Debate | Issue 3 | Existence

debate Issue 3 | March 2019 | Existence

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Contents

Heritage :: Page 8

Shopping on a $35 Budget Page 14

Adolescents in Insta-Land Page 18

Planes of Existence Page 26

Spaghetti Recipe Page 32

C OV E R I L L U S T R AT I O N BY L E O WA LTO N

EDITOR Ben Webber ben.webber@aut.ac.nz DESIGNER Ramina Rai rrai@aut.ac.nz ADVERTISING Jesse Jones jesse.jones@aut.ac.nz

CONTRIBUTORS Samirah Ali, Sarah Florence, Taylor Tutawa, Kat J. Weiss, Sophia Romanos, Courtney PrattYoung, Larissa Howie, Loren Tomlinson, Gabbie Tutheridge, Leo Walton, David Evans Bailey, Zoe Holland, Melissa Koh

PRINTER Nicholson Print Solutions DISCLAIMER

Material contained in this publication does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of AUTSA, its advertisers, contributors, Nicholson Print Solutions or its subsidiaries.

Debate is a member of the Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA).

This publication is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 (“the Act”) to the holders of the copyright, being AUT STUDENT ASSOCIATION (“AUTSA”). Reproduction, storage or display of any part of this publication by any process, electronic or otherwise (except for the educational purposes specified in the Act) without express permission is a break of the copyright of the publisher and will be prosecuted accordingly. Inquiries seeking permission to reproduce should be addressed to AUTSA.

PUBLISHED BY

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Editor's Letter I would firstly like to send my love to the victims and affected families and friends of the Christchurch terror attack on Friday 15 March. We must work to stop violence toward Muslim communities and other minorities that face similar threats in New Zealand. It’s critical that we listen to these communities.

Groups like The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand have been working to fight discrimination for years. They have a right to be listened to. Going forward, we must realise that every little comment, or slur, or derogatory look is contributing to and helping to feed a racist culture in New Zealand. This can’t continue.

In the aftermath of the attack, I spoke to Mohamed Soliman from the Muslim Students Association at AUT. I was immediately struck by how calm and serene he was in the face of such adversity.

Mohamed told me that whatever happens, he and his community do what their religion tells them: “to be peaceful to

everyone and to do whatever you can to support the people.”

It was a privilege for me that Mohamed let me speak with him so soon after such an unthinkable tragedy. I asked him whether AUT has been doing enough to help and he told me the MSA feels the university is “doing a good job giving us support.”

He said the community support in Christchurch has been strong too. “Over there they are overwhelmed by all the support from all the community. Muslims and non-Muslims are helping people there with food and also emotional help.”

I asked Samirah Ali, also from the MSA, what the AUT community can do to help.

“In the coming weeks what people can do is just make us feel a little welcome and more at home. If you’re walking past you can say ‘are you ok’. Usually you wouldn’t get that. If you can support us in anything we’re doing that would be

great. Even when we’re walking around if you could exchange a ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ just to make us feel safe on campus. Maybe even exchanging a smile would be enough.”

Samirah said as it’s a hard time for the Muslim community, some individuals will appreciate being more included in class and may prefer to work in groups.

At 12:28 on Monday I left my office to observe the planned 12:30 minute of silence. As the time ticked down, I watched a group of guys loudly playing basketball and I was convinced they would continue throughout the course of the silence. But they didn’t. Suddenly everything stopped and the plaza went quiet.

This issue is all about existence. As you flip through the pages, I encourage you to reflect on whether you’re doing enough to support the existence of those around you.

-Ben

Can't get enough of Debate? Check out our website, like or follow us on social media, or email the editor to get involved. www.debatemag.com

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debate@aut.ac.nz

A Message from the AUT Muslim Student Association honour amongst us all as a country. On behalf of all the Muslim students at AUT, we’d like to thank everyone for visiting our mosques and placing flowers to show their love, respect and gratitude for our community. Thank you all for reminding us that we belong here and that New Zealand is also our home. We hope to continue supporting one another and strengthen our relationship with everyone in the years to come.

“On behalf of all the Muslim students at AUT, we’d like to thank everyone for visiting our mosques and placing flowers to show their love, respect and gratitude for our community.”

Assalamualikum Warahmatullahi Wa Barkatahu Peace and blessings to you all.

Friday 15 March 2019. A day that we as a community and as a nation will never forget. This tragic event has left us all wounded in our hearts and most of all it has torn innocent families apart.

As the AUT Muslim Student Association, we stand together, united and strong to support our fellow brothers and sisters who have been victims of the Christchurch massacre. It’s a difficult time we’re going through as a community and the love and support we have received from everyone from all over the country has been tremendous. It makes us all feel like we’re loved and that we belong here. It reminds us that we are not alone in this battle.

The culprit has failed to instil fear in us and divide us. He has instead led us to create a stronger bond of love, respect and

Our aim is to unite, connect and inspire the student body on our campus. We have been hosting a number of events on our AUT city campus to promote our religion, culture and traditions.

The aim of these events is to gather our fellow students and community members together to build community pride and social cohesion, expand cultural perspectives and enjoy joyous occasions together. Our association represents different ethnicities, a vibrant range of cultural and racial backgrounds and varying socio-economic backgrounds. We enjoy an abundance of resources focused on embracing diversity and culture. Living in multi-racial country, we provide students on campus with an opportunity to experience and gain a deeper appreciation for our diverse culture and beliefs.

Wassalam Samirah Ali, AUT MSA Secretary

Do you need help? If the Christchurch attack has impacted you and you need help, please mention this when booking your appointment with AUT services. AUT Student Counselling: 09 921 9292, or visit WB203 | Need to talk: txt 1737 | Outline (Rainbow support): 0800 688 5463 | Youthline: 0800 376633 txt 234

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news

Uni Students Facing High Meningococcal Risk

By Ben Webber

Experts are calling on university students to get vaccinated as concerns grow around student susceptibility to meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious illnesses including meningitis and septicaemia.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre says those living in close contact with others are at a higher risk of catching the disease.

The centre specifically mentions those living in crowded conditions such as dormitories and student hostel bunkrooms as being at a higher risk.

AUT told Debate that people living in student residences are made aware of the vaccine and all AUT Student Health Centres have information available.

The meningococcal vaccine is available

from GPs and students are encouraged to get vaccinated before moving into the halls.

AUT told Debate several types of meningococcal vaccines are offered at the AUT Student Health Centres.

“There was an induction so in the induction there was a lot of information about the different vaccines they recommend you get before you move in.”

This includes the A, C, W, Y and B vaccines.

Dr Helen Petousis-Harris from the University of Auckland says on top of getting the vaccine, the usual principles of infection control still stand.

Meningococcal B is the most commonly occurring strain in New Zealand.

This includes avoiding sharing saliva and washing hands regularly.

Students wanting the vaccines will have to cough up money, however, as health boards are not currently offering them for free.

Petousis-Harris also says those who have had the vaccine before still need to check if they need another.

Dawn Teio, a resident at AUT Wellesley Student Apartments told Debate that despite missing her induction, she has still seen signs up that warn of the disease.

“I think the main thing people do not realise is that anyone who has received a vaccine against meningococcal disease in the past may not be protected now as protection wanes after about five years.”

Another WSA resident, Sky Lunson, told Debate she has been informed of the risks early on.

Three cases of meningococcal disease were reported at the University of Otago in 2018.

International Event Gets Big Numbers

By Ben Webber

A small orientation for international students ended up with double the expected number of students in attendance.

AUTSA’s International Affairs Officer Divya Kataria felt compelled to hold the event when she learned AUT did not organise an orientation exclusively for international students.

“A lot of students in the past two weeks have been coming to me asking about things and complaining that they’re lost and don’t know anything.”

Kataria says she decided it would be nice to hold a small orientation so that some of the international students could have questions answered and meet people from their own country.

It is understood that around 65 students attended the evening, which focused on practical information and Kataria says it also helped students to make connections with one another.

“I think a lot of people became friends and left together. It was nice to get people who are feeling the same thing together.”

know how to approach someone or how to blend in.”

She says it’s important to help these students learn how the New Zealand education system works and what to expect from their chosen industry.

Kataria says she feels she can relate to AUT’s international students on a deeper level, as she felt a similar way to them when she arrived in New Zealand.

Kataria says one of the biggest challenges faced by international students is the difference in education systems between New Zealand and other countries.

“I understand how hard it can be to start from scratch in a new country where you don’t know anyone or have a single friend. You don’t even have your parents.”

“People coming from India, for example, are more theoretically based. We don’t do a lot of team projects so when someone from India comes here they do not always

Kataria says she wants to get more international students involved and out of their shells and help them all to become a part of the community.

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Heritage Sarah Florence and Taylor Tutawa share their stories of living as mixed race people in Aotearoa.

Illustration by Kat J. Weiss

Growing up I hated getting tanned. I wore a wetsuit all summer and piled layers of sunblock on top of one another to try to stop myself getting too dark. I sat there jealous of all my friends with their blonde hair and fair skin while I sat there with black hair, the beginnings of a moustache and skin that wouldn’t stop getting darker. Even my cousins - who have the same amount of Indian blood - are much fairer, with hazel eyes and lighter features.

I was crushed by it. I lived in Fiji for two months but felt even more conflicted there than in Auckland, as I was laughed at by relatives because I couldn’t speak Hindi. I never knew where I stood. Every time a survey came round I dreaded the “tick one box” question. Do I tick European? English? Kiwi? Scottish? Pākehā?

Indian?

I cringed every time I received the question “Where are you from?”. So often it went along the lines of: “Where are you from?”

“Auckland” “No, like where are you FROM?” “I was born in Tauranga” “No, like your parents” “They were both born in Auckland” “What about your Grandparents?”

“Three are Scottish/English/Kiwi with blue eyes like my Dad; and one grandparent is full Indian from Fiji. Mum is half Indian so I’m a quarter” It often made me feel like I didn’t belong in the country I was born in or the country my parents and grandparents were born in. When my Dad used to pick me up from school the kids would sometimes wonder who he was, not realising it was my Dad.

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It’s hard growing up mixed race in a black and white world. I’ve been called a mongrel by a random lady at a shopping centre and been so insulted by racist comments from people, even friends, who didn’t know my family background.

One night at church I felt sick, so I went out the back for a bit. I sat on a couch in the foyer, directly between the European service in the auditorium and the Indian service in the chapel. As the services started the doors to both rooms were closed. I couldn’t help but laugh about the position I was in.

It was a metaphor for my life - the doors to both sides were shut and I sat stuck halfway between the two. Too dark for the Europeans and too light for the Indians.

Years ago, I was waiting on MRI results from an injury when everything hit me.

The neurosurgeon wrote on his findings “I cannot seem to place Sarah into a box.”

That was it. That was the answer. Although he was referring to a completely unrelated topic, it was that one little line that sparked something. I finally realised I would never fit into the box because I wasn’t made for one. I suddenly felt so much freedom. I could spend my time being miserable and feeling left out or I could stop trying to fit in and just live.

with the confidence that I don’t have to be one or the other. I can now step out every day and draw from both sides of my racial background. Although the pages of my family history are smeared with racism, poisonings, death threats and curses, these have all been rendered powerless by rich blessings, love and grace.

In the words of a woman who knows this all too well; “so you make a choice: continue living your life feeling muddled in this abyss of self-misunderstanding, or you find your identity independent of it. You push for colour-blind casting, you draw your own box” - Meghan Markle.

We’ve been trying to squash people into boxes for centuries and when we use boxes or labels to judge others, we end up doing the same to ourselves. An unending oppressive spiral, where everybody is left wounded. People end up more deflated and meeker than ever. We were never meant to live suppressed by these boxes.

We will never fit perfectly into a box, so we need to stop expecting to. The moment I realised this my self-esteem grew like crazy because I stopped comparing myself so intensely to others. I’ve begun living

I wonder, if we take the first step and stop labelling ourselves, how much easier it will be to stop labelling others? I encourage you to take the first step and give yourself the grace you deserve, before taking the second

“We will never fit perfectly into a box, so we need to stop expecting to.” and third and demonstrating it to others.

Martin Luther King Jr’s words are echoed once more, “when will the time come when we aren’t known by our race but by our hearts and character?”

Taylor’s Story I am a white man. I am a brown man. Or am I both? This is a question I have asked myself too many times to count.

As a mixed race person of Māori and Pākehā descent in Aotearoa I have the distinct privilege of walking in both worlds. Yet it always felt that my existence was never enough for either side. Never brown enough to be anything but the token white guy to the Island boys back in school, yet apparently too brown to kick it with the white folk (because liking gangsta rap and Dave Chappelle is bad).

It can be hard to figure out which culture you belong to when you don’t identify with one over the other and this applies to all mixed race people no matter what your ethnicity is.

Growing up in the cultural melting pot that is Auckland, I was continuously exposed to a plethora of cultures through

the people I met, the friends I made, the events I attended and most importantly all the amazing cultural food I would eat.

It was easy for me to get washed away in it all and just as easy for me to neglect my own culture for the sake of another.

Being a mixed race kid raised by a single brown woman was a unique experience for me. Lacking a male role model, my mother took on both roles and showed me te kaupapa o Te Ao Māori (The principles of being Māori). I learnt to speak Te Reo Māori, and also the customs and traditions that came with the culture. But after years of not practising Te Reo, I lost most of my understanding of it and I’m only recently starting to regain everything.

For the longest time I was like a blank canvas, trying to colour myself appropriately. I idolised the African American culture with their larger than life celebrities and take-no-shit attitude. I obsessively studied Japanese culture and had a whole crew of Asian bros to hang out with. All the while I was imitating other cultures in an attempt to grasp my own.

Mixed raced people have the unique experience of being part of multiple cultures but the flip side of this is the difficulty in trying to find your place within

these varying cultures. Other mixed race people I’ve met have had similar struggles with finding their identities. The worst story I’ve heard was of an individual who was rejected by their family because they weren’t a ‘full blooded’ member of their specific ethnicity.

Some people see their mixed background as a burden but speaking from personal experience I can tell you that it is a wonderful gift which should be used to your advantage. I am privileged with my mixed blood to be welcomed onto a marae and be able to bust out my Reo, while also being able to walk the world as a light skinned man and not experience the BS that other minorities can face.

As mixed race people, we get to see the world from a different perspective and our very existence is a special thing that should not be taken lightly. I finally understand that I can only be myself and I must maintain who I am regardless of anything else. I’m proud to be a mixed race person of Māori and Pākehā descent.

I’m proud that I have a love and passion for other cultures while still being true to my own. But most of all, I’m proud that I no longer struggle with my identity and can firmly say that I live with pride. And hopefully so can you.

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We Know Where View Live

Jessica sent us this unglamorous view of O’Rorke.

ting

Tahiri took a pic of a stranger chat up her bunny in the backyard.

In honour of our ‘Existence’ Issue, the Debate team asked our readers to send us the views out their windows. The results were a mixture of depressing, weird and kind of nice.

Here are some of our favs.

Jordon sent us her view of Symonds Street which she says is a prime spot for people watching.

Jess snapped these lovely gentlemen playing basketball outside her bedroom.

The Good, the Bad and the....Weird We scouted out the students of AUT City Campus to discover the ups and downs of uni-ing and what weird stuff goes down around here...if any.

How is campus life treating you?

“Treating me good. I mean there’s not much of a campus life and that’s why it’s treating me good. I mean I just come here and I go home.” - Robin & Alexia

“Pretty good mate. I like level 5. It’s cool how we had to get to third year till we could use the media centre. I would have expected leather seats and shit but this’ll do. Yeah, that or free food.” - Harry

What’s the weirdest thing about campus life?

“Just being flirted with by chicks. I think they know I’m gay but they try their luck.” - Bryan

“Probably someone heating up their salad in the microwaves at uni. Who the fuck heats up salad?” -Cam

What’s the best thing about being a uni student?

“Lifestyle. With the boiiiis.”

- Harry

“Campus life is great. Our resources and stuff are really good. When I was at the University of Auckland, it was shit. When you learnt media and film it was all theory, they didn’t have any equipment.” - Bryan

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I tried to grocery shop on a measly $35 Full time uni and full time poor - Debate’s Sophia Romanos gave the humble aisles of Pak’nSave a go to see if you can still get bang for your buck.

You don’t need to have a smartass business double major friend to know Auckland living is approximately way too much.

According to incredibly reliable source Barfoot and Thompson, Auckland rent prices are, on average, $184 per person per week.

That’s 70.7 cheeseburgers. Once we chuck a good $30 on there for bills and internet that’ll support your MAFS streaming addiction - you’re poor, cheeseburgerless and hanging around for the next Tuesday payment again.

As much as their Six60 waiting music makes me want to hurl

my phone at the wall, Studylink can really save your ass and I appreciate that $220 as much as the next student. I’m now at the point where I’m re-thinking the purchase of cheese for the top of my tacos. I know, that’s pretty fucking low. I still buy the avocado obviously, I’m not a complete animal.

And so, my dear, broke friends, I hit up the faithful Pak’nSave we know and love. Throwing it back to my first year budget of $35, I thought I’d see what it would get me these days. Here’s what I bought with my luxurious total:

Carrot: $0.14

Pasta: $0.94

Just one. Grate it in your taco but don’t go crazy. That’s enough veggies for one day.

You even get the luxury of spiral or penne!? What a great world we live in.

Bananas (x3): $1.23

Toilet paper: $2.99

Did someone say protein gains? No, they just said “cheapest fruit to ever exist”. Cool, cool, cool. Why three? Well you can chop up half a banana on your muesli each morning and it’ll last you almost the whole week. You’re welcome.

Don’t be the flatmate that never buys anything to contribute to the flat. Two ply, 12 pack. Don’t splurge more than necessary, your bum won’t mind waiting until you get a real job and can afford three ply.

Bread: $2.79

The perfect accompaniment to the pasta you have yet to find in aisle 3.

One of those things you unload at the checkout last in case you can’t afford it or get over your craving. Great snack for uni though...or to rip into on the car ride home.

Tacos: $3.00

Avocado: $5.99 They only sold a two pack and now I’ve broken the bank. Slap it on your Tip Top loaf and you will feel as rich as your friends that still live at home.

Almond milk: $3.00

Pesto: $3.89

Shapes: $3.00

Easiest thing to make since your Kmart tent at R&V.

Breakfast, lunch and poor dinner. Don’t underestimate the versatility of the humble bread loaf. Multigrain is also available. Health.

Not because I’m vegan, but because I’m a huge wanker. Doesn’t go off as quickly as normal milk so you can pour tiny splashes into your muesli for three solid weeks.

Don’t take my word on that.

unless you’re one of those filthy people who travel to Dunedin especially for O Week and back again. Then maybe get a second bottle.

Shitty Pinot Gris: $8.79 Always get a pinot over a sav when you’re paying this dirty price - it tastes less like the shit it is. This one had the nerve to be called ‘First Pick’. Funny, because if I had real income this would be my last fucking pick. One bottle will do the job for a night

Chili beans: $2.25 No one wants an empty taco...and you can’t afford chicken.

TOTAL: $38.01 Crap, I forgot muesli and I’m still over budget. Is it too late to move back home?

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Mental Health in New Zealand: Where Are We At?

By Courtney Pratt-Young New Zealand battles a huge mental health problem. As important as mental health services are in helping to reduce the stats, maybe other things need to change too.

According to provisional figures released in August 2018 by Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall, 668 people committed suicide between 2017 and 2018. That statistic is the highest ever recorded in New Zealand. It’s 668 fathers, mothers,

brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

I don’t know one person who does not know someone affected by mental health in some way. But people don’t talk about it enough. My family and friends have shared thoughts reflecting that statistic and I’ve had concerns that they could become another number. But I haven’t talked about it.

The statistics surrounding mental health in New Zealand are grim, but we must

continue to believe suicide is preventable.

With the results of the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry released, the government can now work to identify the gaps and challenges in the mental health system. We know there are many and, hopefully, the issues can be addressed.

But one thing that can’t be changed without the support of every New Zealander is the culture. We need to start having the difficult conversations.

We need to change attitudes. I think we

need to adopt a zero-suicide target. In my opinion, New Zealand's suicide statistics will not differ without culture change.

Because people just don’t talk about it.

The aforementioned inquiry outlined discrimination, loneliness and isolation as things that can contribute to mental health decline. In response to this, a statement was made in He Ara Oranga, the Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, that I also wholeheartedly agree with: “We can do more to help each other.”

You might know Dan Sanson as the former manager of AUT’s Vesbar.

Since leaving the job, the engineering student set out to hike Te Araroa, an approximately 3,000 km trail that runs the length of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Bluff, in November 2017.

Sanson says he needed "a little extra motivation" and his initial goal was to raise $3,000 (one dollar a kilometre), for the Mental Health Foundation.

For Sanson, the journey was personal.

He had dropped out of university, opting to complete his degree part time, after struggling with anxiety and depression.

Sanson believes there's a huge ongoing problem with the culture around mental health and that a 'suffering builds character’, approach is flawed. He says everything in New Zealand revolves around your ability to appear unaffected and robust.

"You're supposed to be tough. You're supposed to be strong. You're supposed to be all these things. That's just a perfect mixing pot for a worst-case scenario.

That was part of my goal to go out and change some perspectives. Have some uncomfortable conversations and get people talking. I managed to do that in a few places with a few people. But I'm just one person and I only have so much influence," says Sanson.

“With the results of the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry released, the government can now work to identify the gaps and challenges in the mental health system. We know there are many and, hopefully, the issues can be addressed.”

Sanson ended up raising $5,700, just short of double his original goal.

What if more people could aim to change perspectives and have those uncomfortable conversations?

Another individual who’s out to challenge the status quo is Louis Laws. Laws is an AUT Business and Communications student who co-founded the charity Mana for Men as a support group looking to challenge the stigma behind mental

health in New Zealand. The group's aim is to run the ASB Auckland Marathon yearly.

"We're seeing our friends and the struggles they're going through. We just want to support them. Let them know it’s okay, and while we're doing it, we're raising money and awareness for mental health," says Laws.

Laws agrees that culture is a huge problem in New Zealand, saying there is a 'man up' problem.

"It starts with the stigma. The issue is that you don't want to talk about it because you're not sure what people are going to say. There's a facade that you have to put on as a person... As a young person, it's really quite hard to get everything out or everything you want to say.”

There are sometimes no specific signs that someone is depressed or that they are contemplating suicide. Often it takes them to actually tell you for you to know that something is wrong. So, make it okay for them to talk. It’s a message that is continuously reinforced, but something I don’t think can ever be reinforced enough. Everyone is someone who can make a difference. Take care of your mates.

I'm going to start talking about it and collectively, lets aim to prevent 668 deaths. Let’s aim for zero. Let’s change the culture. Let’s get people talking about it.

WHERE TO GET HELP: Community Mental Health Urgent Response team 0800 800 717 | In an emergency, you should call 111 | Lifeline (open 24/7) 0800 543 354 | Free call or text 1737 any time | Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757 | Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116 | Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666 | AUT Counselling (Free) - 09 921 9292

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Adolescents in Insta-land

By Larissa Howie | Illustration by Kat J. Weiss Remember Alice? The girl in the blue dress who wasn’t quite sure who she was. She soon found herself falling down the rabbit hole, into a curious land.

Upon entering, Alice was faced with an obstacle. She wasn’t quite the right size.

Too big, it seemed. She ached to enter her ‘wonderland’ but first she had to change herself. Never fear! The solution appeared to be pretty simple, according to the potion labelled ‘drink me’. Sounds vaguely familiar, right?

As a little girl, I always dreamed of my own life mirroring stories like Alice’s that I’d read about in books. But not like this. If you’ve ever even briefly scrolled through Instagram, you’ve probably faced a similar conundrum to our old friend Alice. It starts with harmlessly clicking on that colourful, cute camera-like button on your phone. But soon, you’re mindlessly scrolling through an endless feed of aesthetically pleasing images. Falling down the rabbit-hole.

It isn’t long before you are met with sneaky voices that scream; “SHRINK” alongside a handy little potion promising to help you do just that. These voices declare that you, existing just as you are, aren't good enough. If your stomach isn’t flat, your arms aren’t toned, or god forbid... you have visible cellulite... your very existence simply isn’t adequate.

The solution? Suck on a lollipop to

diminish your appetite, or guzzle down some tea that will leave you on the toilet for hours. It’s okay, everyone is doing it!

Take the Kardashians for example. If it’s good enough for Kim K, then it’s good enough for us all.

“I wish ‘Insta-land’ was some fantasy place that only

but that’s not the case. The lines between Instagram and real life are becoming harder and harder to define.

It’s truly scary and potentially dangerous.

It’s so easy to look at sponsored posts and mistake them for reality. We can be sucked into buying products that harm us. Whether that be mentally, physically, or both.“ If you drink from a bottle marked poison, it is certain to disagree with you sooner or later,” says Alice herself.

In Insta-land, we grant the Kardashian types royalty status. ‘Our Queen of Hearts’

But what if the bottle isn’t marked as poison? What if this poison is hidden in the guise of something that resembles a health product? We’re being influenced in a way that makes us believe our bodies, the very vehicle of our existence, are not good enough. And companies are profiting off this.

is whoever gains the most double-taps on a post. The more likes, the more power.

What to do with that power? Perhaps generate support for the underprivileged or raise awareness for a worthy cause.

Or, let everyone know you’re ripped as hell and that the celery juice you drank this morning has given you a whole new perspective on life.

Dieting is re-branded as #wellness and eating anything but kale is shunned.

That really sucks. Insta-land can be a fun, creative and social hub. A place to express yourself and explore different aspects of your own personality. However, with the infiltration of selfish companies and dodgy influencers, it can also be toxic.

Don’t forget to add in the bit about how anyone can be just as hot as you if they use your promo code to purchase the latest laxative…. Whoops, I mean ‘fitness tea’.

Because in ‘Insta-land’, being #fitspo is the ultimate goal. I wish ‘Insta-land’ was some

Let’s say “off with their heads” to these sneaky diet organisations, because why should we give them the likes to dislike ourselves? At the end of the day, life is for living, not for shrinking. There is so much more to our existence than having a six-

fantasy place that only existed in books,

pack. Sorry Kim.

existed in books, but that’s not the case.”

19

giveaways

Student life can be tough, which is why we search the city for the snazziest stuff to give away.

Like the look of something below? Head to our Facebook page (/autsadebate) and fill out the survey pinned to the top of our timeline titled ‘Giveaways Issue 3’

Movie Night Take some time out from procrastinating and enjoy a night at the movies on us with two Event Cinemas Vouchers. Take your mum, friend, nana or even your boss. We don’t care. Just go! Read the instructions on the left hand side of the page to find out how to enter.

Shout a Mate BurgerFuel fuels the human engine and when you’re a student that engine’s often running pretty hot. Take a break and shout your mate a free burger at BurgerFuel Queen Street. Debate has 8 vouchers to give away! Read the instructions on the left hand side of the page to find out how to enter.

Pizza!

New York is just a trip to Sal's away! With 100% authentic ingredients and original recipes, Sal’s (@salspizzanz) is proud to serve you New Zealand's ONLY authentic NY Pizza! Sal’s has five pizzas to give away to our lucky Debate readers. Read the instructions on the left hand side of the page to find out how to enter.

Mandela Mandela My Life: The Official Exhibition opens on Saturday 13 April at the iconic Eden Park, where in 1981 flour bombs were dropped in protest at the Apartheid regime. Debate has three double passes to give away. Read the instructions on the left hand side of the page to find out how to enter.

Brew-tiful Coffee Karajoz organic coffee is the pick me up you need to drag yourself to that 8am lecture. It’s also Fairtrade and non-polluting. Debate has a few bags of Karajoz plunger to give away. Read the instructions on the left hand side of the page to find out how to enter.

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By Loren Tomlinson It should come as no surprise that we live in a society where pop culture and the media have the power to brainwash us into believing anything they choose.

For many years, the topic of sex and sexuality has been at the media’s disposal, to create a stigma around what exactly it means to be a ‘virgin’ and what to expect when losing your virginity.

Films like The Forty Year Old Virgin and The Virgin Suicides depict just how embarrassing and demeaning it is to be a virgin. Television shows including The Bachelor and The Bachelorette single

out their ‘token virgin’ each season. This only encourages the pre-existing social stigma around being a virgin.

Portrayed in films as either the most romantic, picture perfect first time, or a total disaster, we are left with nothing but a mound of unrealistic expectations around what losing our virginity is supposed to be like. As fate should have it, it’ll never happen exactly how you’ve planned it out in your head. Sure, there may be some people who lose their virginity to the ‘love of their life’, in a room lit with candles and adorned with rose petals. But losing your virginity isn’t a moment you can plan out and pencil

in your calendar. It’s also not something that should be rushed, so for most people it’ll happen when the timing feels right.

I decided to ask a few people to describe their first time and most referred to their experience as ‘awkward’ and ‘frustrating’.

One person I spoke to said the entire time they were overthinking every little thing they were doing. They constantly pondered over whether the other person was enjoying it and felt weird afterwards for not loving it.

For most people, it takes a couple of times to enjoy it, figure out what they

like and just to feel comfortable with the idea of having sex. A friend of mine told me she wished someone had told her that her first time wouldn’t be this “amazing experience”. She said she would have liked to have known that it would be a little awkward, may feel totally unusual and might even hurt a bit. The truth is, that’s totally normal and after a couple of times it gets a whole lot better.

The ugly truth – your first time is going to be messy and strange no matter what.

Despite how many Cosmopolitan articles you may read or quizzes you answer, you’re never going to be prepared for the experience you’re going to have. My advice to anyone reading: as long as it’s with someone you’re comfortable with and despite all the awkwardness you’ll be able to get through it together, because chances are, they’re feeling just as weird about it as you are.

In today’s society, there are some quite deep issues attached to losing your virginity.

These go beyond having that moment when you feel you are ready. Thanks to the media portrayal of men and women, the simple act of losing your virginity (and sex in general for that matter), has become more complicated than ever before. Why? Simply put, we get wrapped up in our thoughts around how we expect that moment to play out. The act of having sex for the first time

has been hyped up and over sexualised within the media so much so that the reality often creates a sense of disappointment and insecurity among individuals.

“In an attempt to maintain social status and keep up appearances, some people feel the need to give up their ‘v-card’ before they’re ready.”

The world of online pornography hasn’t helped. Studies have shown that people are turning to porn for a ‘how to’ tutorial before their first times. Understandable, yet this still sets unrealistic expectations in one’s mind about how their first time will be. Ultimately, having sex is about finding what’s right for you and finding your own groove with the person you are being intimate with.

Conversations amongst peers surrounding the topic of sex and virginity often contribute to individuals feeling the societal pressures to lose their virginity before they are ready to. In an attempt to maintain

social status and keep up appearances, some people feel the need to give up their ‘v-card’ before they’re ready. Someone who has faced the brutality of peer pressure told me first hand, “It got so bad that to stop the constant teasing and judgement about still being a virgin I made up a story to get people off my back. It is an incredibly personal thing and I didn’t want to be pressured anymore so I made up a story to save face.”

There is a certain extent to which societal pressure has programmed us to think that our first time should be perfect. Everyone is different and some people will remember their first time forever. For others, it will be nothing but a blip in the past. Sex is complicated, sex is messy, and for most people, the first time having sex is going to be far from perfect. It’s important to remind yourself that your first time won’t be your last. As long as your first time happens when you’re ready and it’s with someone you want to share that intimate moment with, no matter how it plays out it will be an experience to remember. All I want you to hold on to, if nothing else, is to not pressure yourself before, during, or after your first time. It doesn’t have to be in a picture-perfect setting with roses and candles. You create your own version of perfect. Expectations are only as daunting as you make them.

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An Existential Pickle Which Landed Me in New York

By Gabbie Tutheridge

all progress and growth. You should

figure out what ‘8 + 7’ is.

allow yourself to find your place in My Uber driver exclaimed to me,

the world. *Cue AUT Internz*

“Oh, New Zealand gurl, do you speak

Next thing you know, you could be on a 13-hour flight over to America,

French?” and I could have said, “Oui”,

I knew some truths about myself,

just like I was just a couple of weeks

but instead I said, “Do you know

I wanted to get out of New

ago, ready to embark on this life-

where New Zealand is?”

Zealand, I wanted to do something

changing and incredible opportunity

completely different, and I wanted

to live and breathe New York.

There was a short silence, “Oh in

to be able to make an impact.

Although, you must have a strong

Scandinavia?”

When I initially applied for the

mind and thick skin. It will beat

internship with Play Rugby USA

you up at times, but if you make

(a non-profit organisation which

New York your bitch (like I am),

develops children through rugby),

then you will be just fine. My jaw is

I researched its every nook and

constantly open in awe of the place.

cranny. I wanted to know that if I

Most mornings I wake up and I look

was going to dedicate myself to

outside my window to a real-life

apply for an overseas internship,

snow globe, it’s magical.

This is when I knew, I wasn’t in New Zealand anymore.

Ah, New York, New York, where everything is bigger and better so you have to say it twice. The reason why I have trudged from afar (not quite Scandinavia), is due to landing myself a life-changing opportunity through AUT Internz. Google them now. I’ll wait.

Last year I found myself in an existential pickle when I was about to embark on my last semester of my Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Believe me, people thought I had it all together, but I was so lost about what I really wanted to do after university. Trust me, you’re not meant to have it ‘all together’, uncertainty is the root of

then I was going to put my heart and soul into that shit. Looks like it

My lasting words are these: You

paid off.

don’t know what is out there until you go and get it. Nothing good will

It’s not as easy as it seems. For

ever come to you if you wait. Go

some, it can be a time-consuming

and check out AUT Internz, for all

lengthy process; making sure

you know, it may change your life.

your CV looks sexy and credible,

If you want to keep up with travels,

your passport picture isn’t you as

experiences and writing, (cheeky

an 8-year-old, dedicating some

plug), follow me on IG

time out of your busy life to really

@gabbietutheridge

engage with what you are applying for, and making sure you have the necessary skills. For example, I wouldn’t apply for a finance internship when I sometimes can’t

Check your eligibility and express interest now for a 2020 scholarship to intern in your industry overseas at internz.aut.ac.nz.

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Planes of Existence David Evans Bailey takes a look at our existence between the digital world and reality.

Illustration by Leo Walton

Before the internet, most of us could say our existence revolved around ourselves in mortal flesh, as it were. In other words, our physical form and existence were all that represented us, unless of course we got to be famous, or made it into the newspapers. But that wasn’t usually for the likes of you and me, that was for other people. It was probably much easier, back in the day, to believe what you saw because you were seeing physical things.

For most of us, houses, cars and clothes were the things that represented us and portrayed what we stood for in society and as people. You could probably tell if someone was rich, or poor, middle class or upper class. You could tell by where they lived whether they came from the ‘right’ or the ‘wrong’ side of the tracks. That was at least how some people viewed it. Barring celebrities, our physical existence was pretty much everything.

Enter the internet and more specifically social media.

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. From that moment on we all became, in effect, two or more people. We began living a life on the physical plane and another life again on the digital plane. We all discovered, some more rapidly than others, that what you see isn’t always what you actually get when it comes to the digital world.

It’s easy to only post the best photographs, the nicest events and the coolest places we’ve been. On the internet, we don’t

see the person so much as a representation of who they are and what they want us to see. It is possible to fashion the illusion of a perfect life while living one that is perfectly crap in the real world and for both to exist at the same time.

It’s possible from looking at the posts of our friends, to believe that they live the dream. We all know a couple who's always out for meals and taking pics of lovely food etc. They have this amazing relationship, look at all these lovey-dovey snaps. Whilst this may all be true, what if it’s not? They could be struggling financially, they may have a row every time they get home.

We just don’t know, because we weren’t there. Only their real flesh and blood friends and family know the truth. Making up something that is not quite as true as it seems isn’t just confined to the media, we all do it, to one extent or another.

Even if it’s just to use that app which smooths out the wrinkles on our faces.

It’s funny because we all know this, yet we pretend that we’re appalled when someone turns out to not have been who they said they were on social media. The man who ate 500 hot dogs and has the photos to prove it was actually discovered to be a fake. Shock horror. We know that the tools for faking everything exist and yet we expect to still trust everything we see. In reality, it turns out that on the internet lying is easy, telling the truth is much harder.

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If we compare two things, even many things, it comes down to this; which one is more important? Who we are in real life, or the persona we’ve made up on the internet.

People are making money entirely from creating themselves on the internet. But, on the flip side, if we somehow make a mistake or put a foot wrong, the world is there to make it go viral which could potentially ruin our lives in the process.

With the willingness of others to record everything we do or say, we can suddenly be posted all over the world, vilified, lose our jobs and more. Our online presence can often override everything else that people might or might not know about us. Not that it’s a bad thing to expose bullies, racists, and the like, but the consequences for these people and anyone else caught in the headlights can be dire.

Interactions on social media can also be difficult. When two people meet face to face or talk on the phone, all the nuances are there, in the voice, in expression and emotion.

You can see and hear the person and pick up

all the other clues that are not present in the written word. Social media interactions often go awry due to not being party to these other cues.

“It’s easy to only post the best photographs, the nicest events and the coolest places we’ve been. On the internet, we don’t see the person so much as a representation of who they are and what they want us to see.”

In Facebook messenger or even social media comments, it’s hard to tell if the person is being truthful, sarcastic, funny or anything else. Many online arguments are a testament to that. Even with emoticons, it’s not the same as being there in person. Thus, our existence in the digital world and its interactions require different types of communication skills.

In China, it’s becoming apparent that social media is being used to evaluate a person’s performance in real life. Programmes are being put in place to score individuals and deny them certain rights if they don’t measure up. The software uses facial recognition and other features to recognise people. A recent episode of a Netflix show called Black Mirror also depicted a world where people are defined by their scores on social media and their behaviour towards others. If people scored them badly they were denied societal privileges. Suddenly, in such a scenario the person is subsumed by their online existence.

Fiction becomes reality. This doesn’t seem like a good idea at all.

In the end, if you have a cold you can’t disguise it. If you go to work with a runny nose and are sneezing everyone can see it.

But when you’re online you don’t have to show any part of you or your life that you don’t want to. We lead an edited existence in the cloud. Perhaps somehow, we should try to reconcile our two existences, the digital and the real, before it’s too late.

review

Wild Dogs Under my Skirt Directed by Anapela Polata’ivao | Reviewed by Zoe Holland A dimly lit stage, five chairs and a small pyramid of corned beef. Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, directed by Anapela Polata’ivao, is a powerful and passionate performance by five Pasifika women. With little knowledge about the production, I was unsure of what I was getting myself into, but I left the theatre completely blown away.

The play takes the audience on a journey that encompasses the stories of the women and the experiences they have lived through. Each story is told through monologues, with the support of the cast. Their monologues captivate the audience, revealing the expectations and values of Samoan women.

The stories address rape, miscarriage, sexual, domestic and physical abuse through the spoken word. The haunting chants and beautiful melodies of these women really make you forget about everything and focus on the pain and hurt portrayed through their voices. The cast’s singing was

accompanied by a single ukulele, which was simple but worked perfectly and let the voices of the ensemble really shine through.

The play also has moments of laughter and humour. I ended up crying at one point over a joke about corned beef. Witty humour and sly remarks are speckled throughout, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. The beauty of the Samoan culture and its women is seen throughout the performance with the graceful Siva Samoan and traditional songs.

However, there were moments where I found myself lost due to my extremely small knowledge of Samoan words. These Pasifika women show how to be proud of your culture and to use your voice and speak up. As the cast took their final bow the theatre erupted into an outpouring of applause and a well-deserved standing ovation. Overall, I give Wild Dogs Under My Skirt a 4 out of 5.

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clubs

Sulu-Danielle

Michelle Extross

FALE NIU Pacific Island Student Association facebook.com/faleniu.aut

The Expression Club expression.adc@gmail.com | facebook.com/autdanceclub

What sets your club apart?

Fale Niu focuses on embracing, exploring and sharing our Pasefika Cultures whilst also supporting our students. We focused on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples' Pasefika Language Weeks through language cards, online interactions, and events on campus. We have also tried mentoring and we’ve held mini network events. It’s been great to bring people together and have discussions around what they see for our association’s future and the direction Fale Niu should go.

What sets your club apart?

Our approach is to create a fun and social environment for our dancers. One of the things that makes the club unique is the styles that we offer. In the beginning, we were trying to do everything and the ideas were free flowing. It was very casual. Culture plays a very big part in our club because it’s another form of expression.

So, we started exploring dances from Bollywood to Latin and some Samoan dances as well. Many of our members started off as very new beginners, ranging through to more professional older dancers.

What made you decide to start a club at AUT? I had seen Pacific Island student associations at other universities and was inspired by how they bring our Pasefika culture to life on campus and how they hold events for students. I wanted to start Fale Niu to be able to share our Pasefika Cultures with AUT and support our students too.

We hope that by creating Fale Niu, we are creating more roles for our students to step up and lead. We want them to be able to build confidence in themselves and guide students in their university life.

What has your experience as an AUT student been like?

Since starting at AUT in 2018, one thing that has really stood out for me is that everyone seems to be helping each other succeed and achieve their goals. Whether it be in courses or a social event for a club - AUT really bands together to help make things work.

What made you decide to start a club at AUT? I was actually very fond of dancing as a child but couldn’t make time for it since taking on the overwhelming workload that comes with being an engineering student. I didn’t have the chance to lay back and relax much. One day my friends and I were talking about our shared interests and dance came up. We thought it would be cool if we had a space to do some casual dance sessions. We weren’t professional dancers or anything skilled like that, but we wanted a space to dance just because we enjoyed it! It’s a way to relax and a form of expression, that’s how the name came about.

What has your experience as an AUT student been like?

I came to AUT about four years ago as an engineering student.

I’d loved maths and physics in high school, and AUT seemed like the right place for me. It was so full of colour and life. I love my degree here but was initially struggling with my major so I switched it from mechanical to software and it was the best decision I’ve ever made!

For more info, email clubs@aut.ac.nz with your name, AUT ID number, phone number, email address and the club(s) you would like to join. They’ll forward your details to the appropriate club leaders.

SRC

New Campus Reps Meet your new elected campus representatives! Campus reps liaise with students and help to keep the Student Representative Council informed of these perspectives and relevant issues.

Kelsey Cornthwaite

Daniel Scott

Bhavina Singh

North Campus northcampusrep@aut.ac.nz

South Campus southcampusrep@aut.ac.nz

City Campus citycampusrep@aut.ac.nz

Hi, my name is Kelsey and I’m a secondyear Bachelor of Health Sciences psychology student. I am more than excited to be your North Campus representative for 2019 and can’t wait to get to know more of you around the campus. If you have any thoughts, ideas or concerns, I’m here to listen and take action, so just come say hi. As part of my role, I want to see the North Campus become more active and bring more engagement, activities and livelihood to the campus. I’m eager to make new changes and ensure the Akoranga campus is inclusive and welcoming to all.

Hey, I’m Daniel. I’m a second year student studying towards a Bachelor of Education in primary school teaching on the South Campus. There isn’t too much to say about me. I spend the majority of my time in three places. Firstly, in the outdoors - predominantly off a cliff somewhere rock climbing with mates.

Secondly, at an afterschool care program in Wattle Downs and lastly, here on campus where, surprisingly, I’m enjoying study for the first time in my life.

Because of that last reason, this year I hope to see a few things change. I want to try and address the parking situation, but I also want to work to make the campus more vibrant and put to use that additional space we have on offer in multiple ways.

Hello fellow students. Welcome to 2019, a year of hustle and bustle through a memorable and adventurous milestone in our university experience. It is I, Bhavina Singh, your newly appointed City Campus Representative ready to give you all my energy in creating your ideal City Campus experience. My job is to make sure your concerns, ideas and feedback regarding your needs on our City Campus are heard.

I have been assigned the responsibility to represent your stance to AUTSA and work through how we can support you in seeking positive change. As reps, we can also take issues to the relevant boards and committees that we sit on, right through to the highest level you can get at AUT. Hearing your voice is what we’re all about, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have an issue or an idea, I’ll be ready to help!

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recipe

Spaghetti with Baked Beans Sauce and Spam This recipe highlights non-perishable foods that exist in pantries for prolonged periods of time and sustain us in times of desperation. It also pays tribute to AUTSA’s Foodie Godmother, which provides struggling students with free food and living essentials. Here, ubiquitous items such as spam, baked beans, spaghetti, and minted peas are jazzed up, making a point that a fine dining experience is not limited to expensive ingredients!

Method

Ingredients •

1 can, baked beans

•

1/2 teaspoon, ground cayenne pepper

•

1 tablespoon, dried parsley

•

1 can, spam or luncheon meat (approximately 340g), cubed

•

1 onion, chopped finely

•

1 tablespoon, olive oil

•

1 packet, spaghetti

•

Salt and pepper to taste

1) Blend baked beans with cayenne pepper and dried parsley in a food processor to form the sauce base. Baked beans are super tasty already but if you have a heavy palate feel free to add a tiny pinch of salt for seasoning.

2) Heat a medium-sized non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

No oil is needed at this stage if you are using a non-stick pan.

Cook cubed spam/luncheon meat till nice and crispy on the edges.

Remove from pan and set aside.

3) Using the same pan, add olive oil, throw in onions, and sauté for approximately 3 minutes over medium heat.

Serve with:

4) When the onions are fragrant and soft, add the baked beans sauce base in the pan to heat up. This shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.

5) Fill up a pot with water and a tablespoon of salt, bring to boil, and cook spaghetti according to the package instructions.

•

Minted peas

•

Sliced black olives

•

Micro greens or salad leaves

6) To serve, use tongs to carefully place spaghetti on the plate.

Top with baked beans sauce and meat, and carefully garnish with minted peas and sliced black olives using tweezers.

Melissa Koh is a third year BA student double majoring in Culinary Arts and English & New Media. Follow her dining and cooking adventures on Instagram: @melicacy.

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puzzles

WORDFIND

Existence Survival Identity Reality Campus

Study Budgeting Food Health Dailygrind

Balance Flatting Classmates Culture Morals

Socialmedia Worldview Happiness Uni Philosophy

Circle all the words in the wordfind, tear this page out and pop it into the box on the side of the red Debate stands. Do it and you could win a motherflippin’ sweet prize!

Name:

Email:

Want to see your work in Debate?

We're forever on the lookout for writers, illustrators and creatives to contribute to the mag. Want to see your work in print?

Email us at debate@aut.ac.nz. Too easy!

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