Issue 04: March 15 by Salient

Salient Magazine

Sacred Spaces p7 - 10

Today After March p11 - 12

15.03.21

Masons Lane p17 - 18

04 1

Editorial

Exec Profiles

04 - 05 06

March 15 Events Invite Sacred Spaces

07 - 10

Today After March

11 - 12

Poetry

13 14 - 16

Still Remembered Photo Essay

17 - 18

Masons Lane

20 - 21

Centrefold / Feature Artist

23 Ibrahim Omer on Life in Parliament 27 - 31 News 32 - 34 Columns 36 - 38 About Us Salient is published by, but remains editorially independent from, the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA). Salient is funded in part by VUWSA through the 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.

Entertainment Complaints Complaints regarding the material published in Salient should first be brought to the Editors in writing (editor@salient.org.nz). If not satisfied with the response, complaints should be directed to the Media Council (info@mediacouncil.org.nz).

Editorial

Assalamu Alaykum, Tēnā Koutou. It’s always difficult for me to find the words to describe how I feel about March 15th. I’m overcome with a mixture of emotions—grief, anger, hope, caution. In the past, my voice has seemed irrelevant; whenever I talked about my faith, it was only to defend it, and compose myself in a way that legitimised my place in society. Such visibility needed to be managed, watered down, and palatable. Now I have the privilege to be able to co-edit this issue of Salient, and it’s slightly terrifying. Those who are minorities know, when you’re given those few opportunities to speak freely, you want to make them count, you want to say what’s right. You want to make sure you do justice to your people, and for all those whose voices were shunned or lost.

On 15 March 2019, worshippers gathered to do just that in a space they thought was safe, only for hatred to violate it. We will never be able to completely capture the diverse stories, histories, and identities of the 51 beautiful souls we lost that Friday afternoon. We also cannot afford to have white supremacy and xenophobia continue to infiltrate the spaces we deserve.

That’s why in this issue, we are telling our stories, and speaking our truths. We’ve collated a series of writing and art from tauiwi and Muslim youth that is astonishing, authentic, and unapologetically honest. For some, it’ll be uncomfortable and confronting, but for many, it will be liberating. This is for the 51 shuhada (martyrs). For everyone who has ever felt like a stranger in their own This year, I am Vice President of Communications for home. For all the stories that go untold, all the breaths VicMuslims. For those of you who are unfamiliar with that get held, all the voices that get lost. We are no what we do, our club is responsible for facilitating longer looking for sympathy or approval. We are here to prayer rooms, hosting events, and fostering a supportive claim our space. network for Muslim (and non Muslim!) students. It’s already been an incredibly rewarding experience to be a Ngā mihi and salam, part of this kaupapa, and if there’s one thing I’ve learnt Ronia Ibrahim (she/her) from being in this community, it’s how important and beautiful it is to have spaces where you can celebrate and connect with others through shared identity.

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Meet the faces of VicMuslims! Hanifa Kodirova

Assalamu alaykum, kia ora! My name is Hanifa Kodirova and I am a third year Law and International Relations/Political Science student and the President for VicMuslims Club this year. As President, I’m responsible for directing the executives to achieve our constitutional, strategic and operational goals and making sure we are engaging with our members to create a valuable experience for Muslim students. My goal for this year is to curate meaningful events and activities so that everyone who comes along leaves with a full heart! When I think of March 15th, the first thing I think of are the victims themselves, those 51 people who we came to know of their beautiful characters, selfless community spirit and the loving mark they left on the people around them. I think that if anything, we should remember and celebrate them for the admirable people they were and try to emulate their qualities and love for others in our own lives. That’s the greatest tribute that could be made to them.

Harisu Abdullahi Shehu

Assalamu’alaikum! My name is Harisu Abdullahi Shehu, I am a second-year PhD student in Engineering and Computer Science. I am the Head of Male Prayer Rooms for VicMuslims this year. I am in charge of ensuring the tidiness of the prayer rooms in all three campuses (Kelburn, Pipitea, and Te Aro), finding an appropriate person to deliver the Friday congregation/sermon, as well as adjusting the prayer time based on the starting time of classes such that it suits most students. March 15th was a horrific day for both Muslims and non-Muslims living in New Zealand. It hurt to see that Muslims were seen as enemies that must be killed, neutralised and eradicated. To me, it was a day that we will remember for the rest of our time. But most importantly, it reminds me of how important it is to unite against hate and to love one another. It also reminds me of how important it is for us to think that we are each other’s business as this is the only way we can create and maintain eternal peace and harmony.

Meet the faces of VicMuslims

Adriana Aida Che Ismail

Assalamualaikum and kia ora, my name is Adriana Aida Che Ismail. I am a second-year Law student, and the current Secretary for VicMuslims. My role within VicMuslims involves documentation and assisting in administrative support. In remembering March 15th, I recall the stories of the bravery, kindness and overwhelming support demonstrated by the victims, and by the community around them. Stronger than my sadness and confusion, I know that as a Muslim I belong in New Zealand. Above all, remembering the events of the day motivates me to do everything in my power to overcome the darkness of hate and fear with the light of justice, unity and love. I’d like to remind students this week, and every other week following it, to let the people around them know they are loved and belong, but to take active steps to eradicate any forces that threaten this love and belonging.

Zinedin Haziq

Salam, kia ora and greetings to fellow students, the name given is Zinedin Haziq. I’m currently studying as a Commerce student, majoring in Accounting. Given the opportunity, I was appointed as the Vice President of Administration for Vicmuslims Club for the 20/21 session. I’m held accountable to any sorts of events that are related to university and to lend a hand to executives and members. As we are informed, this week is a Remembrance Week. Recalling the terrifying moments hurts not just Muslims, but all of humanity. In regards to this context, discrimination, exclusion, and prejudice must all be gone by the time we step into 2021. Let us hope that this Remembrance Week is not just a trend or a fad that will fade away, but a critical matter that brings people all around the world to an equal level - regardless of their skin colour, race or religion.

Intan Izlyn

Hi Assalamualaikum, I’m the Head of Media for VicMuslims for 2021. My name is Intan Izlyn Binti Juraimi. I help make posters, snap pictures and reach out to the club members through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. My role is to make sure that fellow members are well-informed of the upcoming events as well as updating them of the current ones. I’m in my 3rd year of degree, majoring in Economics and Finance. To me, remembering March 15 is rather hurtful and shocking, even up to this day. Knowing that one of the places Muslim people call home was attacked mercilessly is quite alot to grasp. Nevertheless, remembering this remorseful event has somehow opened my eyes to see that unity is something that can surface when you are surrounded by a lovely and supportive community. As hard as it is for me to look back and recall the event that happened on 15th March, I’m sure it is the same as everyone else too. I hope that each and every one in the community would always have each other’s back and be mindful, not only on this annual event of the week, but in their entire life.

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Events this week: Du’a (Prayer) Recital: Monday, 15 March, 1 p.m., The Hub Join us for a moment of collective reflection, karakia, and solidarity with staff and students of VUW. Open Friday Prayer: Friday, 19 March, 1.45 p.m., KK202a and KK201 Join us for a brief khutbah (lecture) followed by Jumu’ah prayer for those who wish to attend.

Assalamu Alaikum/Kia Ora, VicMuslims Club would like to invite all students and staff of Victoria University to a Du’a recital on Monday March 15th at 1 pm in the Hub, marking the second anniversary of the Christchurch terrorist attacks. This event is a short memorial opened by a du’a (prayer) and followed by speeches from The Student Leadership Team, VUWSA and VicMuslims. We are also inviting all staff and students to our open Friday Prayer, on the 19th March at 1.45pm, in KK202a and KK201. We welcome all to sit in and listen to a khutbah (lecture), followed by the prayer for those who wish to participate. March 15 is a difficult day to remember and reflect upon. But we hope that by coming together in shared compassion and remembrance, we can honour the victims and collectively reject discrimination and hatred in all its forms. VicMuslims is working closely with VUWSA and Student Interest to ensure the Du’a recital is a safe space for all, with counselling support on site. Ngā mihi, VicMuslims Club

Events this week

Sacred Spaces

Ronia Ibrahim (she/her)

In the beginning, There was the red one that he prayed on. Faith was introduced to me in pillars of five, prayer being number two, holding up and pulling down my father as he bowed and stood five times a day. He taught me how to make wudu’, how to purify myself; how to wash my face; rinse my nose with my pinky; my arms (up to the elbows); feet. Purity felt unusual; it came in the form of droplets dripping off my eyebrow, the Ware Whare scarf wrapped around my head. And of course, Purity was laid out onto the carpet—the red one with black arches and green threads, like eyebrows of stern masjid uncles and their olive thobes. Purity was wet and soft and close and quiet and redblack-green-gold. This is what it means to be a Muslim. Afternoons were spent practising our prayers, Arabic stumbling off my tongue: new, sharp, and playful. Then there were the actions—so rhythmic and specific. Down to the ground, but always back up. Hands to the sky, then resting on the heart, woven by verses from The Qur’an. As we sat on the ground, my mind would wander somewhere between the precision and obscurity, lost in earth and echo. Then I would sometimes be brought back by my father’s finger, lifting briefly in the air, as if to say, pay attention, as if to say look, while pointing to God, somewhere, there. When we went down to press our noses into the rug, I could smell my Dad’s rose perfume, and wondered if this was what God smelled like too.

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In the summer of 2010, Dadu came to visit us. Yellow days filled with the smell of turmeric, and suitcases overflowing with gold-trimmed saris and fancy flipflops. I held each gift in awe, amused and unsure of my grandmother’s extravagant gestures of love. Her hugs unfamiliar, her language distant and different. The prayer mat she brought with her was gold and decorated with an image of a grand mosque, illustrious patterns of ivy leaves, said “MADE IN TURKEY”, and felt like velvet—but didn’t feel foreign at all. Maybe it was the fact that I knew what my faith looked like: the rivers flowing under gardens (Qur’an 2:25) and gold domes in far away deserts. Maybe our shared sense of sacred knowledge was the only thing we could both truly understand. But such images are hard to hold on to. There was the school in Wainui, where we learnt “Tahi, Rua, Toru, Whā”, and there was the school in Kilbirnie, where we learnt “Alif Ba Ta”. Suspended in what seemed like two separate worlds, one with blue-eyed girls and ham sandwiches, the other, pull-on hijabs and plates of jalebi. I was the brown girl who couldn’t eat bacon and didn’t celebrate Christmas. I was the girl who was good at reading Arabic. I was the girl whose dad wouldn’t let her go to sleepovers. I was the girl whose dad was a board member of the Masjid. Then there was home. Somewhere in between the foreignities of the mosque and the familiar kowhai stillness of the backyard, I existed. The former was the one that felt like a fever dream. The latter was unkind to those who did not conform.

Feature : Sacred Spaces

Some part of me started to wonder if my faith even existed, if it even did shine and tower like they did on those carpets. When Dadu and I prayed together, we shared a mat turned sideways. Maghrib became memories of raspy-whispered prayers and visions of fallen minarets and lopsided leaves. I became impatient and confused. Tired of standing and bowing everyday in my prayer performance, all act, no soul. The next summer we visited Bangladesh. Bangladesh, with its dirt cracked roads and rickshaw drivers praying by the curb. Where Assalamu alaikum meant “hello”, and hijabs were trendy. Mornings that broke with the crackling of the adhan before the birds. Where faith revolved around life, was the same as life. Embedded in the food and the words, rolling off their tongues, and spilling off their clothes. Every morning after Fajr in the dark of Dhaka’s dawn, I would trace the ashen gardens on my rug. I realised, the rug I prayed on did not carry the truth. It was the proof.

A list of the many gifts that you may receive from a Hajji returner, apart from the alarming mark of the pilgrim’s bald head: bottles of Zam Zam water; scratchy gold kufis; dusty boxes of Saudi dates. “This too”, my Uncle said, pulling out a bundle of prayer rugs wrapped in factory plastic. I sifted through the layers of green, burgundy, maroon, beneath crisp plastic, part of me feeling strange to see intricate silk mosques prepackaged. I chose the blue one because blue was my favourite colour. I had seen others at the halal butcher, hanging on the walls with price tags, as if advertising ‘Al Aqsa for 15’, or ‘The Kaaba for 20’. In reality, we weren’t even close to having the money to afford to visit those places. One time, after paying for our meat, my father looked up wistfully, pointing to the Kaaba, and with bright eyes said to me, “one day we’ll go there insha’allah”.

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4 The Prophet’s* one was called a khumra, a mat of woven palm fronds enough for his head and hands when he prostrated. The “prayer room” in highschool was the cleaner’s closet. It was the door between a classroom and the girl’s bathroom, invisible to the passing eye, distinct to the believer. It was the speckled floor closet with its shiny black rubbish bag inhabitants and bottles of bleach. The thin walls echoed of chatter and lunchtimeanarchy, hardly a place for privacy. There was no cotton rug to separate the spiritual from the material, no softness to place my hands away from the dust ground, no gold threaded niche to remind me where Mecca was. But alone in that discarded room, I refused to feel neglected. I did not have a prayer mat, but I did have my faith. I thought of the second pillar, the softness of my father’s words. Purity dripping off our eyelashes, rivers flowing under gardens. My English notebook on the ground, raising my hands to the sky, resting them on my heart, whispering into the stillness of the dust air. For the next few years I spent my lunchtimes in that makeshift sanctuary, reciting prayers into a pulp cover. Away from the basketball court squabbles. Away from the lanky-limbed boys jeering to passing girls, the cliques and their deafening bluetooth speakers. The fire engine red 1B5, that was my khumra, lying on the cold vinyl ground, that was the one I prayed on when I needed faith in the faithless of places.

*peace be upon him

Feature : Sacred Spaces / Today After March

Glossary Adhan - call to prayer Al aqsa - third holiest site in Islam, a mosque located in Jersualem Assalaamu alaikum - greeting “peace be upon you” Fajr - The dawn prayer Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca Insha’allah - arabic for “God willing” Jalebi - South Asian deep fried sweet Kaaba - black building in the center of Masjid-al-Haram in Mecca Kufi - cap commonly worn by muslim men Maghrib - the evening prayer Masjid - Arabic word for mosque Wudu’ - islamic ritual ablution Zam zam - holy water from the zam zam spring in Mecca

Today After March Khadro Mohamed DISCLAIMER // The following compilation is my own reflection of the attacks that occured on March 15. These attacks affected every Kiwi Muslim in a profound way, and each person’s experieince will be incredibly different. I did not know anyone who lost their life in these horrific attacks, but the sense of loss we felt as a community was immense. Even though our experiences might overlap, I want to stress that I speak for no one but myself. I cannot take on the collective responsibility of portraying experiences that are not my own. I hope you find something familiar in my words, but know that however you felt was just as valid.

ON MARCH 15

ON THE FRIDAY AFTER MARCH 15

A man had taken a knife and sliced straight through the fabric of the sky. He made it rain buckets of blood and iron, it clung to the air like thick glue. It’s residue coated every road, pavement and kowhai tree in the country. It covered the palms of my hands and the skin of my teeth and when I walked through the streets of Newtown it felt like treading through layers of cement. A stranger had stopped me in the street, just on the corner of my house, her face was glowing yellow from the flickering street lamp above her. She clasped two hands on my shoulders, with despondency filling the whites of her eyes and threatening to drown my entire existence. I’m so sorry, she said, over and over again till the words tripped and tumbled over each other. All I could do was nod and say thank you, because I didn’t want her to take me under.

On the lips of the Kilbirnie Mosque, where bundles of flowers covered the stairs of the men’s prayer hall, there was a deafening silence that ascended over us. It sat over my chest, heavy and unyielding.

Sadness made sense. Fear was nonchalant. Anger refused to be forgotten. I was so very tired. A boy with pepper coloured hair led a Haka, with bare feet that glided over the concrete of Queen’s Drive like he was walking on air. He spoke with so much conviction and purpose that I wished so badly I could understand his words and bathe in the hope of his syllables. But pain was tattooed into my gut wall, embedded into the skin of my fingers, and there was nothing I could do to escape its talons. I went home that day, with rose thorns pricking my skin. I sipped cold tea and watched the news that night, Jacinda’s face had lit up the side of the Burj Khalifa.

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3. ON RAMADAN AFTER MARCH 15 I dreamt of scorched flower fields and awoke with soot covering my eyes. I broke my fast with dried dates and a glass of water, I sloshed the liquid around my mouth and willed for it to get rid of the taste of fire that clung to my tongue. The Mosque was packed with strangers, who brought coloured paper and tear streaked faces that reminded me of the wind. Paprika lingered in the air and a woman whispered broken Arabic under her breath while we prayed. I left the mosque just before 9, with tumeric heavy in the air and left-over curry tucked under my arm. I was met with a smile from a police officer who held an AR-15 in his hands. Shards of broken moonlight pooled in his eyes, and the hair that clung to his face looked like bits of silver. You have a good night, stay safe. I nodded, because I was too afraid to speak. I climbed onto the stairs of the bus, and noticed the lavender petals caught in the lace of my dress.

4. ONE YEAR AFTER MARCH 15 One year after March 15, calls for halal butchers to remain open across the country during lockdown were met with visceral hate in the comment sections of Facebook. You’re asking for too much. One year after March 15, someone had pulled down posters calling to end hate in Newtown. One year after March 15, a woman yelled at my friend when she dared speak Arabic on the number 1.

Epilogue TODAY AFTER MARCH Today, I sit cross legged on the carpet and watch my sister paint a picture of the sky.

Feature : Today After March / Poetry

Liberation/Goodbye

The soles of my feet had scarcely touched the ground. Not even reaching the footrest of a stool in that school laboratory where I excused myself, running home sucking my breath. Begging in prostration the tears of a girl could ablute a body gone beyond, or maybe rock it slowly to the shores of our ether.

But I knew. The seams on my uniform had burst. Rushing waves of violence had hewn my youthful edges raw. In my dark bed, I hid my breath, hearing footsteps violating my secret space. Girlhood was gone. If they could steal life in God’s house, I had nothing anywhere.

III

In my newfound age, I never relearned sleep. But I can’t lose anything anymore; nothing was ever mine to keep. If my forehead is bowed I can feel the ground beneath my bent toes. The earth stirs under closed eyes, when I whisper to it my secrets, it floats up over my head, and echoes along the hills. I know that somebody has their ear pressed to the sky. And as long as someone’s listening, I’ll be safe.

A poem by Adriana Aida Che Ismail

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Still Remembered - A Photo Essay by Humaidi Ridwan @doshotz on Instagram / doshotz.com

Photo Essay

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Photo Essay / Masons Lane

Masons Lane

Fatima Ahmer

CW: Islamophobia and brief mentions of sexual violence

The clock struck 5. Finally done. I rushed out to Lambton Quay. Busses everywhere, the sun warm on my skin. My bed was all I needed. Instincts guided me towards it. I crossed Lambton Quay and headed towards Masons Lane. Ping. A friend needed an urgent answer. I swept to the side, as to not block anyone’s path. My friend was active, so we went back and forth. I stood there for a decent two minutes, maybe even more. “You Muslim eh?” My blood froze, my heart pounding in my ear. I’d seen the statistics of Muslim women getting harassed and beaten on the street, even in broad daylight. I didn’t want to be one of them. “Yes.” I gulped. The man stepped closer, “peace”, he threw up two fingers. “I’ll give you a hug.” Islamically, Muslim women aren’t allowed to accept hugs from men. Normally a somewhat articulate person, all I mustered was, “um ... aaa ... I’m fine.” “Na na, peace and all ya know.” The man threw his arms around me. I stiffened. As did passersby.

The suited man nodded. Sweat dripped from his forehead. The man turned to me, “you know Jesus Christ?” “Yes.” “He’s a bit of a mother fucker isn’t he?” “N-n-no?” My voice shook. “He fucked you guys over didn’t he.” Jesus in Islam was Prophet Isa. I’m not sure if the man knew that the three major monotheist religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all have the same prophetic figures. “No.” This time I was firm. The man narrowed his eyes. He turned around, “what are you looking at mother fucker?” He yelled to a man carrying a briefcase. “I’m just trying to make sure if she’s alright.” The man replied, sternly. “Am I giving you any trouble miss?” “N-n-no.” My voice shook, again. “See, she’s fine.” The man exclaimed.

When he realised I wasn’t reciprocating, the man stepped back. He looked around. All eyes were on him.

“I don’t think she is mate.” The man carrying a briefcase puffed his chest. “I saw you down at Lambton today mate and you were doing the same thing. You need to stop.”

“What are you looking at?” He asked a suited man perched on the bottom of the staircase. The suited man gulped.

The man cursed at him, something I won’t repeat. He muttered to himself as he walked upstairs, one by one. Passersby let out the breaths they’d been holding.

“Am I giving you any trouble miss?” He asked me. Again, normally a somewhat articulate person, “n-n-no ... no.”

A lady pinged my shoulder, her thumb raising with her eyebrow in question. I raised my thumb, unsure if I was okay, but I didn’t want her to worry. I was fine. I must be.

“See, she’s fine!” The man exclaimed.

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I took a step. The man walked towards where I was headed. I stiffened. If I walked towards him, this could happen again. If I stayed here, this could happen again too. A very kind stranger offered to walk with me. They walked me to my building, for which I am eternally grateful for. Especially because we ended up living in the same building, so I met a new neighbour. And especially, because the man did try to approach me again. When I finally came up to my apartment and laid down on my bed, I thought of two things. The first was how I was so grateful to live in a country where people have the decency to take time out of their busy days to make sure a stranger on the street is okay. None of them had to stop, but they did, for which I am eternally grateful. Secondly, why was I standing there in the first place? Masons Lane is not the nicest place to be answering a text. Dim lighting, narrow stairwells; it’s the perfect place for a crime. I cringed. I reflected. I realised what I had said. Why was I standing there in the first place? I asked myself: why couldn’t I stand there? Masons Lane is a public space. It was my shortest commute home. It was the connector between Lambton Quay and The Terrace. Why couldn’t I just stand there? What was wrong with it? It pained me to think that my first reaction after an instance like this was to blame myself. If I wasn’t standing there I wouldn’t have been harassed. Women have been ingrained to think that they are responsible for anything bad that happens to them at the hands of men. They’re abusive? You make them mad. They cheated? You didn’t give them enough attention. Got raped? It’s because of what you were wearing. It pained me more, because this wasn’t the first time either. On a sunny afternoon in Courtenay Place, the same thing happened. A man asked why I chose to wear a symbol of barbarism and oppression. I was waiting for my bus. I know my story isn’t new. Many people reading will relate to it dearly. But there’s one thing I want you to remember: it’s never your fault. Our only crime is daring to exist in a world dominated with entitled men.

18 18

Masons Lane / Artist Profile

I asked myself: why couldn’t I stand there? Masons Lane is a public space.

ARTIST PROFILE

Aakifa Chida “We have been taught from the very beginning that art and design can be used as a form of expression. This expression can be used for multitudes of knowledge, emotion, thoughts and opinions. The world has no small number of problems waiting to be addressed - and those of us who use our craft as a form of raising awareness are one small pebble in the foundation of solving the issues at hand. But a pebble, no matter how small, can make or break the mightiest of structures. As a young Muslim growing up in Western society, I was never a stranger to adversity - but the March 15th attacks in Christchurch were a shock to the system nonetheless. This poster was a way for me to draw attention to the tragedies that had occurred, but in a way that brought out the soft and inspiring side of a horrible event. Although tragedy is a familiar feeling, resilience is our greatest power as a community. No number of bullets, false media attention or “random” security checks at an airport can ever take that strength away. The impact that design has on society is clear but not celebrated enough, while the responsibility that designers have on society is known but not utilised enough. We can write an infinite number of essays about changing the world but at the end of the day - we all know, a picture is worth a thousand words.” Aakifa Chida is a recent graduate from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with a Bachelor of Design, majoring in Communication Design with a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship. She was born and raised in New Zealand, but comes from a Hyderabadi Indian background. Aakifa’s biggest passion is design for social good and activism. She strongly believes that purpose fuels passion, and draws on this often for inspiration. She is currently working towards a Master of Design at AUT, to discover more about the relationship between graphic design and positive social change. Aakifachida.com @aakifachida on Instagram

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through them the world will see the beauty in our unity

their blood watered the seeds of hope

Aakifa Chida

The Mosque That Bled

A message from the Salient Editors This week’s issue has been co-edited by the VUW Muslims Club, led by Communications VP Ronia Ibrahim. Thank you to Ronia and to everyone who has shared their stories and given their time. Grief is still felt as we reflect on the terrorist attack on 15 March, 2019. We will never forget the lives lost that day, and the hurt caused. Everybody should be able to express their identity and celebrate their faith in safety. If you don’t understand something because it is foreign to you, taking time to respectfully appreciate its beauty and meaning is humbling. The stories offered by the Vic Muslims Club give insight and nuance into a world you might not know a lot about. Their warmth, truth and bravery in sharing both positive and negative experiences offers much to our community. Ngā manaakitanga, Sally Ward (she/her) and Matthew Casey (he/him)

Message form the Editors / Ibrahim Omer on Life in Parliament

Ibrahim Omer on Life in Parliament Matthew Casey (he/him)

Ibrahim Omer is New Zealand’s first African MP, coming in 42nd on the Labour Party list in the 2020 election. The first time I met Ibrahim he was on the campaign trail for the 2020 election; a smiley unionist who was confident in his chances at becoming one of New Zealand’s newest members of Parliament. Since taking office he still has hope in his eyes, and believes he’s in a good position to create change.

Introducing himself in his maiden speech, Omer stated, “I’m an Eritrean. I’m a son, brother, a friend. I’m a Muslim. I’m a former refugee. I’m a trade unionist and living wage activist.” After fleeing his home country, Eritrea, in 2003, and spending time in Sudan working as an interpreter for the United Nations, Omer made it to New Zealand in 2008. In the space of 12 years he has worn many different hats, being a former student and cleaner at Victoria University. Most recently, he was an organiser at the E Tū Union, as well as the chair of ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, a Wellington based NGO advocating for former refugees. Omer has previously featured in Salient, both as an interviewee and a writer. Asked by Salient in 2016 what he wanted to do when he finished university, he responded, “I don’t know if I want to work in New Zealand politics, it will be hard because of the language, even though I speak reasonably good English.” As for choosing his Party, he stated “I believe that Labour policy fits my aspirations as a refugee.”

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Omer wrote an article in Salient titled “Our Hidden Figures” in 2017. It included interviews with cleaning staff around the University, who “make this place tick”, and called for those staff to be paid a living wage. “One of the best things I did was documenting those stories of hardworking people and I was one of them, a lot of those people you have seen, we have worked together as cleaners.” Omer’s move into politics away from traditional activism was not something he always planned on. Although passionate about politics growing up, he didn’t want a part in it because he saw “what politicians do” in Eritrea and “if [politics is] about hurting people […] that’s not my thing”, he said. Omer admires the safety and collegiality of New Zealand politics: “although politicians may debate in this Chamber, they will then go afterwards and share a coffee and meal together.” He sees himself as representing those who do not have a seat at the table. When it comes to supporting those he’s fighting for, he draws upon his own experience, and “can’t wait just to put it out there for the New Zealand public, as someone who has been in both worlds.” The change hasn’t been too hard for Omer to wrap his head around, as he’s continuing the work he’s always done as an activist: “[...] like making working people’s lives better, paying people enough, being paid the living wage, whether that’s in the private sector or the public sector [...] All the things that I was campaigning for are things that this government cares about.” Now that he is in parliament, Omer sees his role in the legislative chamber as his best way to help, by debating and passing legislation, expressing that in a governmental position “you can make a bigger impact.” After finding out that he was definitely going to be joining the Labour government, the reality set in. But even when selected as an official candidate, he didn’t see himself in parliament. “In such a short period of time, 12 years coming to New Zealand, graduating in 2017 [...] Even then I didn’t see myself here.” Omer was still helping organise the team of cleaners at Parliament right up until the Friday before he started his new role. Walking in as an MP the next week represents a humbling collision of worlds.

Ibrahim Omer on Life in Parliament

Photo: Omer after his maiden speech embracing Prime Minister Ardern.

Before delivering his maiden speech, he hadn’t “thought of the importance”, and had no idea that it would go viral—both locally and on a global scale. His speech was shared in outlets from The NZ Herald through to The Guardian. His speech was met with a standing ovation, and has lauded praise from the likes of former Prime Minister Helen Clark. Omer told his story about how he got to where he is now. From fleeing Eritrea and his time in Sudan, to starting work at Victoria University where he would “clean clean clean day and night.” As Omer admits, there are few politicians who have progressed from “scrubbing the floors 4-5 years earlier.” Being in parliament is far more than just a job for Omer. He does not necessarily see himself as a career politician but as someone who is “opening the doors [...] while I’m here I will try to open every door for people, who often have been overlooked, the Muslim community, refugees and migrant are groups that have been, I want to make sure that their voices are being heard and that we are talking to them [...] March 15 had a lot to do with my final call.”

Despite his recent arrival to politics, Omer has certainly made a lasting and admirable impression.

His closing message to students at Victoria is this: “I have seen what the students did after the March 15th Tragedy, [with the messages] outside of The Hub. It made me emotional, all those beautiful messages, the young people, the students, they are the most important people, they are the leaders of tomorrow. I want to urge them to open your minds and get to know people, from minority backgrounds and get involved in politics as well.

Omer elaborated. “Sadly in the media, the way the Muslim community was represented, there are a lot of misconceptions and misguided views around Muslims in this country and all over the world. This guy had chosen New Zealand to make the point that no place is safe for us, for Muslims. So, I felt that not enough is being done to reflect the real image of Muslims and the contribution of Muslims, making New Zealand richer in terms of culture. I thought that the time has come, even though I knew it was such a big step for someone like me and someone needed to do it.” Since starting his new job he has toured with Ministers “all over the country and met with communities, explaining what the report is about and what the government is planning to do.” He refers to the Royal Commission report into the March 15 attack, an 800 page document with 44 recommendations, all of which were accepted by the government. He says of this tour: “Instead of us just talking and explaining, it was also a time for us to hear from them and get feedback, how as we move on, is the best way to implement the recommendations.”

Over the last few years we have heard stories about how young people are disengaged [...] I disagree with that, I think young people care but the access issue has been a barrier. Today when we talk about the issues, climate change, student accommodation, this is your life that we are talking about, you should come and have a say. Don’t let others decide for you because you are important people, you are the leaders of tomorrow. If we can support the young people today and make sure they are getting the right education, then we are safe tomorrow.” “In terms of minorities, Muslims, non Muslims, get to know them, they are just human beings like you, people who want to do well in life, people who love this country and would do everything to keep this country safe, get to know them.” www.salient.org.nz

NOTICES & LETTERS Kia ora, As an anonymous member of the VUW New Zealand Sign Language Club, I’d like to politely object to your labeling of us as the “Sign Language Club” in the article about clubs week on 1/3/21. Although this might sound overly PC, there is genuine reason behind this: New Zealand Sign Language is it’s own distinct sign language, and not the only sign language in the world. We wouldn’t like to claim that, nor would we like to diminish the difference between the various sign languages. This is important because it is a common belief worldwide that there is a universal sign language. However, signed languages have actually developed organically in local Deaf communities. As we are in Aotearoa, we stick to NZSL at our club! Cheers for the promo though, NZSL enthusiast

Glasses / TikTok response In response to the glasses article - I exclusively buy from clearly.co.nz - the two pairs I have now were $50 each. No overpriced glasses for me! Also, the tiktok “signs/messages,” I once got one on my fyp saying I was pregnant - I did not care for that at all. BA

Submit Letters and Notices for future issues by Tuesdays 5pm to editor@salient.org.nz

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Letters and Notices

News

VUWSA and te ao Māori / Tutors frustrated Students Avoid Hill / MATH311 / Opinion

VUWSA EXEC STRIVING TO GENUINELY PARTNER NGĀI TAUIRA THIS YEAR Kane Bassett, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, (he/him) The VUWSA executive is striving this year to achieve “genuine partnership” with Ngāi Tauira. They have outlined “strict internal expectations” among the executive for upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are placing a strong emphasis on consultation and collaboration with Maori representative groups and students, in an effort to centre kaupapa Māori. VUWSA is the Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association. The VUWSA exec comprises 10 roles, each filled by students democratically elected by the associations’ members last year. It is the VUWSA executive’s job to advocate on behalf of students in university, and local and central government decision-making. Outlined in VUWSA’s constitution is the executive’s responsibility to uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti) in their operations. This responsibility is to acknowledge the special and crucial place of kaupapa Māori in University decision-making. The principles are to ensure protection, participation, and partnership to their partner organisation, Ngāi Tauira, the Māori Students Association. Here is a rundown of how the VUWSA exec plans to uphold these principles, and to centre kaupapa Māori, this year. President The President’s focus is on building strong PresidentTumuaki relationships. He said this relationship has been turbulent in previous years, and added it has a tendency to depend on the “personalities of individuals”. “A renewed Memorandum of Understanding is a necessity, as well as a kawenata between VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira.” Ngāi Tauira supports this kaupapa. In a statement, Ngāi Tauira said their priority this year is “working towards putting something on paper in order to safeguard [our relationship with VUWSA] in the future.”

would also reflect the priorities of Te Mana Ākonga, the National Maori Students Association, who believe student executives should “be making an effort to build relationships with their Māori Students’ Associations.” Te Mana Ākonga added “this could look like attending each others’ events, allowing resources to be shared between associations, and getting to know each other personally to build a genuine relationship between exec members.” Turnbull said on top of building these relationships, he will also reform VUWSA’s constitution and executive member statutes to more strongly reflect the exec’s obligations to Te Tiriti. He added the exec will be actively consulting with Māori representative groups and Te Tiriti experts, “as [VUWSA goes] about these amendments”. He said it will also be his responsibility to lobby for Māori seats “at all levels of university governance.” Academic Vice President Academic Vice President, Cherri-Lyn Lomax-Morris, says her priority is to ensure “regular” engagement with Ngāi Tauira “concerning VUWSA’s positioning on academic policies, and actions.” “Advocacy that is empowering focuses on tailoring the academic advocacy of my role… to embody the desires and needs of the Māori student community and representatives” at Victoria University.

The new agreements between VUWSA and Ngāi Tauira www.salient.org.nz

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Engagement Vice President Grace Carr, this year’s Engagement Vice President, is concerned with making student advocacy more accessible for students. She says engaging with local and central government is “inherently inaccessible” due to “poor representation, and the colonial structures and processes embedded in these spaces.” Carr plans to create resources for students to participate more meaningfully in local and central governance. These resources, according to Carr, will “centre te tiriti and indigenous rights,” and maintain thorough, robust consultation and engagement with Māori representative groups and students. Carr added she will “continue to hold local and central government to account for upholding Te Tiriti.” She said she will be outlining the responsibility institutions have to honour Te Tiriti in submissions made on behalf of students to local and central government. Welfare Vice President Welfare Vice President, Ralph Zambrano, says he is “willing” to work with the university “to look into” expanding VUWSA’s service delivery. He did not say what services he was referring to when asked, but did say any expansion on such services would require proactive consultation with Māori students and Aawhina support.

to ensure they “proactively engage with Māori representative groups [...] and te ao Māori as they carry out initiatives, events, and policy work.” These internal expectations include utilising current consultation mechanisms, such as the Student Equity and Diversity Committee, to ensure there is robust consultation with tauira Māori. All executive members are also expected to take cultural competency training. Tamatha Paul was VUWSA’s President in 2019. She is a well recognised advocate for Māori issues, and has a clear set of expectations for this year’s VUWSA exec. Paul says it’s important to acknowledge that the VUWSA exec advocates on issues which are material to all students. She says issues the exec will likely campaign on, such as renter’s rights and public transport, are still Māori issues, given they disproportionately impact indigenous communities. She added if VUWSA continues to advocate on these issues then the exec will be doing “good advocacy work.” She did however state that the VUWSA exec should be more aware of when they are lacking perspective. She said when taking into account different perspectives, they need to recognise when “those perspectives should lead the way.” “I think that’s the one thing that’s kind of lacking within maybe the current makeup.”

Another focus for Zambrano is on amplifying the lobbying power of Ngāi Tauira. When asked how he would do this, he said “using my privilege, I will work to ensure that all decisions which impact our Māori students are done in collaboration with them.” He added that he, alongside the President, and the Vice Presidents, “will strive” to see that Ngāi Tauira receives “all around support, whether that be administrative or financial”.

She said Te Tiriti training workshops are an absolute must, adding they will make up for a “lack of understanding” regarding the role Ngai Tauira plays on campus.

Officers

Paul added she will specifically be expecting the VUWSA President to be present at kaupapa Māori events. She said the president is a “representative of all students, which means going to all sorts of different events, particularly Ngāi Tauira’s events, because of that Te Tiriti relationship.”

The executive’s sustainability officer, campaigns officer, equity officer, clubs and activities officer, and education officer, will all follow “strict internal expectations”

“I’ve often seen Ngāi Tauira relegated to the status of every other group that is representative of a minority group of some kind, which is not the status of Ngāi Tauira. Ngāi Tauira are [VUWSA’s] equals.”

TUTORS ‘FRUSTRATED’ BY START TO THE TRIMESTER; CONTRACTS NOT UPLOADED IN TIME FOR TEACHING Niva Chittock (she/her) Some Victoria University tutors were unable to start work at the commencement of Trimester 1, because their contracts had not been uploaded to the University’s employment system. General practice at VUW is that school managers prepare collective tutor contracts based on the

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News

amount of tutors their school requires for the trimester. Collective tutor contracts are offered to prospective tutors, who sign and return the contracts to their school. Signed contracts are then sent to the Human Resources (HR) department, who assign tutors their staff emails and register them on the payroll.

Alex* is a tutor this trimester, and their contract wasn’t uploaded to the University’s employment register until over a week after teaching for their course had begun. Alex could not access their staff email or their Blackboard login during this time, and as a consequence had “less than 24 hours” to plan their first lesson. Alex added they have been unable to ascertain basic information from the University which they require to teach. “I don’t know if I will have swipe access into buildings [...] it all just feels really uncertain.” Alex is asking the University to provide tutors with clearer communication and more on-the-job support. They said an example of the support they require is basic training for utilising staff resources. “We have access to the staff intranet, but we’re never walked through any of it properly.” Alex added more support for tutor wellbeing would not go astray. A VUW spokesperson said the University supports the wellbeing of all its staff members in a number of ways. “Tutors can seek support from their Manager and also from the Manager, Staff Wellness.” They added tutors who are also students “can seek support from the Student Interest and Conflict Resolution team.” Tutors’ Network (TN) spokespeople confirmed Alex was not the only tutor experiencing contract-related difficulties at the start of Trimester One. They agreed that more support is needed, but said the core issue is with the tutor contracts’ high turnover rate. “The fact that [contracts are repeated] over and over and over again demonstrates that it shouldn’t be a fixed-term role.” The Tutors’ Network said some tutors

STUDENTS AVOID VIC’S EXCRUCIATING HILL THANKS TO VIRAL TIKTOK Azaria Howell (she/her) Many first-year and long-term students have discovered a way to walk to University that avoids the infamous Mount Street hill. A video titled ‘How to get to uni without the hill’ has gone viral among Wellington-based Facebook groups like Vic Deals and Welly Gal Pals. Students have finally found a way to walk to uni without ending up a sweaty, breathless mess. The video quickly gained comments and reactions from students; most of these were positive, thanking the social media user for the life hack. One commenter

have worked up to 14 back to back contracts, and added “we deserve a better contract than that.” The TN believes tutors should be employed not by the collective tutor agreement, but by the University’s collective academic agreement. “Most collective agreements at other NZ universities include tutors in their academic collective agreements, in recognition of the fact that most of us do both research and teaching work like the rest of our academic colleagues.” They also said both HR and tutors would benefit from a more robust and reliable process for uploading contracts. “Many tutors sign the same contracts over and over again. It’s superfluous administrative labour that subjects tutors to precarity, and HR and tutors alike to additional labour that just isn’t necessary. Offering some form of continuous contract, for work that for a huge number of tutors is continuous already, is a win-win.” The University spokesperson said tutors are employed by one of the University’s seven collective contracts for staff. They added, ”The different collective agreements reflect different terms and conditions of employment covering different types of work.”

If you are a tutor experiencing difficulties, these services can help: Hardship Fund: you can make an appointment with a Student Finance adviser. For appointments phone 0800 04 04 04. Alternatively, email student-hardship@vuw.ac.nz. Include your student ID in your email, as well as your preferred day, time and campus. VUWSA Advocacy Service: advocate@vuwsa.org.nz VUWSA community pantry: 9 – 4 Mon-Fri, 4th floor Student Union Building

showed immense gratitude to the original poster for ‘saving so many lazy lives’ with the video. Many Vic Deals members unsurprisingly took the piss out of the video. In between the balance of laugh reacts and love reacts, one commenter claimed, “the [Mount Street] hill is good for your health. Crossing Salamanca road at that dodgy bend is not.” Others merely claimed that students already knew about this ‘life hack,’ yet the mass amount of comments and shares the video received proved this to be false. For years, the Mount Street hill has been terrorising students’ leg muscles—the walk up the hill is akin to a leg day workout. This video provided alternative hillfree options for people walking to Victoria University’s Kelburn campus. The first option provided was walking from the CBD up the Church Street steps to The Terrace, and walking past the god-awful hill towards the Kelburn Club. Stairs that lead to the Student Union Building can be found across the road from the Kelburn Club, avoiding Mount Street (and exhaustion) completely. www.salient.org.nz www.salient.org.nz

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Other options included walking to Kelburn Parade from the Terrace, a more time consuming but less strenuous route.

Wellington Facebook groups, many students were glad to know of alternative routes to Kelburn that didn’t involve leg cramps, an $8 Uber, or a late Metlink bus.

The video did not include the James Cook Hotel elevator, despite this being a resource many students use to commute to University. Taking the elevator from Lambton Quay leads students to The Terrace, which is located only ten minutes from Kelburn campus.

“We should’ve known instead of going to class sweaty as.”

The Mount Street hill has become infamous over the years for being arduous, and has even made some students prefer Zoom classes to in-person lectures and tutorials. VUWSA also offers free bus passes to students who have lectures and tutorials on different campuses on the same day, as a quick way to travel between classes. Utilising these bus passes can be an even easier way to travel between University locations quickly. Victoria University’s “Meaningful Confessions” page posted about hill, amassing over 500 likes. The post was disparaging of those who walk up it, and they commented underneath the post “real ones take the elevator”. The comments and reactions to the post shared the same sentiment as the original TikTok video—the Mount Street hill is awful. Despite the TikTok being the butt of jokes in various

Photo: Screenshot from viral TikTok by @boulcottra

MATH311 STUDENTS HAVE HECTIC START TO THE TRIMESTER Maddi Rowe (she/her) Students in MATH311 were told in their first week of classes that only half the questions on assignments submitted this trimester would be marked. Jesse Richardson, a student enrolled in the class, initially tweeted his disbelief. When asked for further detail, he said, “The lecturer told us that, due to lack of funding, only half of each of our assignments will be marked.” He said he felt “demotivated” by the idea that he might have to complete coursework that no one will “ever actually read”. He wanted to make clear that the situation was not the lecturer’s fault. “[I’m] frustrated by the way our University is set up, that when money is tight we see essential features like marking being cut”. The University did not confirm whether, or which, budget reductions had taken place to necessitate the situation when asked. A spokesperson said: “the main purposes of the assessments in any educational activity is to understand if the teaching, learning and skills outcomes of a course are achieved. They said the option students were given was to fully complete

Columns News : Student Wellbeing / Mauri Ora - Ngāi Tauia

Photo: Cotton Building, Kelburn campus all assignments, and have a few randomly selected responses marked. VUWSA President, Michael Turnbull, says the decision to half-grade assignment has since been reversed. “From the information we’ve been given by the head of school, there will now be four assignments, instead of eight, and all questions in the assignments will be marked. There will be additional exercises given to students with solutions for practice. “ “We really applaud the head of school and the course coordinator for their speed and efficiency for dealing with this issue as soon as we reached out to them.”

NEEDLESS WASTE AT VIC UNI

OPINION: Every year, New Zealanders waste $1.17 billion worth of food. Victoria University, despite current systems in place to mitigate their total output of food waste, can do more to reduce their contribution to this figure. Maia Ingoe (she/her) A spokesperson stated the university “can provide organic compost bins for large events”. They added the University encourages catering orders “to be appropriately sized” and for “any edible food to be given away rather than going to waste.” Composting is an effective way to divert waste from landfills, and the University does keep organic waste bins outside Krishna food outlets and on campus. In a statement, a spokesperson said the University is “working on increasing the number of these sustainable initiatives across our campuses”. Katelin Livingstone and Claudia van Zijl from Vic Plastic Diet, agreed there were ways the University could improve on their organic waste management.

Photo: Bin at Kelburn campus I’m talking about food waste because it’s a problem for the university. To look at one example, last week an external catering company disposed of perfectly good, untouched breakfast platters and bowls of yogurt in public rubbish bins outside Rutherford House. The University has been in touch with the company, and have been informed the wastage did not meet the company’s internal expectations. The company is investigating further.

“It’s crazy when you think about it - you use all these resources, water, land, to produce food that isn’t getting eaten.” said Katelin. One quarter of all freshwater consumption, and 300 million barrels of oil, is used to produce food that ends up being wasted. “Whether you’re a broke student or in a corporation, it’s an economic cost as well as an environmental impact when you waste food,” Katelin commented.

Reducing and redirecting food waste is part of creating a circular economy on campus. If untouched, like the platters dumped at Rutherford House, food can easily be redirected to hungry students, and those who can’t afford breakfast before 9am lectures. Diverting food 157,389 tonnes of food accumulates in the aerobic environment of New Zealand landfills every year. That is, waste from landfills in everyday life is as simple as having accessible organic waste bins around campus, an environment without oxygen which causes uneaten which are emptied into a compost at the university or food to produce methane. as part of a city-wide organic waste system. Improving policies around how the University deals with food According to the Climate Change Commissions draft waste, from students and staff to catered events, is advice (currently up for submissions until the end of key to building the sustainable campus the University March) waste accounts for 10% of New Zealand’s total biogenic methane emissions. It may not seem like much strives for. in the world of NZ’s climate inaction, but that 10% is waste that can be easily avoided by redirecting uneaten While the issue of food waste might slip behind in sustainability priorities, it is still a key area for the food to places where it can be eaten, reducing overconsumption, and some good old backyard composting. University to improve on. Sustainable alternatives to divert food from landfills for large-scale events and everyday student use are required. Because the University has a goal of building a sustainable campus, the food disposed of outside Rutherford house had me wondering what sustainability initiatives are currently operating on campus. www.salient.org.nz www.salient.org.nz

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Tweets of the Week

Tweets/ Jawsh of the week Poem 685

Student Wellbeing Financial Wellbeing Daniel Khamis (he/him) Wellbeing Workshop Facilitator Managing student financial life can be tough. We have lots of financial requirements alongside our daily life pressures. It’s important to learn budgeting skills to escape the “broke student” stereotype of surviving on noodles and struggling with debts. We assume buying cheap, unhealthy food is an effective budgeting skill. We usually get tempted to buy things like noodles, chips, or cookies that cost from $1 to $2, but sadly the bad effects on our body and brain are not worth the saving of a few bucks. No one can deny how stressful it is during study time, but being smart about our food choices and having healthy options on a budget will enhance our academic performance. According to UPMC HealthBeat, “Research has consistently found that eating a nutritious, varied diet can improve concentration, enhance memory, prolong attention span, and improve thinking. Students who regularly eat nutrient-rich foods also display more efficient problem-solving skills, greater fact comprehension, and stronger mental recall.” Living within our means requires planning our budget and being smart about our expenses. Here are some empowering tips to boost your financial skills:

surplus food. For example, you could get a bag of bread at half price that would last you for a few days. - Textbooks are expensive—consider getting a second hand book, or even better borrow from the library if possible. - Sell unwanted old clothes, or stuff you don’t need, and bank the cash for other financial requirements. - Enjoy a study break at free places to visit like museums, arts galleries, and upcoming free events and festivals. - Student bank account—ask your bank to switch your account to a tertiary account. You can save the monthly fee and enjoy other benefits. - Be wary of credit cards, and stores that have high interest rates, as you could end up in debt or paying interest. - Look for a casual or part-time job that works with your schedule, and consider working more hours during your study break if you have the opportunity.

There are lots of tips to consider to manage our expenses. Victoria University offers different Financial - Shop smart—hunt for seasonal fruits and vegetables Wellbeing workshops such as “Saving & Investment”, as they tend to be cheaper. Also, Fruit & Vege Co-Ops Wellington at Victoria University offers students a bag of “Goal Setting and Budgeting”, and “Debt & Overdraft”. These workshops deliver smart techniques and valuable fruit and vegetables for $12. For more information go to financial skills. You can book for any available workshop the Fruit & Vege Co-Ops Wellington Facebook page or at the CareerHub website. Finally, you can make an the VUW website. appointment to get free face-to-face financial help on any issues, needs, or advice with the Student Finance - Make an automatic weekly payment of a small Advisers. For more information, go to “Meet with a amount like $5 to your saving account to use in case student finance adviser” on the VUW website. of emergencies. - Prepare healthy, whole meals for the entire week. For example, cook in bulk and store in containers in the fridge. Youtube has great ideas about making healthy, yummy meals on budget. - Keep an eye for student discount deals. Many shops and restaurants offer like 10% off or free food with a valid student ID. Just ask the shop or look at the store window for ads. - Discounted food—some supermarkets and cafes offer 50% off food as end-of-day deals, to prevent wasting

Useful links and resources: Victoria University Financial Survival Guide 2021: <https:// www.wgtn.ac.nz/students/money/financial-survival/ financial-survival-g uide.pdf > Practicing Money Skills: <https://www.practicalmoneyskills.co.nz/> Financial tips, tools and resources for New Zealanders: <https://sorted.org.nz/> Free NZ Certificate in Money management: <https://www. twoa.ac.nz/nga-akoranga-our-programmes/business/ certificate-inmoney-management?sc_lang=en> www.salient.org.nz

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Michael Turnbull (he/him) VUWSA President As-Salaam Alaikum, “It has been too uncomfortable for western nations to grapple with a creature of their own making – white supremacy” - Pakeeza Rasheed Two years on, and I still struggle to comprehend the events of March 15, and their aftermath. How does a nation reconcile such immense loss of life? How do we accept the loss of 51 fathers, brothers, sons, mothers, daughters, and sisters in a single act of hatred? We must recognise this loss, this pain, this deep and unwavering sadness that is still felt by their families, friends, and community. The events of March 15 had one purpose—absolute destruction. New Zealand responded with hope, prayers, and love. However, Al Noor mosque, the Linwood Islamic Centre, and the wider Islamic community of Aotearoa need more than that. As part of commemorations, we should take the time to reflect on the privilege that we as Pākehā New Zealanders carry, and recognise that safety is easy to take for granted when protected by that privilege. This is not the first time an act of violence has been used in the name of the Christian white. From Parihaka, to Raupatu, to the race riots of Dunedin, white supremacy remains part of New Zealand’s identity. Given this, are we really surprised that these same forces are at play today, leaving people of colour and tangata whenua unsafe? These are forces that will never directly impact Pākehā New Zealanders, but our marginalised communities fight daily. Everyone deserves to prosper in peace. New Zealand is a colonial country built on, and maintained by, deeply entrenched white supremacy. Pākehā New Zealanders must recognise and reflect on these facts, two years on, when the scars of the events of March 15 remain. To those grieving during this painful time of remembrance, my thoughts go out to you and your whānau. May peace be with you, and those whose lives were lost. We as a nation have much to account for. If you want to commemorate the two-year anniversary of one of New Zealand’s darkest days, and stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends, please consider attending the du’a recital on March 15, hosted at 1 p.m. in The Hub by Vic Muslims.

34 : Fashion VUWSA Review

Come along to hear what VUWSA has in store for 2021 and keep your Student Association to account… Plus get a FREE LUNCH on us!

12PM WEDNESDAY, 17TH MARCH - THE HUB, KELBURN

2021 2021 www.salient.org.nz

Crossword: Within Limits

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Dynamic group shots, in theatre or art (8) 5. I unit or thing (4) 7. Cob of corn (3) 8. Lief Ericsson or Sacagawea (8) 9. Cleaning brand named for a Greek hero (4) 11. Fancy French farewell (5) 12. Cut out, like text or a tumour (7) 16. Replacement for digits in these clues... and a hint to how many Xs are in this puzzle (5,8) 17. Publication that’s been employing Puck for VIII years (7) 21. Colourful floral part (5) 22. Bay or basil, for example (4) 23. Gritty, fluffy and smooth, among others (8) 24. Communal (3) 25. Console that hit it big with ‘Halo II’ (4) 26. Fully developed, like a cinematic universe (8)

1. Roget compiled an important one (9) 2. Like some oil and water in Christian sacrament (9) 3. Goodness with word-talkin’ stuff (9) 4. Printers that merged with Fuji in New Zealand (5) 5. Someone born and raised in Baghdad (5) 6. ‘On the Nature of Daylight’ composer Richter (3) 10. Card that’s either high or low (3) 12. Celebrate boastfully (5) 13. She died by asp in Shakespeare (9) 14. Strewn about (9) 15. Admitted, as private information or a conflict of interest (9) 18. Tool Captain America doesn’t need because he just tears logs apart (3) 19. Place for unread emails (5) 20. ____ Dame (5) 22. Malevolent witchcraft, or a VI-sided figure for short (3)

Puzzles

Skuxdoku

Word of the Week

“Islamic, Muslim” Te Reo Māori Kōrana New Zealand Sign language

Last Weeks Answers ACROSS 2- Samoa, 5- Radioactive, 6- Bats, 10- Capital Hall, 12- Kane, 13- Meow, 15- Rugby, 16- Cannabis, 18- Americas Cup, 19- VUWLSS, 20- Auckland, 22- Clueless DOWN 1- Sick, 3- Arrival, 4- Pipitea (there was a missing box in last weeks one, sorry), 6- Bitcoin, 7- Tik Tok, 8- Tui, 9- Nanaia Mahuta, 11- Dear Daniel, 13- Mayonnaise, 14- Warriors, 17- Stuff, 21- Kel

EVENTFINDA/DOOR. MOON PIZZA RULES

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D Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Slow it down; you don’t have to prove yourself. You’re a fire sign, but that doesn’t mean you have to go around burning bridges. Be more calculated, think before you swipe right, and don’t document your night out on your story—trust me you’ll regret it.

Taurus, I think it’s your turn to take a break. You’re trying to cater to everyone, but they don’t need any extra help—focus on you and you’ll get the job done better! Do: morning routines. Don’t: jäger bombs.

You’re exhausted, who would have thought? Go have some quality me-time and play Family Feud on your flatmates PS4. Just remember, “since you’re playing alone - you’ll be answering twice [but] that’ll be easy for you Geminis”.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Okay so just between us squirrel friends, the planets are telling me you’re gonna get called out for something, and there’s a lot of truth behind it. So, check in with yourself, but please don’t go back in your shell—you’re not actually a crab.

You’re feeling yourself this week. Your love life is thriving and you’ll probably sweet-talk yourself a raise, or at least your Sunday shift off. P.S. someone close might be hurting, so stop filming yourself on Photobooth and spread the positivity outward.

I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you really want to rebel this week. I’m proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone, but this isn’t the week for it. You’re an earth sign, so focus on grounding yourself: light some candles or play Sims 2.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

You’re feeling overwhelmed, but instead of freaking out or asking your flatmates to take over your cooking night—change your perspective. Think about how to help yourself; maybe invest in a knock-off Roomba from Wish, or stop procrastinating.

Stop looking for the deeper meaning—not everything is a sign. The fact that your left shoelace was untied doesn’t have to be spiritual. I know you feel a bit unbalanced, but you need to see life for what it is and be grateful for what you have.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Find a Scorpio and get them to recommend you an online psychic, ‘cause you are not seeing the signs in your life. If you really can’t recognise that you’re burnt out, go searching for that mood ring you had as a kid. But maybe just listen to your friends.

Be mindful of what you say and think! You’re having mega manifestation powers this week but you’re being too negative. Try changing your mindset and you could change your life for the better. Remember, Homegrown is coming up.

You’re feeling great, yay! It’s time to write that novel, throw that party, learn how to make kombucha, or maybe even start a podcast with your flatmate. If you start to feel stuck remember there’s always Dic Veals to teach you how to make scrambled eggs.

Horoscopes

The Team Guest Editor Ronia Ibrahim

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Adriana Che Ismail Humaidi Ridwan Francesa Georgia Pietkiewicz Maddi Rowe Azaria Howell Maia Ingoe Puck

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Kane Bassett news@salient.org.nz

Chief Reporter Niva Chittock

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