Shelter

S H E LT E R Stu dent + Commun ity + Lifestyle

THE EMPOWER EDITION

S H E LT E R Stu dent + Commun ity + Lifestyle

SHELTER magazine is a publication that celebrates the talents and voices of Rangi Ruru students.

We aim to inspire, challenge and empower our readers.

Our Editorial Team has ensured this year’s Empower Edition is cohesive and engaging.

To keep up to date with SHELTER and any news or announcements about the magazine, be sure to follow our instagram @shelter_magazine_

Harriette Jolly, Year 13

Editors’ Letter

This year the Editorial team decided to reflect on our Rangi Ruru values and create a magazine that truly embraces these ideas. We have spent endless hours putting together an inspiring and welcoming magazine with curated art, poetry, stories and so much more.

We have aligned the eighth edition of SHELTER with our school values. We are proud to introduce this year’s SHELTER magazine as the EMPOWER edition. Empower is build up the people around you, it is to push yourself, to do and be your best. To us, to Empower is to help someone become stronger and more confident, it is to allow them to see their true value. This year we have been able to use SHELTER to share our identity with the wider public, and we hope that through sharing our beliefs and culture, that our readers can develop a sense of empowerment.

EDITORS Sophie Young Charlie Hart DESIGN DIRECTOR Aimee Stanton DEPUTY EDITOR Joni Lester COVER ART Lucy Sugrue

This year we have we have strived to create content that inspires, embracing the theme of Empower and sharing our values with the world. For anyone who chooses to pick up this magazine, we are certain that you will be able to relate to and learn from the fantastic articles found in this year’s edition of SHELTER. There are so many people who have helped in turning our vision into a reality this year. We want to say a huge thank you to everybody who has helped bring this magazine to life. Thank you to the students who have shared their passions, contributed art, and shared their wisdom, as without your help, we could have never brought this magazine to life.

We would also like to thank Jude Morgan. Without your insight, advice and encouragement SHELTER would not exist.

Thank you for the massive amount of commitment you have put into SHELTER over the last eight years. We are all so grateful for the work you have put into making this edition of SHELTER happen.

Thank you for helping us turn our vision into reality.

From Charlie Hart, Sophie Young (Editors) and Aimee Stanton (Design Director)

WRITERS Aimee Stanon Alice Hunter Amelia Kauder Arabella Acland Ayla Prangell Beth Condon Caroline Bowmar Charlie Hart Emily Young Georgia Dann Harriette Jolly Henrietta Evatt Issie Matson Jess Glass Joni Lester Kate Kelso Alexandra Hurndell Lizzie Jessep Madeline Glossop Millie Vink Sophie Young Violetta Dacre ARTISTS Alice Hunter Ava Bella Stowers Eliza Frew Harriette Jolly Hannah Thorburn Issie Matson Lilia Stanton Lucy Sugrue Zara Frost

SHELTER

Volume 8 ISSN 2537-9399 Published November 2023 Publisher, ICE Publishing Publishing Editor, Jude Morgan Rangi Ruru Girls’ School

Contents 2 6

Editorial Meet the Team

Community

Student

12 14 16 18 22 24 26 28 32 34 38 42

46 48 50 52 56 58 62 68 74

Wandering Time Q&A With Aggie Weston Art- Harriette Jolly Home Away From Home Hollie Tribble Under a Thistle Bush Learn Your Way Day The Wildflowers Let it Grow Paralympic Bound I’ve Been Told I Think Too Much Cuckoo

Baking as a Gluten Free Girl The Community Within Community Service Kia Whakatōmuri te Haere Whakamua A Matter of Mental Health Art - Eliza Frew Embracing You The Life and Times of Edward John Topp Heritage of Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday The Ethics of True Crime

Empower

Lifestyle

80 84 88 90 92 96 98 104 108

114 118 122 126 132 136 138 140 144

The Influence of Trends on our Indivituality Good News is Coming The World that is Wearable Arts 2 x 2 = Love The Y2K of this Generation You See Her The Spin Life as a Gappie Lady Bird

Masterpiece The Natural Beauty of Gratitude Finding Your Voice Embarking on a Journey to Discovery Barbie: a Timeless Classic of the 21st Century Regret Hopes and Dreams Great Expectations Behind the Cover

Meet the Team EDITOR

Charlie Hart (she/her) Chalie’s favourite foods are chocolate, and yoghurt. In her free time you will find her cycling, spending time with friends or playing Super Tux.

EDITOR

Sophie Young (she/her) In Sophie’s free time she loves to bake and sew. You can also find her scrolling through Pinterest or obsessing over Vivienne Westwood. Sophie’s favourite show is Gilmore Girls and she love a good 90s horror.

DEPUTY EDITOR Joni Lester (she/her)

Joni loves all sorts of music, particularly Fleetwood Mac, Lorde, Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Harry Styles. Her favorite film is Little Women and she has watched it like 50 times. You will always see Joni wearing a massively oversized scarf that serves no purpose at all or eating veggie straws. In her spare time, she does anything on stage where she can perform and embarrass herself.

DESIGN DIRECTOR Aimee Stanton (she/her)

Aimee is in Year 13 this year with hopes for going to Broadcasting School in the future. She is a lover of all things fashion. Her favourite things to do are listen to music from the 80s especially David Bowie and Duran Duran. SHELTER magazine has been an incredible outlet for her creativity.

DEPUTY DESIGN DIRECTOR Lexie Hurndell (she/her)

Lexie is a lover of all things music, art, and fitness. In her spare time, she loves to sing, do photography and train in the gym. You’ll never catch Lexie without her emotional support water bottle.

STUDENT SECTION EDITOR Alice Hunter (she/her)

In Alice’s free time, she enjoys going to the gym and listening to music. You will never catch Alice without her mini Country Road bag key chain and Frank Green drink bottle.

COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR Amelia Kauder (she/her)

In her free time she loves to dance, specifically to her favourite artist Lana Del Rey and she loves to eat hot fudge sundaes. Amelia’s signature item of clothing is her THRIFTED Juicy Couture zip up.

LIFESTYLE SECTION EDITOR Hariette Jolly (she/her)

In her free time Harriette enjoys painting pictures and swimming in the sea. Her ideal day would be spending time in the sun grooving to Frank Ocean. You’ll never find her without her trusty Lucas’ Papaw and a cup of English Breakfast tea.

EMPOWER SECTION EDITOR Lucy Sugrue (she/her)

In her free time she is often rewatching Twilight, spending time scrolling through Pinterest or painting. You’ll never catch her without her phone.

DEPUTY SECTION EDITOR Georgia Dann (she/her)

Alongside her love for theatre and acting, Georgia loves to read and binge watch tv shows, with her current obsession being Seinfeld.

Georgia’s signature thing is that she can do a mean Irish accent.

DEPUTY SECTION EDITOR Emily Young (she/her)

In her free time, Emily loves to play the piano, watch movies and go shopping. One of her favourite movies to watch is Mamma Mia as she loves ABBA’s music. She really enjoys going to Rangi and loves shopping at her favourite store, Just Jeans.

DEPUTY SECTION EDITOR Jess Glass (she/her)

Jess is a Boarder from a farm in Methven. She has a massive passion for tree planting and the environment, as well as cats! Jess loves art and colourful things. Her favourite colours are green and purple and my cats are called Ginger and Socks (they are Jess’s bestest of friends, along side her dogs Rusty and Boy!)

Wandering Time

Words by: Lizzie Jessep

Flowering daisies dot the olive grass.

Like snow, petals flutter along in summer gusts.

The sunrise reflects in trees, like light through stained glass windows.

Peaches, berries, and roses live in the sky.

Along with the eerie chill of the stars and moon vanishing.

Hidden, just out of sight.

Waking bees flick from flower to flower, their gentle hums drift in and out of focus.

Buzz,

Buzz,

Buzz…

Later now, the sunshine dances up high.

Delicate hands pick daisies.

Protected from the sun under an antique oak tree Auburn hair catches light, shimmering in the honey breeze.

Green stems plait into chains.

Delicate petals fold.

Tall grass crouches under a mild blue rug.

Cicadas hush whispering leaves.

Hush,

Hush,

Hush…

Meek stars flicker in the indigo sky.

Midnight creeps along a dark field.

Chill spirals on weathered trees, relishing in the moon's breath.

Daisies, blinded by fireflies flutter by the windowsill, over closed eyelids.

Her mousey eyelashes twitch in the warm light.

Gentle inhales and exhales flow in time with the strict clock.

Whooshing around the orchard, the wind ferries petals in the serene night.

Ever watching owls hide on branches, their wide eyes glow in the night.

Hoot,

Hoot,

Hoot…

Hannah Thorburn, Year 13

Q&A

with our 2023

Head of Sport

Ag g I e

w e s t on

How did you get into Water Polo?

I started out as a swimmer when I was four years old. However, when Eve, my older sister started playing water polo, I was dragged along to watch her practices and games. Eve and her friends would use me as a goalie, and would never let me out, which sparked my interest for the game, (and some healthy sibling rivalry!) I was hooked on trying to become better than her, and still am. This rivalry is still very much alive; however Eve and I have been playing alongside each other for years in various age group and regional teams, most recently in the Under 20 New Zealand team competing in Portugal.

What opportunities has Water Polo given you?

So many opportunities! I will try and list just a few for you. I have been able to travel the world with water polo, most recently I travelled to Hungary for a week-long training camp before the Under 20 World Championships in Portugal. Water polo has also taken me to other countries such as Serbia, Dubai, United States and Australia.

Whilst playing for national and regional teams, I have been able to make lifelong friends of all ages from all over the country and world.

Do you have any tips for dealing with leadership, school and sport balance?

This has been a really hard skill to master, as I found that I had to trial many different systems to keep myself organised.

Personally, I write down all of my trainings and assignments that are due into my calendar on my laptop. It can take a while to find something that works for you, but once you find that one system that works, stick with it.

What are your future plans for Water Polo?

Through the opportunities water polo has given me, I have been able to explore different options such as going to the United States for university, or playing professional water polo in Europe. I hope to study in the United States, either at Long beach, Hawaii or Wagner University. After I have completed my degree, I hope to play professionally in Europe.

home

Harriette Jolly, Year 13

Home Away From Home Boarding influences the way you grow up, compared to being a Day Girl.

Words and images by Beth Condon

H

ave you ever been driving to school and thought about how much easier it would be if you were in the Boarding House at School? I know I have. Being able to roll out of bed and already be at school ready to walk to your first class. Or when you are at home struggling with an assignment and wishing you could have a friend there to help and support you? Being in a Boarding House means you are able to have all of these opportunities opened up to you and you are able to experience a new way of living and growing as a person, as well as learning important life lessons.

For me, living out in North Canterbury, having to wake up early every day and having to drive 30 minutes to school I have always wondered if Boarding would be easier, but always questioned if I would actually enjoy it.

Nyah Reweti a Year 13 student at Rangi Ruru started boarding late into Year 8 and she said it has been a great experience. She said that although she started later than others did in her year group she felt instantly welcomed and everybody around her made her feel a part of her new boarding family.

Reweti also stated that friend groups formed easily in the Boarding House, and that you would always have someone to go to and talk to if something was going on. Reweti said

“As the years go on, the staff become our friends, and we can go to them about everything and anything. They act as our parents while we are away from our own.” of the Boarding House staff: “As the years go on, the staff become our friends, and we can go to them about everything and anything. They act as our parents while we are away from our own.” Reweti highlights the most important thing about Boarding is having support surrounding you. She has the Boarding House staff as well as her friends and the rest of her year group. Having this support makes being away from your family and your home easier to cope with and makes it easier to adapt to a new home.

Learning to care for yourself and not rely on your parents is incredibly important for future life. Giselle Conway started Boarding in Year 13, and is now studying at Auckland University. I asked her how she thought Boarding helped her beyond school.

Conway said that the move from boarding to university was very similar aside from boys being around, and that the skills she learnt from boarding made it much easier for her to adapt and settle into her halls. “Boarding prepared me by building my independence as well as teaching me how to manage my time efficiently.”

A learning curve Conway struggled with was the temptation to just sit with her friends and chit chat instead of focusing on her studies.

But going from boarding to University Halls meant she could take the skills that she learnt from boarding and apply them in her halls.

She is now able to manage her time and focus on her studies as well as having that down time to spend with her friends.

Another skill that Conway was able to take away from boarding was knowing when she needed to spend time by herself. “From being a Day Girl and transferring into being a Boarder I also learnt how to like spending time on my own.” She explains that when she at home she would have to make time to hang out with her friends but mostly she spent with her family or by herself. When she moved into Boarding, she didn’t have to go very far to find friends to spend time with. Because she was always surrounded by her friends, she learnt to listen to herself and understand when she needed time alone.

Having this self-awareness has been beneficial for Conway being in Halls as she is able to listen to herself and understand when she needs to take a step back and just be with herself. Having these tools and knowing how

to prioritise your time means that settling into a university hall is easier, meaning you can start connecting with new people sooner.

“Boarding prepared me by building my independence as well as teaching me how to manage my time efficiently.”

Director of Boarding at Rangi Ruru, Kyleigh Lyth said, “Boarding helps develop and foster so many valuable life skills a person needs especially in today’s fast-paced world.” Some of these life skills include communication, being disciplined, selfmanaging, self-awareness, and resilience.

These are the types of skills that are harder to learn in a different environment, such as living at home, as you are not exposed to the situations that you would be while boarding.

These are also skills that are incredibly

“You can have all the degrees in the world. however, if you can’t relate and connect to people you will struggle to succeed in anything, as life is all about people.”

important when you go out by yourself into the world, as they give you strategies to cope with things like being in a university halls environment or flatting.

Lyth said the skill that she’s most passionate about is being “relational,” open minded to all individuals. When every student leaves the Boarding House, she wants them to be able to relate and communicate with all types of individuals. “You can have all the degrees in the world. However, if you can’t relate and connect to people you will struggle to succeed in anything, as life is all about people.” Being able to leave boarding at the end of your schooling years and coming out with these incredibly important life skills is something that you cannot take for granted.

Being a part of a boarding school family helps to establish connections you would be unable to establish living at home. Hearing from Giselle Conway and learning how her experience of boarding has helped her settle into university as well as having the strategies for knowing how to manage her time correctly has been so beneficial for me. It highlights how much boarding can positively influence a person’s teenage years and prepare them for life out of high school. §

Hollie Tribble is a young athlete born and raised in Christchurch. She started riding at four years old when she graduated from training wheels and hasn’t stopped since.

Tribble has spent most of her life training, with a goal to represent New Zealand in BMX, she spends most days training in Hornby. When she’s not out on the tracks you can find her training with the Rangi Ruru, Cycling team or Downhill Mountain Biking.

In 2020 Tribble’s dreams came true when she was given the opportunity to represent New Zealand in a BMX competition in Australia.

After Tribble’s win in Australia, she came back to New Zealand to compete in the 2020 Juniors Oceania, where she unfortunately lost. Tribble hasn’t let this stop her though as she continues to train hard with the goal of qualifying for the 2024 Junior World in Australia, “I want to go to Worlds in 2024.”

There is no doubt that Hollie Tribble is the future of New Zealand Women’s BMX, paving her own way through the sport. §

Hollie Tribble

From Christchurch, to an international stage Hollie Tribble has taken the BMX world by storm, paving the way for future female riders.

Under a thistle bush, running parallel to a rushing brook, there is a break in a chain link.

A hidden gap in the towering fence leads to a secret world. Somewhere untouched. The overgrown grass follows the hill down to a hidden waterhole. Along a trail of broken sticks and moss, you’ll find somewhere that resembles peace. Silence of the mind. The birdsong melts into the trees that encompass the sky, reflecting on the cool trembling of water.

The water shivers, it’s cold in contrast to the weather around you. The stems of grass start to prick at your toes, pushing you closer to the bank. An inhalation of your breath and your feet leave the ground. Momentarily weightless before submerging into cool nothingness. Your hands

trail through silk, the blurry light glistening off of the layers that encapsulate you, drawing you closer yet everything still feels so far away. As your hair surrenders to the endless water around you, your chest is full of air. Everything is silent.

And you float in it, soaking up the nothing.

Your eyes watch the sky trying and failing to reach you. The world is so near, but so far away.

Bubbles ascending to the surface call out to you as they escape. You watch them disappear into the blue light above. With your chest calling for more you resurface, back to reality.

There’s something perfect about feeling everything and nothing in one sweet, sweet breath.

Words by Georgia Dann

Art by Harriette Jolly

DAY

I

nternals are one of the more dreaded parts of school for Senior students. Days off school, late-night study sessions, and missed opportunities for learning in other classes were becoming all too common. Current Year 13 students Kate Brown and Molly Kneebone were amongst those feeling the stress from internals, and felt the need for change. As a part of their Health class, they were tasked with making change within their community. This lead to them proposing a dedicated day once a term for completing internals, providing students with the necessary time and support to manage their workload effectively.

Brown and Kneebone were aware of the academic pressures on students towards the end of the term, as many assessments fall at that time. The pair surveyed senior students completing NCEA Levels 1 - 3.

They asked questions regarding students’ stress levels in the final few weeks of term, as well as how late they stay up to complete assignments and the volume of assignments due in the last weeks of term. They found out that students had a high number of assessments due towards the end of each term, which ultimately increased their stress

y

L

o u Y r W n r a a e

levels, resulting in many students pulling ‘all nighters’ to complete internals. This was enough for the pair to embark on their journey to change this culture.

Brown and Kneebone came up with the idea of an ‘Learn Your Way Day’ which is a dedicated day for students to spend time on internals instead of staying up late, or missing school to complete. Students can either study at home, school or see teachers for further help. The pair proposed this idea to senior management, and the first Learn Your Way day took place in March, 2023.

This day was a big hit amongst Year 12 and 13 students, many putting the day to great use. Year 13 student Georgia Raine felt that the day, “relieved built-up stress from an overload of assignments due towards the end of the term.” Raine spent her day at school and believed that it was one of the sole reasons why she wasn’t staying up late at night to complete internals. §

Year 13 Students working hard during the Term 2 Learn Your Way Day

“Learn Your Way Day has helped me to better manage my end of term stress with my work load increasing!”

Lilah Johnson - Year 13

“I really enjoy Learn Your Way Day as I can work at my own pace and really focus on what I need to complete.”

Eliza Frew - Year 13

The Wildflowers Words by Alexandra Hurndell

T

he Wildflowers are an all-girl band formed at Rangi Ruru. All four girls have a strong passion for music and each of them hope to grow both individually and as a band. Year 11 students Maddie, Jess, Tessa, and Caroline have a blast performing at all their gigs and can’t wait for the opportunities that the future brings!

With a passion for music, comes a passion for making music. The Wildflowers tell us a little bit about their very first original song, ‘If I Were a Man’. This song was also the first they performed live together. They said, “It’s a song about feminism, and the acceptance of people for who or what they are. It was really our debut as a band.” They believe the song holds an especially important message as they are an all-girl band.

The Wildflowers say that their most exciting gig to date has to be the Rock Quest finals.

The environment created by other bands, family, and friends was beyond supportive

as the venue had a makeshift mosh pit with screaming and cheering peers. “It was a great way to get confident because you knew that no one was going to judge because we’re all in the same boat.”

As nerve-racking as it was for them to get up on the Rock Quest stage for the first time, they say that the nerves melted away with the excitement of the whole thing. “It was so fun and felt like a real gig as a real rock band.”

In the future, the band is hoping to get as many gigs as possible and make a name for themselves. They are hoping to record some songs and one day release an album.

A spark has been ignited in The Wildflowers: love for performance. They are hoping to get more gigs and perform for cheering crowds just as they did at Rock Quest. “I don’t know how far we’ll get but it would be fun to write an album as a band.”

Tessa Langman - Bassist The Wildflowers bassist Tessa Langman has been playing bass since the beginning of 2023. She claims that learning the bass has “really kick-started my love for music.” Being a part of The Wildflowers and being able to write songs with the band is fulfilling for her.

However, Tessa wasn’t always a bass player.

“I started out with my parents making me play piano and ukulele, which I hated with a burning passion.” One year she was gifted an acoustic guitar for Christmas and jumped right back into the swing of things musically.

Eventually, Tessa put her hand up to join a band who needed a bass player. “I instantly fell in love with playing the bass and this year joined The Wildflowers. From here I’ve just been progressing every day and enjoying myself, which I think is one of the important ideas in playing an instrument.”

Maddie Glossop – Vocalist and Guitarist Vocalist and guitarist for The Wildflowers, Maddie has a fondness for art, movies and of course, music. Maddie says she has been taking music lessons and song writing since she was young for fun and recreation but is now hopes to one day write songs and perform professionally. “I’ve been song writing for ages, just for fun when I was little, but now in hopes of turning it into something.” Maddie’s mum provoked her interest in music, as she first got her learning piano at the age of eight. Maddie’s mum also enrolled her in many different dance classes, and she continued with ballet for some time.

Heavily inspired by Katy Perry, Maddie says “I remember watching the Roar music video and pretending I was in it, I was one of those kids who always said they wanted to be a popstar”.

Jess Allnutt – Guitarist One of the two guitarists in the band, Jess loves listening to and making music. She has a passion for music because of the joy it brings her and the way it makes her feel free. “After a long day at school I can sit down and play on my guitar or put my air pods in and just feel super relaxed. I can’t remember much about how I got into music but I’m pretty sure it was my mum who got me into it by signing me up for my school choir.” Jess feels like she’s always been musical but believes her interest in music was sparked when her dad introduced her to ukulele. Billie Eilish inspired Jess to pursue music and she says, “I remember hearing her song COPYCAT and then pretending to have dance battles with people I didn’t like, and I’ve just loved her ever since.”

Caroline Conaghan-Carr – Drummer Caroline is constantly listening to music when she gets the chance. “Music has always been a part of me ever since I got my first Wiggles drum kit on my fourth birthday.” Caroline’s brother introduced her to music and is a big influence in her life. “I’ve always looked up to him, so when he started playing the drums, I wanted to follow in his footsteps.” For a while, Caroline says she took a break from drumming when she struggled to find a suitable teacher, however got right back to it when she was asked to join the wildflowers. “I definitely don’t regret it. I wouldn’t have gotten back into drumming if it wasn’t for the Wildflowers, so I’m very grateful to them.” §

Words by Jess Glass

F

ounded in 2016, the Eco-Action Nursery Trust has embarked on a mission of environmental restoration, having successfully planted over 42,000 plants to date. This organisation stands as a shining example of dedicated efforts to reintroduce native birds to Ōtautahi. Their stated mission is to create a corridor for native birds, reclaiming the heart of Christchurch in the near future.

The trust places great emphasis on nurturing a diverse array of native plants that provide kai for native bird species throughout most of the year. These include Bellbird, Tui, Kereru, and the White-eye.

Over the past year, they’ve celebrated the success of four highly productive Sunday planting events. Once trees reach the age of approximately two years, dedicated volunteers plant them throughout Ōtautahi’s Red Zones. In 2023, their focus honed in on Chimera Crescent, furthering their efforts to create a haven for local wildlife.

Their influence extends beyond the nursery itself, with a presence in 22 different schools across Ōtautahi. These schools

have established nurseries that not only provide a space for students to care for native plants but also serve as educational hubs for instilling the significance of native forests in our younger generation.

Rangi Ruru students are particularly fortunate as they not only have an onsite nursery but are also within walking distance of St. Margaret’s College and Christ’s College nurseries. After-school tree planting sessions are actively encouraged, with Christ’s College offering them on Tuesdays and Fridays, Rangi Ruru on Thursdays, and St. Margaret’s College on Fridays. Upon completing 10 hours of tree planting, students have the opportunity to become Eco-Action Warriors, a title that signifies their commitment to leadership and organisational skills development.

We seized the opportunity to interview some of these remarkable Eco-Action Warriors, delving into their experiences and insights gained through tree planting endeavours.

“I go to tree plantings to make a difference.

Whether that difference be physically to

the environment or mentally. Tree planting is important to me because I can physically make a change and be the change. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, make new friends and at the same time lower your own carbon footprint, positively impacting the future generation and native species.” – Eliza Caughley, Year 11 tree planter from Rangi Ruru “To me tree planting is an opportunity to give back to a world that so many of us solely take from. It’s important for my wellbeing, and I actually make an impact.

In Aotearoa and especially Ōtautahi there is a problem with the dwindling population of natives in urban areas and I wanted to be a part of the solution rather than the problem.” – Angus Gifford, Year 13 tree planter from Christ’s College.

Tree planting not only yields positive environmental outcomes but also significantly contributes to the well-being of those involved. As highlighted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the act of being in close proximity to trees offers a diverse array of health benefits for humans, ranging from stress reduction and enhanced cognitive function to an increased potential for longevity. The therapeutic influence of “green spaces” on our mental health is profound, effectively alleviating

feelings of anxiety and depression. If you’ve been grappling with anxiety or facing challenging times lately, a simple stroll through a native forest or leisurely time spent in a green environment may be just the remedy you seek.

Since the beginning of the Trust in 2017, the Eco-Action Nursery Trust has fostered strong connections within a vast network of schools. By 2020, they had successfully established nurseries in 11 schools, providing these educational institutions with a platform to nurture and care for native plants. Remarkably, in less than four years, this number has doubled, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the Trust’s mission. Looking ahead to 2024, the Trust estimates that an impressive 65,000 seedlings are in the process of preparation, demonstrating a substantial commitment to furthering their impactful initiatives. This expansion not only underscores the organisation’s dedication but also its remarkable ability to mobilise communities and inspire a profound connection to nature among our younger generation. §

To find out more visit eco-action.co.nz

PARALYMPIC BOUND

Sleep, swim, school, eat, and repeat.

That’s the reality for 16 year old Gaby Smith.

Words and images by Henrietta Evatt

G

aby Smith is a highly competitive Paralympic swimmer from Christchurch, and attends Rangi Ruru. Gaby was born with half a left palm and no fingers. Impressively, Gaby holds four New Zealand swimming records, and there’s no sign of her slowing down.

says the friends that are considered family to her, are a huge part of why she loves the sport so much. “We share our ups and down, we go through blood, sweat and tears together.”

The Paralympics in Paris in 2024 is a huge goal the team shares. These goals keep Gaby motivated and excited about swimming.

“I was born with it, it’s a rare congenital hand condition. The scientific word is symbrachydactyly.” However, she never really let it affect her in the ways people would assume. “From the get-go, my family treated me equally and never held me back. They encouraged me and pushed me to try things and that’s how I come to find swimming.”

Gaby says her team and coaches are so important as they are a strong support network for her. They support Gaby’s needs in and out of the pool. Teaching her ways of managing the stress and pressure that comes with competing at a high level. “A huge part of competing is about the mental game. It could ultimately be the difference between the champion,” Gaby explains. “I see just how drastic the difference is in my performance when I’m not handling the pressure well, compared to when I am.” People who don’t compete in high-level sport don’t realise and don’t consider just how much your mental strength and the mind contributes to your performance. Mental health is something that Gaby values. She sees a sports psychologist because of this.

At the age of two, Gaby found her lifelong passion. Thanks to her Mum. The weekly swimming lesson quickly became more frequent and her impressive technique and style in the sport became more visible.

Gaby has an extremely impressive schedule with a minimum of 10 training sessions a week. “That’s the hardest part about the sport.

5 am wake ups then straight to school for a busy work day.” At the time of writing, she is one term through what is deemed to be the hardest school year, Year 12.

Her swim team becomes family to her because of the busy schedule they share. She

A time when her resilience was put to the test was when she missed the Paralympic qualifying mark by 0.4 seconds. She explained that she has never felt disappointed like that before, but that’s what seeing the sports psychologist is all about. The preparation for

“I ALWAYS FELT

THAT MY GREATEST ASSET

WASN’T MY

PHYSICAL ABILITY BUT MY MENTAL

ABILITY TO OVERCOME

MY CHALLENGES.” - Gaby Smith

moments like these is the sport. She doesn’t beat herself up over disappointing moments like that. Instead Gaby tells me that she goes through the race with her coach, and pinpoints exactly what she could have done better. (Without beating herself up about it).

The next time she races, she knows exactly what to do to achieve the time she aims for.

Swimming achievements keep stacking up for Gaby, and her progression in the sport is quickly growing. She aims to continue to competitively swim for as long as her body lets her go. She one day hopes to medal at the Paralympics.

Gaby also has a goal to advocate for equality and changing perceptions of people with disabilities. Gaby has experienced discrimination because of her disability. It is very personal to her. She hopes to help prevent discrimination as much as she can. §

I’ve been told I think too much...

Words and images by Issie Matson I’ve been told I think too much.

Do I think too much ?

I mean it’s not like I convinced myself I was dying and went to the doctor for an irregular heartbeat.

That was just, perfectly normal.

It’s not like I store thoughts away during the day to revisit in the early hours of the morning when all is silent.

Because in those hours at 3 am, the world is asleep.

Noone expects anything of you and I can truly think.

Dream.

Maybe… worry.

About everything I have to do and haven’t done.

And the life I want but won’t have.

Because, maybe I’m too lazy?

I can’t get out of bed.

And I can’t make decisions.

And I self sabotage, and over work, and over train, and under eat, and under sleep.

And maybe I do

Because why make a choice

overthink.

that could be wrong?

It’s simple.

When you could run

A cycle of doubt

or stand and stare

after everything I say,

stiff as a board?

before everything I do.

But it’s a springboard bending further

For two years I rehearsed opening

and further.

my friend’s gate.

Closer and closer.

I mean her window was right there.

To the snap that would send me into a

What if she saw me struggling to open it?

nosedive toward a solid glass pool.

Her eyes on me.

Because you can’t run forever.

But WHAT IF?

Paralysis by analysis I call it.

Then I looked up to see if I could see her.

My life is a computer screen,

But the reflection was too strong

scanning and coding and endlessly

and then I was staring at her

examining everything I’ve ever done wrong.

unknowingly.

Everything that

So she’s looking at me,

I could have done better:

looking at her,

which is everything.

looking at me struggling with the

Everything is nothing if not perfection.

goddamned gate.

A constant mind-numbing humming

I’m frozen in place.

Of self-deprecation and despair.

My brain running into overdrive

A plea for silence in an endlessly loud crowd.

Ticking, spinning, whirring.

No matter how many people yell my worth,

Outside voices yelling,

rip my head from my shoulders to insert their love.

willing me to get on with it.

It’s like mailing Santa Claus.

MOVE!

My mind a constant run from chaos.

I cant move.

A constant failing search for

I’m frozen in place.

silence.

I stay awake to shake hands with the calm of night.

Drown my life out with music.

No way of telling without asking.

An uneven battle between two teams

But that’s a key to a needy person’s shrine.

no matter how loud I turn the tune up.

It’s an endless cycle of criticism and failure,

A blue light flash of warning for my ears.

pleading for reassurance

I can’t escape the deafening cry that is the

yet stricken with fear.

absence of content.

Desperation for a safety rope.

Although I grasp at this cure I continue to swallow my poison, lying in the dark.

Face illuminated by a simple, white light .

A screen I convince myself is a beacon of hope.

But I know all too well, it’s not.

It’s an addiction.

A fuel for my unhealthy habit to ponder and analyse and obsess.

To do what I’m good at I guess.

Okay.

Up to you.

Alright.

It’s fine.

I’m fine.

You’re fine.

It’s so not fine.

Was that an.

Okay.

Okay :) Okay...

There’s no way of knowing.

With a pit in your stomach at the possibility of falling.

I know you’re trying and you’re enough.

Dream words within the dictionary of an over thinker.

Definitions out of reach.

Sentences I won’t find, and from that I’ve learnt it’s best to do it yourself.

Because if anyone is worse than me at doing it perfectly correct it’s anyone else.

So I journey to accept.

To embrace the imperfection that comes with my life of spontaneity.

Mess.

And many, many new gates.

I call for self-acceptance and lenience.

To myself I ask forgiveness.

For the 3 am stress that became far too repetitive.

I’m ready to rest and think just the PERFECT amount. §

cuckoo

Harriette Jolly

I roll down the window and feel the warmth of the evening sun’s rays tinting my skin tangerine. The wind rushes through my hair and whips around my face. A middle-aged male biker, (fluorescent spandex from head to toe), a look as he battles to pedal up the hill.

I knowingly smile and wave proceeding, to shrilly sing and sway my arm out the window.

After a short pause, the song starts up again and the familiar beat booms through the car.

‘I walked alone; I never tried to stay in line. I didn’t know what I was doing half the time. I didn’t know that my life would ever change.

I didn’t think that anybody felt the same way. And then you came,’ we belt as the car whirls around the corners. My heart races with excitement and a hint of fear as we zoom.

I steal a glance at my sister beside me, her eyes wide with adrenaline and a grin plastered on her face. We share a silent understanding that this moment, this rush of freedom and rebellion, is what makes life worth living.

We approach the sharpest turn, she leans in and yells over the noise, ‘Ready?’ I nod, feeling alive and invincible. We hold on tight as the car skids around the bend, tyres screeching and smoke billowing behind us.

For a moment, time stands still. Then we burst out laughing, giddy with the thrill of it all. We continue on, feeling like nothing can stop us, at least for now.

I am not sure whether it is the sun, the catchy

line, ‘skipping school and smoking cigarettes,’ or something else that ignites a sensation that tingles through my body. We reach the bottom of the hill where the familiar pine tree stands tall. Its branches reaching up towards the sky, casting a cool shadow over us as we pass. I can smell the Sex Wax air freshener that’s dangling from the car’s rear-view mirror, its sweet scent mingling with the salty sea air.

But beneath it all, a seaweedy smell lingers, a reminder that this is not our paradise, but an ecosystem that has a mind of its own. Over the deafening music, I can faintly hear the joyful laughter of children bouncing on their trampoline. That used to be us.

Storybook clouds soar above the rugged hills as we drive along the estuary headed for the park. ‘Let’s go driving. Cuckoo. ‘Cause, there’s nowhere to go. Cuckoo. We’re in hiding.

They’re telling our story on the radio.’ Her hat toggle bounces off her chin. Something that is insignificant, but anything will set us off. We erupt into laughter as loud as crashing waves against the shore. Our voices echo through the air. My stomach aches from too much belly laughing and tears begin to stream down her face. For a moment, we forget our worries and the challenges of the world beyond now. In this moment, we are simply sisters enjoying each other’s company, this song and the beauty of it all. ‘People said we’d have to make it on our own. We never, never thought there’d be another hand to hold. We didn’t care, we never did what we were told. They

couldn’t break us, they could never turn us cold, no. You and me, well, we were never growing old.’

I feel so uncontrollably happy, but I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. Sad that things will never be quite as beautiful as how they are in this moment ever again. This moment is fleeting, but I’m determined to hold onto it, to savour it for as long as I can. Life is changing and taking us in different directions. I’ll always remember this moment. This feeling of being alive and free, with the wind in my hair and the salty taste of the ocean on my lips. And this memory will always be a part of me as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

I am going to miss our imaginations running wild, making up stories about the couples walking their dogs at the park. I am going to miss the numbingly cold waterfall swims where we felt the droplets pound our faces.

I am going to miss our late-night walks in the fog where we couldn’t see the stars. I am going to miss squeezing into the single bed to watch crap 2000s romcoms at 2 am. I am going to miss driving to get custard in our matching Dumbo jammies. I am going to miss having someone to sit in silence with and it is not awkward. I am going to miss yelling at her, ‘don’t talk while you’re eating.’ I’m going to miss arguing about who’s the biggest Mamma Mia fan. I am going to miss her. I am going to miss us.

I try to hold back tears as we sit on our broken bench in the park watching the couples walk their dogs. We both know that this is the last time we’ll be here together, and it’s hard to imagine the park without her. My life without her. Not trusting myself to speak we sit in silence for a while. Watching as the sun finally sets behind the trees, my skin no longer tangerine. It’s a beautiful sight, but all I can think about is the ache in my heart, the knowledge that things will never be quite the same again.

listen to cuckoo, the song!

Baking as a

Gluten Free Girl Words by Amelia Kauder When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Coeliac disease. Unknown to little me, this disease was quite serious.

For those of you who don’t know, Coeliacs is a chronic, auto-immune disorder that affects the small intestine. Having Coeliac make those who suffer have a reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye and is commonly used to add texture, flavour, and protein to food. When Coeliacs digest gluten, it causes damage to the lining of our small intestine resulting in essential nutrients not being absorbed, causing a wide range of symptoms.

With gluten being an ingredient in a significant amount of commonly consumed foods, I constantly found myself missing out on some of the most delicious foods, (such a first-world problem, I am aware). Glutenfree options are extremely disappointing.

But, a couple of weeks ago I was surfing the internet, as I usually do, looking for a recipe for a birthday cake. I came across this one from TheLoopyWhisk.com titled The Ultimate Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake and I just had to try it.

So, I quickly got up and raced out of the house and to the supermarket before my 10 pm driving curfew, aquiring any missing ingredients, (plus some cute decorations)

and by 10:01 I was baking! When baking, pretending you’re the main character by listening to music and dancing around is essential. So, with my music pumping, I was ready to go.

Prepping the batter was an easy process which was then split it into three layers to satisfy the “Ultimate” part of the recipe. After chucking each of the three layers in the oven at 180°c, allowing 30-40 minutes for baking and time to cool, it was onto icing.

Chelsea.co.nz’s vanilla buttercream recipe has always been my go-to icing recipe when I need a classic buttercream. The combination of vanilla buttercream and chocolate cake will always be a dream combo!

And there I was, after assembling, icing, and decorating, about to taste the best gluten-free cake I’ve ever had. This cake in all its threetiered glory was the most decadent, spongey, chocolatey cake I have ever tried. (Keep in mind it’s been a while since I’ve had “normal” chocolate cake). But I have more evidence to back this up. My entire family and a couple of friends tried this cake and did not believe it when I said it was gluten-free. So for my fellow gluten-free girls, this recipe is for you!

For the Cake 2 1/2 cups plain gluten-free flour 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (or corn flour subsitute) 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 eggs, room temperature

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 ºC and line two cake pans with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the gluten free flour, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa powder.

3. Add the sugar and salt, and whisk well.

4. Add the eggs, milk and oil. Whisk well, until you get a smooth cake batter.

5. Add the boiling hot water, and whisk until you get a runny, lump-free consistency.

6. Evenly distribute the cake batter between the 1 cup + 2 tsp (250ml) milk, room temperature two lined cake pans, and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick 1/2 cup + 1 tsp (125 mL) vegetable or comes out clean. sunflower oil 7. Allow to cool before icing!

1 cup + 2 tsp (250 mL) boiling hot water (the secret to the spongey cake!)

For the Icing 150g of softened butter

1. Beat the butter until smooth, pale and fluffy.

2 cups of icing sugar (300g)

2. Gradually beat in the Chelsea Icing Sugar, half a cup at a time.

1-2 Tbsp hot water 1/2 - 1 tsp of vanilla essence food colouring (optional)

3. Add the vanilla essence with enough of the hot water to make a creamy mixture, beating between each addition until light and fluffy.

4. Assemble the cake and enjoy!

The community within Community Service Words by Emily Young

C

ommunity service is something anyone has the opportunity to do and can leave a positive impact on the community around them. By committing to an activity, even if it is just once a week, can be the stepping stone to a brighter future and a more socially-aware community. Volunteering and taking time out of your day to help out in the community can have various positive effects on not only you, but the wider community as well. If you are wanting to improve your leadership skills, time management and problem-solving, service can be a great way to achieve these even if it is just something small. Having a sense of social responsibility as well as self-confidence are one of the most useful tools in life and can be significantly improved just by getting involved in community service.

We all know good mental health can be an everyday struggle for some people and by volunteering or just taking a few minutes out of your day to help someone in need you can be the start of a more uplifting and inspiring community. Whether that is in the form of planting some native trees, helping someone with their schoolwork or even just giving a small donation to a charity in need of your help. Even by just doing something small like this you can still make a huge difference to your community and someone’s life for the better. Forming genuine connections and communicating with others is something

everyone has the ability to do no matter who you are and can be easily improved with the help of service. If you are someone who wants to give back to the community while making new connections, community service can be a great way to do this.

Not only will this provide you with new friendships, but you will also be able to volunteer your time towards something important or someone in need of your help.

In my personal experience, community service has allowed me to learn more about myself and develop a variety of skills including my leadership skills. Through service and being a part of the Student Librarian Team, I have also been able to give back to our community and volunteer my time which is something I am very passionate about. However, life can be busy sometimes with the large number of internals that are thrown at us, and it can be difficult to dedicate time towards community service. Therefore, this is your friendly reminder to give back to the community in whatever way that you can.

Whatever it may be, big or small, it will leave you feeling good about yourself knowing you have helped someone out and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

You would be surprised as to how one small action that someone takes in helping out the community can have a huge positive impact on the world around us. I strongly encourage you the next time you are free to get involved in community service as you will not only learn many valuable lessons, but it can be a great way to give back to your community and leave a lasting positive impact. §

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua Words by Violetta Dacre

T

he darkness hung heavily like a damp coat in the moist air. It was predawn with drizzle on our normally busy street, a time like no other in New Zealand’s history - our first Covid Lockdown. It was ANZAC day, the 25th April 2020. In pyjamas standing on the edge of our driveway, my whānau and I listened to the National Radio broadcast across Aotearoa.

Since World War I, New Zealanders have gathered on this day to remember those who served, those who left their homes and never returned. The street was wet like the tears of the mothers who grieved for their sons. I saw silhouettes of people standing quietly at their gate posts, heads bowed in remembrance of those loved and lost. As the final bars of the Last Post rang out there was a quiet acknowledgement of our joint solidarity. An unspoken recognition of the importance of remembering our past, before we turned back to the warmth of our waiting beds. In that

moment I felt acutely aware of the enormous sacrifice of war, wherever we are in the world, no matter whose side we are on. This sacrifice altered generations of New Zealanders, who never came home to marry their girlfriends, continue their family names and work to build our young and developing country.

ANZAC soldiers are deceased but we should remember what they did and learn from it.

“Lest we forget.”

I stare at a sepia photo of my great-greatgreat uncles taken in London in World War I. I search their faces for an understanding of what war meant to them and whether war would mean something different to them in today’s world. I can only imagine what they would tell me because they both lost their lives within days of the photo being taken.

“We came to Europe because we are proud to represent our country and to fight for those

who cannot fight and defend our freedom.”

The concept of war has existed since the beginning of human evolution. Nearly every civilisation in the world was built on top of the one that they conquered. Once ancient civilisations developed agriculture, then land boundaries became a reason to fight. As urban development took place and populations grew; so did social structures and conflict dominated by greed, political and economic power. We now face a War on Climate Change due to the overuse and underestimation of the irreversible impact of our human footprint on earth. To begin the journey to save our planet for our children, we need to accept and understand our failures.

War may be a way to defend and fight for your country geographically but it also may defend a way of life, religion or belief system. And it may be important to one’s national identity.

“Get to know your enemy, you will find that they are not so different from you and me. Do not forget the importance of manaakitanga and the power of your mana.”

Manaakitanga, a powerful concept in Māori culture, is the essence of showing strength, pride and honour by supporting and showing aroha. By taking care of a person or a community. It is a selfless act of kindness and respect that you show to all people.

Whereas, I feel war is a failure in communication and the ability to see, appreciate and understand the values of others. There is a saying that, “perception is 9/10ths of reality.” Perspective is how we view

things. However, this can change depending on where we live and our social and economic influences. Globally, we have never been so connected. But our ability to communicate and understand each other feels fractured.

Misinformation spreads like wildfire. Social media and algorithms can isolate some people from reality resulting in tragedies like school shootings in America or the mosque shootings in my city, Ōtautahi.

I feel we must choose our perspective carefully because it can become our reality.

The Holocaust survivor Roman Kent wisely said that we must teach our children what happens when, “virulent prejudice and hatred are allowed to flourish.” And, “Teach tolerance and understanding ... hate is never right and love is never wrong.”

Na te whakarongo me te titiro ka puta mai te korero – Through looking and listening we gain wisdom.

I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on this photo of my whakapapa. I pray for peace. §

A Matter of

Mental Health Words by Caroline Bowmar Featuring Taila Bennett

M

Taila Bennett

y name is Taila Bennett and I am a Clinical Nurse Specialist working in mental health. I trained as a Registered Nurse and specialised in mental health and addiction while working in the field. I spent seven years working in Acute Mental Health in a High Secure Forensic Hospital before moving to private mental health where I am today, working on a Subacute Voluntary Unit in Sydney.

We look after people who are struggling with addiction issues alcohol or substance abuse and mood issues, getting a lot of people who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and suicidal ideation. The main issue with mental health in our society now is the stigma associated with mental illness and the negative connotation associated with the language we use.

People don’t decide to have mental health struggles, they don’t want to pick up the bottle of vodka at 7am or have a panic attack when they hear someone knock on the door.

Research proves that trauma from a young age and the environment we are born into affects how we respond to situations when we grow up.

We could all end up in that position, anyone of us could go through a traumatic event that could lead to mental health and addiction issues. So, when we look at people who are struggling with mental illness, instead of stigmatising them we should sympathise and educate. Educating those around us who are so quick to assume they know that person based on their current struggles, are how we overcome stigma.

In my experience, mental health is being talked about more which has had a hugely

positive impact on young people today.

Creating a safe space for people to express their feelings without the fear of judgement is crucial to the start of a person’s growth and will hopefully lead to them being able to provide a safe space for someone else that needs support.

Everyone suffers from anxiety in some form.

Everyone goes through life with stages of depression, whether its due to a death, a separation, family conflict or loss of job. These are only a few examples of life situations we as humans come face to face with. So, if we think about it, we all struggle with our mental health, whether we want to admit it or not.

With more and more knowledge and acknowledgment coming out about mental health, I think it's beginning to lose meaning and importance. So what is a definition of mental health? As described by the World

Health Organisation, 'Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life.'

Mental health is spoken about like everyone goes through the same thing at the same time, but that is only partly correct because it comes down to an individual's own life and stories.

Through a Student’s Eyes: Caroline Bowmar

L

et's start with the brain. The brain is its individual thing and no one has the same brain as anyone else. They might have similar elements in they way their brain thinks, but that doesn’t mean everything they think and do is the same. People go through life experiences and their brain absorbs how they feel emotionally. What they see. What they feel physically, even what they smell. This is how we get memories and how an individual can have flash backs when it comes to a certain scent or situation.

The emotions of a person are unique to them.

Some laugh when they are in a situation they don’t know how to deal with. Some people cry when they see another person crying, and they can't help this. This is what it is like for someone who is struggling with mental health. Their brain has had an experience, (this might be traumatic). What they felt in that time can occasionally come back in everyday

life and they begin to feel how they felt at that (traumatic) time in their life. This is what PTSD can be.

People say that it is good to push your limits, and I agree. But there are also some things where you are allowed to listen to your mind and decide not to do. There is a difference between pushing your limits and pressuring yourself. Listening to your body is something that many find difficult. Being able to relax your mind when there are so many things going through it has got to be one of the hardest things to do. But when you do it's not only beneficial to yourself in the moment, but yourself in the future. Because giving yourself a break then will teach future you that it's okay to not think about what is due in a week, what you haven’t achieved and what needs to be.

Tips to support mental wellbeing Believe in the power you have

If people have the power to put you down, then you have the power to bring you and others back up.

Put your own foot forward

No mattter if you know others struggling around you, if you are struggling yourself, you have to put yourself, you can be there for others as long as you are on the uphill.

Toot your own horn

Dont be afraid to be vocal about how you are feeling , you not alome and chances are someone close to you is prepared to listen.

Find that someone Many people are wanting to listen, its about finding the person you can talk to.

Find that thing

Find the thing you love, keep doing it if it brings you joy and don’t be afaird if that thing changes.

Listen to those who matter

People have the words to hurt but as long as you listen to the posivite things that matter, there words will mean less.

Eliza Frew, Year 13

Embracing You

Shedding light on the struggles faced by wahine athletes and exploring solutions for a more accepting sport environment Words and images by Ayla Prangell

H

ave you ever felt excluded from a sport because you believed your body did not meet the perceived requirements? The pressure to live up to society’s idea of the perfect female athlete body can leave women feeling inadequate due to the unacceptance of their curves, stretch marks, scars, and cellulite. This scrutiny is particularly evident when female athletes are playing sports. They are vulnerable because they are putting themselves on display when participating.

The rules put in place around wearing sports uniforms that highlight wahines'

bodies limit their choices and comfort levels while playing. Because this expectation has been drilled in our society to look a certain way, you cannot help but compare yourself to others wearing the same clothes. As a result of this, wahine tend to send themselves into a spiral of negative thoughts, convincing themselves that they are not good enough because they do not look the particular way that society expects female athletes to look.

Throughout Aotearoa, many wahine struggle with body image. According to a Sports New Zealand article,

“We don’t need make up and spray tans to play, and we want to play hard enough to get sweaty and red faced.”

- Ms. Potter

“Young women are spending 28% less time being physically active than their male counterparts.” This longstanding issue has become increasingly prevalent in our society. These struggles often discourage wahine from participating in sports fully and playing to their potential.

Despite maintaining numerous talents in sports, the common nature of body image challenges wahine today, preventing many from giving their all and reaching their maximum potential.

Sarah Griffiths, a Year 13 student at Rangi Ruru, and Head of Boarding, excels in various areas, including football. Griffiths has been a passionate and exceptional football player since the age of 9. She has played for four teams, notably Canterbury (Pride) and Coastal Spirit, and has also taken part in NZ U17s camps.

Katie Potter, a Health and Physical Education teacher at Rangi Ruru, is deeply committed to wahine sports.

According to Potter, “The struggle with body image is not caused by sports; it already exists.” When Griffiths attended her first New Zealand football camp, she recalls feeling nervous and doubting her abilities. This exemplifies that the struggles related to body image are already present before engaging in sports.

Moreover, at the camp, Griffiths found herself comparing her body and physique to those of other women. She explains, “I was comparing myself solely because of the misconception that sports requires a specific physique to perform well.”

While it may be challenging to eliminate comparisons between individuals, we can dismantle societal barriers and expectations. The perception of a tall, skinny athlete with a six-pack and

a specific body shape is a narrow representation of female athletes.

Sports encompass a wide range of body types, and every individual is unique. To promote comfort and self-acceptance, we need support from all participants in sports and marketing. Although we cannot change the uniforms, we can reshape the societal perception of the ideal female athlete’s body.

“Sports encompass a wide range of body types, and every individual is unique.”

Coaches and mentors need to stand behind their athletes, shedding all unrealistic expectations and embracing a world that celebrates and accepts diverse body types. True dedication in sports is revealed through effort, determination, and hard work, not by conforming to cosmetic standards.

To foster a safe and supportive sports environment, we must prioritise acknowledging everyone’s potential and passion, rather than fixating on their appearance.

Another way to support inclusivity and create a more accepting society is by supporting inclusive brands. Increasingly, businesses are emerging that cater to all body types, providing diverse models for their sports clothing lines. By supporting these brands, we take part in their growth and make others more aware of the brands.

New Zealand business Zeenya, is an amazing representation of the types of businesses we need to be supporting to build a bigger and brighter future.

Zeenya uses its customers to model their

clothing. Because of this, as a wahine, you can go onto their site and feel comfortable shopping. They offer a wide range of clothing sizes (8/xs to 18/2xl), and colours that best fit you and make you feel confident in yourself while doing sports.

I spoke to Chloe Wickman, co-founder of Zeenya. I was interested to know what their drive is to incorporate body diversity in Zeenya. Chloe explained, “Inclusivity and representation is something super important to Zeenya, we know that fitness and women’s bodies come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. We want to show body shapes that are truly representative of women living in Aotearoa.”

“I was comparing myself solely because of the misconception that sports require a specific physique to perform well.”

- Sarah Griffiths

This brings me confidence that as a society we are taking steps in the right direction in this change that needs to be made. Supporting businesses like Zeenya is one way that we can take part in this action to change society’s view on wahine bodies in the sporting world. By doing this we create a safer and more comfortable environment where wahine athletes can move forward and take part in the sports they want to.

Overall, it is crucial to address the challenges surrounding body image that women encounter in sports. By redefining expectations and nurturing inclusivity, we can create an environment where all wahine success and talents are celebrated.

Let us shift our focus from scrutinising appearances to recognising individual potential and fostering a love for sports that transcends physical attributes. §

Sarah Griffiths, Head of Boarding 2023

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF

EDWARD JOHN TOPP Edward John Topp, has lived a life filled with many lessons, good times and never short of a challenge, Mr. Topp is now 99 years old and coming up 100, and reflects on how he achieved succsess.

Words and images by Alexandra Hurndell

“I haven’t got much time in this world, and I won’t let anyone waste it for me.”

E

dward John Topp, otherwise known as Jack, is my grandfather. In his 100th year of life, A life filled with many lessons, good times and never short of a challenge, Topp is now 99 years old.

Edward (Jack) Topp was born on July 14th of 1923, the fifth of 10 children. He grew up in a two-bedroom house in Kaiapoi. Attending Kaiapoi Borough School, he was an avid learner. Topp says that they were the poor family at the end of the street, but it didn’t stop them from having a great life.

Describing his childhood self as one who always had a mind of his own, he left school at the tender age of 12 and a half. Growing up in a poverty-stricken family, he was adamant he was not going to remain poor. He believes he was in luck, as he very much had the intellect to plan his own life. “There was only one thing to do, get out on the road and start building my life.” So after working in a butcher shop from the age of ten, he began working full-time in the butchery. Working in a butchery in Kaiapoi from a young age, Topp

went on to start a successful business in the butchery trade later in life.

At the age of 22, Topp couldn’t afford to buy a butchery, so he decided to buy a milk round even though he had never wanted one.

However, the customers were very few and the business wasn’t doing well. So he went home and began to write a list, of all the regular customers he knew well in Kaiapoi that he had sold meat to for years while working for the butchery. A charming young man, he got dressed up in the morning and in his words: “Chose the most gullible type of person that would feel sorry for me.” Topp was amazed at the amount of milk he then sold, and that

became Jack Topp’s very first successful business.

Topp had the milk round for many years until he decided it was time for a change.

So he bought a fruit shop at the age of 34, and although he was still fixed on the idea of opening his own butchery, he was patient and knew it didn’t have to be a butcher shop right away. Topp says he was content as he was making a better living than if he was to be employed elsewhere.

According to Topp, the fruit shop “boomed” and it was a great business, the area was good and the people were great, the customers were plenty and got a lot of attention from people passing by on the road. However, no more than a year later he was presented with the opportunity to start his own butcher shop as a man was looking to sell his butchery.

Topp jumped at the opportunity and ‘Topps Quality Meats’ was established in 1957.

Topp says after that he never looked back. He was always able to make a good living and raise his children well.

Topp says they were able to have horses, new cars and a new house. “We had everything.” This was a huge contrast to what Topp’s upbringing looked like.

Growing up with next to nothing was his very own motivation for creating a good life for himself and his family. Topp owned his own butchery for 34 years until he decided he had enough at 64 and wanted to settle down and go farming in Mt Grey Downs.

26 years later Topp is settled back where he began in Kaiapoi. He is still youthful at heart, making jokes whenever he gets the chance and regularly socialising.

Topp has lived in this world a long time and seen a lot of people succeed and seen a lot of people fail. He thinks that someone his age comes to a point where they have plenty of advice to give. However, sometimes it’s no good if the person receiving the advice is not willing to do the miles themselves.

Topp believes that confidence is the key to success. Topp is a living example of how to make life work for you. §

“Take advantage of the opportunity to go to university and get a good education. If you don’t get that opportunity you’ve got to just go out into the world and use your abilities; and they vary so much for everybody.”

Heritage Heritage ofof Today, Tomorrow Today, Tomorrow and andYesterday Yesterday

Words and images by Millie Vink

WILLIBRORDUS HENRICUS VINK

Ko Millie Vink toku ingoa Mijn naam is Millie Vink P

icture this. It’s a warm summer’s day in Ōtautahi on December the 23rd. You are gathered with your extended family, nestled amongst the trees at your grandparents' favourite park. There are tables and tables of food; stroopwafel, kaas, appeltaart.

Everywhere you turn, there’s another Vink.

Grandparents, Aunties, cousins, Uncles, not to mention your Great Grandfather, Opa Vink, at the ripe age of 98. There is much excitement as St Nick arrives all dressed up with his sack full of goodies. You know it’s really your Uncle Willem but you love it all the same. Your Aunties break out into a version of Silent Night in Dutch. Yes, it’s the annual Vink St. Nicholas celebration. I've been every year since I was born and I wouldn’t be anywhere else today. For being together with my Dutch whanau is so much more than having ‘Dutch’ blood; it’s being a part of something very special and bigger than myself.

With two passionate History teachers as parents, I learnt from a very young age that understanding my whakapapa was key to understanding myself. One Sunday, when I was old enough, he and my Great Opa shared stories with me about my Great Opa’s life.

That Sunday afternoon set me on a course to understand his past, my past; this has forever shaped my present and undoubtedly, my future.

My Great Grandfather, Willibrodus Henricus Vink was born in 1925 in rural Rijnsburg, The Netherlands. Willem for short. He grew up on a small vegetable and tulip farm. He had 14 siblings.

Opa had a happy childhood but he left school when he was just 13 to work and contribute money to the family. War broke out just before Willem’s 15th birthday; he can remember in detail the scary beginning of the war in his village. He remembers the loud Junker planes, his house being shot at, the loud bombs, houses burning around him and he recalls being attacked one night by German soldiers who thought he was a spy! For a very fortunate Kiwi girl, it’s hard to imagine bombs falling from the sky and helplessly watching your village being blown up. Looking at the lined face of my shrunken Opa, it’s hard to fathom he lived through this at my age.

That Sunday, Opa talked of being taken into a German military training camp, learning Nazi propaganda songs and being exposed to Adolf Hitler’s indoctrination. If he didn’t do what he was told he had to crawl on his knees and he was kicked all over by German soldiers. Opa didn’t want to ‘join’ the German Army; he spoke of his fear and his beliefs in equality and justice, so he did the bravest thing and escaped to the countryside. He hid away working on the dams. I felt for my Opa; he must have feared for his life. Opa is so understated and humble. It is difficult to comprehend the trauma he experienced in his teenagehood. He made the difficult but very brave choice to go into hiding even though it would have shaken him and he would’ve missed his family terribly. Because he did, my story lives. Because I have learnt of his bravery, I carry his bravery with me.

After the liberation, Opa said the parties were great but as with all parties, they come to an

end. Opa was drafted into the Dutch Army and trained to head to Indonesia to fight.

By the end of 1945, he was on a boat heading to Jakarta. Most of his time in Indonesia was spent in the jungle in armed conflict. To this day, he wonders how they made it out alive.

Opa endured this and all the disease that came with it for 4 years. My story continues because my Opa returned to the Netherlands from the war in Indonesia. He’d had his eye

on a beautiful brown eyed Kooloos girl before he left for the jungle. As all great romance stories go, she had another man. He won her over though and due to a lack of work in the Netherlands, he took yet another risk, showed that bravery I’ve come to know and at 25 years old he boarded a boat for little known Aotearoa, with his girlfriend Bep- my Great Oma. They made a life in Kaiapoi, initially with only one another for support. Opa built his house from the ground up and, humble

to people, be inclusive and put yourself in others’ shoes.

The Netherlands was never far from their minds or hearts. They returned for some time to live in the Netherlands with their young children to show them their heritage and develop their connections with their Dutch whanau. Continuing this family tradition and passing this gift of whakapapa on, I too, went to live in the Netherlands as an 8 year old.

Meeting my family and experiencing a Dutch way of life has shaped me forever more, in the same way it shaped my Grandad. I can now visualise my Oma and Opa’s homes, I have lived with my cousins- biking everywhere, climbing 3 flights of stairs to my bedroom, sharing in long, happy family dinners, having hagelslaag on toast, learning to make a mean appeltart, not to mention my cousin patiently teaching me Dutch and encouraging me to keep trying. ‘It’s not Gouda Millie; it’s Houwda.” Having the opportunity to see my roots and then put some of my own down in the Netherlands has made me globally minded and all the more proud to be part of a Dutch family that extends from Utretch to Ōtautahi.

as ever, he made tools for a living. Eventually some of their brothers and sisters joined them in New Zealand and they became the proud parents of 8, Adrianus being my Grandad.

They were treated as outsiders and through their struggles to be accepted, I’ve come to empathise with anybody who is new to a place and experiences change, difference and loneliness. What Opa and Oma’s experiences as immigrants hastaught me is to put your struggles into perspective, always reach out

This year when I sit nestled under the trees at my grandparents favourite park and wait for St. Nicholas with my younger brother ,and when I smile at Opa as he watches the little ones playing, I will think about how, much like a tree, I feel so grateful to be anchored by my Dutch roots. It makes me feel strong and whole. I will think about how much like the trees I sit under, I feel nurtured and fed by the love of my Dutch whanau; their aroha encourages me to branch out and keep growing; and much like the tree and my own Great Opa, I know I will bravely weather the storms that shake my branches knowing that courage and bravery run deep through the roots of the Vink family tree, my past is my future. §

Dank je wel, Kia Ora

The Ethics Of True Crime Words and images by Sophie Young

True crime was once seen as a simple genre. However, as more and more content is being released and the harms it causes has come to the forefront, the question of its ethics is becoming louder.

I

n a world where media is available at the tips of our fingers, it’s no wonder that true crime has become a popular and obsessive genre.

The genre has been popular throughout history, with newspapers and books covering in-depth information about real-life murder and criminal cases. But as media changed and content became accessible, the question lies, is true crime ethical?

True crime is defined by a genre of mixed media, that examines and tells the story of a real crime. The most popular sub-genre of true crime is murder cases, with thousands of YouTube videos, more than 200 podcasts, and

countless documentaries, that tell the story of traumatising and disturbing criminal cases.

To understand and determine for yourself whether this hit genre is ethical, you need to understand the magnitude of its popularity and why people are constantly drawn to it. In 2022 YouGov, a marketing research company conducted a study analysing the percentage of United States citizens that consume true crime. The study showed 8% of men and 18%

of women, consider this genre to be their favorite. 34% of men and 40% of women enjoy the genre. 13% of men and 12% of women consider this genre their least favorite.

I asked Michelle Enright, teacher at Rangi Ruru, and a true crime consumer, her opinions on the genre. Enright admits that she has, “watched and read quite a lot of true crime content.”

The argument was only fueled with the release of The Jeffrey Dahmer Story that became one of the most watched series on Netflix.

The families of the numerous victims were outraged with the documentary, with Eric Perry who is the cousin of a victim tweeting “It’s re-traumatizing over and over again, and for what?” he said. “How many movies/shows/ documentaries do we need?”

So why is this content so addictive? The short answer is that people love a story. It’s a real-life murder mystery that those who watch it and listen, get to follow along and link all the evidence to work out who was the killer. We saw this mentality during the United States disappearance and murder case of Gabby Petito in 2021. As the case was being investigated, social media was in a frenzy creating theories and providing false information about what happened to Petito. The content has been criticised for its exploitative nature of the victims and causing pain to victims’ families.

Although people are starting to question the ethics and morals behind this form of media, it is unlikely there will be a slow down of its production. The truth behind True Crime is that it sells, and it has cemented itself in pop culture. From YouTube to podcasts, the creators of this media earn thousands. The popular True Crime YouTuber who hosts Murder Mystery and Makeup Monday, Bailey Sarian earns millions from her popular content, with her most viewed video earning 25 million views. My Favorite Murder is a popular true crime podcast that has earned the two hosts around $15 million in revenue.

The argument is not as easy as wrong or right.

Enright says that “It’s definitely tricky and a grey area when it affects the lives of living victims and/or their families – that must be quite traumatic for people.”

University of Victoria Law and Ethics student Eleanor Young thinks that, “True Crime can

sometimes be ethical and sometimes not, it depends on how it is presented and whether it is presented in good taste”. She adds, “[It] also depends on the purpose for sharing the crime story. I think the most ethical True Crime is when the stories are shared for a purpose. For example, to raise awareness for something. It is not ethical to treat true crime stories as a form of funny entertainment as they deal with real people”.

Year 13 student Caroline Bowmar, another true crime consumer says that it is an “eye opener that there are dangerous people, and it shows what people are capable of.”

With the constant production of True Crime content, it’s no wonder people are starting to have negative side effects because of their passion.

The genre is heavily geared towards woman as it is targeting the fear and unsafe feeling many women feel in society. Studies done by psychologists have found that consuming large amounts of True Crime on a regular basis can cause people to feel scared all the time. Feel unsafe at home and anxious all the time about possible scenarios. A Reddit user comments on their experience saying, “I no longer listen to the podcasts, I’ve been avoiding the documentaries, I even unfollowed all the True Crime ... Facebook groups” Another wrote, “I didn’t realise how heavy these things were weighing on me until I started to divulge some of my paranoias to

her. I noticed that the True Crime cases that stuck with me the most were triggering my pre-existing fears.”

Dr. Brock Kirwan, a Psychology Professor said, “When listening to True Crime podcasts, you’re putting yourself in a situation where you can trick your brain into thinking this is dangerous, even though you’re in a relatively safe environment where you’re not in any danger and some people enjoy the response you get from that.”

Overall, the choice is up to you, the argument will continue as consumers beg for more and the critics beg for it to stop. I believe that people should not be criticised nor ashamed of consuming True Crime or admitting its effect on their mental health. However, consumers should be thinking about the ethics behind certain creators and media products in relation to this genre, and ask if it is causing harm. §

The Influence of Trends On Our Individuality Words and Images by Amelia Kauder

No matter your views on the fashion industry or even consumerism itself, we are all susceptible to the impact of trends.

But are we ever fully aware of the extent to which we follow trends?

L

ooking back to 2018, my sister got a brand new pair of Nike Air Force 1s. To me, she was a style icon, and I was so jealous of that pair of shoes. When she eventually outgrew them, they were finally mine. Soon after, anywhere I went in those shoes, I strutted thanks to the foundations of comfort and style my AF1s were providing.

And here we are, a couple of years later.

I’m still stepping out of the house in those same shoes. Despite their wear and tear, my obsession with slow fashion and a desire to wear them into the ground, convinces me that I value those now-yellowed soles. This is just one example of things my sister discarded

that weren’t deemed to be ‘trendy’ anymore which I lovingly accepted and now can’t let go of.

Even then, I was still insecure about not being, ‘up with the times.'. Now that I’ve matured (slightly), I feel secure in my style as I’ve developed a love for thrifting and upcycling clothes as well and I can trust my eye opposed to trusting what’s being advertised to me.

Although, as I sit here and drink out of my Frank Green, I wonder if I’m actually the right person to be preaching to you about individuality.

The trend cycle is getting shorter and shorter and we are seeing the re-emergence of trends previously thought to be stuck in time. This is not necessarily a bad thing as low-rise jeans can be a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe.

But the shortening of this cycle is leading to a promotion of microtrends, increasing our carbon footprint.

Let’s travel back in time to 2021, where cow print and fluffy bags were a teenage sense of fashion.

Aside from whether the clothes still fit, would you wear any of them today? Can you see yourself feeling confident and stylish in those same clothes from that time?

Whilst it may seem vain for selfconfidence to be dependent on your fashion choices, especially as we’ve all learnt to never judge a book by its cover, for so many people, style can be seen as an outlet for self-expression.

With our peers and social media having such a large influence on how we present ourselves, we are growing to have fewer differences. Just think, a targeted algorithm, showing people the same ads, same reviews, same content, and we absorb it because unconsciously, we want to be a part of something. Rangi Psychologist Brinley McIntosh, when asked about her experiences dealing with teenagers in a world heavily influenced by social media said, “Teenagers are being flooded with messages about who and what they should be.” This can change their views and perception of what ‘normal’ is, “which can inevitably lead to a lack of individuality.”

Gabriel Tarde, and Gustave Le Bon, two 19thcentury social psychologists, described this as mob behaviour, or a herd mentality and were among the first to do so. The two stated that, “consensus is often derived by social pressures [that] cannot accommodate for change.” Essentially, being a part of a “herd” stems from consensus (a general agreement), where there isn’t room for other options.

While the terms were first coined in the

19th century, they still hold relevance now.

Accepting that societal pressures and standards exist, where do we go from here? In a worst-case scenario, our loss of individuality results in the formation of a dystopian-like future where we are all robots at the hands of mass trend following. However, this is just a crazy theory but still contains fragments of truth.

I’m sure there are many people who’d love to step out of their comfort zone and branch out but are afraid of judgement. McIntosh supports this notion, “If people do not see themselves or their identity reflected in social media, they may not see their current self as valid and therefore seek to change.”

Finding individuality is a fragile process when so much of our life is essentially prescribed to us. Not to get too existential, we are all a part of a herd mentality no matter how different we are. This may not be through style, but finding aspects where you can express yourself and diverge from this herd mentality is essential for avoiding that dreaded dystopian future.

Take Rangi Year 13 student, Pippa Anderson for example. From Years 7-10, Anderson felt stuck and wanted to be, “well-liked by my peers”. By Year 11 she realised that her friends were, “the ones that I could truly be myself around.” She is now more comfortable with who she is as, she can, “have trust that I can attract the right people for me.”

While we are constantly told to be ourselves, it is important to remember that diverging from the ‘norm’ is much more complex. Many of us may be heavily influenced by trends and what’s going on right now. But, finding individuality will come in time. Maybe that’s through style, or maybe it will be through interests. If following trends offers a safety blanket and a sense of popularity due to

compliance with our societal herd, there is no need to stop simply due to a high schooler’s fears of a dystopian future. However, remain vigilant with what you buy into and the effects your purchase might have on our environment. Remember, while your top may look cute for the summer, it won’t be very favourable in landfill this time next year. §

Words By Charlie Hart

good news is coming Social media has changed the way journalism operates. Mainstream media organisations have had to shift in order to respond to a wave of participatory social media, linked with the shift in control towards individual consumers. Social media inevitably affects almost every aspect of our society, it shapes our views and beliefs and is repsonsible for a generation of fake news.

Arguments surrounding journalism and its role in society over the last few years have increased exponentially as the debate about whether social media positively or negatively affects journalism. While it cannot be confirmed whether the impact of social media on journalism is a good thing or not there is no denying its drastic impact.

The introduction of Facebook in 2004 changed society overnight, we have fast access to the news on our phones… within minutes of an incident occurring, giving us the lowdown on current events. Expansion of media has resulted in a rapidly decreasing demand for traditional news, as there is no need to read a physical paper when everything can be found on our phones.

Social media revolutionised free-speech as we are now able to freely express ourselves and share our opinions online. Social media allows for two-way communication between a journalist and their audience, allowing people to truly connect with real life news, “Traditional one-way communication is turning into two-way conversations. Social media has given a real meaning to what freedom of speech is. In history, expressing yourself has never been so easy,” wrote Raghul Saravanakumar, media commentator.

While this type of journalism compels a wider interest, it encourages the consumption of trashy news, such as gossip, celebratory and conspiracy news. The introduction of this more entertaining and light-hearted journalism has led to an undeniable decrease in interest in world news. A report by Oxford University’s Reuters Institute says 48% of people around the world are very or extremely interested in the news - down from 63% in 2017.

The introduction of media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter forced journalism companies to switch to these platforms after

their weekly website views slowly declined.

According to the University of Oxford, “Interest in news has fallen sharply across markets, from 63% in 2017 to 51% in 2022.”

Furthermore, the University of Oxford explains that the consumption of traditional media, such as tv and print has declined further in 2022 in almost all markets.

It can be argued that as people disconnect from traditional news altogether, they are switching to social media sites. According to the LatAm Journalism Review, over the last five years, selective avoidance of news has, “doubled in both Brazil (54%) and the UK (46%), with many respondents saying news has a negative effect on their mood.” Moreover a significant proportion of young people are claiming that they avoid news because it can be hard to follow or understand. This suggests that these audiences are switching to platforms that allow for a simpler language. With the increase in people relying on social media platforms to educate themselves on world news, fake journalism’s influence on our society is increasing tenfold.

Fake news spreads like wildfire, whilst undermining the integrity of news and information we treasure, social media is only fuelling this flame. A Stanford University study examined the effects of fake news on youth, revealing that, “80% of middle schoolers

view paid content as real news.” Fake news has introduced a new type of journalism to the media, causing a dramatic decline in the popularity of real journalism. Another reason this development is occurring is because of the effect social media has had on the attention spans of teenagers.

The Queens Journal argues that we have all become dopamine addicts, “social media has taken over our attention span through quick and instant gratification, affecting our brain’s ability to focus on anything else we feel is less interesting.” Because news and journalism does not provide us with instant gratification the popularity of news has declined.

Tik Tok provides a clear example of why the consumption of news had decreased over the last few years. TikTok engages its viewers through playing short videos no longer than three minutes while allowing its audiences to endlessly scroll. Apps like Tik Tok prevent consumers from absorbing information and comprehending it deeply, therefore, social media platforms encourage the brain to practice mindless and quick consumption, shorting their attention span and directly affecting journalism.

Today many journalists are facing new challenges caused by a new wave of media technologies. They have been forced to evolve as the industry faces both positive

and negative changes. Social media has forced journalism to evolve. It allows journalists to interact with their audience.

Journalists can now have real conversations with their audience as traditional one-way communications are turning into two-way conversations. It can be argued that social media has given a real meaning to what freedom of speech is, we are able to voice our opinions of articles and argue with people in comment sections.

While there is no way to deny the positive impact the development of social media is having on journalism and the wider society, there are many negative implications of social media. Journalist Thomas Rico wrote that, “Journalism has been the heart of information for decades, and now it is at a standstill due to the impact of social media networks.” Social media is a convenient platform that provides consumers with everything they want to see, often convincing viewers to turn to social media over true journalism work.

Snippets of articles can be posted on social media; articles can be significantly edited, and many journalists miss out on their deserved credit. This means that reliable articles start to feel like a waste of time and work as they are not receiving the credit and recognition they deserve.

Another negative implication is the influx of fake news present in social media. Trend Micro introduced the idea of the Fake News Triangle (The Fire Triangle) in 2017, “The fire triangle represents the three elements a fire needs to burn: oxygen, heat, and a fuel.

Similarly, fake news requires three different items to succeed. These collectively represent the Fake News Triangle: without any one of these factors, it is unable to spread and reach its target audience.”

Fake news manipulates information and decreases its values, yet it is highly consumed within the gates of social media. Fake news

evolves and changes as it spreads, yet people remain interested. According to Statista.com, “About two-thirds of Americans get news on social media.” People are actively choosing to receive their news of social media, leaving them vulnerable to fake news while aiding the demise of journalism.

There is no way to deny that fake news is a direct implication of the effect social media has had on journalism. Despite the positive implications of social media on journalism, the negative impacts will arguably lead to the ultimate demise of journalism as we know it as society slowly loses interest and many people are forced to leave the field.

The evolution of social media over the last 2 decades has greatly affected the journalism industry, it has forced the industry to evolve and change in order to stay relevant in our fast-paced society. This issue remains highly significant to our wider society as it affects not only the journalism industry but also the consumers of social media. The revolution of social media has introduced a new wave of communication, therefore bringing more meaning to worldwide events while simultaneously leaving us venerable to fake and possibly harmful journalism.

While we cannot conclude whether the impact social media has had on journalism is a positive or negative thing, we cannot deny the implications and impacts social media has had on this industry. §

Zara Frost, Yr13

The world that is Wearable Arts A group of Rangi Textiles students went on a mind-blowing trip to Wellington taking in WOW. Words by Sophie Young

T

he glitz, glamour and craziness of fashion are at your fingertips at the annual World of Wearble Arts show in Wellington. $90 seemed insignificant as the stunning dresses took to the stage. The show started in Nelson in 1987, however, as the show became more prestigious it was moved to Wellington.

The night began with a stunning performance outside the TSB arena. Taken straight out of Bridgeton, girls decked in stunning white, mid-century ball gowns, emblazoned with gems and glitter. I felt like a kid in a candy store as the excitement became too much to handle.

Stepping into the stadium was mindboggling.

Thousands of avid fashionistas covered the bleachers, and exited chatter overpowered the music. The preshow was eye-catching and it was impossible to avert your eyes.

Stationed in the centre of the stage stood a DJ, and around them models were strutting around the stage in stunning wearable masterpieces.

The lights dimmed and the show began,

and as a voice over the speakers spoke, I was transported to a dystopian world. The ship that was TSB arena was flown through galaxies, visiting several planets. On our journey, we stopped by Mars, Aotearoa, Avant-Garde and Gold. Wacky and wonderful would be words to describe the art that took to the stage.

The winners for each section were announced the night after our show and none were surprising. The line-up that graced the stage won the Mars section. Made out of a plethora of granny squares and croqueted flowers it was no surprise this colourful masterpiece won the section and as well winning the supreme award. The Aotearoa section was filled with marvellous creations from ferns to three soaring birds. The winner of this section had no extravagant performance, instead opting for a scuttle across the stage: a depiction of the iconic New Zealand Weta crafted in wood.

The Avant-Garde section was won by an international designer who created a black and gold samurai girl. Standing out from the undoubtedly out-of-the-box garments, the Samurai Girl was not only eye-catching but

thought-provoking. Not only did Samurai Girl win this section, she was awarded the runnerup for the supreme award.

The winner of the Gold section was adorned in the dazzlingly rich colour. Full latex was the base for this garment with a sharp understated mask of a cat covering the model’s face.

The closing section, Bizarare Bras, was won by the Groundbreaking Bra. Quite literally.

The bra was made from diggers. To take the win for this section was no easy feat as there was an abundance of stunning, mindblowing creations that took this mundane item and created something revolutionary.

While this was my first WOW show, I can indefinitely say it will not be my last. The ticket price seemed a small foot to pay to get to experience this outer body and outer planet feeling. “I feel as though I was awoken from a dream." If you ever have the opportunity to be transported into this world? DO. Rest assured, you will not regret it. §

2 × 2 = Love Words by Aimee Stanton

P

ulling myself down the corridor, bowing my head to avoid locking eyes with anyone, my feet dragged me to class. I didn’t want to be here. The day felt off, as though I was expecting a bomb to explode. I had no clue as to what was off but that didn't matter. I knew in my gut something was coming. Something big or something small.

This feeling was swirling through my mind, distracting me from my pathetic life. In a way, you could say I was grateful to be distracted. Though sitting in my mind, my feet continued to move. Step after step. Like clockwork. I didn't have to think about the path I was walking. I just knew where I was going. And just like that the clock broke.

A noise stopped my feet from continuing that patterned walk, one foot in front of another.

A voice stopped me. Was that a person? Maybe it was just inside my head. I carefully lifted my head to see whether I was making it up. A pair of deep brown eyes locked with mine. I kept trying to process if I was seeing things, but it made me stop. Officially, I was intrigued.

Eyes that had a sort of glimmer in them, like sun reflecting on the ocean. As they moved the light caught their eyes at different angles. I would remember a face like this. Their voice sounds like silk. Soft. I could see the genuine smile beaming across their face. They really wanted to talk to me. Arms by their side, they stood in a way that would draw you in. Friendly, kind. I wanted to be around them. Maybe it is the mystery. They must be new.

While I don’t have friends, I make note of everyone. You never know when you will need to use the, ‘Yeah, I know them’ card. Nothing was pulling me the other away, back down the corridor. Away from them.

Not often would I find myself pausing my world for someone else. Maybe I was being narcissistic, I’ve just always thought I was introverted. Explains why I don’t have friends.

What they said finally hit me in the head, knocking my other thoughts out of the way. Two letters, one word. 'Hi.'

For the first time in my life, I didn’t know what to do. I always know what to do. My life is a clock. Everything ticks in a constant pattern without fault. My head didn’t have enough time to think over what I did next. A small smile stretched across my face. I whispered in reply, “Hi.” Times passed and I still think about that day. If only I had the strength to keep pulling myself down that corridor. If only I hadn't stopped. Ever since that moment, my life has changed. Things just feel off. I feel happy. I don't want to be happy so why should someone make me feel happy?

All my life things have just happened. Each day is the same as the one before and the one to follow. Nothing changed. I was content with myself. Maybe I was lonely. Maybe I did long for love, but I could never show it. Life was to go on like that till I die.

I am no longer being pulled down the corridor, my head lifts every now and then to lock with those brown eyes. A bomb goes off in my heart and I can feel its warmth spreading all over. Every seven steps there becomes a slight break in that clockwork pattern. The clock is broken by a skip in my step. Sounds of their voice swirls through my head. I don't speak.

Just listen. I allow my head to be full of thoughts of them. Their hair, clothes, voice, and their eyes.

It’s different now. A good different? A bad different? I may never know. What I do know is, it's their fault. That stupid word. Two letters. Those two letters double into four. Four letters, one word. Love.

This creatvie writing piece expresses the uncertainty of life through the description of falling in love. I wanted to find a way to put the ups and downs of not knowing what will happen next into a positive connotation that outlines the general emotions of life’s uncertainty. In this story the narrator has always lived their life in a constant pattern and when someone comes and shifts that pattern they don’t know if they should be happy about this or concerned.

words by Jess Glass

P

eople have been known to describe me as a sort of ‘Eco-warrior’ a ‘greenie’ even.

Let’s just say they aren’t wrong, however, what I didn’t know when I first gained interest in sustainability is that climate anxiety comes hand in hand with every aspect of climate change awareness, at the time I didn’t see anything wrong spending my nights fearing for the future of my kids. Now at 17, I can see there was a big issue with this, I was only 12 and I had already decided I wouldn’t have kids because I was scared they wouldn’t get to grow up. Recently I’ve started to notice the rising issue of climate anxiety with my peers too.

The Year 2000 problem (Y2K) referred to a computer programming issue which sparked controversy and concern throughout the world. The Y2K problem stemmed from a programming shortcut used in many software and computers by programmers, to save costs and storage space. Programmers only used the last two digits to date the represented year, eg: 99 for 1999. As the 21st century came closer, concerns were raised about whether computing systems would recognise the change in the century as the 2000s or the 1900s. Questions were raised around data collection issues, system failures, data inconsistency, and interconnected systems. One of the main issues was banks as they calculate interest rates daily. There was a potential risk that the interest rate would be minus close to 100 years.

Thankfully programmers worked quickly to solve this issue and no detrimental damage resulted from this shortcut programmers had used. However, the fears questions and conversations still sparked mass anxiety about the future.

Something that one may compare to the Year 2000 problem could be Climate Change and

its effect on Gen Z. Both have led younger generations to believe their future is grim and have induced anxiety around new issues people have yet to experience before.

It is common knowledge that Climate Change, long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, has become a pressing issue. Since the Industrial Revolution, the temperature of the Earth has risen by around 1.1˚C. This is not only warmer than any time within the past 100,000 years, but also the fastest temperature change in the past 2000 years. Despite what many people think, climate change does not just mean warmer weather. Change in the temperature creates a domino effect on every aspect of our lives with the loss of agriculture, diversity, ecosystems, energy, and people.

With Climate Change gaining more prominence it has been hard for younger generations to keep its consequences out of our heads.

Climate Anxiety or Eco-Anxiety is a constant or consistent sense of fear or anxiety linked to Climate Change. It often comes from pressure to take individual action whilst surrounded by societal inaction. It's important to acknowledge that a large quantity of information about Climate Change on the internet can be twisted and that unreliable sources are very common. People who suffer from Climate Anxiety may feel helpless, tense, irritable, guilty, unmotivated, tired and unheard.

Being too young to be actively contributing to Climate Change, and also being too young to actively feel heard and make significant change can create a buildup of Climate Anxiety and Rage.

“It keeps me up at night.”

“Climate Rage and Anxiety have taken a massive toll on my relationships and dayto-day life.”

“It keeps me up at night.”

“Climate Rage and Anxiety have taken a massive toll on my relationships and day-to-day life.”

“I feel as though there is no point fighting anymore.”

“I feel as though there is no point fighting anymore.”

These are quotes from an active Climate Justice group in Ōtautahi, run by students, some as young as 13 years old. Feeling hopeless to the extent of not wanting to keep pushing for change is extremely damaging to a person’s growth and mental health, and it is clear that as a result of Climate Anxiety.

Gen Z is feeling hopeless about the future, and it’s evident that this is something that will keep affecting them as they grow up, as it has with millennials. “If I wasn’t so involved and scared back then, I would probably have kids right now.”

Climate Anxiety affects long-term decisions and is not something which we can take lightly. Decisions such as having children, buying houses, and travelling are being affected and will continue to be so. Overall Anxiety can affect every single aspect of your life, preventing people from living a full life to their potential.

Keeping mental health a relevant topic in young peoples' lives may be the answer to preventing Climate Anxiety from taking over livelihoods. By talking about the Climate Crisis, people can reassure each other, feel more secure and safe and reframe concerns to less scary outcomes.

Alternatively doing activities to build your environmental confidence can help. Things such as tree planting, picking up rubbish, being in touch with nature, and joining in with community organisation events all significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

The parallel between Climate Anxiety and Y2K shows the detrimental effects of widespread news via the internet and the dangers of this. §

If you or someone around you is struggling with the themes in this article, get in contact with your GP or a Psychologist here at Rangi.

You see her

Poem by Georgia Dann

You see her.

You see her through the rose-coloured glasses imprinted on your face.

You see the way she stands steadily in her place.

The way she laughs with her friends.

How she is bursting with energy that never seems to end.

When you look in her eyes you see a happy person staring back at you.

But that’s just the surface.

Looking past her demeanour, when you see her body, her features, nothing’s wrong with them.

Right or wrong they will never reach her standards.

To her, her body is a mountain and in her attempt to be a mound, avalanches pour down her side constantly stripping away her natural beauty.

Forcing herself to fit into a shape too small because she will never be accepted by the hills.

As long as she was as big as she is.

Her face.

Something she has to deal with every day.

And every day she finds something new that is wrong.

She hates her hair, she hates her nose.

She hates her eyes, her thighs, her clothes.

She hates her fair skin and how everybody comments on it.

Because nobody likes an attention seeker.

You see her.

You see the smile printed on her face.

But you don’t see the lines that she traces On her arm, night after night.

Her hands, appearing steady, but they shake behind the blue light of the screen.

The screen she puts forward, hiding her reality from her family.

A reality she can’t show.

A reality she refuses to show because if she lets even one person in, the truth that has been bottled up for so long will overflow.

Pouring out, begging to be mopped up by

someone who cares.

But the waves of tears will just push them away.

Her misery, overwhelming, unbearable.

So why would anyone else want to bear it?

You see her.

You see her arrive at school the sway in her walk.

But you don’t hear her anxieties talk to her, holding her down in her sheets.

Keeping her there as they beat into every different scenario possible.

What if they laugh at you?

What if they talk about you?

What if they think that every little thing you do is stupid?

The off way she said, "Here."

It was too unclear.

The way she said, “Bye.” Not, “See you.”

Her biggest fear becomes prominent and there, what if they hate me?

They must hate me.

They do hate me.

The small twitch.

The awkward shake.

The way her body keeps her awake.

Purely to force her to rethink everything down to the brink.

The way she blinks is wrong.

The way she talks is wrong.

The way she looks, the way she walks, the way she loves.

It’s wrong.

Everything is wrong.

She’s wrong.

And how does she fix that?

She gets rid of the wrong.

You never saw her.

Absent on her graduation day, Because she was lying half-dead, in a Med bay while doctors pumped her attempt away.

You never saw her father cry, knowing he wouldn’t walk her down the aisle.

Her mother's only option now, to remember her baby's smile.

Did you ever really see her?

The Spin TikTok has taken the marketing world by storm. With its unique video dominant style, it’s different to any other social media platform. But what influence is TikTok having on teenagers, and consumers?

Words and images by Alice Hunter

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alking around our school campus, it feels like I am on the set of a musical.

These days it is completely normal to witness multiple groups of girls dancing in front of phones, filming themselves following some dance trend. However, if we turn back the clock five or so years, this was certainly not the case. TikTok took the social media world by storm following Byte Dance’s purchase of Musical.ly in 2017.

TikTok allows its users to create short 15-second clips expressing their artistic flair, whether it is a dancing video, the latest life hack, or a product review. With an impressive community of over 1 billion active monthly users, TikTok has captivated audiences and marketers alike with its potential.

Each TikTok user has a customised For You page, which is filled with videos, chosen by the algorithm that suits your interests and past videos you enjoyed watching. This feature has proved so popular that many other social media outlets such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have now created their own take on the For You page. It is all about providing short snippets of engaging content that people can like, follow, or comment on.

Sharing TikToks to friends and family is also easier than ever. Through the click of one button, you can share videos to many other social media platforms. Due to the simplicity of the app, many businesses have turned to TikTok as a form of marketing.

Ellie Mynett-Johnson is an Auckland-based Marketing and Communications specialist, who believes that TikTok has changed the way her clients are wanting to invest their time into content creation. Mynett-Johnson believes that there are many positives to TikTok marketing. "It is an exciting challenge to figure out how to use it best to connect with the people you are trying to reach. People and their preferences are constantly changing,

so communications and marketing must as well."

TikTok has also changed the way that people absorb information, and many other social media outlets now prioritise videos in their algorithm to try and keep up with Tik Tok, as this type of video content is more popular than ever before.

Upon surveying Year 13 students at Rangi Ruru, 86% of students have TikTok downloaded on their phone. A further 67% said that TikTok was their most used app for the week, with one participant spending 30-35 hours on TikTok that week. It is safe to say that TikTok has firmly established itself as a staple in the lives of teenagers, which makes it an ideal platform for companies to target this easily influenced population.

Whilst TikTok offers a significant opportunity for business marketing, it is important that we acknowledge the flow on effects from targeted marketing towards teenagers.

However, social media has a lot of negative stigma attached to it: what you see on social media isn’t real life. Head of Wellbeing at Rangi Mya Wolfenden, believes that, “Many influencers on social media such as Instagram often only show the best parts of their life, which can be detrimental to young girls' mental health as it provides them with a false sense of reality.”

Contrary to the negative stigmas surrounding social media, many TikTok influencers are actively challenging these perceptions and promoting their true selves. New Zealand TikTok influencer Caitlin Wiig has risen to fame on TikTok after her ‘Day in the Life’ videos gained significant attention. Right from the start of Wiig’s TikTok journey, her goal has, “always been to be my 100% authentic self online. What you see is what you get with me.” Wiig said that TikTok has a point of difference compared to other social media

“People and their preferences are constantly changing, so communications and marketing must as well.”

- Ellie Mynett-Johnson

“TikTok has completely changed my life and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”

- Caitlin Wiig

platforms because people get to see more of someone’s personality and life on TikTok than with other image-focused social media platforms.

Wiig has had many opportunities arise due to her popularity on TikTok. “Because of my growth on the platform I’ve been able to step away from full-time desk work, start my own freelance PR Consultancy business, be featured in a national advertising campaign for a world-leading skincare brand, go on paid brand trips overseas, meet a huge number

of incredible people, and grow in ways that I never could’ve seen myself doing so.”

Marketers have a responsibility to teenage audiences when targeting them and need to be conscious of the types of content they produce including the claims they make about products. With Mynett-Johnson believing that, "A lot of people [are] now relying on video content on TikTok to learn the latest news, newest products, and biggest trends."

It is clear that this platform has the ability to

influence a vast number of people across the globe. Because TikTok is free to download, anyone can upload content to the app, and make their views and beliefs accessible to all users.

The constant changing environment of digital channels means marketers must constantly adapt and change. In the near future, TikTok may well be a thing of the past. When Communications and Marketing Director Georgina Hunter started her career, the internet has just become available. “Websites

were just starting and were a huge focus, then came blogs followed by video content on YouTube. Facebook was the first social channel for marketers, but TikTok has changed the game yet again. We are now all watching closely to see the next progression which is predicted to be how Artificial Intelligence will impact content generation on platforms like TikTok.” §

Life as a Gappie English Gappie Emma Cornwell, discusses the ins and out of travelling abroad and the opportunities a Gap Year can offer with Joni Lester.

Images by Emma Cornwell

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mma Cornwell is an 18-year-old Gappie from London. At the beginning of the year, she and two other Gappies embarked on the almost 24-hour long flight to arrive in NZ to begin their work at Rangi Ruru. Cornwell has loved her time here and was kind enough to share some of her favourite moments, memories, and advice.

What were some highlights of the travelling you did while here?

I really enjoyed visiting Arrowtown during Autumn because it was really beautiful and a great atmosphere. I also loved going to Milford Sound because the sights were incredible, and I met some really lovely people.

What has been a highlight of your time in Aotearoa so far?

I’ve loved spending some of my free time like the school holidays to do some travelling and visit some really cool places around New Zealand. It’s really nice being able to meet different kinds of people that you wouldn’t expect to and explore somewhere new with communities that live very differently to how you’re used to.

Why did you want to be a gappie?

Firstly, because I wasn’t quite ready to head off to university and I liked the idea of doing some travelling. And I’m also quite interested in being a teacher one day so wanted to explore what it’s like to work in a school and work with kids.

Do you have any memorable moments from your time working at Rangi and in the Boarding House?

I absolutely loved seeing all the crazy things that the School Leaders organise like Love Week with the unicorn which was my personal favourite so far. I also spent some time helping with French as I’m fluent and I really enjoyed shouting at Mr Kimber and Aurelie in French when we performed plays for the Juniors.

What are some things you miss about being at home?

Obviously, I miss my family a lot because they’re very important to me, but I also really miss the trains back home as they are such an easy way to travel between places and it’s really cool how connected they make you feel to different places. I would also say since there are much less people in Christchurch than London, I sometimes miss being in big crowds. That atmosphere here is definitely very different and something I’ve had to get used to.

Do you have any lessons that you’ve learnt during your time here?

I’ve definitely learnt how independent I can be particularly when I’m travelling which is a great thing to know about myself.

In the Boarding House I’ve been super grateful for the chance to connect with younger students as well as the staff who have all been so awesome to work with. Again, things like the formal dinners planned by the students were also fun to be involved in.

Is there anything you’ll miss about New Zealand and Rangi Ruru?

It’s definitely hard saying goodbye to all of the incredible members of staff I’ve gotten to know as I’ve learnt a lot from them, and it will also be hard leaving behind the bonds I’ve made with the students especially some of the younger girls in the boarding house who I had the chance to get to know through things like weekend crafts and activities.

What are your plans once you leave Rangi and go back home?

I’m going to head home and get some more travel in before University starts. I plan to visit Japan and South Korea which I’m very excited about. After that I’m moving to Scotland to study History at a university in Glasgow.

What would your advice be to students considering a Gap Year or that are interested in working as a Gappie?

Do it. If you think it could be for you go for it because it’s an amazing opportunity. I would say if you do go overseas don’t be scared to go out of your way to make connections because it’s important to have people you can talk to when you’re away from home.

Thank you so much Emma for all the energy and focus you brought to the work you did here at Rangi! It’s always a great opportunity to get to know people that come from somewhere different to you and we are so grateful for all the stories and experience you brought into everything you did here at Rangi. I’m sure we will all miss your friendly smile. We wish you all the best and cannot wait to see what you get up to next. §

Ladybird Charlie Hart assesses the confronting nature of Greta Gerwig’s Ladybird, while asking the question, will adults ever understand teenage nature?

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he coming-of-age film Ladybird, directed

by Greta Gerwig, follows Christine (Ladybird) McPherson’s senior year of high school. Some could say that Gerwig’s film was a breath of fresh air, a break from the chaotic and action-packed films that flooded the scene in 2017. Others say it is boring, drab, and anticlimactic. To me, it seemed as if Gerwig just copied the life of a generic small-town middle-class, teenager. I ask myself – what do I look for in cinema? It’s simple: movies are about entertainment and escapism, yet Ladybird forces us to reflect on our life and refuses to let us use escape reality.

So instead of enjoying a good film and having a small break from the struggles of ‘teendom’, I am forced to sit for 1 hour and 44 minutes watching a teenage girl live her life just like I do. Every. Single. Day. I am forced to look into the mirror as I watch my teenage awkwardness projected onto the screen.

First, let’s talk about Ladybird’s personality, or lack thereof. We are introduced to Ladybird as she jumps out of the car after an argument with her mother. Again and again, scene after scene, we see Ladybird scream for attention through selfish acts. She is constantly lying

and bending the truth to hide her own embarrassment and mask her insecurities. It is infuriating! Although the irony is not lost on me. I am a person who dislikes this film simply because it reflects my life and stops me from being able to create my own romanticised narrative about the teenage experience. I want to curate my own version of events and not be faced with the candid truth. I would like to believe that I, unlike Ladybird, would not go to the extreme of leaving behind my friends in order to pursue a friendship with the popular kids. But I think I have done just that! Additionally, there is no scene where I feel as if Ladybird has grown-up, she never learns to stop lying and is forever wallowing in a puddle of self-pity. The scariest thing is Ladybird never learns to love who she truly is. Gerwig has forced me to question my own insecurities. Will I ever love who I am? Or grow out of being ashamed of who I am? It is hard to admit, but my contempt towards Ladybird comes from a place of hatred toward my own teenage insecurities.

There, I said it.

The film attempts to address the power of female friendships, but where? To me, this so-called powerful female friendship seemed to be built on a power imbalance. It’s clear that Ladybird believes that she is better than Julie. Julie is Ladybird’s backup for when her selfish shenanigans go awry. Without Julie, Ladybird would be lonely. This became clear when Ladybird had to choose between the school play or her loyal friend. The worst part of it all - Julie forgives her! So, while world-class critics exclaim about the authentic portrayal of female friendships in this film, I believe that this is just a reflection of shallow teenage friendships and does not provide a roadmap for teenagers to model themselves on. Gerwig has perfectly portrayed the toxic nature of friendship by showing how we can become reliant and dependent on a person, resulting in us abusing that friendship or getting abused by it.

Gerwig also reveals the unsettling truth that BFFs don’t often exist. It’s hard to admit that any friendship can turn ugly. Is this the reason for my disdain towards Ladybird? Maybe I am just scared to admit to the eventual failures of my teenage friendships.

Gerwig’s film gives us a realistic perspective on teenage life. So, to any ADULT this film is realistic and authentic, it describes the ins and outs of our

teenage years to a T. But to teenagers, this film is boring yet… confronting. There is no moment of escapism and romanticisation of teenage life. I had to sit through a film that portrayed my own insecurities and made me question thoughts that I try my best to bury.

In a film I look for escapism, I want to watch a film that romanticises my life, a film I can fantasise about. I want to watch a teenager live the dream. A dream that is unrealistic and unattainable, but still a dream. I am not blind to the irony. I have complained repeatedly about Ladybird's lies. I want to watch a film that rejects the truth, a film that lies to me, yet I am so quick to reject a film about a girl who lies to herself. A girl who lies to herself sounds familiar, doesn’t it? §

Masterpiece How does our childhood influence our lifelong behaviours, as we shed illusions and embrace the reality of our adult life?

Words and images by Charlie Hart

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or most of us, our childhood is a blur, a series of warm, cozy and sheltered events that seemingly have no effect on our lives after the age of 10. Yet in truth, our childhood experiences mould us into who we are, shaping our beliefs in ourselves, others, and the world. Our childhood teaches us to protect, to fight and to learn. This results in the formation of dysfunctional behaviors, that we will either learn to shed or carry for the rest of our lives. So, as we grow and learn we lose our grip on idealistic dreams, the idea of an attractive and perfect life, and we slip into the masterpiece of realism, we accept life as it is, and chase the dream we are truly meant for.

Rangi Ruru teacher of Philosophy, Jay Sloss describes life as a, “mysterious struggle,” a struggle that we must embrace in order to thrive. The idea of the struggle of life can be simplified to the pursuit of our dreams

and ambitions, as we can never really reach our goals without struggle. You see, a life of comfort is not one of struggle nor is it inspirational or inspiring. A life without struggle is a life without purpose, and without purpose, we cannot grow out of our dysfunctional behaviours.

It can be argued that our mindset is very much one of these dysfunctional behaviors. As we grow our mindset changes, it shifts from an idealistic bliss to a fixed and immovable state. A fixed-minded person often believes attributes such as talent and intelligence are fixed, that is to say, they believe they’re born with the level of intelligence and natural talents they’ll reach in adulthood.

Rangi Ruru Psychologist Melanie Patterson said, “Our thoughts prompt our feelings which influence our behaviour. If we think we cannot

succeed in life, we will feel anxious and will therefore avoid any uncomfortable situations.”

So, to have a fixed mindset is to avoid challenges, give up easily and in turn become easily threatened by others.

minds to life’s possibilities. While risks don’t always end in success, they are the only way to truly build resilience and face the real world, “Without risk, we don’t build any real sense of success or failure,” said Collins.

Having a fixed mindset is much like pressing pause on life, we become unable to grow our own narrative and will essentially remain stuck in time.

Collins stresses the importance of taking risks, especially when it comes to women, “Us women can be too cautious about taking risks.

We weigh up all the pros and cons, overthink and don’t put ourselves out there enough.”

Collins believes that, “risk builds resilience,” and that, “if you take a risk and it fails then you have created an opportunity to build upon.”

Rangi Ruru Assistant Principle, Curriculum, Juliet Collins, is a firm believer of the importance of our mindset. “Being closedminded means that you are always going “If people never to see the worst in took risks… their the world,” She said, self-esteem would “Being closed-minded be impacted as they affects not only our own wouldn’t try new things potential but also the and get a potential of the boost from ones around “Thinking that we cannot succeed in life their success," us, greatly forces us to create a self-fulfilling prophecy” said Patterson. limiting the opportunities Much like Collins, Sloss believes that we we could be provided with.” Learning to open need to, “live dangerously,” quoting German our mind to new possibilities is the first step to philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche’s book The character growth. Once we are able to open Gay Science who argued that, “We should our minds, we are able to truly find ourselves, build our houses on the slopes of Mount and grow out of our dysfunctional behaviours.

Vesuvius.”

But how do we open our mind to life’s Ignorance is bliss, another idea that holds possibilities? For most, facing the realities us back from our growth out of childish of life is often confronting and scary. But its dysfunctional behaviours. An idea that leads also necessary. Throughout our life, we are to poor decisions, poor actions, and terrible taught that a positive mindset equals a growth consequences all of which may have a mindset and in turn this mindset unlocks negative impact on our potential. happiness. But in reality, to unlock our true potential we must completely reshape our Don’t worry be happy, everything is going to minds. We must find ways to evoke strength work out fine, why take risks when I can just within ourselves, take risks and open our

live in my carefree bubble – wow ignorance really is bliss. It is not.

Being in a state of ignorance deprives us of any chance of seizing the opportunities that ultimately help us grow. The belief that ignorance is bliss holds us back from what we strive to achieve, locking our mindset indefinitely. So in the words of Jay Sloss, “Ignorance is not bliss at all. I’d much rather be a depressed philosopher seeking some kind of truth than a happy pig rolling in dumb shit.”

Therefore, we do not truly slip into our masterpiece until we are able to open our minds to life’s possibilities and grow out of our childlike idealistic dreams. So, embrace the challenge, embrace the pain, embrace the journey, and never forget that the greatest mistake you will make in your life is to continually fear that you will make one. §

The Natural Beauty of

Gratitude

Words by Aimee Stanton

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rowing up in New Zealand’s Garden City, Ōtautahi, is something I have often taken for granted. It was not until recently I have begun to acknowledge the positive impact nature has really had on me. When I have been feeling not at my best, tired, or upset, I discovered when taking the time to just walk with no purpose, I felt better again.

Personally, I have never found anything that has helped improve my mood and general mental state more than time in nature. It is like talking to your best friend except you don’t have to talk. You don’t have to do anything except let your senses take charge.

The mindlessness of immersing myself in the sights, smells, sounds and feelings of nature around me. Having no purpose except just existing.

Allowing my brain to shut off and really immerse myself in the things around me allowed me to take a break from life.

I used to think ideas around exercise improving moods and mental health were false. The problem was I didn’t like the idea of doing workouts or going to the gym. Those sorts of things made me feel anxious and I couldn’t bring myself to do any of them. What made me happy was being able to wander.

Coming back from going for a walk through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, I noticed a huge improvement in my mood. I started to think more positively, and I am someone who can often hold a pessimist attitude towards things. My sleeping schedule got better, I felt happier during the day, I had more motivation, and I began to be able to think better. T aking this time for myself in nature is a form of self-care for me. The reality is that everyone is different and what makes one person happy doesn’t always work for others. I have found that taking time to walk through nature has

"All this time I have spent in nature has taught me how to be grateful for the small stuff." made me see much more clearly. This has made me realise that I do take the beauty of nature for granted. All this time I have spent in nature has taught me how to be grateful for the small stuff. I discovered how to be grateful for what I have and not to take even the littlest of things for granted. Gratitude has made me happy. The feeling of having beautiful things in my life every day that are at easy reach, like nature, is a way to remind myself that life is a beautiful thing.

I still don’t know if it is the realisation that the little things matter as much as big things or if I have just discovered the true power gratitude holds. All I know is that nature is the most beautiful thing out there. Breathing in air.

Hearing trees rustle, birds chirping, the sound of people going about their days. The sight of the little things, a single flower on a bush, the slight movement of a tree, a leaf falling, birds flying overhead. These all make me happy. §

Finding Your Voice Words by Arabella Acland

How Rangi's 2023 Head of School Arabella Acland, found her voice in a room full of boys.

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et's start from the beginning - 3rd April 2005, a screaming child came into the world. Chubby cheeked and red eyed. Much to my parents' delight they were finally awarded with a girl - unbeknown to me waiting at home were four older brothers.

Jack, Arthur, Oscar, and Rupert. A family full of boys.

My childhood consisted of big, outside, open adventures; ski trips to Wanaka, driving around the farm with Dad, and watching my brothers grow up. It was incredible and I was so fortunate. Growing up in a house full of boys and coming off a rural farm meant that I

was surrounded by a world full of men and in a lot of situations I found myself the only girl.

A lot of the time I had to watch from the side, passively.

Think about a time that you have been passive and regretted it, because we all have been.

It might look like not auditioning because you're embarrassed, but watching it later and wishing you had gone for it. Not trialling for the team in fear of judgement from others, so you watch from the side instead. It is human nature for us all to be fearful about what others might think of us.

Growing up with a family full of four older brothers a lot of the time I was passive. I wouldn't get involved in things because it felt like I had no voice, and no-one would listen to me. How did this manifest for me? When I was five, I was excited to be 10 so I could relate to my brothers about beginning high school.

When I was 12, I wanted to be 17 so I could talk to them about being a teenager.

I realised I had a choice to make, I could either choose to be passive or find my individual voice and fight for my place at the table. In life we are often presented with a choice, we either go for it or we don’t, we choose to speak up and share our voice or we don’t.

I had a choice, if I wanted to have an individual voice and not be influenced by my brothers. I had a choice if I wanted to be passive or to not be passive. In literal terms I did have to fight for my individual voice.

Dinner table discussions as you can imagine were hard and you might have noticed that I developed a very loud voice. But I had to develop a sense of my own perspective. I had to stop saying things that I thought people wanted me to say and instead start sharing my views on things.

Here is where my Rangi peers come in. You taught me that we can be anything we want to be. I joined the Chess Club, Young Farmers, the Ski team, was a Sheep in the Senior Production, and much to Rangi Music teacher Mr Thin’s shock, I attended percussion. I had a choice to sit and be passive or to try new things, and new experiences in order to develop my individual voice more and find out who I truly was.

By no means am I saying I have fully discovered my voice. Every single day I second guess myself. I get scared and selfconscious about what people are thinking of me, saying about me and what I look like. I have negative thoughts running through my mind - all in fear of judgement by others.

Have a think about what fear means to you and think about whether you like this emotion.

I believe, unlike some, that these emotions, traditionally viewed as negative, are actually

positive and useful emotions. It is an essential part of judgement – causing us to pause and think about an action we might take. Professor Michael Smets suggests that doubt and fear are actually an essential part of slowing down and making a good decision. That doubting yourself and overcoming this through an examination of your actions, and emotions is actually the precursor to confidence in your actions. This means that doubt and fear leads to confidence and the ability for you to find your voice at the table.

He also refers to our very own former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who said, "The more we talk about self-doubt, the more people will think, 'Maybe not all our leaders have that confidence I expect, and if I have self-doubt then that's okay too.'" Indeed, female-led countries such as New Zealand, Denmark and Taiwan handled the Pandemic more effectively with lower death rates. They translated their fear into a positive thing. It helped them to make good judgements, which therefore allowed them to use their voice effectively.

Developing your individual voice, doesn't come easily and you don’t have to know what it is, as I believe we will always be developing it. Every single person has the ability be anything they want to be. You are

"Remember that the world is waiting to hear your voice." all courageous, and strong, I challenge you to keep being imperfect, acknowledge your doubts and fears and to share with those around you. Keep making mistakes, keep being brave and overcoming doubts, take risks, but don’t let those mistakes prevent you from taking a subject, degree, job offer, sports team, or a lead role in a production.

What will get you to where you want to be is not a question of your ability, but a question of your ability to consider your doubts carefully and then through this, using it to your advantage to be brave and confident. With each thing that you contribute, together we create a more diverse community. I challenge you to find inspiration in your doubts, strength in your uncertainties, and the unwavering belief that your voice, has the power to shape society and uplift others. §

Annabelle says: In order for all of us to develop our individual voice, and have our own perspectives, it is by not being passive.

Instead:

1 2 3

Acknowledge your fears and nervousness Evaluate whether those fears and doubts have a genuine grounding When appropriate, give things a go, speak up, and use your voice with real confidence. Because doubt can be a pre-cursor to confidence.

Embarking on a Journey to Discovery The secret to fulfilling what’s missing in your life Words and images by Kate Kelso

I

used to think of our family trips overseas as a way to escape the real world, but I soon realised that the real world is yet to be seen. Up until the past three years I had not experienced the magnetic type pull towards the thrill of travelling, and as I look back on my childhood trips, I have not explored half of the beautiful sites that the world has to offer.

Having only travelled to Fiji and Rarotonga in my lifetime I have already learnt so much, which makes me think about how much more I would learn if I saw the rest of the world.

When stepping off the small boat onto the beautiful Island of Paradise Cove, we were immediately greeted with woman playing ukuleles, men performing haka, and leis placed around our neck. Consistent cheerful faces and welcoming demeaner from locals immediately opened my eyes to see that even with so little, or what I see as not much, people from the Pacific are content with their lives and all that they have. This reminded me that there is a whole big wide world out there where people think and value different things,

and how my way of living is not the only way.

This is one of the many ways travelling has enlightened me.

Travelling and learning about diverse cultures is a rewarding and enriching experience that is important, as it broadens our horizons and can enhance our lives in many ways. Travel continuously tests our ability to not only adapt and explore new environments, but also to interact with other people and welcome new experiences as they come. With or without recognizing it, travelling inspires us to see, taste and try new things.

The impact travelling can have on your mental and physical health is amazing. According to an article by Cabin Zero,“Travelling helps to decrease the risks of heart attack and anxiety, while developing our brain health.” In fact, a study conducted by Framingham Heart Studies Organisation shows that, “Women who would travel at least twice a year had a significantly lower risk of developing any heart

travel,and go to a new “I think it’s important when you own set of values, to try and country, not to go in with your live. And that way you will be respectful of how other people learn something.”

problems compared with those who would only be able to travel once in every six years.”

Rangi Ruru Art History teacher, Rebecca Ogden, has travelled her whole life and was happy to share her own thoughts and experiences. Ogden’s most recent trip overseas looked a little like this. Starting in Buenos Aires, she travelled to Argentina, then North to Montevideo in Uruguay, Rio Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Ogden then crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Cape Bordia, Morocco in Africa and continued to Malaga in Spain before finishing in Barcelona. One thing Ogden expressed is how fortunate we are in New Zealand to have what seems as such simple things, but to other countries are huge, such as clean water. Ogden said, “I’d never been to South America or Morocco, so it was very eye-opening to see that level of poverty, particularly in Brazil.”

Ogden said she had a,“take your breath away moment,” as she stepped into one of

the largest mosques in the world. While in the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco, she finally understood the power of Islam, and how important it is to other people. She explained that you could have over 100 000 people praying at the mosque at any one time. To her, this was a magnificent way to finally experience the power of other religions.

“It gives you a greater appreciation and a higher level of tolerance.”Ogden ended our interview with a powerful piece of advice, “I think it’s important when you travel, and go to a new country, not to go in with your own set of values, to try and be respectful of how other people live. And that way you will learn something.”

Sophie Bowden, a 19-year-old Gap student from London is inspirational. Minus Alaska, she has been to every continent in the world.

Bowden explains that having travelled so much over her lifetime has helped her to choose her career path, politics specialising in international and global politics. She said,

“It makes you think about how privileged and lucky you are.”

“As a child, travelling to a third-world country opened my eyes and made me realise how different life could be for others.”

“Having travelled around and lived in different countries has really helped me to understand the political systems of each country.” Bowden believes that, “The more industrialised you become, the more your environmental dedication increases.”

For example, she observed that every country treats the environment slightly differently, whether it is better or worse.

“It makes you think about how privileged and lucky you are.”

Travelling to Israel deepened Rangi Social Studies teacher, Rebeca Allan’s faith and made her question what she wants out of life. The diverse culture in Israel made her intrigued about learning more about the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. She explained that any amount of travelling, small or big can be so life giving and enrichening, which helped her to step out of her comfort zone and build on her selfconfidence.

Allan elaborates on both Ogden and Bowden’s ideas by explaining that travelling has had a positive effect on broadening her experiences and of being exposed to diverse cultures, she said, “As a child, travelling to a third-world country opened my eyes and made me realise how different life could be for others.”

So where will this inspiration take you?

Will it inspire you to buy that plane ticket to Spain? Indulge in cultures that you did not know existed? Or travel somewhere you have never been before? Whatever your plans, see travelling as an experience to help you find your passion and place in the world. Do not be afraid to take that leap of faith. I challenge you to think of how others view the world, what they believe in and value, and take part in things that others see as important.

Who knows what amazing things you will encounter along the journey? §

Words by Joni Lester

imilar to most young girls my age, the endless rumours of a new Barbie movie brought a lot of excitement to my life. However, along with this came an overpowering and unsettling feeling in my gut that this film would be utterly disappointing. I can now confirm I was wrong in thinking this. With stellar reviews from the early moments of the film’s release, the new Barbie movie left its audience laughing all the way home while also making them contemplate their very existence. A killer combo if I do say so myself.

S

Crafted to perfection, the film is rich with messages from the importance of friendship to finding your own voice all while keeping the audience thoroughly entertained with quick paced, witty dialogue. In this satire of the season Barbie experiences her very first ground-breaking existential crisis.

In the wake of realising Barbie Land is in deep danger, Barbie, (played by Margot Robbie), journeys to the Real World to stop whatever is threating her home. In an effort to gain Barbie’s approval, Ken (Ryan Gosling),decides to surprise her and come along for the ride. Big surprise. Upon arrival in the real world Barbie and Ken make some pretty crazy discoveries. Ken feels at home in this new world where men are praised for the lift of a finger and decides to take the patriarchy home with him. Barbie’s experience however

is not so picture perfect and in the real world she faces judgement from society. With the help of a mother and daughter she meets along the way Barbie makes some not so pink and perfect decisions in order to save Barbie Land from the clutches of the patriarchy.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Let’s be honest, playing a character like Barbie comes with a lot of power and even more responsibility. Over the years Barbie has been attacked and blamed for social constructs that have existed for centuries. From her theatrical meltdowns to her ignorant bliss moments, Margot Robbie is able to capture both the good and bad parts of this iconic character, forcing audiences to face the positive impact she has had on young girls. Even though she takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions it’s hard for anyone to say that they didn’t fall in love with both Barbie and Robbie’s acting abilities.

After much speculation in the media about his casting as Ken, Ryan Gosling brings an offbeat yet humorous performance that is immensely successful in making the audience laugh at and love Ken at the same time. His transformation from Barbie’s number one fan to the biggest mojo dojo douche popular culture has seen in a while, shows Gosling’s

“We have to always be extraordinary but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.” admirable versatility. His performance is peak comedy and certainly led Ken to stealing the show on numerous occasions.

Authentically artificial. Two words I have never used in the same sentence until now. In saying this it feels the only way to accurately describe the sets and aesthetics used to create the visual masterpiece that exists within the Barbie film. Coming from someone nowhere near qualified to be speaking about set design, the shortage of pink paint caused by the film's production was well worth it. As soon as Barbie world appears on the screen we feel instantly transported, wishing we could be there ourselves.

As the crisis in Barbie Land reaches a climax, Director Greta Gerwig has America Ferrara deliver another monologue to add to her great collection. “We have to always be extraordinary but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.” This feminist anthem and the films attitude towards being yourself empowers women to decide who they are on their own without worrying about the opinions of others around them. From President Barbie to Weird Barbie, the film creates a comfortable space for female viewers to be anyone they want to be without fear of judgement.

Whether you grew up with Barbie dolls taking up enough of your day to be a part time job, or if this was the first Barbie film you’d ever seen, this new take on Barbie would have made you think.

It offers confrontational ideas about society in pink heart-shaped mouthfuls. Whether you chew on the ideas or toss them in the bin, the story and the messages leave an impact on the audience and prompts them to be open to making a positive change to the way they see the world. §

Lilia Stanton, Year 11

Words by Alexandra Hurndell

W

hy regret something you once wanted? It's a common misconception that regrets are embarrassing or shameful. When in reality, feeling regretful in the first place is an utter waste of our energy.

Generally we feel regret as we realise there was something more or less we could have done in the past. There is a feeling of shame and annoyance as we can not change the way something has already played out. But the past comes and goes without regard to our feelings and our thoughts. So where is the logic in regret? Why do we feel the need to dwell on a situation no longer in our control?

Dwelling on something we have no regulation over is purely pointless.

Prioritise positivity. If not, attempt to be indifferent about it. Our actions and our decisions are what make us human. To be fair, as are our emotions. But we need to recognise that feelings of shame and

embarrassment when it comes to regret, are superficial. Feeling embarrassed, ashamed or humiliated are feelings that we make up in our heads in order to fuel the idea that others are beginning to form negative opinions of us. Henceforth, regret.

However, regret can also be advantageous and constructive toward our future. We feel embarrassment as a result of regret and as much as it can make us ruminate. It is not all bad. By reflecting on decisions we have made in our past, we can regulate our eventual decisions. Understand that we do or do not like an outcome. Or simply know what and, what not to do or say. We learn about ourselves. We can now know what is it that we really want in life.

For students, regret can completely eradicate drive and motivation. Failure to study and prepare could very well be cause for even more regret. Spending too

much time worrying about what could have been. Although, it can go both ways. To feel regretful can most definitley make you unmotivated and unambitious. But why not take the perspective of learning from regret? Why not let your regret fuel your motivation? It's okay to have regrets as long as you’re aware of the way you view them. If you come to realise you spend too long trying to change the past then have a think about your perceptions. Make regret work in your favor and embrace what you have just learnt about yourself.

So in essence, the goal should be to keep our feelings of regret to a minimum and instead of associating negative emotions with regret, we should use regret as a tool to enhance our decision making skills.

Once we have mastered this, it will allow us to move forward. Because in order to move forward we must let go of regret. §

'e

Hopes and Dreams

By Emily Young

Hopes and dreams are something that most young people and teenagers have. It not only allows them to live happy lives and look forward to the future, but gives them a sense of satisfaction when they complete a goal. Why are hopes and dreams so important for young people?

P

eople who have hopes and dreams are naturally more positive about their lives and enjoy the little things. Whether that be exercising, doing their favourite hobby or even just selfcare! Personally, I believe hopes and dreams are one of the most important things in life. They motivate, inspire and help young people to strive to be the very best version of themselves.

Dreams are the most important thing for young adults because without them, they would have no motivation for anything.

Although this may seem quite negative and daunting it can be the reality for many young people and highlights just how important having hopes and dreams really is. Having them provides teenagers and young people with the excitement and hope they need for the future so they can go on to live happy and successful lives.

However, having a growth mindset is not always easy for teenagers because of the many obstacles and unforeseen setbacks life can throw at us. For example, it can be difficult for many young people to carry on with their daily lives when faced with a challenge.

This can often have a large impact on people’s lives and lead to depression, mental health problems or just feeling like you don’t belong.

From my experience surrounding yourself with uplifting people and having that person you can talk to and ask for support from, can be very beneficial and can help bring people back on track towards living a happy and healthy life. An inspiring expression that really resonates with me and I hope inspires others too is, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel.” I hope it will give people the

reassurance that they are not alone in their feelings and can feel good knowing that something great is going to come out of a bad situation.

Even just a friendly smile to a stranger or a compliment to your best friend can help people to feel more positive about their lives and that they matter. Hope and dreams can be the stepping stone to many amazing achievements and opportunites. Without them we can struggle to feel positive or find the good in our everyday lives! §

'There is a light at the end of the tunnel.'

Great Expectations Madeleine Glossop Images by Alice Hunter

Straight out of the womb

wrapped in baby pink blankets I grew up with Barbie dolls, Twinkle Toes Makeup sets, Hot pink clothes.

My pigtails long and winding as the path ahead.

Straight out of the womb they know where I am going.

I am born in the hope of grandchildren.

I am born in the hope of another teacher, another nurse, another vet, another mother.

Another woman, lest I forget.

Straight out of the womb taught to hate myself.

Taught ugly from pretty just as boys are taught right from wrong.

They will tell me I’m not ladylike.

My body will ache to look like the women in magazines.

To look like the women in movie scenes.

Straight out of the womb

they know exactly where I am going.

I will grow up into my mother’s size 7 shoes.

I will get a degree to prove I’m smart to some corporate company.

No time for art.

What if I squander my life as nothing but the trophy wife.

Because that’s all I’m meant to be.

The very thought cuts like a knife.

And by the time my children grow up, God forbid I never have them.

Am I nothing but the empty shell of the woman I once was?

Will I be forced to forfeit my money and my liberty just to satisfy the people who will ask me, “Why don’t you have kids?”

They will work me to death and as I come to my death bed I will realise that in my head it never really mattered what those people said.

Straight out of the womb

made to do what’s expected.

Must Icontribute to the population?

Must I make a stop at every conventional station?

Must I live to work?

And will I work my whole life just for my name to be buried in the dirt.

Etched into a tomb stone just as the great expectations of society were etched into me?

When you ask me what I want to do when I leave school, I will tell you that I don’t have a clue.

But I know that I will never settle, herded like cattle into an office building where I will sit for hours, eyes square.

Wasting time without a care.

I want to live deep and suck all the marrow out of life, Thoreau says.

And not, when I come to die, discover that I had not lived, Thoreau says.

Hey Google, how to be content when all we can do is spin out a tangent on looks and brains and jobs and money.

We are the bees like cash is the honey.

We make it to spend it and waste it like time.

Don’t I get the choice what I do with mine?

What is life for if used only to get that momentary sweetness?

That temporary feeling of accomplishment when in reality, all you will ever feel is contempt for the ways that we are all forced to live but...

Straight out of the womb

I am lucky.

In Iran, women shot for showing their hair.

While I ran to escape the pressure of my future.

And I’m still the one winning the human race.

What have we done?

What have we done to make it so difficult to be happy.

One problem after another.

We need to solve them, and make it snappy.

Because our time is running out.

Soon I will be the dearly departed.

My grave will say dearly beloved mother, sister, grandparent, friend, colleague, daughter, the perfect wife.

Am I nothing but what I am to others?

We think of the child, never of the mothers.

What am I deep down?

My soul the ultimate being inside my body Does it need others to make it whole?

Straight out of the womb They know where I am going.

Inevitably I will be just as those before me.

The cookie cutter woman will cut me again.

Because I am a girl and apparently, that is all I will ever be.

Behind the Back Cover

“I have chosen to represent the culture of the Chinese students of Rangi Ruru as they are part of our school's wide cultural diversity. I have chosen to base the girl off one of my first Rangi friends, Ivy Liu, (with her permission of course), who kindly gave me the translations of the Chinese characters on the artwork, they say‘Year of Dragon’ as the Dragon is 2024’s Chinese Zodiac Animal. The two dragons represent this. Through my artwork I hope to show how Chinese culture inspired me to design and draw this work and reflect a multicultural student body.”

- Ava Bella Stowers -

This year we are so pleased to have Ava Bella’s artwork displayed on our back cover.

Ava Bella has made massive contributions to Shelter, contributing cover art for the last two years. We are so impressed with the effort she has put into this artwork. She is the embodiment of everything we stand for at Shelter magazine.

- From the Editors -