Debate issue 13

debate ISSUE 13 | JULY 2014

debate Issue 13 | JULY 2014

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by Ramina Rai EDITOR Matthew Cattin matthew.cattin@aut.ac.nz DESIGN/ART Ramina Rai ramina.rai@aut.ac.nz CONTRIBUTORS Laurien Barks | Jess Forsman | Charlotte Lightbody | Blair Walker | Kieran Bennett | Clint Milne | Ethan Sills ILLUSTRATION & PHOTOGRAPHY Blair Walker | Izy Berry | Matthew Cattin | Ramina Rai ADVERTISING CONTACT Kate Lin kate.lin@aut.ac.nz PRINTER PMP Print Ltd. PUBLISHER AuSM all rights reserved

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EDITORIAL Hello all, Welcome back to another semester! If you’re new to humble AUT, hello! So glad you could join us. I do hope you know what you’re in for.

You’ll likely find you never quite have enough hours in the day, yet somehow those hours will stretch or contract subject to your work load and scheduled free time. Enjoy.

For those that have just joined us, debate is AuSM’s weekly student mag, put together lovingly by a small team (designer Ramina and myself) for the procrastination purposes of the student body. It’s quirky, it’s free, there are puzzles and prizes, and every Monday morning you will discover a brand new issue in the red stands around campus. If you’ve ever thought about contributing to the mag, there really is nothing to it - hit me up with your ideas at matthew.cattin@ debate.aut.nz and we’ll get the ball rolling. It’s open to anybody and we’re always happy to hear from fresh, eager contributors. So long as you write good and shizz.

This week’s issue is dedicated to dreamers and schemers, to entrepreneurs, courageous endeavours and wanderlust. We’ve spoken to some fascinating people, living their goals and no-doubt making the people in their lives green with envy. The vigour and courage with which

they tackle life has rubbed off upon me and I’m itching to get into some fresh adventures – I hope their stories fill you with the same inspiration.

Speaking of inspiration, a few weeks ago, I went along to Jane Goodall’s seminar at the Aotea Centre. It can be summed up pretty well with only two words. Just. Wow. The woman is incredible.

At 80-years-old, she stood before the sold out crowd, mesmerising and bright, speaking of her childhood, her inspirations, her ground-breaking research, the current state of things and her hope for a better tomorrow.

As is the case with many influential people, it all began with a dream for Jane. From a young age she had an affinity with animals but it was upon reading Tarzan of the Apes that she realised that A) Tarzan married the wrong Jane, and B) she had a passion for chimpanzees. She set off on a journey to Africa by sea with no formal training, no degree, and no experience with the animals - just a dream and her supportive mother in tow. The rest, as they say, is history. Jane went on to become the world’s most renowned field scientist and has made an outstanding contribution to both science and conservation.

What really stood out to me in her talk was her optimism for change. It meant the world to hear somebody of her stature say it is not too late, the world can be improved if we make a difference in this small window of time. The downward spiral can be slowed, perhaps even reversed, if we all find it within ourselves to care.

I’ve often been guilty of falling into a slump when I contemplate the state of things. The world I was born into was far from healthy, the balance already tipped the way of greed and thoughtless destruction. As I grow older, the slide only becomes steeper, and it’s truly a terrifying thing. Jane recognised this helplessness, in fact she addressed it. It’s such an easy trap to fall into, making the best of your time on a sinking cruise ship. Drinking and dancing to the ship’s band is always going to be easier than repairing the leak. She knows this, and she has spoken to so many with the same feelings of despair. Her message however was this; it is not too late.

Since 1986, Jane hasn’t spent more than three consecutive weeks in one place. This statement would be impressive for somebody of any age, but Jane is 80-years-old and she still works 300 days of the year. Why? Because her passion prevents her from sitting still. She believes in change and she actively seeks a better future for all. If that isn’t enough to spark shivers of inspiration in your chest, you’re dead inside.

Over this semester, I’ll try my darndest to bring to debate some nifty ideas for living clean and green. If you have any tips or tricks, feel free to send ‘em on in.

Good luck with semester two! Keep reading!

Matthew

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FIDDLING AROUND

fiddling Around

By Laurien Barks So, for some reason, ever since I moved out of my little farm in Canada and into the suburbs of Auckland, the fact that I play the fiddle has become an abnormally popular topic of conversation. It's not a talent that I consciously keep a secret, but it's not something that I usually talk about because I didn't think it was that interesting a topic. But in my six years of inhabiting the southern hemisphere, I have learned two things: 1) It is an interesting topic. 2) I have a hobby that is dorky as hell.

I'm not ashamed, but until I moved to New Zealand, I never really vocalised my interest in fiddling to anyone except other people who fiddle. But lately I’ve come to realize that when you sit down and tell an objective audience about fiddling, an audience who doesn’t understand the joy or the fun that comes with it, it’s quickly brought to your attention just how much of a redneck you are.

I come from a place in Canada that is not on any tourist maps. It's pretty much the province of farmers and hillbillies. Our church had a 'country' day where everyone would dress up and the hymns would be Rascal Flatts themed, I worked an alcohol canteen at a race track before I hit the age of 12, square dancing was a legit part of the physical education curriculum and a fun day out was watching Dad climb a tree to remove a raccoon from a crow’s nest (I wish I could say that was a lie). When I say it now, I realize how my childhood could be seen as comical to some people. But when that's your norm, you don't even take notice.

The same rule applies to the fiddle. I have played the violin since I was five-years-old. I

started off playing classical music (the kind of music that people usually think of when they think of the violin). I played it for about two or three years until I was introduced to 'fiddle' music - the kind of music that you can dance to! Waltzes, jigs, polkas, reels! It was incredible. I told my teacher that I wanted to be a fiddle player, and things just spiralled from that point onward.

When I played fiddle music, my fingers moved faster and my bow could be on two strings instead of one! There was a beat that I could actually recognize, and one that made people want to dance. I could keep time by stomping my foot and dancing around instead of politely tapping my toe. My audiences stopped quietly listening and started hooting and clapping along, whistling and dancing! It was the most incredible kind of music that I had ever played and I wanted more.

After this passion was discovered, more opportunities were passed along. I started going to fiddle camp. A place where all us country fiddlers could gather round the camp fire, play us a jig, and learn some new tunes to play at our next shin dig, barn dance, etc. I adored it. Fiddle camp was literally that; we camped and we fiddled all day and night for a week. And I realize now, that that sounds REALLY hick-like, but it was honestly just so normal. I’m not going to lie. I was hardcore. I won two scholarships to go to fiddle camp and when I got placed in the highest skill level workshop group, I walked around like I was the camp God. I got to meet celebrities of the fiddle world and be taught by them! Calvin Volrath and April Verch were my Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Sorry to name drop, but seriously, how can I not!?

My obsession with fiddle music continued to escalate and after fiddle camp came fiddle competitions. I had to play a waltz, a jig, and

a reel in front of a panel of judges and a large audience in hopes of winning one of the coveted titles. The competitions usually lasted two days and were full of blood, sweat and tears. Dozens of participants per age division would battle it out to win trophies donated by local bars and grocery stores. Ranging from little 'uns playing on mini violins because the full-sized ones were too big, up to 80-year-olds who still knew how to party. Whenever I travelled back to my parents' home town to compete in their local competition, I made the front page of their newspaper. 'Barks Girl Back to Compete in Fiddle Competition’. When I think about it, it's really a shame that New Zealanders don't appreciate the goddess-like status that fiddlers have over in Saskatchewan... I kinda miss being famous.

When I was 13, I competed for the last time. But boy oh boy did I go out with a bang. I had my pink cow-girl hat on, my songs ready to go, my stage presence was dynamite due to the fact that I was now a competition veteran, and I had seen my long-time rival, Kyle, fail to deliver a performance of his usual standard. Long story short, even though I had to leave Saskatchewan behind...I left with the title of 'Saskatchewan Junior Champion,' and a fan base that I like to believe was bigger than it probably was.

Needless to say, I've had a lot of fun reliving my glory days since New Zealanders have started taking an interest in my little hobby. I’ve left my hoe down days behind me, and have jetted off to the song styles of the Irish. Swapped the barn for the pub. But, I mean, who knows... Maybe one day this redneck will return to competitions, defend her prestigious title, and give the people what they’ve so patiently waited for.

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starting fresh Interview by Ramina Rai Tell us a little something about yourself and Wedge Juice Bar. My name is Andy Wee and I was born in Singapore. I moved here when I was three-years-old so I’m claiming myself as part and parcel of the New Zealand community. I’ve recently opened up a fresh Juice bar in the heart of Auckland CBD. We sell the best juices around (my opinion may or may not be biased).

What made you decide to start up Wedge?

I decided to look around and see what I could do. Previously I had worked in a juice bar in a farmers market. I remembered the taste of fresh and real fruit juice and I never found a place that delivered this in the same way as that market.

So the journey of a thousand miles began with that single step…

When did you start it up?

I had the idea in October 2013, created a registered company and began looking for an ideal spot then. It wasn’t till early December that we found our current location. We ended up opening in the beginning of April. So from that bad day till the day of the big opening there was a lot of “grin and bear it” time, but that is okay. Everything is okay when you have a bigger goal in mind.

Short story: I had a crappy day at work.

Long story: I graduated in a degree that I didn’t quite like, went into a career that I didn’t quite like and really felt like I wasn’t being challenged in the right way. I remember distinctly looking up from my desk one day and looking around at the team I was in. It felt like they were either overworked or despondent, none of which particularly appealed to me.

I wasn’t bad at my job but every time I did it well I would get assigned more unexciting tasks. Then one day I was given a responsibility that I wasn’t even consulted about - it felt like I woke up one day and everyone was like “Andy!

Why didn’t you do this?” *Insert expletive*

Tell us your favourite thing(s) about working at Wedge: Man have you seen my store? It’s fricken awesome! I get to listen to the music that I want and I’m not staring at a screen all the time.

More importantly though I have gotten to meet a wide variety of interesting (and sometimes weird) people, it’s refreshing. Sometimes I think when we hang out in the same crowd we forget what it’s like outside our little box.

Oh I almost forgot, I get free juice on tap.

What was/is the biggest challenge of starting up Wedge?

Funds. Imagine pouring everything that you have earned into an idea. I’m lucky as well as I don’t have a mortgage and I don’t have kids to feed. But I am not going to lie, money is going to be a big challenge. It’s like blood; it doesn’t determine who you are or what makes you special. But if you don’t have it and it’s not circulating in your system, you’re definitely dead.

Another challenge is time. I’m currently working Mondays to Saturdays 9:30am to 9:30pm. On my rest day I’m usually doing paperwork or shopping at the markets. But you know how you complete 80 per cent of an assignment a day before due date? You will find that you try to make the most of the time that you have.

What advice would you give to people starting up a business?

Firstly ask yourself why you want to start a business. I know I talked about how money was the biggest challenge for me but don’t let it be your main motivational driving force. I mean if you break it down it might be something like this - so you want money. Why? To buy heaps of nice things. Why? To be happy. Ok then happiness is what you are truly after. Will opening a business make you truly happy? It’s the same whether your end goal is wishing to help your parents/community out or just wanting to be the most bomb diggity person in the world. Find the real reason!

This follows on well from the first advice; believe in your product or service. If you are selling something to someone that you think is great for any number of reasons then it will make all the effort you put in bearable. I don’t know how people who are dishonest in their business practices do it. Maybe they truly believe in selling dishonest products/services, in which case they would still be following this principle properly.

as what you become when you achieve your goals.” I feel like every day I am growing a little bit more and becoming what I want to be. It’s a really valuable quote. I keep it in my wallet wherever I go.

In terms of events I’d say that a definite highlight was when one of our customers, Ivan, came in half tipsy and did a freestyle rap for us. It’s on our Facebook page, you should definitely check it out, it’s so funny and after we put the subtitles on we realized how good it actually was. I’ve become good friends with Ivan and went to his house for Enchiladas not too long ago. He’s a good cook.

What did you study at uni? Was it relevant to what you’re doing now?

I majored in Accounting and Commercial Law. I guess you could say juicer man was the next logical step. But seriously, the knowledge I learned from my degree has actually been useful. So has my timetables which I had beaten into me by my parents when I was in primary school. Didn’t particularly enjoy it and it probably didn’t need to happen but now that it has happened I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Juice you’d recommend to first time customers: For beginners I would recommend the Vitamin Booster, Banana Berry Bash or the Zinger. They are our most popular ones. Also ask for a dash of Ice in the Banana Berry Bash, it actually makes a big difference.

Do you have a website we can check out? www.wedgejuicebar.co.nz. It’s got a blog and also a menu including whatever specials we might have. We are still working on it and it is going to be great.

Next is to remember to surround yourself with people who believe in what you are doing and never take them for granted. This journey would have been much harder without the support of my family, my girlfriend Alice Ge, our designer Nancy Lan and most definitely my lil bro Jamie who is always at the shop with me.

Where to find Wedge:

Lastly, believe in yourself. You will need to have faith in your own abilities. It’s rare to be able to achieve anything if you have no confidence.

Words of wisdom:

Something interesting that’s happened to you while working at Wedge: Personally, just before I started this business I read a quote by Henry David Thoreau which said “what you get by achieving your goals is not as important

Tucked away inside Elliott Stables on Elliott St. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy interior, we are a pretty down to earth bunch. Not to mention there’s free Wifi and it’s a cool place to chill.

If you ever find yourself unhappy with your situation always look around. The world is so big and there is a million ways to exist and to be. For me it starts with opening Wedge Juice Bar, but it may not be the same for you.

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HOBBITON – THERE AND BACK AGAIN

by Matthew Cattin My inner 11-year-old was absolutely wetting his pants, but, being the tall, dark and handsome 22-year-old I am, only a few girlish squeals escaped my lips. I was finally standing before Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins in the Shire. Pinned to the gate was a sign adorned with Tolkien’s inimitable script, ‘no admittance, except on party business’ it read. My mind raced. There had to be a way I could sneak back in the dead of night, take up residence within, lock the door and never leave. I was entranced and desperate - I’m not proud of it now. Yes, it likely would have ended with me being tasered and manhandled, dragged from the attraction with soiled pants and foaming mouth while foreigners averted their eyes, but oh what an adventure it would have been.

You see, Matamata’s Hobbiton is not just a disused movie set… The magic is so alive and tangible that I was convinced when night fell, hobbits would emerge from their earthen holes, sit on their porches and light up their Southfarthing pipe-weed in the starlight. Before seeing it for my own eyes, I didn’t expect to like half of it half as well as I should like, and rather, like less than half of it half as well is it deserved. For some reason, I imagined it to be a

decrepit, tagged and depressing place where Tolkien fans went to die. Upon arrival however, I discovered my assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth.

The hobbit holes are exactly as they were during filming, well-tended and bright. I wasn’t walking through a film set – I was walking through the Shire.

No bones about it. The guides were interesting and friendly enough, although I would have appreciated a little more time to wander around of my own accord, see where my hairy feet would take me.

Another aspect I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer amount of traffic pushing through that place on the daily. With tours running every half hour, and with the majority of the tour busses full on the day I visited, it baffled me just how strong Tolkien’s pull still is on our country. It’s not as though Matamata is by its own merits a tourist destination – let’s be honest. As with most of our tourism gems, the huge majority of visitors were not from Middle Earth and I had a great time guessing the many ethnicities roaming The Shire, making up back stories for the strange folk.

The end of the journey brings you to the cosy Green Dragon Pub where you enjoy a complimentary cider or beer in true hobbit comfort.

After being caught in the rain – classic New Zealand – stepping into the Green Dragon was like waking up in a warm bed on a weekend, complete with a purring kitten and cooked breakfast. I grabbed a cider from the tap and a fresh muffin and sat on a rug before the fire with a beautiful young lady hobbit from Seattle. We munched and slurped and decided that there was no place on earth greater, safer or warmer than that very spot.

Utter contentment in the simplest of pleasures. It was glorious. Before we knew it, our tour group had already left and we had to race on after them. In hindsight, I can’t believe I didn’t just stay behind and live out my life before the fire, sitting on the rug like a hobbit child, waiting on one of Bilbo’s stories.

The only downer of the tour was the rush. I suppose it can’t be helped… Demand is demand and all that jazz. But what I wouldn’t give to have the place to myself for a coupla hours! To wander the Shire, to tend to the gardens (where they legitimately grow foodstuffs for the Green Dragon), to run barefoot through the fields and to drink and be merry at the pub before wandering back to my hobbit hole and my hairy-footed hobbit wife. All I have to do is figure out how to get in there without anybody seeing.

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FEATURE ARTIST

Taking the Long Way Home Interview by Matthew Cattin Izy Berry is living the elusive dream of millions – travelling the world, and getting paid for it. At 26-years-old, she’s earning her keep doing what she loves, collecting memories, photos and experiences enough for several lifetimes. She kindly shared her story, wisdom and advice with debate.

What is your job description?

My job is quite abstract, but I basically own a few websites that I sell advertising on. Originally I had a travel blog: www. thewrongwayhome.com and people started to want to advertise on it, so I made a few more blogs and now it's my full income.

Is it really all that it appears to be from the outside? Or are there secret downsides?

It's pretty good! I love my job, that I can work anywhere in the world and that pants are optional. It can be a bit lonely at times as I'm just in my little work cave working alone. I've been in Christchurch the past year but am heading back to travel indefinitely and can't wait.

Was it a long-time dream to be a travel writer?

Nope - I actually completed a Bachelor of Science and was hoping to become a geneticist, but then I got wanderlust and wanted to explore. I've always liked writing and fell in love with travel.

Originally my blog was just an easy way to keep in touch with friends and family but then it got a little bigger than that.

How did you establish yourself?

I just put myself out there - for a long time no one really read my blog and then it snowballed a little. It's still pretty small scale, but I learned so much from it. I networked with other bloggers and this was probably the biggest thing that helped me get to where I am now today. I also did some freelance writing and copywriting through Elance.com which helped fund the travel addiction. Now my income comes from advertising and I even outsource a lot of my work.

Read the book The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris if you want some inspiration on non-conventional living.

Carl mentioned you have a dream of starting up a school in Cambodia? Could you tell us a bit about that?

I haven't decided whether it would be India or Cambodia as I have strong ties to both countries, but I would really like to give back. I have volunteered in Cambodia numerous times, in an orphanage as well as teaching English, in the small town of Takeo. The organisation is great and only charges enough to cover their costs, rather than run a profit (www.newfuturesorganisation.com).

I loved my experiences there and would love to give back. I think it would be the best feeling to know 50 or 100 kids were getting an education because you really wanted them too. That's way cooler than buying the latest iPhone and wouldn't cost too much more.

How long have you been in the job?

I have been doing this work for about 18 months and things are only getting better. Last month I made what I used to make in six months working in a traditional job so it's going really well. I'm looking forward to leaving next month, hopefully becoming a non-tax resident and exploring the world again.

What are your tools of the job?

All I really need is a computer and Internet connection. I have a few people that help me with projects, such as my virtual assistant in the Philippines and a few writers in various parts of the world. I recently downloaded a great app called 30/30 which allows me to set projects for the day and add a timer to them. I'm the queen of procrastination so it's really helping - it would be great for studying too.

Is there a resounding message you have picked up from your many travel experiences?

You don't need as much stuff as you have. Collect experiences, not things. I spent two and a half years living out of a backpack, so couldn't really buy much because it would be a pain to carry, yet I was the happiest I've ever been. There's a saying: "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer" and I would agree with that. I think everyone should go explore the world for a while before they're weighed down with responsibilities.

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FEATURE ARTIST

The Hardships of Living Down Under

By Matthew Cattin Nothing is perfect, but so far as countries go, New Zealand is pretty damn close. I mean, hell, even Springsteen has flaws – I just haven’t found any yet... We have our fair share of problems, as with any nation, but we also have a rather unique set of difficulties that we face alone. I put on my thinking cap and asked around to bring you some of the very real first world struggles we face on the daily down under.

Bumping into world leaders.

How many of you have seen John Key? Or even met him? Shaken his hand? Maybe bumped into him having a beer in his speedos at his summer bach in Omaha? While this may seem like a fairly casual non-event, it’s actually a pretty big deal when you consider it in an international context.

A spontaneous and awkward greeting with a country’s appointed leader is something that simply would not happen in larger countries, at least not without a slurry of bodyguards, bulletproof glass and paparazzi.

National grieving.

Being a small country, New Zealand just loves being the best in the world at something, no matter what it may be. With a national pride so robust however, swallowing defeat is something we struggle with as a nation. Rather than accepting a fair loss, we become unhealthily depressed and the country goes into mourning.

Whether it’s the All Blacks or America’s Cup, we dwell on defeats for years after the final whistle blow, the names of those responsible for the loss blackened on the streets and in the press. Sure every country sulks from time to time, but it seems us Kiwis take a lot longer to get back on our feet.

Having no celebrities Until a 16-year-old pop singer laid down the law, New Zealand had pretty much zero celebs to speak of. We have New Zealand celebrities of course, but they are a totally different breed altogether. To qualify as a kiwi celeb, you need to have been at least one of the following; an

All Black, a What Now host, an X Factor, NZ Idol or McDonald’s Young Entertainers singer or an actor on Shortland Street. They are your options. If you qualify for more than one of the above, you pretty much have it made, you supercelebrity you!

“That’s part of Australia, right?”

Ignorant international media (as well as on-thesly Oz media) just love to treat New Zealand like Tasmania, as if we are a tiny insignificant shit that fell out of Australia and remain abandoned and helpless, adrift off of its coast. They combine our medal tallies, steal what few New Zealand semicelebrities we do have and we’re constantly referred to as part of Australasia. Deep down, I’m sure we all harbour some love for our ANZAC brothers and sisters, but unless war or strife bring us together, they’re a bunch of filthy convicts who cheat at sport and steal our desserts.

I put the word out to fellow New Zealanders to suss out their uniquely Kiwi problems.

Scott Moyes: I hate it when I write songs in the school holidays and turn into a Grammy award winning global pop star.

Melissa Low: Finding a weta in your gumboot.

That crap ain't fun. I hate putting my feet in gumboots now, in fear of a repeat weta incident.

Jasper Sole: True story: While at the airport lounge the other day for a flight from Wellington, my father went for the last piece of cheese, only to find another man also reaching for it. They both withdrew and apologised, and spent the next five minutes trying to politely offer the cheese to the other in typical meek kiwi fashion.

The other guy was John Key. Despite the complete lack of actually venomous creatures in the country, freaking out every time you see a spider that might have some vague hint of white on its back because it might be a White Tail and those things can bite and it might sting a little bit and ooooh.

Listening to your immature mates giggle every time a Maori place name with "Whak" at the beginning of it is mentioned.

Having to do the haka in school despite being a podgy white kid. Slap jiggle jiggle.

Vanessa Crockett: When you get asked ironically by foreigners if there are sheep in the city and you have to reply with yes (Cornwall Park) and when the bakery has no more pies left.

Getting really puzzled looks when asking foreign friends if they have their togs. And listening to others try to pronounce our street/place namesendless road trip entertainment.

Shannon-Mae Read: Dressing for all seasons every day. Bringing a brolly and sunnies. Maybe that's just an Auckland problem…

Morgan Browne: Being most well-known to Australians as the people from Police Ten 7.

Nick Winnard: Gorse - the apex predator of rural New Zealand. I've been mauled by a gorse bush many a time.

Katie Montgomery: I'm currently living in Switzerland and I have to order pens as a part of my job... People often think I'm ordering pins...

Alisha Lewis: 'Marmageddon' being a legitimate news story, television news 'live' crosses from places where nothing exciting is happening, coffee prices, the Ridges, Paul Henry and almost snow in Auckland.

Mum: Having to explain to foreigners that NZ'ers did in fact invent the pavlova and that that going tramping means the same as hiking.

The typical stereotype of a NZ bloke... Rugby, racing, beer, gumboots, being mechanical, home handyman… Ha! Everything you are not!

Jessie Song: Having slower internet connection than the third world and no Netflix.

Carl Ewen: Not having enough sheep to fuck.

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UPDATES WELCOME BACK EVERYONE! Get yourself ready for the upcoming AuSM Madness! We hope all of you had a great break and are ready to have fun with us this week and the rest of semester!

Tag along to the free feed at each campus and join us for a massive Mexican Fiesta on 23 July, Wednesday night at Vesbar!

Check out www.ausm.org.nz and www.facebook.com/ausm1 for more ReOrientation events now!

GET YOUR STALK ON Have you found AuSM@AUT on Facebook yet? If not, head to www.facebook. com/ausm1 and LIKE us. This is where all the photos from Re-Orientation craziness are posted. You can also ask questions and keep up with what’s going down on campus.

AUSM CONNECT Search “AuSM Connect” in the App Store or Google Play and download it for FREE. You can easily keep up to date with news and events and put all your classes and assignments in to keep you on track!

AUSM CLUBS DAY Life at AUT is definitely more than just study hard! Have fun and make new friends with people who share the same interests next week!

28 July, Monday at South Campus, Outside ME Block 29 July, Tuesday at North Shore Campus, Awataha Plaza 31 July, Thursday at City Campus, Hikuwai Plaza Come and check them out from 11am on those dates or email clubs@aut.ac.nz for more info!

you on all levels of the university. My team consists of: Vice-President - Urshula Ansell

PREZ SEZ Kia Ora AuSMers, My name is April Pokino and I have the privilege of being your student president at AuSM for 2014. Welcome back to another semester of late nighters, takeaways, stress filled exam prep and spending money you never knew you even had.

For those of you that are completely new, well done on making the AuSM choice of choosing AUT as your tertiary education provider. AuSM is your student association and we represent you, the students. We make sure you are having an AuSM time at AUT and provide a number of services to help support you including advocacy, free feeds and orientation events.

I also lead a team of students that represent

Office Holders Maori Affairs Officer - KJ Manuel Pasifika Affairs Officer -Suavi Tuilaepa International Affairs Officer – Ravichandra Disability Affairs Officer - Jordon Milroy Postgraduate Students Officer - Anbuselvan Pungiah Faculty Reps Business and Law Faculty Representative Kahutia Maxwell Design and Creative Technologies Faculty Representative - Ashleigh Dunston Health and Environmental Sciences Faculty Representative - Matt Campbell Culture and Society Faculty Representative Joshua Tupene Te Ara Poutama Faculty Representative - Eruini Paranihi Campus Reps City Campus Representative - Charanya Mohanakrishnan North Shore Campus Representative Christopher Dixon South Campus Representative - Gina-Maree Makiha

If by chance you bump into one of these students, do not hesitate to approach them - we are here to represent and support you.

Later on this semester you may want to stand for one of these positions and I look forward to meeting those who apply.

With these words in mind I wish you the best of luck with your studies because I know from experience how hard this journey is.

On that note enjoy your university experience, pop along to O-Week activities and I shall see you around.

Nga Mihi Nui April Pokino

PREZ SELFIE COMPETITION Send us a selfie of you at any AuSM related event and you can win $50 cash. Just email your selfies to our president

april.pokino@aut.ac.nz

HOROSCOPES.

by Jess Forsman

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Breathe - it is Monday and you only have 1500 words to go. It’s due at four.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY23)

Chocolate Beetroot and Salted Caramel Cake

Consider being considerate this week. Empty toilet rolls in the bathroom is inconsiderate.

LEO (JULY 24 - AUG 23) Don’t stalk your crush like the manly lion you are. Just ask her out. If she says no, then stalk away!

VIRGO (AUG 24 - SEP 23) You are so organised this week you have sarcastic remarks pre-prepared for all in your vicinity. Perhaps exam study should be organised instead. Or maybe organise some new friends.

LIBRA (SEP 24 - OCT 23) You are gonna have a great week! Guys will smile at you, hell even the girls. Wait, sorry, it’s because you have something on your face.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 - NOV)

OH HEY! I’m not even going to go into details about how amazing this cake is. This week it’s a Little & Friday cake which is just delicious. I have their cookbooks which are amazing! I just wanted a cake that would go out with a BOOM for Re-O Week! Just make it, and send debate pictures, pretty please?

What you will need: •

The real world is outside of your blanket fort. Yes, you still have to do your study sweetheart.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23 - DEC 21) Chicks dig ripped, slicked hair and a chiselled jaw line.

But you wouldn’t know this, you spend most of your days looking at yourself instead of the lovely ladies.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20) Time to clean your room, bathroom, house and yourself.

Please and thank you.

AQUARIUS (JAN 21 - FEB 19) Back from your ‘unavoidable’ break. Welcome to caffeine intoxication, friends who should be zombie extras in The Walking Dead and hair. Everywhere.

PISCES (FEB 20 - MARCH 20) Eat properly as in chew food. Inhalation leads to choking.

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 20) Self-assurance is good in small doses. Self-absorption is not. Take some of your precious time and look outside the bubble. You may realise that you have an assignment due in an hour.

TAURUS (APRIL 21 - MAY 21) Terrific or terrified? This week you won’t really know where you are on this scale. It helps to lay off the drugs.

• • • • • • • • •

Triple layer cake – 23cm round tin

CAKE

5 eggs 2 ½ cups caster sugar 300 ml canola oil 250 g dark chocolate 2 cups flour 1 cup cocoa 2 tsp baking powder 100 ml milk 1 cup grated beetroot

• • • • •

SALTED CARAMEL

1 ½ cups caster sugar 300 ml cream ½ tsp sea salt

CHOCOLATE GANACHE ½ cup cream 200 g dark chocolate

Method 1. Preheat oven to 160 degrees and line 3 baking tins with baking paper.

2. Whisk eggs and sugar together until pale and creamy, slowly drizzle oil in.

3. Melt chocolate in a glass bowl over boiling water, then add the melted chocolate to the egg mixture and stir.

4. Sift flour, cocoa, and baking powder together into the wet mixture, add the milk and gently combine.

5. Fold the grated beetroot in.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between 3 tins and bake for 40 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.

7. Cool in tins, and then remove any peaks on the cakes 8. Divide the caramel up between two cakes so it’s sandwiched in between.

9. On the top layer spread some chocolate Ganache over and serve!

Salted Caramel 1. Put sugar in a saucepan and just cover the sugar with water.

2. Bring to the boil and then remove from heat.

3. Heat cream to boiling point separately and then slowly add to sugar mix until it’s all combined. Add salt.

Frosting Ganache 1. Heat cream in saucepan to just under boiling point.

2. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted and smooth then let the mixture cool and thicken.

17

MON 21 JULY

TUE 22 JULY

CITY CAMPUS 10am

• STALLS

11am

• FREE PHOTOBOOTH • LOO RACERS

12pm

10am

• STALLS

11am

• SNOWCONES • INFLATABLE BUNGEE RUN

12pm

• FREE FEED • CANDYLAND (FREE CANDY)

• FREE FEED • MECHANICAL SNOWBOARD

Skull Candy & Neff Student Sale

Skull Candy & Neff Student Sale

SOUTH CAMPUS

NORTH CAMPUS

10am

• STALLS

11am

• MECHANICAL SNOWBOARD

11:30am

• SNOWCONES

12pm

• FREE FEED

12:30pm

• EATING COMPETITION

10am

• STALLS

11am

• FREE PHOTOBOOTH • MISSION IMPOSSIBLE OBSTACLE COURSE • PS3 RACING STATION

12pm

• FREE FEED • CANDYLAND (FREE CANDY)

VESBAR

1:30pm

Red Bull DJ Sessions

1:30pm

Red Bull DJ Sessions

6PM

6PM

BITCHIN' BINGO

THE GREAT RE-O WEEK PUB QUIZ

w Bingo Mistress Viv Be in to win heaps of prizes!

FREE ENTRY

Get a team together & play!

FREE ENTRY

WED 23 JULY 10am

• STALLS

11am

• PS3 RACING STATION

THU 24 JULY

FRI 25 JULY

10am

10am

• STALLS

• STALLS

12pm

• FREE FEED

12pm

• FREE FEED •

12pm

• MAD MEX EATING COMPETITION

SOUTH CAMPUS 10am

• STALLS

11am

• FREE PHOTOBOOTH • MISSION IMPOSSIBLE OBSTACLE COURSE

12pm

• FREE FEED • CANDYLAND (FREE CANDY)

1:30pm

NORTH CAMPUS 10am

• STALLS

11am

• FREE PHOTOBOOTH • MISSION IMPOSSIBLE OBSTACLE COURSE

12pm

• FREE FEED • CANDYLAND (FREE CANDY)

1:30pm

1:30pm

Red Bull DJ Sessions

Red Bull DJ Sessions

Red Bull DJ Sessions

5PM

DOORS @ 6:30PM

DOORS @ 7PM

RE-O WEEK MEXICAN FIESTA

AuSM COMEDY NIGHT

Mexican Feed Sol Bucket Specials FREE ENTRY

Heath Franklin's CHOPPER & guests TICKETS $5.00 from eventfinder.co.nz

AuSM RE-O WEEK TOGA PARTY

w DJ CXL & DJ LENSKI Fully themed venue!

Get your toga on!

FREE ENTRY

WWW.AuSM.ORG.NZ 19

DREAMERS WORDFIND

MARTINLUTHERKING

WALTDISNEY

NELSONMANDELA

MOTHERTERESA

JKROWLING

STEVEJOBS

AUNGSANSUUKYI

BILLGATES

JANEGOODALL

RICHARDBRANSON

MAHATMAGANDHI

MICHAELJORDAN

JOHNLENNON

CHRISGARDNER

BOBMARLEY

COLONELSANDERS

OPRAHWINFREY

EDMUNDHILLARY

STEPHENHAWKING

MALALAYOUSAFZAI

Name:

Email:

Circle all the words in the Dreamers Wordfind, tear this page out & pop it into the box on the side of the red debate stands, and you could win vouchers for Velvet Burger! Crazy but true. Get amongst! Winners will be notified by email.

While you're at it, care to write us a lovenote, hatemail or even a suggestion? We'd love to hear it!

Anonymous? (If printed)

WIN STUFF! It's hardly a secret that debate mag loves Pokemon, so if you'd like to win yourself a $100 GORDON HARRIS VOUCHER, create your own Pokemon for us! Draw your new favourite companion in this space and pop it in the red debate stands. Alternatively, you can use your own paper and hand it in to the AuSM office, ORRR, you can send us digital files of your new poke-pal!

Send emails to rrai@aut.ac.nz. Please remember to give your pokemon a name, cos it's the only thing they'll be able to say for the rest of their lives.

Competition ends JULY 31st. You've got 2 weeks, so make them great!

Name: Email: 21

in the jungle

By Blair Walker “Truly my friend, we are almost finished!”

His face doesn’t falter; Benson is the happiest man on the planet. You couldn’t even compare this man to a choir of serenading hippos yawning as the twilight sun goes down! There’s no stopping the flow of warmth and love from this man. He wears an old newsboy cap with bright orange overalls. Everyday you can see Benson out in the field from afar, tending his maize and pumpkins leaves. He makes me smile.

The Zambian rains have come down over the small settlement of Katete, where our volunteer team has been living in for the past four weeks.

This time of year is perfect for growing and harvesting fruit and vegetables that will last the locals throughout the dry season. Today we are preparing the soil for plantation then picking fresh vegetables for lunch. As I continue hacking away at a stubborn weed, my mind back tracks through the experience I have had so far. We are coming to the end of our time here, and I have learnt so much.

It’s hard to summarise an adventure that is now a foundation of life. I came to the local community of Tikondane, within Katete as a volunteer teacher. Here I was put into the local school and given a class of my own for three weeks to assist in educating a class of 63 Zambian students (yeah, you think your class of 35 is crazy!) I taught them English and numeracy. In doing this, I played fun learning games with them, went through writing lessons, read Dr. Suess (they loved Green Eggs and Ham), explained how bees make honey (proud of that lesson – yes I am), and as a cherry on top, sung them In the

Jungle (the MIGHTY JUNGLE!!!). They particularly liked those ‘a-wimba-ways!’ All with a blackboard, some chalk, and extra resources I brought over myself, including a ukulele and some ‘Great Work!’ stickers. Awesome.

A quick backstory: I am currently studying to become a teacher and went to Zambia through the organisation Antipodeans as an extra experience on top of my degree. It was more of a ‘dip my toes in the water experience’ to see if I want to do this later in life after study – It definitely is! Backstory closed.

Having this experience has been the most rewarding time of my life. Not only have I taught young Zambian minds and lived as a local, I’ve also played football with the village boys, had many rewarding conversations, climbed a mountain and overlooked the African plains, river rafted down the Zambezi (with crocodiles looking at us), danced in the pouring rain through a thunder storm, walked with lions, listened to hippos serenade me to sleep, experienced the majesty of the Victoria Falls, bought a safari hat… been on safari… and cuddled a cheetah! The list truly does go on! All I can tell you is that I come to this point of the journey feeling like a mission accomplished man, and ready for the next adventure.

If there was one highlight through my journeys it was definitely the raising of money from my friends and church to buy bikes for locals in need. I raffled off my (pretty decent) mountain bike in the hope to raise money. In the end I made over $2800, which was enough to bless thirteen African individuals with a bike of their own. These were bought from the organisation World Bicycle Relief. A bike can change someone’s life in a

country like this, whether it helps them get to school on time, improve their business, or aid in health support throughout different villages.

It improves travel time ten-fold and helps to carry bigger loads (I saw four locals on one bike once!). Biking is one of my true passions along with teaching. To incorporate my friends and family in on this and combine two of my greatest loves was a blessing in itself. Giving is such a rewarding experience. Paying it forward.

I cannot take all credit though; it was my friends that backed me up to achieve this totally incredible experience. Thank you friends. Thank you Hillsborough.

We can’t make a big change, but we can create friendships. Then friendships can help individuals in need, allowing for change to happen in their lives. We might look at these changes as so small, but in reality it is just so massive. These people truly are so happy, with so little. They’ve figured out what really counts in life. They have a loving community around them that is there through the hardest of times, along with the care and support of other surrounding villages. Rationing food and sharing resources is a part of life, and they work with what they have to survive. In sharing life-impacting experiences with these beautiful people, we ourselves can grow so much, using it as a foundation of life to build on and then flourish. It allows a true view into a window of an alternative culture. It broadens the mind. We are so lucky to live in a world where all the basics of living are easy to access - but perhaps they are the lucky ones, living in a world that doesn’t participate with monetary lust, greed, or vanity? It is their way of life and it truly is so peaceful and loving. I feel privileged to have made the friends I have.

Now, if you excuse me I have lunch to prepare – Zambian style!

23

when i grow up...

9) GAME… PERSON

By Kieran Bennett If life has got you down and university’s feeling like a bit of a struggle, maybe a change could do you good. Fifty seven per cent of experts in life-ology advise that changing your job can do wonders. But why restrict yourself to flipping coffees or steaming burgers? Let’s have a look at those jobs you always wanted as a kid.

10) WIZARD Description: You may not have received your letter at 11, and you may still feel bitter about it, but that’s no reason to not attend a few nightwizarding classes and change your life. Duties may include owning an owl, flicking and swishing your wand and arriving precisely when you mean to.

You’ll get to work in a steady, yet dynamic industry; by which we mean everyone’s really old but keep shape-shifting all the time.

Salary: Can potentially be limitless as you cross the boundaries of all space and time and realise that money is a meaningless construct. Dependant on job performance.

Perks: Snazzy hats, magic powers and house elves arriving every summer to yell at you about the year to come.

Description: Possibly the most sought after, yet highly undefined job younger-person you could wish for. Your responsibilities will be almost nonexistent as the entirety of your job consists of playing games and eating snacks while somehow getting paid for it. You will also, and you don’t quite know how to describe this to your careers councillor, be making games too. It will be rather awesome.

Salary: Irrelevant, you’re playing video games Perks: Unlimited video games for life; each more amazing than the last.

8) CAT Description: Congratulations on your new coat!

As a cat you will be required to do almost nothing whilst looking adorable and fluffy. Make sure to stay on top of things though as every quarter you will be expected to annoy the complete shit out of a bunch of humans, and shove your face in theirs.

Also be prepared for a slight amount of pressure as belly-rub numbers are closely monitored.

Salary: As a cat, your salary will be commission based, per practice. However bonuses await

should you manage to trip anyone and kill them.

Perks: Head-scratches, pre-prepared meals and chunks of hand on demand.

7) RICH Description: If a high pay-rate and murky set of responsibilities sounds like you, then being rich might be your perfect fit. Your job will be bare to say the least as all you really need to do is have large amounts of money and a talent for spending it. Rest assured that any hard work you needed to partake in to get said large amounts has already been taken care of. In addition to this, be prepared to work short hours and do whatever you like because you’re rich.

Salary: Can range from whatever-you-like to however-much-you-need.

Perks: General immunity from everything as your money forms a magic shield around you and protects you. Dental.

6) ROCK STAR Description: Want talent but don’t actually have talent? Become a generic rock star! This position isn’t for the faint of heart, with an ability to be

incredibly cool and suave an absolute must. Don’t worry about playing instruments; you can magically switch between them depending on what you’re listening to at the time.

Salary: Money and fame in undefined, yet unlimited quantities. Hollow sense of fulfilment depending on performance.

Perks: Coolness, guitars and/or other, less interesting instruments and a large hair piece

5) FAMOUS Description: Ever felt like you may potentially be the single most interesting person to ever live? Do you have a burning desire to update Facebook several times a day and wish to actually become your own hashtag? Then why not join the fastest, most vapid and silicon filled industry around? Be famous! Your duties will be largely restricted to just existing and telling people about it, so be prepared to be self-motivating.

Salary: No salary as such, more a large sum of money that appears from an undefined source every so often.

Perks: Adoration and love from millions and more twitter followers than you know what to do with depending on how funny your writers are.

4) YOUR PARENTS

Salary: The monetary income of a small nation

Description: 7.30 is much too early to go to bed, you can stay awake waaaaay longer than that. So become your parents and set your own bedtime while buying whatever snacks and treats you like. Only those with management experience need apply as you’ll be expected to tell people off and be a big meanie.

Perks: Dresses, crowns and the ability to attract small woodland creatures

Salary: Seemingly unlimited when it comes to boring things like ‘curtains’ and ‘new chairs’ and ‘food’ and ‘your sisters dental surgery’, but limited when it comes to chocolate.

Perks: Mastery of the universe and the ability to know everything. Not to be confused with being a wizard.

3) PRINCESS Description: Management without any actual management taking place. Being a princess will require you to wear a large variety of dresses and crowns whilst somehow having sovereignty over a large area of land. Your decision making powers will border on godlike and you will oversee many things whilst any real responsibility is taken care of by other people. More like actual management in that respect.

2) A KID FOREVER Description: Only silly, boring people grow old.

Why not choose to remain a carefree young person forever? Your realm of responsibility will involve doing chores around the house, but only sometimes so self-motivated workers are in fact not a must.

Salary: Five dollars pocket money a week, dependant on good behaviour.

Perks: Total peace of mind forever and food cooked for you.

1) BATMAN Description: Justice incarnate in a bat-suit Salary: The job is its own reward (and billions of dollars from your tech company) Perks: You’re Batman. Nipples on your suit optional.

25

Behind the Screens Wizardry debate caught up with AUT Digital Design graduate Cody Amos to chat about his work as a visual effects wizard.

Since Weta Workshop stole the show in the Lord of the Rings trilogy in 2001, it’s become an incredibly prestigious company that many young filmmakers aspire to work with. Do you feel like you’re living the dream?

Yeah, definitely. I was about 13 when I saw the first Lord of the Rings movie, and it blew my mind so I've definitely imagined working at Weta since then. Although, I feel like I've been living the dream for the last four years working at PRPVFX in Auckland too. I get to make a living doing something I love! Which is the dream right?

Is it company policy to have bare feet at work?

Yes. And you have to rub fertiliser on them to encourage hair growth.

What do you get up to in the average day?

Well, I'm an Effects Assistant Technical Director (FX ATD). In FX we make all the natural phenomena like fire, water, smoke, fog etc. We also break stuff. So we don't make buildings, but if you want one to get busted up, we'll do

that. Another big thing is plant sims. Making them interact with the awesome characters the animators make. Basically we run all kinds of simulations. The assistant part of my job title just means I'm a junior. So they don't expect me to know what the heck I'm doing yet.

Anyway, my average day at the moment involves running heaps of fire sims to set Laketown on fire for the Hobbit 3. Spoiler alert. That dragon really messes Laketown up!

I also drink a lot of coffee.

How did you nab the job?

Well, I started at AUT! I finished Digital Design in 2008. I then managed to get into TVNZ for a year, and then PRPVFX. I got to be the lead FX TD on my first feature film Evil Dead there, which I suppose set me up to get into Weta. Basically I've just worked hard and always tried to learn as much as possible.

And Evil Dead made my show reel look pretty sweet and managed to impress the Weta guys I guess.

What are some notable scenes you have been involved in so far in your career?

I've only been at Weta for a month. So none there. But I'm working on the Laketown scenes for the next Hobbit! Also if you've seen Evil Dead, most of the fire in that film was me. I particularly liked setting the girl on fire in the opening scene.

Do you have any advice for creative graduates looking to work at a VFX company like Weta?

Work hard and keep learning, I guess. And look for opportunities to really spend a lot of time on some good looking shots. There's a massive difference between what you can achieve spending a few hours on a shot compared to a few months!

Having extensive knowledge of visual effects and behind the scenes secrets, does it devalue or enhance your film watching experience?

Um, maybe enhance? I guess I'm more likely to notice bad looking shots. But usually these days everything looks great, so I often forget about FX like everyone else. And sometimes I'm extra impressed by really nice work that I suppose most people wouldn't notice.

Are there any aspects of the job you don’t enjoy?

Yea of course. I mean, even though I'm making cool stuff it's still hard work. That's why we call things 'works of art' I guess. So like anything, there are plenty of tedious tasks.

But mostly it's pretty rad. I don't even hate Mondays!

Tell us what you think

Auckland’s New Bus Shelter

Auckland Transport is seeking feedback on three new bus shelter designs being trialled on Symonds Street in the city.

What are we seeking feedback on?

Shelter A

It would be great if you can visit the shelters and provide feedback on the following aspect of the designs: • • • • •

Shelter B

Weather protection Comfort Physical accessibility Safety Visual attractiveness

How can I provide feedback?

We welcome your feedback by 4pm Friday 22 August 2014, by going to www.AT.govt.nz/busshelter (call us if you want a copy sent to you or catch one of our AT Ambassadors onsite)

Shelter C

The shelters are open for feedback until 22 August 2014.

Further information: www.AT.co.nz/busshelter or phone (09) 366 6400

27

NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PICKS

by Matthew Cattin Praise Pacino! It’s that time of year again! Get out your highlighters, tighten your belt buckles and order yourself a fat stack of tickets to this year’s Film Festival. After poring over this year’s booklet, and deciding I wanted to see every film, I have managed to narrow it down to just 10 that appeal to my tastes.

Enemy

Joe

Starring Jake Gyllenhall and Jake Gyllenhaal, Enemy plays on the age old wonder; what if there is another ‘me’ out there somewhere? When history professor Adam discovers his identical doppelganger, he can’t help but track down and confront the mirror image, for better or for worse.

Directed by the same fella that brought us the brilliant Incendies in 2010, my expectations are through the roof. And let’s be honest, the only thing better than one Jake Gyllenhaal is two Jake Gyllenhaals.

What’s this? Nicholas Cage in a festival film? As much as the internet makes fun of old Nick, many critics agree that if you ignore the bulk of his work, he’d be one of the greats. Going by initial buzz too, it seems Joe is not only Cage’s best role since Adaptation, it may be one of his best ever. Telling the tale of an ex-con’s efforts to protect a young teen from his violent, alcoholic father, Joe promises to be a thrilling drama and with any luck, a return to form for the often clueless Cage.

When Animals Dream

Jimi: All Is By My Side

When the Twilight franchise stormed through cinemas, not only did it bring vampires into disregard, it also managed to suck werewolves down with it. With any luck, this furry addition from Denmark will set the bar back up to where it belongs. It’s a tradition of mine to fit in a monster film in every festival and thus far, they’ve always ended up amongst my favourites. Here’s hoping a female werewolf from Denmark can keep the standards up.

Featuring Outkast’s André Benjamin as a young Jimi Hendrix, this biopic has been the centre of online hype for quite some time. By the look of early feedback, we will see more than just Jimi the legendary guitar god in this one and I have the feeling the truth might leave precious fans a bit sore. Bring it on though, I say. It’s always interesting to see the darker sides of our heroes and I’m sure the music will be enough to make for a memorable cinema experience.

29

The Rover

Cold In July

Starring Guy Pearce and Cedric Diggory, The Rover hails from Australia, land of hit and miss cinema and animals that want you dead. Set in the outback, a decade after global economic collapse (so… Probably quite similar to the current outback…), this Oz addition looks pretty bloody grim…

However, the casting of R-Patz attracted much hype to the project and expectations are high. Despite Australia’s shaky film history, this might just be one to watch.

Starring Michael C. Hall, perhaps better known as Dexter, Cold In July is a thriller that snares a regular Joe in a tangled web of corrupt policemen and dark criminals. When a home intruder sneaks into Richard Dane’s house one night, in the interest of protecting his family, he shoots the sneaky fella dead. A crim from way back, the cops aren’t phased – it’s one less scumbag on the streets. But when the dead man’s father starts showing up for answers, shit starts getting intense. Check out the trailer if you still need convincing – this film looks suspenseful as hell.

Boyhood

The Dark Horse

Filmed over 12 years, Boyhood is one of the most ambitious film projects in cinema history. Chronicling a boy’s life, from age six through to 18, this daring experiment used the same cast throughout to make for a truly genuine coming of age story. The trailer and early reviews promise something touching, profound and of all the festival’s gems, this screening has me most excited.

Of the many films repping Niu Zellund this year, Dark Horse has received the biggest share of the spotlight. Focusing on New Zealand chess champion Genesis Potini and his battles with bipolar, acceptance and violence, The Dark Horse will have its world premiere at opening night of the festival and is sure to have you crying koru shaped tears of Kiwi pride. Starring Cliff Curtis and “the kid from Boy”, you can’t go wrong.

Life After Beth

Living Is Easy With Eyes Closed

Zombie films may have been done to, well, death, recently, but I still can’t get enough of the genre. We’ve seen zombie romance before in last year’s quirky Warm Bodies, but it seems Life After Beth has something fresh to add to hoard of undead films already out there. Starring a cast of promising up and comers (Dane DeHaan, Aubrey Plaza) alongside some comedy veterans (John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon), it ought to bring a smile to your dial and if the gods are good, the revival of a tried and true formula.

I may be judging a film completely by its title here, but anything Beatles and I’m all over it. The fact it cleaned up at the 2014 Goyas too, well that just seals the deal. Set in ’66, the film follows Beatles-mad English teacher Antonio on his road trip to America to try and met his hero John Lennon. Picking up a few young hitchhikers along the way, an unlikely trio sets out in a road trip film sure to bring smiles and feels.

aut blues awards Know a New Zealand sports representative currently studying at AUT?

Just ask.

It’s simple: If you need help or support with anything at all while studying at AUT – don’t hesitate, just ask.

Student Services are FREE* and available Monday to Friday on all our campuses.

Please contact us to find out more about the support we offer.

Nominate them for an AUT Blues Sports Award. http://aut.ac/AUTblues

Phone 09 921 9779 * Health services may incur charges beyond routine consultations

31

REVIEWS

Do your strong opinions drive away your friends? Send us an email at mcattin@aut.ac.nz to contribute to our reviews section.

Hannibal Seasons 1-2 Created by Bryan Fuller Starring Hugh Dancy, Mads Mikkelsen, Caroline Dhavernas

to and how to find them. This sounds alright on its own but as the title suggests, this show isn’t just about Will Graham. It’s also about Hannibal.

Note: A procedural is a series that follows “procedure”. We see this in shows like CSI; they follow the rules of being a cop which can often lead to repetition and familiarity. See Crime scene, analyse blood splatter, interview victims family, find killer, interrogate killer, find victim.

Its Hannibal’s manipulation of Will, and their relationship that makes this series tick. The police procedurals are just a smoke screen to tell deeper, darker personal stories, and Hannibal does so in some interesting ways. The story is told through imagery, we gain an understanding of how characters are feeling through surreal sequences outside of the procedural cases. This is only amplified in season two as we start to get less and less “case of the week” to solve and more time on the shows characters and overarching narrative.

The music and cinematography are superb, making it worth the watch alone.

This is a well-crafted series with very few flaws in presentation. My only issue might be that the procedural stuff tired me when I watched it on a week to week basis, and caused me to tune out until I was recommended to keep watching. It’s the tail end of season one that Hannibal lives up to some of its promises and breaks out of its procedural trappings. Its season two that Hannibal becomes near perfect.

Reviewed by Clint Milne Hannibal season two just wrapped up and it ended in a way I don’t think anyone expected; potential mass casualties. This is a series that gets things done, quick.

The first season of Hannibal appears to be a typical police procedural with a “mentalist” like character joining the police to help solve crimes. Will Graham uses his super human powers of empathy to wildly guess what the killer was up

Il Mee Korean Restaurant 480 Queen Street Auckland

Hannibal is not for everyone; in fact it is probably the most gruesome and gory thing that has hit television. The gore is often presented in larger than life situations, it’s not something you’d see on CSI and I’m pretty certain we won’t see any serial killers emulating it on the news.

If you’re not squeamish and you’re looking for something to watch, check out Hannibal - it is well worth it. Just don’t make plans to eat anything during it.

meal. If you’re able to finish both your main and your collection of sides without assistance, I will be impressed.

Service.

The moment you take a seat, you’re delivered a menu and a cold water bottle (which, again will be replaced if asked). Meals never take longer than 10 minutes to arrive, no matter how full the place is, and they’re always sizzling hot and delicious. The staff are all very happy and polite and will win no doubt your affections with their lovely smiles. You can’t go wrong.

Food Korean food is perhaps a bit of an acquired taste but once you get hooked on it, it’s like a drug. It can be a little spicy, but nothing I can’t handle (and I’m admittedly pretty bad with hot food). For beginners, I would recommend the dol sot bi bim bab (a rice, vegetable, kimchi and beef mix served on a hot stone), bulgogi beak ban (vegetables and meat in a sweet sauce served on a hot stone) or kimchi jjikea (a delicious soup with pork, vegetables and kimchi).

Reviewed by Matthew Cattin Eating out can often be a rather unsatisfying experience, particularly for your wallet. Unless you opt for fast food, a dinner sized meal will set you back somewhere around 20 hard-earned dollars – and that’s not okay. I was first introduced to the joys of Korean food in 2012 and life hasn’t been the same since; I crave it all the time. If I didn’t know better I would say I was pregnant.

As much as I would like to keep Il Mee restaurant a secret however, it’s just too good not to share… Here’s why.

Sides.

Perhaps my favourite thing about Korean food is the sides. I’m not talking about a dish of rice or a few peanuts in a bowl, I’m talking about five or six sides that can be refilled if you so desire. Kimchi, potatoes, bean sprouts, soup – it’s all free, it’s all delicious, and it comes complimentary with every

Value for money For a massive meal and aforementioned sides, you’re looking at $12-13, a pretty hard price to match in Auckland for the amount of food you get. Oh, and beers are cheap too. If you’re feeling a bit more daring however, order a bottle of soju to share – it’s a rice liquor bound to get you buzzing.

Atmosphere Well it’s nothing fancy, but Il Mee Restaurant certainly does have a nice charm to it. It’s also pretty neat that most times I visit, I’m the only pakeha in the place – I guess that’s how you know you’re getting the real deal. They play classic hits over the stereo too so you can listen to 80s power ballads while you eat – what more could you want in life?

If you’re sick of the regulars; BK, kebabs, sushi or Thai, why not give Korean food a try at Il Mee? It’s not for everybody’s tastes but once you’re on that train, there’s no getting off.

Broadchurch Directed by James Strong and Euros Lyn Starring Olivia Colman, David Tennant, Jodie

Reviewed by Ethan Sills I had been waiting for months to watch Broadchurch before it arrived here.

While I am a bit over crime shows, the intriguing premise and the fantastic lead actors significantly raised my hopes, and the rave reviews pouring out of the UK just added to the anticipation. When TV One announced they would air it, I couldn’t wait to soak up all eight episodes and find out who the killer was.

That was until Graham Norton spoiled the ending… twice… *sigh* While a good argument for why we need to bring TV here faster (or I should really just start streaming), the spoiled ending, while a bit disappointing, didn’t really detract from the overall story. Broadchurch is as much about the lives of the officers investigating, the family affected and the impact on the

Edge of Tomorrow Directed by Doug Liman Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton

Reviewed by Ethan Sills A lot of the blockbusters that get released nowadays are seen as being the start of a franchise; film studios love to make movies that have the potential for sequels and future profit. As a result, very few of the big budget movies we get are actually original – but while Edge of Tomorrow is based on a graphic novel, one of its most pleasing aspects is that it’s a one and done story, something we can easily enjoy without wondering when the next instalment is coming out.

This surprisingly pleasing movie can easily be summed up as a sci-fi, dystopian version of Groundhog Day. Tom Cruise stars as Major William Cage, an army

close town as it is about catching the killer, and those elements make it a spectacular ride even if you know who did it.

The eight part drama follows the aftermath of the suspicious death of 11-year-old Daniel Lattimer and the ensuing investigation by the secretive Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and his reluctant partner Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman). As the family struggles to cope and the town deals with the fact one of them is a killer, the officers uncover more and more secrets within the coastal town that shakes Broadchurch to its core, while harbouring secrets of its own.

While it has a shocking crime at the centre of the show, Broadchurch is a pleasure to watch thanks to the cinematography which captures the beauty of the beachside tourist town and the amazing performances from all of the main characters. David Tennant and Olivia Colman are superb as the leading detectives, joined by grieving mother Beth, tragic shopkeeper Jack and the mysterious and cruel Susan Quirk. The performances are the cogs that make this show worth watching, and even the most seemingly insignificant character still brings their own weight and depth to the story.

The conclusion of a mystery is perhaps the most important part. I was intrigued to see how and why the killer did it, and I must admit the motivations were rather a let down. There were several elements introduced in earlier episodes that were never resolved and could have contributed to a better ending, but the acting that comes with the reveal makes it all worthwhile.

Overall, Broadchurch was a fantastic little show to watch, even with the knowledge of the murderer sitting at the back of my mind. It is certainly not the best police drama ever, but the performances kept me engrossed. It’ll be interesting to see how much the second series with a new case will tie into this one, but I think I will be back for more – let’s just hope it gets here before Graham does.

PR man in the middle of a war against a race of invading aliens called Mimics, perhaps the most terrifying and realistic aliens I have ever seen.

When he refuses to go to the front lines to film the next battle in France, he is arrested and forced into the war as a private, only for the battle to go horribly wrong. Cage manages to kill a larger than normal Mimic before dying himself, only to wake up the day before the battle. As he begins to accept and realize he is living the same day over and over again, one of Cage’s battleground encounters brings him face to face with famous soldier Rita Vrataski (played brilliantly by Emily Blunt), who works out what is happening to him as she previously had the same ability. Cage must now relive the same day over and over again until he and Rita can work out how to defeat the powerful Omega Mimic fuelling the war.

It is an odd plot on paper, and the idea of watching Tom Cruise doing the same thing over and over again may not sound very appealing.

However, Edge of Tomorrow manages to pull off this bizarre storyline thanks to excellent writing and superb editing, something I never usually notice in movies but is done brilliantly here. The movie cleverly skips over some details and scenes to provide a smoother and faster story and to pack in an equal amount of clever humour and surprising twists. Cruise and Blunt have great chemistry together and their burgeoning but impossible relationship is portrayed well, though it does feel in places like they are too chummy after having only technically known each other for one day.

Not all is perfect: Cage’s interchangeable soldier comrades don’t really add anything, and a movie like this is difficult to end satisfyingly, but I still enjoyed every second of this. Edge of Tomorrow is smart, witty, well acted and manages to make each repeat for Cage fresh and exciting. I was engrossed for the whole two hour runtime, and this was simply a brilliant blockbuster that has no need for a franchise – it does such a good job with just one movie.

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