THE CONNECTION ISSUE
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CONTRIBUTORS: Steph Alford, Samuel Jang, Michelle Kraus, Andrea Manampulle, Lani Mikaio, Janina Mockenhaupt, Poonam Pait, Kashan Preston, Afrida Raisa, Camille Salus, Shaping Minds (Aletia Greyling, Rosie Hillier, Chris Kernohan, and Henry Que), Andy Watts and Jasmin Winterle
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EDITOR: Miguel Efondo GRAPHIC DESIGN: Mark Lovatt COVER ARTWORK: Kallola Brown
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editor's note
When I was a kid, my mum used to tell me, “Don’t talk to strangers”. If I was an obedient son and I had done as she told me, I’d end up having no friends, no colleagues, no ex-girlfriends, and well, all alone. (Disclaimer: Do as your parents tell you, kids!) Each one of us wants to be connected. Whether it’s on our phones, tablets, or free Wi-Fi; with friends, family or a partner, we’ll do anything to stay connected. Heck, KFC in India even made a takeaway box that charges a phone! They seriously need to bring those boxes here. Facebook, Skype, and instant messaging apps like WeChat, Line, and Kakao Talk have bridged the distance between family and friends who are thousands of miles apart, making it easier to reach out with words, voices, and face-to-face conversation. We no longer have to wait for weeks or months to get updates about our loved ones’ lives. We have apps like Instagram to show us what they’re doing in a matter of seconds. Our options for a potential boyfriend and/or girlfriend have opened up too. Online dating can introduce you to people from the next city, island, or country. You can even “make” your own partner through paid websites such as invisibleboyfriend.com and invisiblegirlfriend.com. Connection is important. It helps us make the relationships we have. With the right connection, we can secure ourselves a job, find a flat, and so much more. Connection is why we are on this planet and it’s what propels us forward. What we do with the connections we have, and whether we want them online or offline, is up to us.
I encourage you to start making valuable connections while you're here at Unitec. If you’re interested in languages, why not start up a language exchange? Right now, I am helping someone with his English language skills while he helps me with my Japanese. If you love music, why not form a music club or start a band? Together with Unitec Clubs and Sports, we are creating lunch showcases for students to perform in front of our staff and students. Why don’t you join us? Make use of Student Media to advertise the things you want to do and to start making new connections. Whether it’s selling your artwork or secondhand books, looking for a language exchange partner or a band member, simply let us know your needs and we’ll see how we can help. Grab every opportunity to connect with like-minded people. Talk to your lecturers and classmates. Use the services available to you. Studying is not about stress and deadlines. It’s about learning new things, having fun along the way, and meeting people that will help you improve yourself and your skills. See you around, Miguel
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Let’s face it, we all are guilty of procrastinating at least once in our life. It’s difficult not to become a victim of procrastination in this day and age when we have social media, modern technology, YouTube, and that beloved friend, Netflix, who lures us into binge watching our favourite TV shows or movies for hours. I must admit that when I was in high school, and even when I began uni, I was the worst procrastinator. I used to leave my assignments untouched until the day before they were due. I sometimes even left my assignment undone 8 hours before it was meant to be handed in! However, I got the shock of a lifetime when I was faced with work, an internship, and uni all at once. It was something I wasn’t used to, so I had to get my priorities straight and learn to manage my time properly. To get to my internship at 10am, and work from 5pm to 11pm, I had to become super organised! That is all on top of trying to squeeze in some study time during my breaks or before my day even started. It’s a reality that plenty of third year students will have to face. Don’t say you haven’t been warned! Surprisingly, what helped me get through it all and plan out my day in the most productive way were some apps that I came across while I was trying to figure out how to become more productive with my time. Below are some of my favourites from a list of of apps which was a true lifesaver!
SELFCONTROL If you want to regain control of your life and stop distracting websites from preventing you from finishing your work, the SelfControl app, which is available to download on Mac computers, is definitely for you! The app lets you block your own access to distracting sites, mail servers, or just anything on the internet that you frequently visit. All you have to do is add the sites to the block list and then set a period of time these sites are prohibited. You won’t be able to access the sites until the timer expires so now you can have more time to concentrate and get your work done! There is also a similar version for Windows called Cold Turkey. If you want an app for your phone, you can download the SelfControl lite app available for iOS devices and it lets you change your password to the sites you have a tendency to visit frequently and generates a new password to replace it.
EVERNOTE I’m pretty sure most of you have already heard about Evernote. If you haven’t, Evernote is an app that allows you to save and record anything. It can help you get super organised as it allows you to create to-do lists, collect ideas, group notes, take notes in a variety of formats such as texts, PDFs, photos, audio, and videos, and many more. Every time I came across a site that I found useful, I would save it on Evernote so that I could always get back to it. It also allowed me to easily scan and organise papers and documents while at work, serving as backups, so that I always had a copy in case something happened to my physical documents. Evernote also allows you to sync all your notes, documents and photos so that you can always access them on the web or other device. It is a great tool for group projects as it allows you to collaborate and view the work your group is doing.
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FLASHCARD WITH CRAM Got an exam or a test coming up? Get prepped up and ace it with Flashcard with Cram! The app allows you to create customised flashcards for yourself. I found this app to be really useful whenever I had a test coming up. I would set up the main questions for my test and have the answers written at the back of the virtual flashcards. That way I could always look back at the answers and memorise them quickly. There are no more excuses for not having enough time to study as this app is also available on your phone! You can also view your cards offline, so if you are on the bus or have some spare time, you can just take out your phone and study on the spot. You can turn your studying into a game mode and make it more interesting. BY K A S H A N P R E S TO N
“I CAN’T WAKE UP!” ALARM CLOCK If you have a difficult time waking up in the morning and are always in a rush to get to work or class, this app will make sure you wake up when you need to. After all, it is very important to remember to wake up on time and get ready properly for work or class so that you avoid feeling rushed, flustered and unprepared. What 'I Can’t Wake Up' Alarm Clock does is makes you finish specific tasks before you can turn your alarm off. You can choose from tasks like maths, memory excercises, shaking your phone like crazy, or getting you to scan a barcode by physically getting up. This way, you can’t just easily press the snooze button and fall back to sleep. It’s harsh but it sure does get you up and out of the door quicker! Although this app is only available for Android phones, there is a similar one for iOS available called ‘Math Alarm Clock-Answer Problems’ and it makes you answer math problems aloud to turn it off.
30/30 It can be difficult to stick to the tasks you hope to complete in a certain amount of time, but 30/30 can time you and make sure you complete the tasks you want to finish for the day.
Online dating is not the simple stress-free ride that RomComs depict. Like everything else, it’s different for each person and for some, it simply doesn’t work. I am one such person, having had 0% success securing romance via the internet. When I learned of Tinder in 2014 from some friends, I gave it a try. Sadly, I made no progress despite making several “connections”. My friends seemed to be scoring dates off of Tinder weekly and I never questioned the legitimacy of their claims, I just felt irritated that it was so easy for them. One person on Tinder directed me to her page on a casual sex website which was graphically explicit. Naïve at the time and somewhat desperate, I joined, made a profile, and paid to send messages to these people. It went on for a while and I met a couple of ‘girls’ who seemed flirtatious and friendly. I let them scam me and was soon in $700 in debt. Fortunately, I was able to get some of it back by emailing the website’s administrators but, disenchanted, put the whole online dating thing to rest. I recently took a stab at Craigslist, hoping to find some honourable women. There seemed to be several promising opportunities to meet someone or indeed to have fun. It was not the case, however, as every profile was run by a con-
It also allows you to set up a list of tasks and a length of time to get them done. When the timer goes off, it shows you the next task you should move onto.
There are multiple other apps and sites that can help us be more productive and manage our time much better. Remente is a great app for long-term goal setting and personal development. Teamwork.com is a site that allows you to collaborate with your team, keep tabs and set tasks for each individual, and chat with one another. These are some examples but trust me, there are heaps out there. Although the technology and internet we have these days can be distracting, the way we use and make it part of our lives determines if it can be helpful. Apps have helped me a lot with my studying and I do hope they will for you as well.
THEY ATTEMPTED TO LURE ME BACK BY SHOWING COUPLES WHO OWED THEIR HAPPINESS TO THE SITES artist. Searching for something more legitimate, I tried other online dating sites that appeared authentic. I paid to be able to send messages and see people’s information but, again, made no progress. Even a Facebook page called Auckland Singles Dating yielded no positive results for me. When I closed my accounts from these sites, they attempted to lure me back by showing couples who owed their happiness to the sites. It was too late. I had lost interest. I realised I was striking out because my heart was not in it. I do not want to have to pay money to speak to someone who, for all I knew, is not real. I do not want to pay money for intercourse and I do not want one-night-stands. Once I recognised this, I forgot why I even looked into this world in the first place. People are all different and these sites work just fine for the people they’re right for, but not for everyone. UNITECSTUDENTMEDIA.CO.NZ
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y haupt, German Janina Mocken
orts; much I love sp ly ow h e m ed ow sh tual “New Zealand t of the television but ac on not only in fr icipating IN them.” part
R BY MICHELLE KRAUS
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oughly one year ago, I decided to come to New Zealand, literally the other side of the world from my home, Germany. More than 18,000 km and 32 hours of flying separate me from where I come from. At some point, my parents asked me why it had to be New Zealand when so many of my friends chose to spend their semester abroad in Ireland, Portugal, and other countries around the corner. "At least I can’t go any further after this trip", I answered with a big smile on my face. I’d never been so excited about something and then, my final day in Germany had suddenly arrived! The flight took off and led me to what will probably be the biggest adventure of my life. When I came to New Zealand, I brought an endless list of things I wanted to see. My camera was fully charged, and I had enough energy for whatever was about to come. However, for the first time in my life, I lacked the one thing I always have: a plan. Five weeks before my studies at Unitec started, I was living from one day to the next, moving with the weather as it shifted, facing situations I never had before, and I absolutely loved every single minute of it! There were things I never expected myself to do, including buying a car that was older than me. “If you really want to explore the South Island, you’ll need a car”, people kept telling me. Well, that was great to know, but there was no way I would buy a car within my first week of being here. Also, Kiwis drive on the opposite side of the road! I didn’t think I was ready to take the risk but what can I say, I was wrong. Hitting the road with my squeaking but lovable car, Willy, just happened to be one of the best decisions I made. Not only did Willy escort me for over 10,000 km around both the North and South Islands, but he also enabled me to make some amazing friends simply because they were heading in the same direction and needed a lift. Even though my sense of direction is probably the worst imaginable, the limited infrastructure of South Island saved me and my newly found friends from getting lost. Together, we tackled the most stunning tracks while listening to Imagine Dragons’ On Top of the World, getting the worst sunburn of our lives, and falling in love with the country over and over again each day. Unfortunately, my travelling couldn’t go on forever. My studies at Unitec brought me back to Auckland and once again I was beginning a new adventure. Although, studying is one of the main reasons I came here, my experience at Unitec gave me much more than I expected. I was introduced to countless cultures and ethnicities. At my accommodation, there were people from all over the world: Canada, Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Cook Islands, Laos, Germany, and of course, New Zealand. Auckland’s multiculturalism has been evident wherever I go. It creates a sense of togetherness which I found really welcoming. It is crazy how fast and easily you can make new friends here! Some of the
Jasmin Winterle, Switzerla nd
Feels Like a
sPacific
Change! BY LANI MIKAIO
“The exchange semester in New Zealand was a unique experience for me, with ama zing sights of many differ ent cultures, landscapes and inte rnational friends.”
people I met, I felt an instant connection with and together we’ve explored amazing places, laughed the nights through, suffered from exhausting study weeks, and simply shared moments none of us will ever forget. With these people, Auckland certainly didn’t feel like a place far from home. Now that the semester is over, I just can’t believe how quickly it flew past. Even though it means goodbye to most of the people I met, it is simply the beginning of our worldwide friendships. Looking back on the six months I spent here in New Zealand, I can proudly say that it really has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My friends and I will all be flying back home with a wealth of shared memories, newly gained knowledge, memory-filled photos, and most of all, remarkable true friendships.
To find out more about Unitec's Inbound Study Abroad and Exchange email studyabroad@unitec.ac.nz
Camille Salus, France
ce! I had the chance to “It was an amazing experien the world and build meet people from all around great friendships.“
For the last two years, I have worked, studied and engaged with students, particularly Pasifika students, at various Unitec events and gatherings. As Pasifika students, we make up 12% of Unitec’s population, and that’s almost 3,000 students, yet I have only met or worked with around 200 of you. Where are my people at? As the Pacific Rep, I am commited to improving the success rates for Pacific students. My role isn’t easy, especially bringing all Pacific students together. There are many of us who feel we don’t need to be part of a group. The usual response to an invitation is, “I’m just here to study". Only 2% out of the 12% show up to meetings and events held to help Pacific students with study needs. Why do Pacific students struggle? What is it that stops us from asking for help, from seeking for solutions and from openly voicing our concerns? Is it part of our culture to quietly complain about issues but then accept them anyway? No! It’s not and it shouldn’t be. I feel the problem is the lack of social networks and the assumption that such groups will be a distraction from studies. Some Pasifika students lack unity with their own. Some see their peers as a competition, that they have to be better than their Pacific brothers.
change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. - US President Barack Obama According to Mark 3:25, “a household cannot stand when it is divided from within.” If we, as Pasifika students, are divided in our vision for our own people and each other, how can we become powerful together? How can we change this mentality and create a positive mindset to transform our behaviour and attitudes so that every student can succeed? I believe social connections are where we can start. We can utilise them as a platform for all Pasifika students to gain support for study and cultural success. No one should feel they are alone on their journey to graduation and a wonderful career. US President Barack Obama said that “change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek”. I encourage all Pasifika students out there to attend meetings and events that are specifically made for us. I encourage you to be supportive of each other and build friendships in your pathways and classes. I hope that one day, we'll see all Pasifika students at Unitec come together with the same vision in mind. That we will together embrace the opportunities and services available for us here, strive to succeed and hold on to our culture and values. The Pacific Centre for Learning, Teaching and Research is based at Mt Albert and Waitakere campuses. For further information, contact maea@unitec.ac.nz
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The weather is clearly changing here in Auckland. Gone are the warm summer days, and the cold autumn breeze is getting colder as winter slowly approaches us. I see fewer people walking around the streets and boy, a lot of us are wearing winter clothes already! This cold weather makes commuting to work and to school strenuous. You see, not all the suburbs here in Auckland are directly linked to the public transport. I have to walk for 20 minutes to the nearest train station and 14 minutes to the Campus Bus stop from my flat. It's not really a long walk but imagine walking back from the train station or the bus stop to your apartment when it's dark, and there is not a soul around, a strong wind blowing loudly and making those scary noises. That 14 or 20-minute walk is now definitely a long one! Back in my hometown of Arunachal Pradesh, we have public transport reaching right outside our doorstep! In big Indian cities like Delhi, there are all kinds of public transport: subway metros, buses, three-wheeler rickshaws and autos (tuk-tuk). Small rural towns have rickshaws and autos, which drop passengers to their doorsteps. Are they here in New Zealand? No way. My experience volunteering at an event in town last month prompted me to write this article. The event started at 8am and ended at 6pm. However, as a volunteer, I had to be at the venue at 7am. For two consecutive days, I had to wake up at 5am to give myself enough time to prepare and get ready for the day and leave for the train station at 6am. I’d catch the train by 6:20am and would reach town by 6:45am. Then I’d walk another 15 minutes to reach the venue.
Time is extremely important, and it always has been. However, I’ve realised it even more since moving here to Auckland. Every trip must be planned methodically. Most of your travel time is walking and waiting for the public transport to reach your stop. You are unlucky if you miss your train or bus because you’ll have to wait for at least 15-20 minutes, or even much more. If you’re particularly unlucky, thatbus or train ride gets delayed. Leaving my apartment early in the morning to go to my volunteer work, I didn't expect to see anyone around, especially as it’s still dark outside and the street lights are on. However, I was surprised to see people cycling and running… early in the cold morning! It made me think how lacklustre I was in India. There was no physical workout for me as I get picked up and dropped on our doorstep. I was just a couch potato back then! Well, I do love potatoes anyway. But kidding aside, I had put on weight and started looking like a different person so that my friends and family couldn’t recognise me. Seeing people around me running, cycling, and walking – from all age groups – got me inspired to do the same! After three to four months of living here in Auckland, I started losing weight. My clothes were getting looser, and I had to start buying smaller sized ones! I could clearly differentiate my current look from my old pictures. It's never too late for anyone to start working on keeping themselves physically fit. The slow public transport of Auckland has surprisingly helped me become more meticulous in life. Everyone has his/her own hurdles to cross, and it seems this was mine. You just need to find a will, and life will show you the way, just like how I found mine. I hope that in time, the slow yet curious public transport of Auckland will improve. Until then, I’m making the most of of it.
THE SLOW PUBLIC TRANSPORT OF A U C K L A N D H A S S U R P R I S I N G LY HELPED ME BECOME MORE METICULOUS IN LIFE.
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BY STEPH ALFORD
I remember that day as clear as if it was yesterday. The skies were blue, and the ocean was glistening like a land of shimmering silver. Jet skis zoomed through the lake in the distance. The panoramic scenery was filled with snow-topped emerald mountains. Hang gliders created flecks of rainbows up high. The great big world was wrapped around me. A lovely chilly breeze blew through my hair while the sun crawled upon my skin. I saw the uneasiness in my mother’s face. She begged me to be careful even though she and I both knew that what was about to happen wasn’t going to be under my control. I passed her a cheeky grin and told her I’d be fine. I glanced over to my Dad, who was standing on the timber deck and taking in the landscapes and scenery. He gave me the thumbs up and told me to come back in one piece. Despite his typically dry dad humour, I sensed the tension across his face. I started to feel giddy, a rush of fire charged through my body as I waved at them and made my way to The Ledge. My stomach flipped inside out and
I FELT LIKE SUPERMAN DURING A F LY I N G S C E N E , A N D S O M E O N E H A S PA U S E D I T. . . back to front. I took a deep breath in an attempt to control the butterflies. I moved one foot in front of the other, one slow step at a time… Oh, who was I kidding? It wasn’t a wedding! I strutted my way eagerly down to the gate. There stood two young, energetic blokes jamming to the pumping music blaring on the overhead speakers. They were shaking their heads in rhythm and drumming along the ceiling beams of the sheltered deck. Soon, they realised I was standing there watching them with awe. They asked me my name and introduced themselves, welcoming me onto The Ledge. I walked inside the gate, and before I knew it, they had me all strapped up in a harness and all ready to go. Little by little, I walked backwards and out as far as I could go. I looked to the camera ahead of me, hanging out by the corner of the ceiling, throwing a smile even bigger than the one already on my face and struck a pose. Click! I was getting psyched. The
bros nodded, giving me the go ahead signal. At that point, I realised that I hadn’t had a chance to look out and observe my surroundings. I felt unprepared. Perhaps these guys purposely yet subtly steered me clear from the view of the vertical drop. Suddenly my mind went blank. My body turned into autopilot mode. That was it! I ran for my life. Woooooohooooo! I screamed with exhilaration as I hurled myself into the open space. The sound echoed across town. I was flying like a ninja! A million thoughts went through my head. This is freakin’ amazing! Whoa, what a buzzing vibe! Oh my gosh, why didn’t I make a better jumping pose in case this is how I die? Am I gonna die in those bushes? How long until the cord yanks? Oh god, I’ve got a wedgie. Gravity, stop working against me! I’m trying to change my pose. Oh man, I wish I had tied my shoelaces tighter. Oh, look at that surreal view! I feel like a real flying Kiwi! Can I fly out to those jumbo mountains? Can I just dive into that ocean of sapphire? My whole life flashed before me. I felt like Superman during a flying scene, and someone has paused it. Life came to a standstill. The pause felt like an eternity. Then suddenly, the cord jerked, and I was no longer freefalling. That can’t be it? The most incredible, adventurous and breathtaking experience ever had to come to an end already. I was floundering and was already suffering from post-bungy depression. When I got my feet back onto Earth, the first thing I did was ask my parents if I could go again. They were flustered and rejected the idea immediately. Being thankful that I made it out of there alive, they did not want to live through the torture again. Oh well, I thought to myself, it was worth a shot. Amongst a zillion adrenaline-filled activities on my bucket list, I was just stoked to tick off bungy jumping at last! Three years later and here I am, writing this article, still getting tingles down my body just reminiscing about one of the most ecstatic, out-of-this-world experience I’ve ever had. Heck, even just thinking about it – the thrill, the adrenaline, has made me want to go out and do it all over again! One jump in New Zealand down, four to go! Thanks for the experience, The Ledge. Now it’s time to hit up SkyJump at the Sky Tower, Auckland Bridge Bungy, Kawarau Bridge Bungy, and Nevis Bungy.
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DRE BY AN
A A MAN
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As an international student who arrived in New Zealand just a few months ago, I am keen on exploring the beautiful city that I now call home, Auckland. At first, it seemed challenging to experience what the city has to offer, especially as a student on a tight budget. You often hear how expensive it is here in New Zealand. Nevertheless, I managed to find a few places that do not cost anything to enjoy or experience (except the expense of getting there).
3. WYNYARD QUARTER (SILO PARK) Silo Park is a perfect place to spend the evening and watch the sunset. With plenty of restaurants and breathtaking views of the Harbour, this is an ideal place to wind down after a busy day. During summer, movies are screened outdoors, and other events are held throughout the year.
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If you are an adventurer like me, I do hope you take some time this semester break to visit these beautiful places - you’ll definitely appreciate them. P.S. Don’t forget to take your camera with you!
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1. POINT CHEVALIER BEACH Point Chevalier Beach is very close to Unitec, Mt. Albert. The tide was low when I went, but it was an amazing place to relax. There is a barbeque pit and plenty of space for a Sunday picnic. It also has a park just up the hill with a playground for kids.
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2. WESTERN SPRINGS Western Springs is a picturesque park within walking distance of Unitec, Mt. Albert. This wildlife sanctuary is home to the long-finned eels found only in New Zealand. Go to the centre of the bridge to see these magnificent creatures.
4. MT. EDEN (MAUNGAWHAU) Maungawhau is Auckland’s highest volcanic cone, and it gives you a spectacular 360-degree views of the entire isthmus. You are allowed to drive up to a certain point and then walk to the peak. Make sure to go on a nice sunny day.
5. CORNWALL PARK & ONE TREE HILL Auckland’s largest park is Cornwall Park. This park has a country-like feel with sheep and cattle that graze on its hillside. Centred on a volcanic cone is One Tree Hill, which gives you stunning views of Auckland. You can drive right up to the summit.
6. AUCKLAND ART GALLERY The Auckland Art Gallery has an impressive collection of both modern and traditional art. Make sure you collect a free guidebook at the Entry. There are also free guided tours available at certain times as well.
11. PARNELL ROSE GARDEN The beautiful gardens of Parnell are at their best during the blooming season of November to March. However, I visited in the off-season, and there was an impressive range of flowers in bloom.
8. ALBERT PARK Albert Park is a beautifully landscaped park at the city’s centre, just next to the Art Gallery. Parking is free on Sunday. Don’t forget to take in the magnificent University ClockTower.
7. OUTSIDE BRITOMART PRECINCT CITY CENTRE You’ll enjoy stunning views outside the Britomart Precinct with lots of restaurants, street performances and a truly vibrant atmosphere. 7.
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9. JUDGES BAY PARNELL Judges Bay is another perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon. This inner city swimming spot is great during high tide. There are two BBQ pits and picnic tables available.
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10. HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL PARNELL Take in the architectural splendour of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, which is said to have the largest expanse of stained glass in the Southern hemisphere. The Cathedral is open for visitors to explore its beauty.
12. WINTERGARDENS, AUCKLAND DOMAIN A heritage site, the Wintergardens is a must-see if you go to Auckland Domain. There are two glass houses. One holds tropical plants and is quite warm. There is a fernery and an open courtyard that’s amazingly beautiful. It’s just like a place from a fairytale.
13. AUCKLAND DOMAIN GRAFTON Auckland’s oldest park is the Auckland Domain. I visited during autumn, and the colours were just breathtaking. The park also has duck ponds and amazing landscape. If you love wide open spaces, then this is a place to visit.
EXTRAS FREE MOVIES IN THE PARK During summer, Auckland Council organises a range of music gigs and also screens movies across the city. Nothing beats watching Jurassic Park outdoors at night! To find out about the lineup of music and movies for 2017 visit www.moviesinparks.co.nz FREE EVENTS Auckland also has various free events and festivals. I visited the Royal Easter Show held at ASB Showgrounds. Entrance is free, and you pay for any rides, games and food. For a year-round events listing visit www.aucklandnz.com OTHER FREE STUFF Finally, keep an eye out on Student Media and Unitec notice boards for events and free offers.
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EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND S E M E S T E R O N E P H OTO S
CHECK OUT FACEBOOK.COM/UNITECSTUDENTS FOR SEMESTER 2 TRIPS AND MORE INFO.
UPCOMING SEMESTER TWO TRIPS The Great Kiwi Road Trip
Date: Friday 2 September – Sunday 4 September
The Thrill Seeker; Black Water Rafting Date: Saturday 17 September
Under the Stars Island Cruise; Exploring the Bay of Islands Date: Saturday 15 October – Sunday 16 October
Beach and Bush Hike
Date: Saturday 29 October
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Joining a club is a great way to get to know other students at Unitec. There are over 26 active clubs across the three campuses and if you can’t find a club you’d like to join, you can start your own! To get going, simply flick an email to our Clubs Coordinator at clubsandsport@unitec.ac.nz or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/clubsandsport. It’s also a good idea to have your club listed on the Unitec Clubs and Sports page. If your club is officially recognised, you’ll be able to:
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book rooms to hold events on campus; apply for student-initiated funding; book a BBQ, PA system, tables, and more for your events on campus; access support and advice to run a successful club; apply for uniforms for tournaments and events; book fields; use the gym; and access sports equipment.
In the first semester, over 300 students joined clubs and it’s not too late for you be part of the fun. There is a Clubs Signup Day every semester at each campus and the dates will be well-publicised around Unitec. Clubs and Sports activities are held throughout the year. The Unitec Football World Cup is one of the most popular events. It is held twice annually - once in May and again in October. Last May, ten teams participated with over 100 registered players!
To make the most of your time at Unitec, here are some of the clubs and sports you can join: SPORTS
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Unitec Students Football Club Unitec Student Touch Rugby Club Unitec Student Netball Club Unitec Student Volleyball Club Unitec Student Basketball Club
LIFESTYLE AND INTEREST
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Unitec Student Media Unitec Christian Fellowship ALLY Network
CULTURAL GROUPS
KEY SUPPORT PEOPLE
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Clubs Coordinator Email: clubsandsport@unitec.ac.nz (09) 8154321 ext. 8600
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Unitec Tama Ma Teine Samoa Association Saudi Students Association Unitec Chinese Student Community MATATUPU - Unitec Maori Association
For a complete list of clubs, kindly visit www.unitec.ac.nz/clubs.
Events Manager Email: studentevents@unitec.ac.nz Unitec Student Media Email: studentmedia@unitec.ac.nz unitecstudentmedia.co.nz
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THE CONNECTION ISSUE
GENERATION
We’re the most connected generation. We have plenty of ‘friends’, we ‘like’ what’s going on and have endless experiences to ‘share’. Tinder means we can even have the most intimate relationships with a single swipe right. Talk to any Baby Boomer and you also get the impression we’re Generation Me; used to having everything served up on a plate. If that’s the case, why does it sometimes feel like life is so hard and that we’re so isolated? Are we, in fact, Generation Sad – each of us alone in a crowd? Despite having more and more networks for socialising, we have less and less actual society. We’re living a contradiction: the more connected we become, the lonelier we are. With smartphones, we’re barely out of contact. We’re acutely aware of the world’s worst crimes and catastrophes - in real time. Despite this, the opportunity to reach out and physically comfort those affected is not any better than before the internet. Facebook posts, comments and tweets can never replace the face-to-face human touch. New Zealand has had a huge increase in students seeking counselling. Financial stress affects your ability to study, and then there’s anxiety about mounting loans. A famous American psychologist, Maslow, had a theory that the most important human necessities are air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex and sleep. Some of these are a real struggle for students. Maslow
thought that things like belonging and self-esteem can only come once the other more basic needs have been met. When students are looking at $130 weekly rent for a small room, shared with three others, it’s no wonder self-actualization or becoming your best, feels out of reach. At the same time, there is a growing pressure to be happy. Mindfulness is the height of fashion, but is it helping? A study looked into how much people value something compared to whether they achieve it, and it found a close match. For example, students who value good marks tend to do better academically than those who don’t. Happiness is an exception. The more people yearn for happiness, the less likely they are to find it. There are some big issues for our generation to sort out: student debt, poverty, family violence and more. Luckily, none of these problems are anyone’s to solve alone. It’s about working together and making real connections. Don’t just post a status update to tell the world about your day, instead ask your classmates how theirs is going. Little steps can make a difference. Someone said we can all live life a little better if we hold hands rather than click a selfie. It’s not too late for us to be Generation Glad.
WE’RE LIVING A CONTRADICTION: THE MORE CONNECTED WE BECOME, THE LONELIER WE ARE.
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If you'd like to connect with Unitec Counselling, please email counselling@unitec.ac.nz
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But then there she was again. Right. In. My. Face. I hardly even miss her but if she wanted to reconnect, she could email me. Email is still a thing. She could text me, or, heavens, phone me. She could Facebook me. New Zealand Post, I believe, still accept and and deliver suitably addressed letters. She could probably yell to me from her house. Any thoughts she may have could surely be formed into language and sent through one of these half-dozen mediums. When is six of anything too few? Okay, six grains of rice don't make dinner. But six connections too few? On what planet does she need a seventh? I felt it rude of her to invade this: my personal, private space. It was my place; my fortress. A place of complete personal agency suddenly become another place that she could be in touch. I hardly even miss her so I felt irritated about that. I mean, we split up for good reasons. She got annoyed about my pet rats roaming freely, as if that were some kind of problem. I hated her eating habits. She never chewed enough. You're supposed to chew vegetables ten times and meats thirty times. She never did. Like I said, I hardly even miss her so it's all for the best, I think. But, although I hardly even miss her, when she appeared again - right in my face - I didn't want to be rude and tell her to get stuffed so I supposed I'd just live with it and maybe try to find another place for myself; one where she wasn't. How is having “too many pet rats” a good reason to split up with someone, anyway? Too many is a value judgment; a subjective measure according to one's prejudice. A genuinely good reason to split with someone would be that you find Rebecca's eating habits so objectively repulsive that you can't continue to eat meals with her. So that's one thing I definitely don't miss. Anyway, seriously, she had no right to be there. Six ways to connect is plenty. It was a massive infringement on my personal space. It is my special area where I control the comings and goings of people; what I say and who I say it to. Not her. I didn't need her stinking up the place, silently judging me because of who I'm chatting to and how many rats I have. And I certainly didn't want her face in my face every time I was there. No way. But, like I said; I didn't want to be rude. So I swiped right. She must have swiped left because we didn't reconnect. It's okay – really – I hardly even miss her.
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ORIENTATION 2016 EVENT GUIDE WK 1 – TAHI WK 2 – RUA
ORIENTATION FUN FOR YOU
DATES
ALBANY CAMPUS
BUILDING ONE MT ALBERT
WAITĀKERE CAMPUS HENDERSON Discover & Win
Mon 25 Jul
12pm
Mini Golf
Tue 26 Jul
12pm
Wed 27 Jul
Mini Golf
Thu 28 Jul
Mini Sports
GREAT PRIZES
THE HUB MT ALBERT Mini Golf 12pm
FREE LUNCH
Play Squash - FREE
FREE LUNCH
12pm - 2pm National Squash Centre
FREE LUNCH
12pm 12pm
Clubs Day
Mon 1 Aug
12pm
Tue 2 Aug
Clubs Day
12pm
Wed 3 Aug
Paintball
Thu 4 Aug
Mini Sports
FREE LUNCH
Play Squash - FREE
FREE LUNCH
12pm - 2pm National Squash Centre
Clubs Day
FREE LUNCH
12pm
12pm
FREE LUNCH
International Food Day
12pm
11am – 2pm
WK 3 – TORU
Weekend Student Support
Mon 8 Aug
12pm
Student Support
Tue 9 Aug Wed 10 Aug
12pm
Student Support 12pm
FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH
Student Support + Win Prizes
Thu 11 Aug
WK 4 – WHA
12pm
Study Success
Mon 15 Aug
12pm
Study Success
Tue 16 Aug Wed 17 Aug
12pm
Study Success 12pm
WK 5 - RIMA
Sat 20 Aug – Sun 21 Aug Wed 24 Aug
FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH
Study Success
Wed 31 Aug
12pm
Pacific Centre
FREE LUNCH
Pacific Centre 12pm
Thu 1 Sep
FREE LUNCH
Weekend 12pm
Thu 25 Aug
FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH
Thu 18 Aug
WK 6 – ONO
SERVICES & SUCCESS LUNCHES FREE FOR YOU
Sat 6 Aug - Sun 7 Aug
Building 63 Student Space 12pm
FREE LUNCH
FREE LUNCH
UNITEC STUDENT M E D I A WA N T S TO CO N N EC T W I T H YO U ! Getting involved with Unitec Student Media while you study is a great way to develop your skills, build up your portfolio, and showcase your talents. Unitec Student Media focuses on politics and culture, student life, learning experiences, and whatever is most important to students like you. We also publish opinion pieces, art, photography, short films, and fiction. If you have a talent for any of the following, we want to hear from you.
writing
photography
illustration
music
You don’t have to be studying these things at Unitec. You just have to be passionate enough to get involved! You’ll be able to develop many skills that employers value and gain experience you can include in your CV. Having published work will provide tangible proof of your abilities and set you apart from other job applicants. To find out more email: studentmedia@unitec.ac.nz or like our Facebook page at facebook.com/UnitecStudents
UNITEC
FOR STUDENTS BY STUDENTS
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