimea. E noho ana au ki Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai.
Ko Craig Stansfield tōku ingoa.
As a dedicated master’s student, I am excited to step up and represent you as the next Postgraduate Officer at VUWSA because I know how tough the postgraduate journey can be.
Craig Stansfield for POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
I’m doing an MA by thesis under a Marsden Fund scholarship, researching isolation and contact as factors in innovation in Malayo-Polynesian languages, part of a wider project looking at the peopling of the Pacific under a Royal Society Te Apārangi grant to researchers led by Dr Victoria Chen in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies (LALS).
I am asking for your support to elect me as VUWSA Postgraduate Officer for 2024/25. I see this as an important new position on the VUWSA Exec, that will help to ensure that VUWSA remains cognizant of the quarter of Vic students who are postgraduates, and that can bring the PGSA much closer to VUWSA after a challenging couple of years
when it has not delivered for Vic’s postgraduates. I feel that I have the skills and aptitudes to serve Vic’s postgraduates, contribute productively to the VUWSA Exec and revitalize the PGSA along a new leaner but more effective and more sustainable model.
Aishwarya Vyas for POSTGRADUATE OFFICER
As a master’s student, I’ve felt the pressure of juggling research, assignments, and everything in between. It’s not always easy, and that’s why I want to make things better for all of us.
If I’m elected, I’ll focus on practical solutions that make a real difference—better academic support and mental health services that actually work for postgraduates. I’m committed to building a strong, connected community where everyone feels included and supported, no matter their background or field of study.
Let’s work together to make our time at Victoria University a positive and fulfilling experience. I’m here to listen, act, and make sure your voice counts. Vote for me, and let’s create change that matters!
MONDAY 23RD SEPT
Voting will open 9am Monday 23rd September until 11:30am Thursday 26th September.
To have your say on the 2025 Student Exec head to vuwsa.org.nz or @vuwsagram for the voting link! page 19
The Fun and Heinous of
The Fun and Heinous of
The Fun and Heinous of
TikTok Famous
TikTok Famous
TikTok Famous
recorded by Will Tickner (he/him)
“Oh my god you guys … Will is TikTok famous!”
I choke on the bag of chips I’m wolfing down. I look up from the bean bag I’m sitting on in the common room; my floormate I’ve barely known for a week has her phone in hand and her mouth open like a codfish. She turns her screen around so everyone in the room can see my most recent video that recently surpassed 200k likes. My stomach drops, and a wave of unease crashes over me as she begins to go around the room and gleefully show everyone my account handle. By the end of the evening, everyone on my floor knew me as “the TikToker.” A great start to my year in halls.
I’ve been regularly uploading to TikTok for about four years now. Before I sound like the biggest narcissist in Pōnkeke (a real challenge, I know), I wouldn’t consider myself to actually be “TikTok famous.” I’m nowhere near a celebrity nor an influencer—it’s just a term that people have coined when they see me pop up on their feed. According to my minimum internet research, I’m apparently a “micro-influencer,” as I only have a little over 30k followers. I don’t get perks, I don’t understand the algorithm all too well, and I’m annoyingly not eligible for the Creator Fund, no matter how often I apply. I just make silly little videos because it brings me joy, and it’s my hobby where I can express things creatively. However, the fun of it isn’t without the ugly, as there are both positive and negative aspects to getting recognized for your internet presence in the real world.
It started during lockdown, when everyone had unlimited personal time to browse the internet. I was doom scrolling a week straight, and in my covid-coma brain-rot state, I saw one of those wealthy lifestyle influencers trying to make a funny sketch about the pandemic. They were very oblivious to everyone else's experiences and living conditions, and they flopped so hard their teeth shattered against the curb. I thought to myself, ‘Why are the hot people on here so tone deaf? It’s not that hard to be relatable and funny.’ That’s when it hit me that I might have something most industry-attractive people never have; a relatable and funny personality. I began posting videos in my bedroom to see if it was that hard, and after a few months I found that it truly wasn’t. I’d make videos of myself lip-synching to funny sounds where I’d voice my opinions, beliefs and personal stories. At first I was hesitant to be vulnerable and publicly let anyone know things about me, but after a while I decided that I had too much creative energy to go to waste. I began making videos where I’d practice editing and lighting (some better than others), and I’d end up jumping on a lot of those creative trends that I’m annoyed aren’t as prevalent anymore. Four years later, and I’m still doing exactly what I was doing in highschool!
Part of the reason I post online is because it's something I genuinely enjoy doing, but I'd be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that didn’t revel in the popularity and online gratification. If anything, my presence being enjoyed by a large mass helped me survive the last few years of highschool. You could call it vain, sure, but you’re telling me there weren’t times in highschool where you didn’t need an ego boost? Everyone could have done with social self-assurance in Year 11, especially if your highschool was a field of pessimistic short poppies. It helped me reconsider how I valued what people think of me and if it mattered. Because when Emma from English says you’re “being too much,” it doesn’t mean crap when you’re one of the top results for a song she was just poorly filming a lip-sync to.
What I haven’t gotten used to is getting stopped in public when people recognize me. It doesn’t happen too often, yet it’s a fun interaction to meet and say ‘Hey!’ on the street or in line for a coffee. Usually it’s someone my age who’s ridiculously nice and I end up following back. Actually, the very first time I got recognized was during a school trip and I was an awkward mess—I kept stumbling over my words and laughing fearfully, thinking I was making a horrible impression… cut to today, and we’re great friends (I love you, Mo). However, I’ve been recognized in countless strange places I would have hoped not to happen: at work in front of my coworkers, on the beach half naked, and on a trip to Auckland with my parents. That was a fun chat where I tried to explain being “media personnel” doesn’t always equate to being a pornstar. But in spite of where it happens, it’s always nice to meet people who enjoy what I do and getting to take a photo with them…Usually I’m always the one asking for a photo with them, though (I’m allowed to be a fan of a fan, okay?)
Despite the great connections I make with my hobby, I don’t go out of my way to tell people about my account. There’s really no way of casually slipping in “Oh yeah, I’m a New Zealand TikToker'' to someone. It only ever feels boast-y and ugly, and the situation doesn’t feel right. They’ll always pull up my account and watch my most recent videos (which are never good ones), and I have to stand there in silence like a total muppet. The best course of action I’ve found is to simply not tell people and let them come across it in their own time. Anyone is more than welcome to tell me they found my TikTok and follow me, after all it is a public account. It just comes down to if you make it a big deal or not. The key is to NOT say it loudly in front of a group of people if you do find out. Sure, I’m an extroverted person, but I’m ungodly uncomfortable when everyone is scrolling through my videos At The Social Function and everyone’s giving their unsolicited criticism on the image quality of my janky iPhone.
"the very first time I got recognized was during a school trip and I was an awkward mess - I kept stumbling over my words and laughing fearfully, thinking I was making a horrible impression…cut to today, and we’re great friends (I love you, Mo)."
Something that I learnt as the years go on is that I need to remember to be careful what I post. I’ve been smart enough to know not to include my personal details, but foolish when it comes to posting content on other people. My most engaging content has been instances from my real life experiences which were usually about other people, as it tended to be the most entertaining and relatable. It was easier in highschool when less people knew that I vented my grievances online, but as of recently I’ve stopped drawing too much on my actual life since a lot of people in my life see my content. It’s not wise to air out your dirty laundry publicly when there's the risk of your dirty laundry seeing it and asking
“Is This Fucking Play About Us?”
It’s not fair to the other person considering it’s against their own privacy, so I now always ask if I can make a video about/with a person and check if they’re all good with me posting it.
However, the biggest social aspect that I dislike about being “TikTok famous” is usually the way I’m treated when someone finds out. I’ve started noticing the change in recognition people have to me when they find out, and are more invested and intrigued in getting to know me the next day. It’s like a switch is flipped where someone that was colder and standoffish to me discovers there’s an ounce of popularity to me and they begin to grow fonder. All of a sudden, they want me to finish my story about my family trip to Australia, or don’t mind if I rattle on about Dungeons and Dragons for ten more minutes. It made me wonder if these people have the capacity to connect with me and enjoy my company without their knowledge of my social popularity from the internet. So, I just stopped telling people altogether at the risk of relationships I would value being found out to be built on “stardom.” I’d rather know someone likes me for me without it being because of the ulterior fact.
It feels strange to discuss the social aspects of my internet presence. Writing down and publicly talking about my experiences so people can gauge my perspective is weird, especially referring to myself as if I’m some celebrity and airing out my grievances with “fame.” I’m truly just some silly little freak doing what he likes online. However, looking into my account engagement and content I've been producing over time, there’s been a bit of a decline. Not because I’ve started disliking what I’m doing, but partly because I’m increasingly busy now that I'm out of highschool and trying to survive this cost of living crisis (god I could do with that Creator Fund income as of this winter). It’s also because I feel like the current era of TikTok is suddenly getting more…shit? There just seems to be less creative videos and trends occurring than there was during the Covid era, and more shitty AI voice-over Minecraft parkour garbage. I wouldn’t be surprised if I eventually retire from posting. Mark my words, it’ll either be because it stops bringing me as much joy, or because I become an Icarus and become canceled two weeks from now like countless influencers. Best case is the former, but the latter sounds like better content.
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. Peeing my pants
Will Tickner x
Voting
9:00am Monday 23rd September
Results announced at the VUWSA GM 12pm Thursday 26th September, The Hub
To have your say head online to:
vuwsa.org.nz/vuwsa-elections
Voting Closes 11:30am Thursday 26th Septembe r
About this week's Artist
This week's centrefold is by Calvin Molina & Adam de Jong. The artwork presented is a result of the collaboration between ‘fromflyng’ and the ‘internet’. This Salient issue discusses ‘online’—we thought it fitting to work with the web to illustrate the interconnection we have to nature, each other, and other life forms. From AI generated images to symbolism through ropes, webs, colours, eyes, film, and harakeke—this piece aims to show that there is always something more that bridges our lives together. Whilst notions of this might mean to be careful, it also invites new possibilities as to how we live our lives and create our works. Find ‘fromflyng’ on instagram @fromflyng. Find the Internet here
Indulge in some childhood videos, look through some old drawings, reminisce about how magical the world used to be for little you. Just don’t reminisce too hard, ok? Nobody needs you in a spiral.
Move in with your romantic partner IMMEDIATELY. Don’t even discuss it, just make a little nest in their closet and see how long you can go without being discovered. It's like a game!
Aries Taurus Gemini
Nonconsensually topping up your partner's snapper card isn’t actually romantic. It’s kind of weird. Odd behaviour, you should get some help, or maybe just scan them on sometimes?
Being alone and being lonely are two very separate things. Take the time you need to be by yourself, away from the crowd. Rejoin the world at your own pace.
Libra
You don’t even have to be an artist to have artist’s block. Lacking a bit of inspiration lately? That sucks, but you’ll get over it. You have before.
Capricorn
You’ve been working hard, treat yourself! Don’t be afraid to indulge in the finer things in life. Take a break from Nescafe instant coffee sachets and have a real cafe experience.
You’re vulnerable to upheaval and sudden changes this week. Keep a close eye on the washing you’ve got drying outside; the weather here is unpredictable, and a single night without bed sheets could prove disastrous.
Scorpio
How’s the job hunt going? Badly? It’s kind of taking over your life a bit. Gotta work to live but not live to work am I right.
Aquarius
You’ve been having some realisations as of late. Revolutionary ones that will change the course of humanity, or maybe just your life. Like: you can freeze bread before it gets mouldy.
Cancer Leo Virgo
Old things have to end for new ones to begin. That’s just the cycle of life. It’ll be painful for a while but ultimately whatever happened it’s for the best.
Sagittarius
You need some balance in your life. Go to Daiso and purchase three items. Three items for $10 is a perfect display of harmony. It will realign your energies.
Pisces
Opening up Instagram on your computer when you should be working isn’t any better than going on your phone. Even though it feels like you’re still being productive.
Poptropica: Fuck Yeah
words by Emily Bull (she/her)
Like many early 2010 gamers, I was invested in the worlds Club Penguin, Animal Jam (shout out Speaker of the House, Teddy) and Movie Star Planet. However, there is one forlorn soldier that I think we forget to thank for our upbringing—Poptropica.
Poptropica is an online roleplay-based game which was created by Jeff Kinney—author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. You would travel to different islands to complete a quest that subsequently rewarded your character with a medallion you could wear. It had a customisable character, riddles, action and more! The discontinuation of the Adobe Flash Drive brought death to many of our favourite islands. Modern Poptropica is now permanently hosted on coolmathgames, which brings its own issues. The difficulty of the game has drastically lowered and, when I attempted to play on my laptop, it was quite laggy. However, this could be fixed if you’re on a desktop.
I’d like to take a moment to reminisce on the golden days of Poptropica. Not all islands were created equal, but here are some of the very best ones and what degree I associate them with.
Time Tangled Island: Architecture
Time tangled island was my FAVOURITE island!!
A quest about time travel and returning lost objects to the rightful owner. One would initially assume this was an island for all the historians out there, but you forget that there are many very cool structures on this island. God, don’t even get me started on how sick your house is at the end. Architecture students, this one was for you.
Reality TV Island: Law and Politics
This is an island that involves voting and is based on a game show with a literal jury. Need I say more?
Steamworks: Computer Science
Mythology Island: Classics
Percy Jackson fanatics were able to finally put their hours of reading to use in Mythology Island. I personally always had to ask my brother for the answers to the quiz. I’m willing to bet those who loved this island now study classics at this very University.
I couldn’t solve this one and neither could you. That’s probably why you study computer science, in the hopes that one day you can code your way through this island.
Nabooti Island: Geography/Environmental degrees
Now, I won’t lie, I definitely forgot this island existed until I searched up chicken, fox and seed puzzle Poptropica. I’ve gotta say though, this is an island for all the geographers. You travel across a continent and witness a range of different biomes. Plus, you get to play mancala—a game which is almost as severely underrated as this degree. This, of course, coming from an unbiased source (a geography graduate).
Shrink ray Island: Biology
All that time spent looking into a microscope finally caught up to you huh. Now you know how all those bacteria feel.
Mystery Train: History and Criminology
You get to meet celebrities such as Thomas Edison, Mark Twain and Susan B. Anthony—and then accuse them of stealing! A story about solving a crime whilst surrounded by famous historical figures, how can I pick just one degree?
24 Carrot Island: Commerce
This may shock you, but I was inclined to not mention this island as I personally don’t like it very much. Like this island, I also don’t care about commerce. So here, have this stinky island. You visit a factory (aka a BUSINESS) to fight the boss (aka a CEO) who is exploiting the town (aka CONSUMERS). Mind control is just another form of marketing, right???
Hello, my name is Emily and I recently deleted Tik Tok (cue applause, flowers, etc.). But the findings of my abstention have been less than promising. While it’s nice not to have mind-numbing dopamine vomit melt my brain each night before I sleep, I have somehow managed to keep the time spent on my phone exactly the same as before. As for my visions of intensive reading, writing and academic weaponry in my Tik Tok free life, I have nothing to offer. Instead, the realities include learning of Jojo Siwa dry humping stage corners from my friends as if it was medieval gossip, and a general feeling of confusion.
Most importantly though, the only reason that I can live happily without Tik Tok is because I am not really offline at all.
I got my first Instagram account in year five (?!?) and my handle was Funkymunkyunicorn. Life couldn’t get much better: I posted minion memes and photos of surfboards with filters and would get max three likes from my friends who also somehow managed to download Instagram without their parents’ consent (a notable mention being my friend Potatoyummy). But the time eventually came to shed my fun quirky handle and go with the eponymous.
I have never been a serial Instagram poster, but now that I have had an account for almost half my life, the question of deleting it quickly becomes existential. In some dystopian digital age fear, deleting Instagram feels like at least a partial deletion of myself. Which part exactly is a tricky question, but regardless my own personal crisis has made me suddenly quite concerned with the way in which we use social media (for the purposes of this article, Instagram).
First and foremost, I can’t help but see social media as a modern-day social currency—and I am not talking just about influencers and celebrities; I mean this as applicable to basically every single Instagram user. As soon as we are, dare I say, ‘introduced’ to someone new online, we can almost immediately ascertain key information about them based on how many mutuals they have with you, who those mutuals are, how many followers they have, and just their general vibe. While such features enable us to figure out if we know a person, or if we would like to know this person, they also encourage us to make reductive judgements of people based on largely superficial presentations of themselves. Knowing that these judgements are constantly being made, we cannot help but create digital profiles that portray ourselves in the ways in which we would like to be understood. There is an immense pressure to curate one’s social media presence because, when our followers extend beyond our close friends and family, with each post there is the knowledge that this might be the sole way in which someone else perceives you. It is hard to deny the social value assigned to our digital identities—whether an individual chooses to embrace or reject this is up to them.
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To understand if there was any academic basis to my feverish revelations, I talked to media and communications lecturer at Te Herenga Waka, Dr Alex Beattie. Having recently conducted research into how various groups of people in Aotearoa were disconnecting from the internet, Beattie offered significant insight into the challenges of disconnecting in the digital age. Beattie emphasised social media as redefining our social norms, changing expectations surrounding availability, and making the “previously invisible, visible”. Beattie highlighted that, while the social pressures that people might feel using social media have always existed, it is the constant connectivity encouraged by social media that makes them inescapable. While in social environments such as high school or work we can simply leave at the end of the day, the constant connection enabled by social media means we are not afforded such relief from pressure.
The pressure to “self-brand”, as Beattie calls it, however, is not simply a product of social media alone but rather a reflection of other aspects of our late-capitalist societies.
Again, however, we must remember that humans have long attempted to control the way in which we present ourselves to others. The hyperconnectivity enabled by social media simply allows us to do so on an unprecedented scale.
In his research, Beattie has revealed varying experiences across different demographics in Aotearoa in the choice to disconnect. As expected, younger people (18-24) struggle to disconnect more than older people (75+). With differing relationships to connectivity however, Beattie highlights the limitations of older generations' ability to understand younger generations’ relationship to social media and the internet. With so much of our identity and existence now experienced digitally, solutions to disconnecting such as simply turning the WIFI off or banning phones in schools fail to understand the extent to which the digital world has become inseparable from the real. Therefore, the future of navigating disconnection cannot be understood in black and white, but rather by realising our online lives to be a feature of our existence.
With all this, it is essential to understand the value of social media as deeply personal. This is emphasised by Beattie, “Social media can be an amazing tool depending on who you are and who you talk to”. Using social media, people, who may be otherwise marginalised for their sexuality, ethnicity, or other reasons, are able to build their own online communities. Alternately, Beattie’s research revealed factors of ethnicity and gender norms to affect participants’ ability to disconnect: more women cited pressures to be available to friends and family as a reason for not disconnecting while Māori were more likely than Pākehā to disconnect due to concerns for safety in online environments. Clearly, our relationship to social media does not transcend reality but is rather deeply informed by who we are and our own life experiences.
With this, sometimes I think I might just be a weakling in a world full of digital alphas (if so, natural selection will sort me out) and other times it’s just not that deep. This isn’t a call to boycott, rather a reminder that social media has radically altered the way in which we socialise. There is a digital aspect to our being that can no longer be denied. As the distinction between an online and offline world disappears, it’s important to remember the extent to which social media encourages us to curate our lives and identities. As always, people are complex and multi-faceted and possess a depth that cannot be conveyed in a post or profile alone. Don’t let the constant connectivity of social media trick you into thinking otherwise.
Indoctrination of Youth Into The
Alt-rightvia Social Media
words by Pipiana Coventon - Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Raukawa
Racism
The increasing use of social media in the past two decades has fostered a cyclical system of indoctrination of youth into the alt-right. Think about how you use social media. You’re bored, putting off an assignment, scrolling mindlessly on Tik Tok, and come across a video laying out some ‘facts’. You don’t check these facts, just absorb them and scroll on. The same day, watching TV with your flatmates, eating dinner with your family, or chatting with your lecture buddy, you may share these ‘facts’—which will be taken as truth. These ‘facts’ could be harmless; a stupid joke, a celebrity dating rumour, or a product that will change your life. Sometimes, however, these ‘facts’ are not harmless, but are rather damaging items of misinformation: such as the ‘facts’ shared by alt-right profiles. In understanding that fact and opinion are often indistinguishable online—and that youth can take this information at face value—the increasing role of social media in developmental years becomes concerning.
Paleoconservative academic Paul Gotfried first coined the term alt-right in 2008. The group this term describes feel they are a minority, especially when attention is directed towards actual minorities in the face of injustice. Many of their concerns are rooted in the fear of eventually becoming the minority themselves—and so they continue to ostracise and marginalise others in an attempt to affirm their positions of power in the world. In the past decade, the revival of the alt-right and white ethnonationalism has become a predominant characteristic of Western social landscapes. This resurgence has coincided with the aforementioned increasing use of social media, subsequently crafting an online culture that has become entrenched in bigotry. With the rise of the alt-right as an ideology, there has been a simultaneous development in the way information is distributed and consumed. Traditionally, forms of edited media such as print, television, and radio were trusted sources of information. Nowadays, young people have access to and engage with a far wider range of media, much of it misinformation. This development from traditional to modern media has fostered a culture where youth are indoctrinated into the alt-right online.
Young people are ‘digital natives’, and though social media is still used by older generations, it is becoming an increasingly youth-targeted environment. Reports show that upwards of 90% of teens aged 13-17 use social media on a day-to-day basis. Think of the people around you—it is uncommon to hear of a young person who uses no social media at all. Young brains are particularly vulnerable to social media, meaning that the fundamental changes they go through where they are encouraged to seek social gratification can be warped by online interactions. Children are accustomed to social gratification from peers in real life, but what makes online interactions interesting—in comparison to in person ones—is their permanency. As is an integral aspect of human nature, children and teens do what they have done since the dawn of time; seek friends and groups who will accept them with open arms. Young people’s biology, and their susceptibility to intake opinion as fact, makes them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, and as social media remains dominated by youth, they are the primary audience of this exploitation.
Streaming and video-sharing sites have become pivotal in the alt-right’s rise in both popularity and accessibility. While all social media utilised by the alt-right have dangerous potential, YouTube and TikTok have emerged as particularly insidious platforms. Recent studies examining a wide array of videos across various channels and accounts reveal a troubling trend: that users who engage with mainstream right-wing content, such as viewing Fox News clips, are often algorithmically steered towards more extreme alt-right content. Originally created as platforms for sharing light-hearted content—such as dance routines, cute animal compilations, and slapstick pranks—these sites have quickly developed into vast, unregulated repositories where millions of videos are uploaded daily. Amongst this deluge of information lies a disturbing array of content, including graphic violence, misinformation, terrorist propaganda, and radical alt-right viewpoints. The sheer scale and accessibility of this content presents a grave risk, particularly to younger audiences. It is clear that, for a young person navigating the online world, a single click, like, or comment is all it may take to set in motion a trajectory towards alt-right indoctrination.
Whilst it is easy for the indoctrination of youth into the alt-right via social media to front as a purely digital issue, the consequences extend far beyond the realm of social media and have the potential to create catastrophic impact; some of which we have already seen.
The presence of the alt-right on social media has the capacity to alter the future of content sharing and online communication, as growing numbers of youth—trapped in a cycle of indoctrination—are pushed towards fringe social media platforms to maintain harmful systems built on confirmation bias and bigotry. The long-term consequences of the alt-right presence online are real-world violence and fear. This violence and fear, if not directly caused then definitely encouraged by the presence of the alt-right online, is a global phenomenon—take the January 6th US Capitol attack, the 2019 Christchurch Mosque Shooting, and more recently the emergence of EDL riots in England for example.
The increasing indoctrination of youth into the alt-right is heavily influenced by the growing prevalence of social media, particularly amongst youth. Social media platforms form echo chambers where individuals are exposed to like-minded views, reinforcing their beliefs through confirmation bias and reducing the chance of encountering and engaging with opposing perspectives. This dynamic has allowed far-right ideologies to gain a foothold in these online spaces, consequently causing them to become normalised in everyday life. The evolution of technology has facilitated this shift, moving away from traditional media toward a globally interconnected online society. The near-limitless communication afforded by social media means that extremist ideologies can spread rapidly and widely, with little resistance. If unaddressed, this could lead to the far-right becoming more accepted in both political spheres and daily life, posing significant risks to social cohesion and democratic values. Efforts to counteract this trend must focus on creating more balanced online environments where diverse viewpoints can be shared and debated, ensuring that the younger generation is exposed to a wide range of perspectives rather than being trapped in insular communities that reinforce harmful ideologies.
A One Star Review Of A Literary Classic
written and reviewed by Jay Lee-Guard (he/they)
Ah, Goodreads: the internet bastion of literary genius, where sophisticated readers flock to leave insightful and witty reviews—not. For those who aren’t familiar with the site, it’s essentially a community based-platform where you can write and share reviews of books with other people, while also functioning as a virtual library by allowing you to organise books you’ve read into special categories on your account called shelves. Founded in 2006 and launched in 2007, it’s a fairly simple platform, conceptually, but has mutated like the strange mould in your trash to become one of the weirdest online environments I've ever been a part of.
First of all, like arguably too many platforms on the internet, it is deeply culturally American both in its management and in its user base. With good reason, admittedly! It has its headquarters in San Francisco, and is currently owned by Amazon (more on that later). However, with 150 million users, the platform itself is certainly nothing if not global. Almost any contemporary book published in or translated to English you can think of is available on the site to be rated and reviewed, leading to what should be a multicultural literary haven. Yet this proudly American site has resisted any and all urges it may have had to embrace this fact. I can think of countless brilliant books (see: The Saint of Bright Doors, Rakesfall, The Spear Cuts Through Water) with incredibly mediocre, or contentious, ratings. Many users have come to expect that if they don’t understand a book, it must be a fault on the book’s behalf, rather than considering the possibility of it being an intentional choice. Find any book which chooses to celebrate the literary traditions of another culture, or that might have a different target audience in mind other than white Westerners, and I can personally guarantee that you will find many people arguing in the reviews that, because the book wasn’t immediately accessible to them without a little bit of effort on their part, it “fails to properly engage the audience”, to quote a reviewer who shall remain nameless. I think of Goodreads ratings a little bit like the Bechdel test: if the ratings are atrocious, it’s a pretty good indicator that it’s a book which at least could use a little reworking. But anything three-stars and up could be of any quality, because ratings and reviews on Goodreads are impacted by the culture of the site just as much as they are the quality of the book.
Now, I said I’d return to the fact that Goodreads is an Amazon-owned company, and I meant that. It was acquired in 2013, which ultimately did two things:
1. Doubled its membership in the span of a few months thanks to Amazon Big Bucks!
2. Irrevocably changed the goals of the platform to encourage increased spending and overconsumption.
On each book’s page, right under the cover art are two big buttons. One says “Want To Read”, and pressing it will add it to a shelf with exactly that title. The other takes you to the Amazon Kindle webpage where you can purchase the book in electronic form. Don’t have an Amazon Kindle? Don’t worry! You can instead press the little arrow next to the button to be taken to the Amazon store page to shop for the book, or to the Amazon-owned Audible site to purchase it in audiobook form. Or perhaps you’d like to buy a second hand copy on Amazon-owned AbeBooks? To give Goodreads some credit, they do also list Barnes & Noble, Walmart eBooks, and a library directory, buried deep underneath every possible book-related Amazonian branch. The word Amazon doesn’t look real to me anymore.
Of course, no discussion of Goodreads would be complete without at least cracking the lid a little on the can of worms that is BookTok/Bookstagram/BookTube etc. To save time, words, and my own sanity, I’ll only take you through the briefest of tours through this insane corner of the community. First of all, Goodreads made the interesting choice to display someone’s follower count next to their name whenever they leave a review. While following someone doesn’t really change your experience of the platform—and can be a fun way to keep up with friends—it also serves as a kind of social currency. I still feel myself lending more weight to the short review written by the person with 500 followers rather than the more in-depth review done by someone with nine. And while it’s true that being a goodreads reviewer realistically cannot earn you any money, it can and does earn you something else: ARCs. ARC stands for an Advanced Reading Copy, and getting one means getting an exclusive copy of a book months before anybody else. While they’re often given out with the condition of writing a review about the book, and while the book is readable and ‘complete’, it isn’t yet fully finished as often some editing and rewriting work is yet to be done (the scope of which can sometimes be informed by the reviews of the ARC), being trendy enough to be given ARCs is something a lot of people aspire to. Some people become popular through sharing their honest thoughts and opinions, but many others craft their reviews of books like you’d craft a social media post—to appeal to as broad of an audience as possible. And if this means declaring that you think a book written by a non-Western author is weird, or bad, or confusing? Oh well! In addition, your reviews are more likely to be seen by more people if they’re about popular upcoming books, which disadvantages books which aren’t already in the spotlight. Literally none of this is conducive to people reading whatever they want and then writing about it which is, in my opinion, the basics of reviewing.
Now, if you’re anything like me and want to get away from Goodreads for a bit, but don’t know where to go? My platform of choice is Storygraph. Not only does it have almost every function of Goodreads but more polished and refined, it also doesn’t have a highly toxic culture and isn’t driven by corporate greed!
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For the love of the game, the people, and the nation
Ngân Dang explores the excitement surrounding the 2024 Paris Olympics and how sports unite nations, especially in New Zealand. However, they also highlight the challenges faced by athletes of colour, often celebrated in victory but subject to racism in defeat. The piece delves into the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity, questioning the exclusionary boundaries that persist in defining belonging. Dang encourages readers to support all athletes equally and embrace a more inclusive sense of national pride.
PARK RD: The Novel
Jia Sharma reviews The Novel, the debut album from Auckland-based band PARK RD, highlighting its shift towards more melancholic and vulnerable themes. The album blends energetic guitar-driven tracks like ‘June’ and ‘Every Night’ with introspective songs such as ‘Asleep/Awake’. PARK RD's maturation is evident, with impressive production and deeper, conceptual lyrics. The Novel also marks the band’s first physical release on vinyl. Currently touring New Zealand, PARK RD continues to receive positive reception, showcasing their growth and versatility as they prepare for an Australian tour and future projects.
Akamai Night 2024
Mauatua Fa’ara-Reynolds reflects on Akamai Night 2024, a vibrant showcase of Pasifika creativity and learning from Victoria University’s PASI101 course. The event, held after a three-year hiatus, featured 24 students presenting diverse projects in dance, song, art, and poetry. Fa’ara-Reynolds praises the students' deep understanding of Pacific heritage, their innovative work, and the powerful sense of community felt throughout the night. Emphasising the importance of Pasifika voices and stories, the review celebrates the event as a source of hope and pride for future generations.
Review: Limbo
Guy Van Egmond reviews Limbo, a sold-out play at BATS Theatre that reimagines Dante's Inferno in a modern, Wellingtonian setting. The play follows washed-up comedian David Noble, guided by a dry, deadpan Virgil, through scenes of shame from his past in a bid for repentance. Van Egmond praises the production design, particularly the versatile set and seamless integration of sound and lighting. However, while the performances are strong, the character development and emotional depth fall short, with moments of overacting hindering the story’s impact. Despite this, *Limbo* remains an enjoyable, well-executed production.
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Feminism, Fiction, and Fucking Hacks
Onjei Bond critiques the rise of feminist retellings of classical myths, noting that while popular, many lack depth in both feminist themes and historical accuracy. These retellings often focus on “voicing” women without properly contextualising them within ancient societies, leading to hollow portrayals. Bond contrasts this trend with well-researched works like Madeline Miller’s Circe and the Victoria Ancient Theatre Society’s (VATS) production of Iphigenia Among the Taurians, which balances feminism with classical authenticity, offering a nuanced retelling that honours both.
Review: Lizzie
Angela Pelham reviews Lizzie, an electrifying rock opera by WITCH Music Theatre, playing at Circa Theatre. The show reimagines the infamous Lizzie Borden murder trial, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and complex female relationships. Pelham praises the powerhouse all-female cast, particularly Bailea Twomey’s captivating portrayal of Lizzie. The production’s punk-rock aesthetic is enhanced by impressive set design, costumes, and dynamic lighting. With standout performances, raw emotion, and high-energy musical numbers, Lizzie delivers a thrilling, rebellious theatre experience celebrating both women’s rights and women’s wrongs.
Eyegum Wednesdays: Lipstick and Crying Club
Jia Sharma reviews an electrifying Eyegum Wednesday at San Fran, featuring Lipstick and Crying Club. Lipstick captivated the crowd with their alt-rock and Brit-pop sound, with standout solos and a crowd-pleasing cover of A-Ha’s Take On Me. Crying Club impressed with their gritty, energetic performance, living up to their unique self-description and leaving the audience buzzing. Sharma highlights the strong sense of community at Eyegum, praising the weekly event for its welcoming environment, diverse line-up, and consistent support of local talent. A must-experience for music lovers.
Review: Kick Up a FUS
Phoebe Robertson reviews Kick Up a FUS, a grassroots strip club event at Valhalla, organised by Fired Up Stilettos (FUS) in response to exploitative practices in Wellington’s adult entertainment industry. The night featured 14 performers who put on an engaging, energetic show, including memorable acts like a "horny demon lighting a nun's tits on fire." The event was a testament to ethical strip club practices, with performers receiving 100% of earnings. Robertson praises the welcoming, fun atmosphere, highlighting the event's potential to reshape the future of sex work.
Words by: Abby Saywell
Page designed by: Prunella Azzahra (she/her)
She loves me, she loves me not. Swipe left, swipe right—it's a match!
When it comes to looking for love, we’ve come a long way from picking petals. Bumble, Tinder, Hinge, Grindr, Christian Connection... the list goes on. The digitisation of dating shows no signs of slowing down either, with mobile dating apps facing the latest craze in tech: AI. That’s right—our most intimate corner of the internet is now being infiltrated by something that can’t even feel.
As someone who’s been single since forever, just the idea of joining a dating app is daunting enough. Now you’re telling me there’s an added risk of being catfished by a supercomputer? To figure out if dating apps are already a lost cause, I sat down with Dr Ally Gibson, senior lecturer in the School of Health at Victoria University of Wellington and online dating researcher, to talk mobile dating apps: the pros, cons, and AI of it all.
Dr Gibson likens joining a mobile dating app to entering a whole new world—and says that this is what draws so many of us in. Mobile dating apps unlock a higher level of sexual empowerment, especially for women, by allowing users to take charge of their love lives in a convenient way. Whether you’re straight, gay, bi, or ace, looking for a relationship, hookup, third, or just killing time, anything’s possible on dating apps. The same can’t be said for the offline world, where heteronormativity dominates and community is hard to come by. “It’s so much harder to meet people… the idea of standing at a bar and picking someone up, or even just starting a conversation with someone, is totally alarming to a lot of people, especially young people.”
But what if the idea of starting a conversation with a match online is also totally alarming? (Asking for a friend…). Well, now there’s an app for that. Through her research, Dr Gibson discovered the existence of CupidBot and My Cupid AI, two of the many AI-powered dating app extensions available. Dr Gibson explains that, through these extensions, “AI is used to assist with matching profiles, communicating with potential dates through the chat function—even setting up dates.” These products claim they’ll “filter out the attention seekers,” let you “get several dates a week by doing absolutely nothing,” and offer “instant automated rizz.” (Yes, researching these did make me feel like an incel).
Successful or not, these AI technologies are pretty ethically concerning. Dr Gibson’s main worry with dating app AI is “around who you’re matching with—is it AI or a real human being?” And what does this mean for meeting matches in person? After all, “AI just simply can’t replace human experience and emotion... maybe in the future, but it’s questionable.”
Though Dr Gibson is generally pro dating apps (“but I am so not a black-andwhite person!”), she thinks it’s important to keep a balance between the real and digital worlds. A lot of emotional investment can be put towards matches we’ve never even met (and who might not even be real!)—it’s important to get a reality check sometimes, and to make sure you’re still putting energy into the offline connections in your life. This can be easy to forget, seeing as we were basically raised online—but Dr Gibson thinks this can be an advantage, too. “Draw on those skills and that experience that you’ve already acquired, and apply that to then thinking about mobile dating apps.”
So maybe my prince charming is hiding on Hinge after all—I just have to beat all the bots first. Challenge accepted <3
Don’t Get Played by theAlgorithm
words by Ash Buick
Sometimes it feels like social media has taken over our lives, but how often do we critically think about what we’re doom-scrolling through? These platforms hold so much power over us; it’s about time to take some of that power back. By knowing how these platforms work, we can gain some of the tools to stop ourselves from relying so much on social media. Here are some things to be aware of, so you can improve your experience online.
Intentionally vague content
Everything posted on social media has been created with a purpose. So when you come across something that’s super confusing and hard to understand, that might be on purpose. Algorithms on video-based platforms tend to push content that other people have spent lots of time watching. People try to game the system by making videos that you need to watch multiple times to feel like you understand them, or scour the comments for answers while the video loops in the background. These posts are a less-severe form of ‘engagement bait’, a type of post designed to maximise likes, views, comments, or shares.
Pipelines and echo chambers
Divisive political content is often pushed by social media algorithms because it is something that everyone has strong opinions about. So when someone comes across a political post they are pretty likely to interact with it. Remember, liking a comment that disagrees with the main post is still engaging with the post. The more political content you engage with, the more likely you are to get sucked into fringe ideologies. Once you get sucked in, it’s hard to pull yourself back out again. Unfortunately echo chambers are just social media working as intended—since they make you dependent on it.
The idea that the block button is a bad thing
I’m going to show myself as a tumblerina for a second and say that the block button is a really useful tool for curating your online experience. That may seem contradictory to my previous point, however I believe there is a difference between preventing yourself from encountering things that you find harmful and building yourself an echo chamber. Many of us use social media as a form of escapism from the harsh reality of our world. So it is valid to want to get rid of content that detracts from that escapism.
Being aware of how we engage with social media is the first step to understanding how it affects us personally. While we all know that using these platforms is bad for us, they are often our only way to connect with certain people and communities. So we should try our best to consciously mitigate the negative effects of social media.
words by Kaleb illustrations by Sarah Mckerrow (she/they) @surreal_cerealz
STOP THE SCROLL
Going to bed for most of my life has been a difficult process. Even before I had access to the internet I would read library books until 3am, then ask for more books the next day. Over the years I have tried many strategies to get myself to sleep and wake at a reasonable hour. One notable method was screaming as soon as I got up to put myself in a panicked state, unfortunately this worked too well and I was firmly asked to stop this by my parents. But during the break I decided to have a good crack at cutting down on the amount of time I spend in bed scrolling away at Instagram and Youtube (I don't have Snapchat because I have no need to contact David Seymour anytime soon).
First, I’d like to recommend some programs that will help with your focus. For your phone, look up “no scroll” in the app store. This app limits the amount of time you can scroll on certain apps you choose, and also prevents you from scrolling outright. If you are more of a browser scroller, like myself, install “block site” as a chrome extension from the chrome web store. This—while being somewhat pestering—blocks certain websites from being accessible.
More physical measures include putting your devices (all of them) on the other side of the room from your bed, so you have to get up and walk to turn your alarm off. It prevents you from just stopping your alarm and then continuing to sleep. Speaking of alarms, try to set your alarm noise to something more upbeat. The dull drones of piano and violins don't really stir me out of bed; I personally wake up to “Puppet Boy” by DEVO, and it has helped a surprising amount.
Another method is the more mindful way of scrolling. For me I practiced noticing when I was scrolling—often
it can be an unconscious act where you suddenly find it's been an hour and you’ve just been looking at reels. When you notice yourself scrolling, thinking “am I having fun?” seems a silly question, given the fact that you are probably wanting to have fun scrolling, but I find all too often that you're chasing a hope that you find something entertaining, and not actually having fun or relaxing. If you can tell you are not having fun scrolling then stop and do something else.
“Comparison is the thief of joy” in a similar vein you must not let other habits define your own. Often when discussion around sleep schedules or time spent scrolling come up they tend to be a competition about how terribly someone sleeps. “I go to bed at 2am” “its ok I go to bed at 4am” so on and so forth. If you go to bed at 1am then you may be inclined to feel much better about yourself. The opposite is true as well. The truth is you have to judge yourself by your own standards. If you wake up feeling groggy and feel tired throughout the day, perhaps you should rethink when you go to sleep. If you, at 2am, see a ted-ed video about how teenagers are more likely to stay up late, don't use that as an excuse to stay up till 3am before passing out.
Some more final tips, make sure your devices have a blue light filter and have dark mode (for me both are built into my phone at its 5+ years old). This is an easy change that while it won't stop you staying up, it will help you not get as much eye strain while doing so. To conclude, these are some of the tactics I found useful. While I hope they are of some use, I cannot guarantee that they will be. I haven't fully gone off scrolling late into the night, but I hope that this will at least get discussion going around on an individual level. We can combat screen time with practical measures we can all take.
Review: Ngā Rorirori
words by Mauatua Fa’ara-Reynolds (she/they)
After debuting in 2022 with great success, Ngā Rorirori is back and better than ever. Combining contemporary dance, commedia farce, and traditional theatre, this show is like no other Māori lands settlement story you've seen before.
Set in the wharekai of a rural marae, Ngā Rorirori centres around a brother and sister's newfound ownership of their rohe as the last two members of their hapū. Pillow, the tungāne (Manuel Solomon), is a convicted fraudster recently released from prison looking to sink his teeth into another cash-grab project. Manuela, the pōtiki (Mycah Keall), is a forthright activist trying to keep her whānau from falling apart. As the new owners, they have an incredible responsibility placed on them. And today is the day that the Department of Whakapapa, Whenua and Whatever will come to cement their title as rangatira. Will Pillow give up the whenua to make some big-time mulla? Or will Manuela save the day with mana wāhine?
With music and sound design by acclaimed musicians MĀ and WYNONA, the show was energised by these incredible soundscapes that mixed RnB and Hip Hop elements, making it feel super current and dynamic. One moment I thought was particularly pertinent was when Pillow had this big wad of cash, and Money by Iti Bubbas started playing (if you haven't listened to this song, do it). Then all the actors started busting some serious dancing and twerking and making it rain mulla. Although comedic, it was also the perfect Gen Z way of capturing the trivial and hypocritical nature of money-hungry assholes.
Juggling the lip-syncing of te reo and English, various forms of dance, and acting? How the cast did it all beats me. I may be biassed because both characters
were kick-ass decol activists, but my standouts were Sefa Tunupopo (who played Rere Ahuahu, Manuela's partner) and Mycah Keall (Manuela). Tunupopo, a rising star in the dancing world, was versatile and quickly switched from chorus to character. And Keall fully embodied the strength and mana of her character, serving cunt and clams.
Ngā Rorirori exists in an exaggerated kitschy world, where the actors lip-sync to pre-recorded dialogue in te reo Māori and te reo Pākehā, punctuating their lines with kick, step, entendu, jete. At first, seeing such a tapu subject dealt with so playfully was jarring at first, but once the shock settled, holy faaark. What an incredibly uplifting way to explore how capitalism complicates the relationships between whānau and whenua.
Not to spoil the ending, but the story wraps up on a very 'Omnia vincit amor' note. However, the play's climax occurred in the last 3-5 minutes, with minimal build-up. So when the actors emerged from their characters to bow and thank everyone involved, I felt like I'd been edged, left with my balls all blue and sore. While the final scene was heart-warming and looked towards a brighter future, it felt like we'd just gone through this roller-coaster of emotions and experiences, only to stop mid-way through and have to hop off.
I always find it so interesting to see people of the Pacific critique (or, in this case, poke fun at) their own people, especially regarding such deeply political subject matter. But Ngā Rorirori brings joy, life, and love to these topics, with a firm belief that whānau and aroha remain at the centre of everything. I urge everyone to go see this; maybe being left wanting more is a beautiful thing.
Saturday
A Weekend With the Nokia 1100
words by Cassia Percival-Day (she/her)
Hi I’m Cassia and I’m addicted to Instagram reels. Instead of trying more mild approaches like slowly reducing my screen time or deleting the app, I decided that I needed to go cold turkey. The next time I went to my parent’s house I dug through the dreaded junk drawer. Removing tangled charging cords for obsolete iPhones, half burnt birthday candles & cassette tapes. Shoved in a dark crevice at the back of the drawer I found exactly what I was looking for. The Nokia 1100.
I have been using a brick phone on and off for a couple of weeks now. But whenever Saturday rolls around I can’t seem to commit, I switch back to my iPhone and all that comes with it.
But I decided that this weekend was different.
The event of the evening was a friend’s 21st. One of those events where you only know the guest of honour.
I have noticed as part of this little experiment that the moment people feel socially awkward or don’t want to engage in conversation the trusty iPhone comes out. But you can’t hide behind a brick phone. Pure socialising, no distractions—the way God intended.
I walked into town with one of my friends, musing that my phone was the size of her vape. How technology has advanced.
I read the instructions for entering her fortress style apartment building on my laptop and committed it to memory. When I got lost inside her apartment building I realised in most cases with the brick phone it’s quicker to call than text.
My main concern on previous weekends was a lack of Uber (which sounds very frivolous having to write it out). Though Wellington claims to be a walkable city, at 2am coming home from a function it does not feel like it. Thankfully there are always a flurry of Ubers available to whisk you home at the touch of a finger. But not on the Nokia. Fortunately, on this particular weekend my solution was to meet my flatmate, who works nights, and walk home together.
Sunday
On Sunday I woke up mildly hungover with a desperate itch to get out of the house. I couldn’t bear the thought of walking into town on this day without music to fuel my walk. But the Nokia 1100 does not have Spotify. Instead, I whipped out my iPod nano and got walking. The only songs I have on the iPod are from 2015, like a musical time capsule containing exclusively songs I loved in year seven.
The less time I had on my phone the more time I had to notice. There happened to be lots of odd things happening on a Sunday morning. A man was drinking milk straight from the carton as he walked home at 11am, another man walking in front of me had comically long socks on, and airing out of a second floor window were a pair of shoes.
After not being able to track down a book I was looking for, I decided to get some kai. Upon attempting to order my food at a cafe the old fashioned way, I was faced with instructions to instead order for myself on a screen a few feet away. The cafe worker then followed me to the screen and monitored me as I ordered my food. I’m not sure if it was more prominent due to the phone situation, but I did not enjoy the involvement of a screen in that interaction.
The clock struck 3pm and I noticed the horrific sensation of being in town on a Sunday afternoon creep up. I didn’t feel like staying in town for a moment longer. Feeling slightly defeated, I decided to catch the bus home. Without any way of knowing when my next bus was, my only option was going to the bus stop and committing to the wait. Luckily, the 25 was only 12 mins away. At least I had Justin Bieber & Calvin Harris blasting out of my iPod to keep me company.
Maiden Name: Live at Great Sounds Great
words by Jia Sharma (she/her)
On the 31st of August, Great Sounds Great took over venues up and down Cuba Street. This was a night packed with some of the best acts Wellington has to offer. When I saw the lineup for the festival, there was one band I knew I had to see: Maiden Name. Since forming last year, the band has garnered a strong following in Wellington, known for their ‘post-gender ethereal rock’ sound. Before hearing them play, I didn’t quite understand their self description; halfway through their first song, it suddenly made complete sense.
Picture me, fresh off a horrendous Jetstar flight from Auckland, rushing straight from the airport to the familiar comfort of a Wellington gig. I could hear the band playing from across the road and I already knew I loved it when I walked in during the first song. The vocals were especially impressive—a mix of raw emotion and technical skill that grabbed everyone’s attention. The sound was truly unique, almost otherworldly. The bass solo in their second song was a highlight, and their ability to incorporate screaming without losing their musicality was remarkable. Maiden Name stayed true to their description, blending rock with an ethereal energy that filled the room. Their set went by too quickly, and I left Valhalla wanting more.
Since playing their first proper gig opening for Milktooth last year, Maiden Name has been warmly welcomed into the Wellington music scene. They’ve got big plans for the rest of this year, including their first digital releases.
Maiden Name has their first single, ‘Sin’, coming out on the 28th of September. The lucky crowd of Valhalla got to hear it and I’m sure would agree with me that it should be highly anticipated. This single will be followed by a five song EP that will be released in October. A stop-motion music video is also added to the list of exciting releases by the band this year.
The EP was recorded over a short period of just two days last year. While recording the band played the songs in full, with the intention to record them the same way they were written. The EP will feel organic and authentic to their live sound. I’m eager to hear how this translates to a digital format, hoping it keeps the same raw energy I experienced live. Their live show exceeded my expectations, and I’m confident the EP will, too.
The release show will take place in Valhalla on Halloween. Be ready to grab your tickets and celebrate what is sure to be an amazing EP.
PICTURED: Maiden Name at CubaDupa 2024. PHOTO: Maeve OConnell
Staying Safe Online: Addressing Sextortion in Tertiary Spaces
words by Dylan Van Heerden (they/ them)
CW: sexual violence, sexual exploitation and coercion, non-consensual sharing of intimate material, emotional distress.
Sextortion, a form of online blackmail, is on the rise, affecting many students who are vulnerable to online threats. It involves perpetrators threatening to release intimate content unless demands are met. This can lead to immense emotional distress, leaving victims feeling isolated and helpless.
Our university group, as part of a national campaign, aims to prevent sexual violence, including online exploitation. Though we aren't professionals, we advocate for safer environments by educating students, supporting victims, and holding institutions accountable, particularly for marginalized communities who are at increased risk.
Understanding Sextortion
Cybercriminals often manipulate individuals into sharing intimate material, which they later use to extort more content or money. University students, especially those in residence halls, are particularly at risk due to the interconnected digital nature of campus life. Protecting oneself online is crucial in avoiding these threats.
Steps to Stay Safe
1. Awareness: Sextortion can occur through fake profiles, phishing, or even hacked devices. Understand the warning signs and be cautious of who you engage with online.
2. Privacy: Keep personal profiles locked and limit the amount of private information shared publicly. Regularly update your passwords and avoid accepting suspicious friend requests.
3. Reporting: If sextortion occurs, report it immediately. Many platforms have tools to address inappropriate behavior, and Netsafe offers confidential support. University services can also guide students on handling these situations.
Our Role in Prevention
While we may not offer professional resources, our group works hard to raise awareness, educate, and ensure students can access support. We advocate for stronger institutional responses and call for improved policies to protect students, particularly those from marginalized or intersecting communities who face unique challenges.
Building a Safer Community
Our group is committed to providing ongoing support for victims of sexual violence. We work to empower students to speak up, report incidents, and seek help. By holding institutions accountable and pushing for proactive measures, we strive to create safer spaces—both online and offline—for all students.
Together, we can combat sexual violence in all its forms and build a supportive, informed community.
Ngā mihi nui
Dylan Van Heerden (they/ them)
Co-President & Communications Officer
Thursdays in Black VUW
A little birdie told me…
Question: To use AI on your essays, or not?
Send in your dilemmas by following this QR code
Whio says… Toroa says…
Now, don’t get this twisted— this argument is using AI as a tool. This isn’t an argument justifying plugging your essay question into ChatGPT, taking its answer at face value, and submitting it with all the ‘tapestry,’ ‘charismatic,’ ‘enigmatic,’ and ‘entwined’ language it throws at you.
Here’s the thing: if you use AI poorly, everyone can tell. They’re probably just not saying anything, because it’s awkward.
However, if you’ve got a reading you absolutely don’t understand and need to for a quiz worth 20% of your grade? Yeah, plug that into ChatGPT and get it to explain the content in simple language.
Spent your degree procrastinating, searching for the perfect sentence starter for your essay? Sure, getting AI to generate some arguments for you can help. Can’t figure out how to structure an essay? AI can assist with that too. Need a final pass to edit your spelling, grammar, and citations because you can never get them right and you’re tired of losing marks? It’s definitely useful for that!
There’s a lot of moral positioning and righteousness going on at the moment about the environmental impact of AI. And yes, it is terrible so shouldn't be used without caution. But when Apple has just released ‘Apple Intelligence’, Netflix uses AI to pick the thumbnails for movies you’re most likely to click on, and Te Herenga Waka has just rolled out their own system… I think you’re good using it to help you out with an essay that you’re going to have a mental breakdown over.
Use it with caution, watch some Youtube videos about what it can and can’t do and for the love of god don’t take the first answer it gives you, because it’s probably full of mistakes. But it can be helpful, if even just to make your next assignment a little less daunting.
I think every single university student in this day and age has tried to use Chat GPT to write a paragraph for an essay that’s 200 words short, only for it to not make any sense and reference texts that don’t exist. We never end up using those paragraphs, do we? There's a good reason for that.
Though AI is a tool that can be utilized for the greater good, using AI to write your essays is 100% using it for the greater bad.
If you don’t understand the course content that you need to write your essays on, talk to your lecturer about it! Better yet, talk to your tutor about it! They’re usually nice, closer to your age, and have done these assignments before.
You can write this essay. You can write this essay. You do not need to bend a knee to the immortal computer overlords in order to pass this course.
Also, Chat GPT lies. I have asked the great AI brain many a time for advice, for sources, for quotes. Not a single one of those times has it given me one that actually exists. Chat GPT loves to lie. Oh, you would like a source? You would like to know the journal that that essay came from? IT DOESN’T EXIST. GET FUCKED NERD.
Seriously guys, write your own essays. If you’re using AI to help with sentence structure or spicy new vocabulary words, sure, knock yourself out. But there’s really no point in using it to write your whole essay. After all, isn’t the reason you’re here at uni to learn? Your essays are supposed to show what you’ve learnt over the course of the semester. If you can’t write the essay, tell the lecturer! Tell the tutor!! Get some extra help so that your student loan money isn’t being wasted!!
I believe in you. You can write that essay.
Lots of love!
PUZZLES everybody's favourite page
Signs... out! | Crossword made by Puck
Across
1. Mathematical discipline that usually starts with studying vectors (6,7) *
10. Italian dish with layers, or the pasta used in it (7)
11. National fruit of Armenia (7)
12. Flower that usually has only three petals (6)
13. Act as a precursor (4,2,2) *
15. Reference book most famously compiled by Roget (9) *
19. Vessels that lead away from the heart (8) *
21. Hindu festival of lights, which starts on Halloween this year (6)
23. No-name; without special features (7)
24. Do away with legally (7)
25. Former Rugby Union star whose Wikipedia page mentions his 4% visceral fat level but not his sexy ad for Toffee Pops in 1999 (6,7) *
Down
2. Butterfly or bee, for example (6)
3. Aotearoa's PM from 2016-2017 (7)
4. Coral structure; type of knot (4)
5. Omit; don't pack away (5,3)
6. Like some seals and all humans (5)
7. It might be for disaster, for destruction, or for chicken pot pie (6)
8. Fruit with a deep red juice (5,6)
9. It flashes at a rave (6,5)
14. Core parts (sometimes of herbs) (8)
16. Charlie or Princess Twilight Sparkle, for example (7)
17. Section of poetry (6)
18. Sharon O'Neill hit from the 80s with the line "You're not the only one" (6)
20. Country-like (5)
22. Instrument in the Guinness logo (4)
Bird of the Week
How many Bird of the Week birds can you find in this issue of
For the best pizza, pool, and bevvies on campus, pop in on your next trip up the hill!
podcasts.
with Speaker of the House Teddy O'Neill (he/it/ia)
Salient Undedited "The manipulative algorithms are trying to pull the wool over your eyes." "What if I like the manipulative algorithms?"
Arts & Culture This week Teddy and Walter, who draws our political com ics, talk art, music, the government, voting... It's intense but it's so good!!
Arts & Culture Teddy and Phoebe interviewed most of your VUWSA candidates on why they should be elected! Head to the Spotify to listen now!
SALIENT TEAM 2024
Second Row: Office Ghost (she/her) ; Phoebe Robertson (she/her, Editor) ; Te Huihui Tran (he/him, Te Ao Māori Co-Editor) ; Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (she/her, Te Ao Māori Co-Editor) ; M&M (Ash's cat) ; Guy van Egmond (he/him, Contributing Writer) ; Jia Sharma (she/her, Music Editor); Mauatua Fa'ara-Reynolds (she/her, Staff Writer) ; Henry Broadbent (he/him, Sub-Editor)
Front Row: Teddy O'Neill (he/it/ia, Speaker of the House) ; Ava O'Brien (she/her, Distributor) ; Ethan Rogacion (he/him, News Co-Editor) ; Dan Moskovitz (he/him, Chief Reporter) ; Will Irvine (he/him, News Co-Editor) ; Kate Seager (she/her, Designer)
This week's comic artist: on Instagram: @adamfromdesign, @flyngfrom | Website: adamfrom.com
