SEMESTER TWO 2017
EXPERIENCE NZ TRIPS SEMESTER 2 2017
3 AUGUST
Night-lights of Auckland City
Get ready to discover your new town at night! Combine hustling markets with the sky tower from a different point of view and the heart of the city’s entertainment and you have the nightlights of Auckland City.
18-20 AUGUST
The Great Kiwi Road Trip
Rotorua is one of North Island’s adrenaline adventure destinations! Get ready to experience some great Kiwi adventure activities, learn about our local Māori culture, visit Hobbiton and discover the beauty of the central North Island!
9 SEPTEMBER
Auckland vs Taranaki Rugby match
NZ’s national sport, rugby union! Here is your chance to attend a rugby match at Eden Park and watch Auckland take on Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup tournament.
16 SEPTEMBER
Rangitoto Island hike
Take a day out to cruise across the Hauraki Harbour to the youngest and largest Volcano in Auckland, Rangitoto! Once on the Island, take in all the sights as we walk to the Summit with 360˚ views.
28 O C TO B E R
te henga walkwaybethells beach to muriwai hike Auckland’s wild west coast is famous for it’s rough seas, black sand and incredible coastal scenery. We have the opportunity to take you on the spectacular Te Henga Walkway which links Bethells beach to Muriwai. To find out more and book your ticket, visit dashtickets.co.nz/tour/919
REVOLUTION
EDITOR’S
T
here are so many things happening around the world today that require a ‘revolution’. Revolution, after all, brings fire to the passion and the hope sleeping inside of us. With Love Revolution, we try to fix humanity’s broken heart. Even though it seems impossible, we hope and believe. We talk about the things calling us to “be” the transformation, connection, and inspiration we seek in this issue. The things that ask us to be a person who will fight for what we believe in, will respect other people no matter what their skin colour or gender is, will love regardless of time and distance, will study abroad to experience new things, will lend a shoulder to a friend in need, and will continue doing acts of kindness amidst the terrifying news around us.
Turn to the middle page, and you’ll see the platform we have provided for you to start the change you want to see. Fill it in, take a photo, and share it with your friends and classmates online. (Don’t forget to tag us and include #loverevolution on your post!) There is a special prize waiting for you so head over to our Facebook page for more info. If you know anything that needs attention, let us know. Our Student Advocates can help you with study or legal issues. Our Student Council is your go-to team for being heard on the campus. Our Student Reps will help you sort out any difficulties you have in your courses. Send us your artwork, poetry, photos, writings, and songs. Start your revolution now and let us help you be heard! Miguel
FOLLOW UNITEC STUDENT MEDIA
Share your ideas and feedback with the Student Council by being a Class Rep for your programme. Speak to your lecturer or email representation@unitec.ac.nz UNITECSTUDENTMEDIA.CO.NZ SEMESTER 2 2017 for3 more information.
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From the States to Aotearoa BY JOSIAH BROWN
I’m a small-town kid from Ashland City, Tennessee. It’s here where I spent all of my school years from my first day of kindergarten to my final day of senior year. If you had asked me where I’d be for my last semester of university during my high school graduation, I would have never guessed that I’d be spending it here in New Zealand. 4
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remember when I first arrived at my university, my advisors told me that during my fifth year of architectural studies I’d have the option of spending a semester in New Zealand. “Whoa!” I thought. “New Zealand? That’s so far away!” Five years later and here I am in this striking new land, having the adventure of a lifetime and ending my college career in the best way I can imagine! Since arriving in Aotearoa, (the Māori name of New Zealand), I’ve backpacked through rainforests, tramped across mountains, summited volcanic peaks, sandboarded on giant sand dunes, swum in turquoise waters, gazed at more stars than I knew existed, and explored more idyllic coves than I can count. There’s so much beauty in this country and spending a semester here is the perfect opportunity to get out and see it! I arrived about a month before my semester started so there was plenty of time to do a road trip around with a friend from back home. Then, a two-week midsemester break gave me another chance to explore with my new friends from Unitec. Of course, as long as you stay on top of your assignments, there’s always chances to travel on the weekends. Just this past Saturday, I kayaked through a sea cave into a hidden lagoon on a jungle-covered island. Where else in the world do you have the chance to do that? Only in New Zealand! As amazing as it’s been since I got here, choosing to study in New Zealand wasn’t the easiest decision to make. Besides the hassle of having to fill out all the visa paperwork and making sure my courses could transfer,
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my biggest hesitancy was the thought of being away from friends and family for six months. “What if I go and I spend the whole time watching my friends live their lives back home, wishing I was with them and not halfway around the world?” “What if it’s not as exciting as it sounds?” “What if I don’t make any friends while I’m there?” These were my reservations, but I’m so glad they didn’t stop me from coming. It turns out I didn’t need to worry about anything. One of the most surprising and rewarding things about my semester at Unitec has been the incredible community I’ve gotten to be a part of here. I live just off campus in the residential village where many of the other international students live. I have four flatmates, each from a different country. One’s from Vanuatu in the Pacific Islands, one is from the UK, one is a native New Zealander, and the other is from China. Together with some of the other apartments, we’ve formed a tight-knit community that has made this distant land feel so much more like home. Our self-titled “International Fam” shares meals regularly, has movie nights way too often, explores Auckland when we’re not in class, and takes weekend trips whenever we can. This weekend I’m running my first-ever marathon (why not, am I right?) in Hawke’s Bay, and everyone has decided to come along and cheer me on at the finish. This is what spending a semester in New Zealand is all about - getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things, growing as a person, and making life-long friends along the way. SEMESTER 2 2017
If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to study in New Zealand or overseas, here are some important questions to ask yourself: Do I want to be challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone? Am I going to regret passing up on this opportunity if I decide against it? Am I ever going to be able to do this again? Do I want to have amazing stories to tell my grandkids some day? If answering these questions leads you to believe that a semester abroad is right for you, then start filling out the paperwork! Home will be there when you get back, after all, and a semester overseas isn’t something you want to miss out on.
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THE FORBIDDEN
BY
AK
UL
A S HA R
MA
A quick search on Google shows feminism defined as the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of the equality of the sexes. Equality. Sexes. Rights. Notice how it does not imply that females are superior to males nor that females should be treated in some special way.
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t’s sad how such a simple movement can be misunderstood to such a great extent. I’ve seen people around the world wide web who, with no information about feminism, shame feminists, criticise their thoughts, and argue that feminism is a hateful word. All of this because they have misinterpreted the forbidden ‘f-word’ as one that shames men. They couldn’t be more wrong!
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As a feminist, I say that all we ask for and promote is equality be it in the workplace for equal pay, in the government for equal rights, or in the family for equal status. However, just because we stand for women’s empowerment and we want equal status as men, it does not mean that we are challenging the place of men in society. That is never our intention.
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We don’t want reserved places in universities. We don’t want special positions in the workplace. We don’t even want any special treatment at all! All we want is to be treated as humans. We demand the same equal rights and opportunities as men. Yes, we cry. Yes, we express our emotions strongly. Yet, that is similar to every other human being regardless of the sex or gender. Considering human biology, these are simple hormonal reactions from oestrogen or testosterone. Both of their chemical compositions affect emotions in some way. Women have been considered as sexual objects for so many years - don’t even get me started on dress codes. Why are girls taught to dress appropriately in high schools and boys not taught to stop objectifying girls as sexual toys? I have read so many rape cases that by now, I’m pretty sure that even if I went outside covered with ten layers of clothing, I’m still likely to be harassed or objectified as a piece of meat. The statistics reflect this. It’s one more reason why we feminists stand for empowerment.
WHAT DO STUDENTS AROUND CAMPUS THINK ABOUT THE F-WORD?
WHY ARE GIRLS TAUGHT TO DRESS APPROPRIATELY IN HIGH SCHOOLS AND BOYS NOT TAUGHT TO STOP OBJECTIFYING GIRLS AS SEXUAL TOYS?
I think there is a fine line between equity and equality. Feminism is not about giving more importance to females; it is about creating an equal opportunity. Feminism is often related to something negative amongst the men, but it is not the case. We’ve been brought up thinking of feminists as some angry liberal women which is yet another stereotype existing in our society, and it needs to change.
You may be wondering why I have even bothered writing about something which is so obvious. But that’s the problem. It’s not obvious! The word ‘Feminism’ has been completely torn apart in our society and people speak against it without even understanding what it really means. That is very disappointing and frustrating. What’s the point of a movement when people don’t even understand what it’s for? My hope is that you will talk about it as much as possible. Make feminism such a common word that it can’t be misunderstood. Make it impossible for people to change the meaning of this word and to misunderstand the movement. Post about feminism and what it stands for everywhere. Spread the word as much as you can!
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FRANCES LUMSDEN BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION
LINDSAY KATE HARRINGTON First, feminism is a topic too vast and complex to be addressed properly in a few paragraphs. Secondly, my view on feminism comes from the position of being queer,
Feminism is fighting for equality. It’s not women trying to be better than males, just asking to be worthy, not undermined. As humans, we should be equal. We all have strengths and weaknesses as INDIVIDUALS. Neither gender should be viewed as stronger or weaker.
gender non-conforming, designated female at birth, white, middle class,
YASHASVI SHARMA POST-GRAD IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
and mostly able-bodied. This affects my views on feminism in many ways. At its heart, I personally believe feminism should always be about the inherent equality of human beings and championing the right of all to be treated fairly and equitably regardless
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MARKETING
Feminism to me is a movement that pushes for equality among men and women. People perceive it as a negative thing because people think women demand it when really, it’s just asking for equality in all aspects of society.
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EQUALITY - Ladies have a right to live just like men. There’s this idea that feminism attacks males, but to me, that’s just bogus. We are only fighting for our rights which are to be heard, to be seen, to be recognised, to be applauded and to be acknowledged for our roles in the world just like men. And I repeat, I repeat it every single time, we are not challenging men, we are fighting for ourselves.
of sex, gender, sexuality, race, appearance, disability, or any other factor that could be discriminated against. I believe intersectionality is of vital importance for feminism to accomplish anything.
KIMMY WANG BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION
DARA ROMUALDEZ
SHEENAL LAL
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MARKETING
Today, feminism is a vital social phenomenon. The unfair treatment between males and females has always been there. For example, in terms of salary, male workers earn more than female in the same job. This is a topic that has been widely noted by many celebrities who support the feminist movement and strive to make it more visible in society.
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OLGA FOMINA
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS MARKETING I believe feminism describes women’s rights in society - when women fight to be equal with men in terms of salary, employment, marriage and so on. Even if today women can get proper education or job, there are still situations when people (perhaps just me?) think that women can’t be as good as men. For example, there are stereotypes around women drivers. ‘Oh, she can’t drive a car properly or fix it cause she is a woman. Another really good example the idea that if you are a woman, you must cook, do housework and look after kids. I hate those kind of statements they’re offensive. I remember my boss (man) was giving presents to women on International Women’s Day and said 'So I want to congratulate our weak gender' There’s an opinion that women are the weak gender and men are strong. To me, this is just so wrong.
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n o i t u l o v e R RR BY KE
When I think of the word “revolution”, I think of the French. While the French Revolution was a bloody affair, it shaped French politics and gave the common citizen a sense of self-determination through the creation of France’s first constitution which set out the rights of the people of France. 8
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Y LEE
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ver two hundred years later, in New Zealand, a revolution seems inevitable. To understand what I mean, just look at the situation that the country is in at the moment. House prices in Auckland continue to zoom upwards to the point where the average citizen will never afford their own home. Aside from that, we are taxed to death while large corporations pay only a tiny amount! Unfair, right? Here is my opinion. Let me use myself as an example of what I mean when I talk about tax. I’m just one person, yet I pay two different taxes: a Goods and Services Tax (GST) whenever I buy goods or services and an income tax whenever I work. All
these while huge corporations that operate here virtually no tax yet make billions from us as their customers. An article in NZ Herald by Matt Nippert, Top multinationals pay almost no tax in New Zealand (18 March 2016), confirmed that 20 multinational corporations including Apple, Pepsi, and Facebook paid zero income tax despite making profits of $10,000,000. Instead, this money is taken and then shipped off shore to major shareholders and their parent companies! But make no mistake, change is coming! For now, here are some solutions to stop the revolution in its tracks:
REDUCE OR ELIMINATE INCOME TAX CRACKDOWN ON MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS THAT GENERATE BILLIONS OF INCOME FROM A MINIMUM RESALE STAND-DOWN NEW ZEALAND AND REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE PUT IN YET REFUSE TO PAY PLACE FORBIDDING THE HOME TO THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAX IN RETURN. BE SOLD ANY MORE THAN ONCE EVERY 5 TO 10 YEARS AT LEAST. At the moment our business
Currently, there are eleven countries that have no income tax, some of these countries are smaller than New Zealand and yet still manage to supplement their national income without taxing an individual's income.
This measure would be put in place to prevent a home being bought and then resold again for a higher profit, (also known as flipping).
tax stands at 28%. Australia’s is at 28% – 30% We mimic Australia with everything else, let's mimic their business tax.
IF SOMEONE HAS LESS MONEY, TAX THEM LESS. I used to be against this idea because I felt that in order to live in a fair and just society, everyone should be treated equally. Unfortunately, I was misguided. Life isn’t fair. The government should keep watch on those companies paying almost no tax. Some people are forced to live in their cars because they can’t afford to buy a house, and worse, more people are begging and living on the streets.
Like the French, we are on the road to revolution. While I don’t advocate violence or vigilantism, I feel that some sort of change is on the horizon. Let’s not settle down for something less if we do know that we deserve more. Together we can make history. VIVA LA REVOLUTION!
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BAN FOREIGN OWNERSHIP Instead, limit the housing market to New Zealand citizens and residents; everyone else will be required to sign 99-year leases. This has worked successfully in countries such as China and Japan for years.
EXEMPT RETIREES WHO ONLY HAVE SUPERANNUATION AS THEIR PRIMARY INCOME. After tax, the superannuation is $720.36 fortnightly for single and sharing and $780.40 for single and living alone. While that may seem like a small fortune to some people it really isn’t, especially when you take away the cost of food, rent and the various taxes that I’ve already talked about.
INSERT YOUR #LOVEREVOLUTION MESSAGE HERE
To start a revolution, you need to unite people around a shared cause. It takes a lot of patience, planning, and passion from your side but we’re here to help you out. To start off, find a central theme in which you want to start a revolution and write it on the placard found on this page. Take a photo of you holding the placard and upload it to either Facebook or Instagram, tag us and your mates, and include the hashtag #loverevolution. One lucky student will win a special prize to be drawn on 28 July. Check out our Facebook page for the announcement.
START YOUR #LOVEREVOLUTION NOW!
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MEET THE MEMBERS OF TH
MATALENA O'MARA STUDENT PRESIDENT Master of Applied Practice (Social Practice)
Matalena first ran for Student Council because she realised if she wanted change to happen, the best way to do ‘this’ was by getting involved. During her time as the Student President, Unitec has faced a huge amount of transformation. As the 2017 elections drew closer, students approached her and asked her to run once again. They praised the way she had conducted herself and that she was not afraid to speak out strongly in the interests of students. Matalena said she realised that it is more important than ever to have a consistent and strong voice for their own piece of mind. As her campaign said “Change is good. Consistency is better”. This year, Matalena has focussed strongly on student hardship, working with support services, signing a contract with Kiwiharvest and delivering food initiatives at the USC Student Space.
“Tertiary education shouldn’t just be about your academic wellbeing it should be looked at from a holistic approach, if you are hungry in class…..how are you supposed to focus and get good grades?” 12
FAVSTA FERNANDEZ GENERAL STUDENT REP Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Biology)
Favsta was attracted to the Unitec Student Council because she could see it worked hard for change. She believes that because students can get inundated with the pressures of assignments and other commitments outside of university, it is vital to have advocates within the academic environment who can represent them and offer stability - especially for those who are isolated, overlooked or overwhelmed. “As a USC member, I want to bring a generosity of spirit. I will draw on my experience in dealing with people from different backgrounds and being able to relate to their issues, whether cultural or psychosocial,” she says. Favsta is also committed to a sustainable future for both Unitec and New Zealand. She’d like to help ensure Unitec remains studentcentred and the environment is cherished.
“There is such natural beauty. We must wake up and take better care of this incredible country and its sustainability.”
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DANNI-ELLE LINDSAY MĀORI STUDENT REP Bachelor of Social Practice
Danni-Elle ran for Unitec Student Council because she wanted to promote empowerment – both culturally specific and general.
“I want people to have the courage to stand up for what they believe in, but I also want people to be accepting of differences.” She is focused on doing good, doing well and doing things efficiently. To Danni-Elle, this is essential as students must feel confident that their Council can achieve its goals. As a Māori and Pacific descendant, culture plays a huge part in Danni-Elle’s life. She believes it’s important for people to know their identity, no matter how they identify themselves. She says, “The world is forever evolving, and it’s important we start doing the something right now; there is no time to wait.”
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HE UNITEC STUDENT COUNCIL
DARA ROMUALDEZ
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT REP Graduate Diploma in Business (Marketing)
ROSIE STANTON
GENERAL STUDENT REP Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts Rosie has been a student at Unitec over the past four years with a mix of full-time and part-time study. She stepped up for the Unitec Student Council because she wanted to help increase student morale and work on issues ordinary students couldn’t do by themselves. “In the past two years, as Class Rep, I have fought for student rights within my own department. Now, I want to expand that to serve as General Representative for all of you,” she said in her election campaign.
Dara was attracted to stand for the Student Council because of the ambition, camaraderie and overall spirit of service in the team.
“Honing my skills and the student life experience is something I believe is also worth savouring,” says Dara. “Being in a new country with different people, I also hope to really push myself out of my comfort zone”.
Rosie points out that it costs a huge amount to study, and with so much investment, it is critical that student experience is the best it can possibly be. As a member of the Student Council, Rosie is doing what she can to make this a reality.
Before she came to New Zealand, Dara was President of the student council at her university. This experience helped her develop essential skills such as project management, time management and decision-making. She says she is comfortable speaking to a range of people and collaborating with them.
“I want to break down the ‘usand-them’ attitude and be the voice that students need.”
“One thing I can also be sure to contribute to the Council is my spirit of service. It’s very important to me.”
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PHILIP FARESA
PACIFIC STUDENT REP Bachelor of Health and Social Development Philip joined the Unitec Student Council to support other Pacific students with their study. He has already contributed many volunteer hours to organisations like Zeal, Unity Kids, Seed 2 Harvest and his own church’s youth group to help his peers. Philip recognises that many Pacific students feel too intimidated to find help or ask for support, and he wants to help change this so they can really succeed at Unitec.
“I am passionate about striving for the best for Pacific Island Peoples. Above all, I want to make a difference to their lives and their futures”. When Philip finishes his studies, he aims to become a youth worker, helping our young stars to connect in society and truly flourish.
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BY GIANG HONG NGUYEN
NOI COFFEE IN HA E N J OY I N G E G G
vietnam M Y H O M EL A N D
H
ello, everyone! My name is Giang, and I’m currently pursuing my Masters in International Communication here at Unitec. I’ve been in New Zealand for approximately three months (as of April), and so far, I’m enjoying its beautiful nature and kind people. I came from Vietnam, a country known for its breathtaking landscape, friendly and hospitable people, coffee culture, exquisite cuisine, and traditional festivals. If you haven’t been to Vietnam, let me tell you why I love it and why it should be on your travel wish list. Travelling to Vietnam from Auckland is becoming increasingly affordable. If you have the chance to visit, I recommend you start with Hanoi. As the capital city of the Social Republic of Vietnam, Hanoi is Vietnam’s centre of culture, politics, trade, and tourism. The city has a long history. In October 2010, it commemorated 1000 years since its establishment. Once in Hanoi, make sure you try a ca phe trung or an egg coffee. If you haven’t heard about egg coffee, trust me, it is worth a try. It's traditionally made of egg yolk, sugar, condensed milk, and Vietnamese coffee. Although it is available throughout the country, and even in some parts of the world, it doesn’t taste as good as having it at its birthplace. Another must-do in Vietnam is to take a ‘trip through time and history’ at Hue, Vietnam’s former Royal Capital. It is one of my favourite tourist spots back home. Before
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Hanoi, Hue was the national capital and centre of politics, culture, and religion. The Ancient Capital City is made up of four citadels: Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City), Dai Noi (Inner city) and Tran Binh Dai (Ancient Architecture). At Hue you can also see tombs of ancient emperors, scattered along the Perfume River. There’s something beautiful about visiting a place that takes you back in time. If you are more of a beach person, I recommend relaxing on Phu Quoc. It is Vietnam’s largest island, and it’s also home to some of the country’s best beaches. Phu Quoc is an ideal haven for enjoying Vietnamese food, the sun, snorkelling, and scuba diving. It’s also the only destination in Vietnam that offers a 30-day visa exemption to everyone. I’ve only been able to give you a quick snapshot of all that Vietnam has to offer. It’s a country of breathtaking natural beauty, an incredible cultural and historical heritage, as well as awesome food and drinks. I can’t wait to see you guys in Vietnam soon!
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THE MISTAKEN IDENTITY OF
B Y G R A C I I O U S TA P F U M A
“One day, our Mothers may ask 'Who do you love completely?' and we may grow to respond 'Ourselves. Ourselves. Our lovely selves.'" -UPILE CHISALA
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hirty-three days before my 23rd birthday, I started what I now see as a life-transforming
journey. Until that moment, I didn’t realise there was something I was missing: self-love. By no means am I an advocate for narcissism, addiction to self, or selfishness. No! However, I am an advocate of possessing a healthy love for oneself. I don't believe you can truly love anyone, or accept love from another person if you don't first love yourself. I had to learn this the hard way. Trust me. Guarding your heart, living in tranquillity, being the best version of yourself and loving yourself so you can love others is fundamental. This is the self-love I stand for. Before we go any further, let us eliminate any misconceptions about what self-love truly means. Is self-love about being prideful, ignorant or egotistical? NO! Is selflove about thinking you are better than everyone else? NO! Is it about always
friend over me. I was the weakest link in a class project. These things took a hold in my heart and almost settled in a permanent place. These small rejections weren’t dealt with and in the end, they affected the adult I became. They became the stories I repeated to myself and became familiar thought patterns. I started to think things like “I didn’t get picked because I wasn’t good enough.” I frequently felt left out. As a Christian woman, God is the centre of my life, yet even when it came to Him, I felt like He couldn’t truly love me. I felt like He loved me out of obligation because of who He is… because of His character and that it is what He was meant to do. There was so much brokenness inside me that came with constant rejection. When I began learning to love myself, it helped me heal in many places. I started digging deep within and facing my fears because my happiness and wholeness depended on this move. I also began to learn all the exciting things God and I love about myself. This is when my life truly started to change. I started making daily intentional efforts on this journey. Now I hope the lessons I have learnt might help others. Here are a few of the most important steps I took:
I CAME TO REALISE THAT NO ONE COULD DO THIS FOR ME, BUT ME.
putting yourself first at the expense of others, or about always getting your way? NO! Becoming someone who truly loves yourself can be very challenging. For me, it wasn’t that I saw myself with hatred, but rather intense feelings of inadequacy. For so long, I struggled with the notion that I have never been
fully chosen. Eventually, it hit me that I felt this way because I have never really chosen myself or committed fully to who I am. I came to realise that no one could do this for me, but me. My biggest fears and insecurities were because I felt unlovable and that no one would ever want to befriend me, work with me, or spend the rest of their life with me. I simply felt I wasn’t good enough. As a result, I wanted to attain perfection so I could be loved without any flaws. I didn’t want to face my weaknesses or the struggles in my life. As a result, I attracted people in my life who didn’t really want me. I attracted those who never fully chose me. I didn’t realise that in all of this, I was inviting rejection in my life. Nothing extraordinary had ever happened to me to undermine my self-esteem. Instead, it was just normal little things in my everyday life. The person I liked chose my best 15
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• Looking at everything about myself and being completely okay with it.
• Facing my truth without shying away. • Redefining love and what it truly means to me. • Recognising the love around me, such as who
genuinely loves me without conditions and how they show this to me. • Allow myself to feel. • Being intentional about wanting to change my life by writing down my progress. I am still on this journey. I am by no means perfect, and I’m certainly not there yet. However, I am sure of where I used to be. There was no way I could ever be loved or love anyone if I had not extended that love to myself. I now have a healthy love for myself and for those around me. “Fear cannot isolate you if you allow love to surround you.” - Sarah Jakes Roberts
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renting BY C H E L S E A S C H WA R Z E N B E R G E R
There’s no question that Auckland needs a housing revolution. Today’s students don’t even bother to dream about owning their own home, they simply want somewhere to live while they study. As a tenant, flatmate, and landlord, here are a few tips that might help.
finding a flat First of all, take a deep breath. Auckland’s housing marketing is very competitive. You may have to apply for dozens of places before you’re accepted. Consider writing a Renters CV (one for the whole group). Just a page long explaining who’s in your group, what each of you do, and some evidence that you’re responsible. Don’t turn up at the start time for open viewings. Go a little later when it gets quieter. Speak to the landlord/property manager; you need to make a positive impression. Make them remember you. Have your completed application, written references, proof of contents insurance, Renters CV etc. ready to hand over at the viewing. Obviously don’t submit it if you think the place is a dive. Search the Tenancy Tribunal Orders Database for the landlord/property manager, and read the case notes – you’ll get a good understanding of how they deal with any problems. Two references minimum. Previous landlord is ideal, if you don’t have one ask your employer, or someone else that knows you in a professional capacity. Use the viewing as an opportunity to interview the landlord/property manager. Bad ones can make your life difficult! Take photos, write down any promises the landlord/property manager is making verbally - these are often later forgotten. Take a screenshot of the online listing. 16
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Moving In
Moving OUT
Maximum sum you can be expected to pay: 4x weeks rent as bond, 1x week’s rent + 15% as letting fee, and 2 weeks rent in advance. You don’t have to pay any more rent until that full 2 weeks has been used up.
Provide the correct notice. Fixed term: advise in writing that you will not be renewing the tenancy at least 3 weeks before the end of the fixed term end date. You can provide more notice, but your end date won't be any sooner than your agreed fixed term. Periodic: also 3 weeks from the date the notice can expect to be received (meaning, give a couple of days grace if you're posting it).
If there is something you're unable to fix/clean/remove in time, get some professionals around to quote up the remedy ASAP. This way you'll know if the landlord is overcharging you. You have no right to access the property to remedy (or get your own quotes) once your tenancy has ended.
Ask the landlord/property manager to do an exit inspection with you a couple of days before you're due to move out. Get them to point out anything that'd affect your bond. Fix/clean/remove as necessary.
Once they've done their inspection, they should tell you what's happening with your bond. If they take too long getting the bond refund form to you then you can download it yourself from www.tenancy.govt.nz and complete the tenants’ information, leaving the landlord section blank. Tenancy Services will then contact the landlord who has two options: a) release bond in full, or b) go to the tenancy tribunal to claim part of the bond.
More photos, with a timestamp. Every wall, floor, ceiling, surface, garden, lawns. Everything. If there’s any damage, close-up photos and get the landlord to sign something declaring it was already there. Most property managers will do a move-in check with you, with a form they complete as they go. Do not rely on their photos. Photograph the water meter (the lidded box buried somewhere in the front lawn). If you’re on tank water, check it’s full to the top. Store your tenancy documents somewhere safe. Find out who you should contact in emergencies (burst pipes etc.) outside of office hours. Locking yourself out isn’t an emergency on their part.
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If they won't inspect until you move out, you need to be your own inspector. You're aiming for reasonably clean and tidy, and no damage. This is a big clean. Ovens, skirting boards, gardens, windows inside and out, not a single item or piece of rubbish left behind.
Take more dated photos.
Save yourself from unexpected costs or future flat problems by remembering these important tips or you can call 0800 tenancy for more advice. All the best and good luck!
Keep on top of your emails, timetable, and what’s on by logging into the Student Portal. Head to myportal.unitec.ac.nz.
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SEMESTER 2 2017
REVOLUTION
Going the BY E R A N D I O RT I Z
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eople usually get surprised when they find out that I’ve been in a relationship with my boyfriend for six years. To be honest with you, I don’t really understand why. Is it really that impressive for young people to be in a long-lasting relationship? Or is it because of what you’ll read next: all those years have been long distance? Early this year, I moved here to New Zealand from Mexico. It may not sound very exciting as people move all the time, but for me, it was a first. I moved to a new continent, a new country, a new house, and even changed currencies. I put my friends, my family,
WHEN YOU DON’T GET TO SEE YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE EVERY DAY, IT PUTS EVERYTHING IN PERSPECTIVE and my boyfriend on hold but our “terrifying” relationship didn’t start from there. As I mentioned before, we’ve been in this long distance relationship (let's call it LDR for the sake of time) for years. Even back home, I only got to see him every other weekend. Somehow, we’ve managed so far. I guess in a situation such as this we are lucky to live in an era where the biggest impediment to keeping in touch with your loved one is the time zone difference. We Skype, we text, and we send each other funny memes every day. We may be physically
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apart, but our gadgets and the internet bring us closer to each other. Nevertheless, my boyfriend and I have found that there is a huge difference between a same-country LDR and a trans-Pacific one. It’s still a little bit weird to come to the end of a long week thinking we’ll see each other for at least a couple of days only to realise, “Hey, I’m not only at the other end of the world, but I’m also 20 hours ahead… in the future.” It’s not easy, but I like to think it is worth it. It's worth it because the feelings, good and bad ones, are more intense and if you can go the distance, you can get through almost anything! When you don’t get to see your special someone every day, it puts everything in perspective. You learn to be independent of that person without loving them any less and also you learn to love yourself first. Before I left home and came to New Zealand, I was faced with questions like: “What are you two gonna do?” “Have you talked about it?” “Is he going to visit you?” “Have you broken up yet?” If you ever consider getting into this kind of relationship, keep in mind that people will always have an opinion. How much you let them get to you is your choice. I guess there is no secret formula for a successful LDR… or any relationship for that matter. Trusting and respecting each other are vital and so is remembering to have fun and keep things interesting. Every relationship is different, and all of them come with ups and downs. Whatever the length or distance of your relationship, make sure you enjoy the journey because that’s what it’s all about.
SEMESTER 2 2017
A RT WO R K : A B H H I TO P I WA L A
REVOLUTION
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SEMESTER 2 2017
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