CANTA ISSUE 10, 2024

CAN TA

CANTALENDAR

9th September 12th September

Canta’s Aotearoa Issue released!

11th September

Christchurch Adventure

Park Quiz Night

6pm @ Christchurch Adventure Park (free entry)

Open Mic Night 7pm @ The Rolling Stone

13th September 14th September 15th September

Yoga at the Boxed Quarter

5:30 @ Boxed Quater

Hagley Parkrun

7:45am @ Hagley Park

Ōtautahi Youth Mākete 10am-3pm @ Papahou Level 1 Theatre

16th September 17th September 18th September

$12 Burger and Bevvy 4-7pm @ The Foundry

The Laugh Cellar Comedy Show 7pm @ The Austin Club

Open Mic Night 7-9pm @ The Foundry

20th September 21st September 23rd September

CHCH Races Day Party

5-11:30pm @ Addington Raceway

Bob Ross Snowy

Mountain Paint n’ Sip

3-5pm @ Two Thumb Brewing on Manchester

Canta’s Wellbeing + Disability Issue is released!

Editorial

Let’s address the elephant in the room

It’s the start of Term 4 – the light at the end of the tunnel!

For some students, this is your last Term 4 for the rest of your university life. For others, this may be your first Term 4, and one that you might be excited to be done with.

For the rest of you, you might not care and might have landed on this page accidentally. In that case, the Entertainment starts on page 41.

Some of you might be looking for summer jobs, internships, or even housing so you don’t have to leave Ōtautahi. Fingers crossed you all get the jobs and internships you want – and that they pay above minimum wage...

For the tenth issue of Canta – wow, hasn’t time flown by? – we are focusing on all the good we have right here. The Aotearoa Issue is focused on the increased visibility of Māori culture in media, the importance of tangata whenua for Māori arts, Kī o Rahi, Aotearoa pop culture, and a massive feature piece in which writers Elsie and Maia investigate the Christchurch society. We’ve given you a jampacked issue showcasing the beauty of Aotearoa’s multiculturalism, but there is also the elephant in the room to consider.

People are objecting to New Zealand being called Aotearoa. Ministries are spending more money to change Māori names to English ones. There’s a Treaty Principles Bill that could set us way back. And there’s much, much more.

This country does not adequately celebrate tangata whenua. In primary school, I was taught that Māori are indigenous to Aotearoa. No amount of colonisation or rewriting history could change that.

It is important that Māori culture and values are incorporated into our everyday lives. It’s great for our kids to learn te reo Māori from a young age – to sustain the culture, and to play a part in growing the language and ensuring it stays alive. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is one of the founding documents in Aotearoa; its history and importance should be common knowledge – including how it has not been appropriately honoured over the past 184 years.

Canta has an incredibly long way to go. I am very grateful that for this issue, Wairaamia and Te Rina, Te Akatoki’s Tumuaki Tuaroa, sat in on our Content Meeting with the writers. In addition, 2024 is the first year that Canta has had a Te Ao Māori writer. I’m excited to see what future Canta editors put in place to ensure that Māoritanga is continuously recognised and appreciated in student media.

Make sure you get involved with the wonderful events Te Akatoki will be running in celebration of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, the 14th to the 21st of September. Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is about encouraging everyone, not just Māori, to give it a go!

Noha ora mai,

Your 2024 Managing Editor,

Hariklia Nicola

President's Piece

Hey hey! The grass is green, the air is clean—welcome to spring and Term 4! Whether you’re a ‘spring starts on the 1st’ or more of a ‘spring starts on the 21st’ kind of person, it’s nice to see some sun and feel a bit of warmth on campus.

Before I dive into the elephant in the room (yep, I’m talking about the elections), I want to quickly touch on some changes within our student executive.

In early August, Erin Spencer resigned from her role as Postgraduate Representative. Erin told us how much she appreciated her time in the role, and it wasn’t an easy decision for her to make. She’s stepping down to focus on her family, PhD thesis, and community volunteer work.

Then, in late August, Parthey Pant also resigned from his position as Vice President - Engagement. He wants to focus more on his studies, but he told us how much he enjoyed his time in the role. We wish them both the best of luck!

So, what’s next? Well, we basically read our constitution about 50 times (no joke) to make sure we knew exactly what we could and couldn’t do to fill these roles. Here’s how we’ve gone about the situation.

First, we reached out to some of our elected reps for 2025 who have experience in the postgrad space. Unfortunately, they weren’t available this year (though we’re excited to work with them next year!). So, we sent out expressions of interest to the postgraduate community, including the Postgraduate Advisory Group (PGAG) and members of the PGSA. We got a number of applications, and after some careful consideration, Caleb (VP-A) and I met with Kelsey McKenzie. We believe Kelsey has the skills, experience, and expertise to best represent postgraduates—and she’s a great fit for our executive for the rest of 2024!

For the VP-E role, we offered it to Jharmane, who’s already our elected VP-E for 2025 and currently on the executive. She happily accepted and will be holding both the equity and VP-E roles for the rest of the year. Cheers Jharmane!

Now, onto the elections! I want to start by giving a massive thank you to EVERYONE (and I mean that) who’s shown me support, whether it was during the election or just throughout my time in this role. Your encouragement has meant the world to me, and it’s been incredibly motivating to know I have such a strong community backing me. On top of that, I’m absolutely stoked about the amazing team we’ve got lined up for next year! Congratulations to everyone who got in, and I look forward to another strong year of the UCSA.

The success of the UCSA isn’t by chance. It’s rooted in a simple philosophy: putting students first. We’ve consistently thrived because we focus on what matters most—the needs, voices, and aspirations of students at UC. We’re committed to being a strong voice for you to the university.

Keeping the focus on student representation rather than broader political agendas isn’t easy, we see plenty of other student associations falling into that trap (peep their voter turnout…), but it is certainly the right choice. It’s allowed us to stay agile, responsive, and deeply connected to the issues that impact you the most. And it means we can spend more time doing what we’re here to do—representing students. As we move into next year, I promise to keep this student-first approach at the core of everything we do. I remained strongly committed to bringing all issues (positives too!) to the university to ensure that the education and the systems around remain outstanding.

That’s all from me this week. Keep up to date with all things events through our ‘what’s on’ page on our website. Enjoy the sun, and I’ll see y’all round!

As always, stay fresh!

Luc

(I received complaints that I wasn’t naked in the sex issue so here’s me making it up to y’all xx)

Tumuaki Piece

Kia ora tātou e te whānau, nau mai hoki mai ki te wāhanga whakamutunga o te tau! Welcome back the last term of 2024!

We hope you all had a restful and refreshing mid-term break. As we dive back into our studies, let’s bring the ihi, wehi and wana we gained from the break into this next phase. Remember, we’re here as your Te Akatoki executive to support you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a hand.

Well, we’ve made it to Hepetema (September), which brings us to a very important celebrated week… Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week). Why is this so special?

Over the past two centuries, the journey of te reo Māori has been marked by significant fluctuations. In the early 1800s, te reo Māori was the dominant language across Aotearoa. However, following decades of government policies that attempted to assimilate Māori into a westernised system, te reo Māori became a dying language. By the mid-1900s, there were serious concerns about the language’s survival. In the 1970s, notable protests and movements were launched by iwi Māori to revive te reo Māori. The revolution in the 70s, alongside the establishment of Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori in the 80s became the changing point for the revitalisation of te reo. Each year Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori stands as a reminder of our past. It has been a hard-fought journey to ensure our beautiful language can be used in everyday life.

In 2024, Māori Language Week will be celebrated from September 14 to 21, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with our tauira (students).

Te Akatoki will be hosting some pretty mean events:

● Mane 14 o Hepetema: Tāwhaki te Tauira: Join us over at the whare to celebrate and hear from a range of current and alumni post-grad students, including lecturers. This is the perfect opportunity to ask pātai (questions) and gain insights into the different opportunities and experiences that post graduate study has to offer.

Tūrei 15 o Hepetema:

● Māra kai - Garden revamp Harvesting kai is more than just gathering food—it’s about connecting with our whenua (land), honouring the work of our tipuna, and ensuring that we continue to provide for our whānau and future generations. Your presence will make this day even more special.

Kapa Haka - 6pm

● Whether you’re a pro or novice or just want

to come along to learn some waiata (songs), we have Kapa Haka sessions every Tuesday at 6pm. Followed by kai as well!

Movie Night - 7pm

● Following Kapa Haka, there’ll be a movie night in Tī Kouka. We will be watching We were Dangerous (2024), snacks provided!

Wenerei 16 o Hepetema: Placement Prep: 5-7pm at the whare.

● We will be hosting a Placement Preparation Kaupapa where our Education Reps will be coming together to answer any questions or give guidance on evidence documents if needed. We can also help make resources to use on placement. Sound like you? Nau mai!

Tāite 17 o Hepetema: Kōrero & Kai

● On Thursday 17th of September, we will be heading over to Rāpaki for a kai while Tairone (ĀpihaGeneral executive) will share some kōrero of the area. Rāpaki is a very special area to those who whakapapa from there, and its beautiful! Come join us!

Paraire 18 o Hepetema: Hākari

- Te Akatoki will be cooking up a mean hāngī for our tauira!!

More information will be posted on our instagram @ teakatoki, make sure to give us a follow if you want to be apart of our kaupapa (events).

Ko te reo kia tika, ko te reo kia rere, ko te reo kia Māori!

Canta News.

Coronation of the Māori King marks 18 years of leadership of Kīngitanga

Amy Riach (she/her)

Held at Ngāruawāhia every year since the crowning of the very first Māori King, Te Koroneihana is an annual celebration, held at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Waikato, commemorating the anniversary of the coronation of the Māori King Tūheitia. The annual, week-long celebration began on Friday, August 16.

Māori King Tūheitia leads the Kīngitanga, or the Māori King Movement, a movement which arose among some iwi in the central North Island in the 1850s, to establish a role similar in status to that of the monarch of the British colonists, and halt the alienation of Māori land.

Since 2006, the Koroneihana has started a day early on August 15, with a memorial dinner in memory of the King’s mother, and celebrations would begin with a tinge of

sadness, as Thursday marked 18 years since the death of the Māori Queen Dame Te Atairangikāhu.

The ceremony begun in her honour, and this year, the kawe mate, a mourning ceremony held after the tangihanga and burial, was honoured on Friday and Saturday. Ngira Simmonds, the Kīngitanga chief of staff, said “they are traditional and it is an opportunity to gather and remember those who have passed in the year gone by.”

The Kīngitanga were prepared to host between 5000 and 7000 people each day, and everybody is welcomed. Although there are certain kaupapa scheduled for each day, no one is ever turned away.

Politicians are also welcomed, including prime minister Christopher Luxon, who attended on Monday when Māori issues were top of the agenda in face-to-face discussions, and was told directly, “you have thrown Māori under the bus”.

Kīngitanga spokesperson, Rahui Papa, said “It’s not all doom and gloom, there are areas [where] we are collaborating across the various iwi of the motu, but there are some things of national moment that we need to unequivocally state our position.”

The Koroneihana was a celebration of being Māori and a celebration of coming together, Papa said, and this year was particularly meaningful. “After the Covid-19 situation we didn’t have to sit together, to talk together, to eat together, to discuss together, but over the last couple of years we’ve had that opportunity back,” he said, and community means that much more after isolation.

Students Pushing the Boundary of the Media Landscape

Contributing Writer, Campbell Macpherson (he/him)

The media industry is in a period of change, with a current shift to the online, multi-media landscape forcing institutions training the next generation of journo’s, radio hosts and screenproducers to adapt. One of which being the New Zealand Broadcasting School’s (NZBS) broadcasting programme.

For the first time, and the change taking place now and for the remainder of this year, the school is seeing its’ students expand their student radio station Bassline, into a fullyfledged brand occupying the online space. The change also means students’ own projects will need to encompass a multi-media presence as opposed from staying within their own disciplines (e.g. Journalism, radio, screen craft) which its’ student body does not feel is adequately budgeted for.

As the premier national provider of applied education in broadcast journalism, and various other mediums, the NZBS prides itself on producing journalists and media workers that are skilled, and practically able.

As the programme stood for the past month, students were given a $100 budget per group to create the ‘pilot phase’ of their projects. Then, following a selection process some will be given a further $200 to continue their work.

A screen craft student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it was a difficult task.

“Our main costs come from the shoots we do. Getting lunch and Koha for actors eats up the budget very quickly,” they said

Furthermore, students are having to dip into their own pockets to keep projects going.

Currently, the Bassline demographic is predominantly male, aged 24-39, with students at the school – of which majority don’t fit into this category – seeing the creation of content, and subsequent expansion that much more difficult.

There is reportedly interest from MediaWorks, NZME, TVNZ, and Stuff - just to name a few - in the new changes coming to the programme, to develop an understanding of what is required to transform projects into successful, multi-media brands.

All content which is set to be produced will be available to watch and read from November.

For all updates and new information that comes out, see the Bassline Instagram page, @bassline96.1.

A deep dive into Aotearoa’s education system

Jordan Smith (he/him)

It is undeniable, that the Covid-19 lockdowns which held firm grip over the country, stripped New Zealanders of normality in our everyday lives. Work, Sports, social and cultural events were tipped on their heads as people scrambled to adapt to a global pandemic, fighting for survival.

But, perhaps the most vital – especially to young people – of the sectors affected was education.

While to many, lockdown was an extended holiday due to the all too easy ability to skip Zoom classes and opt for lazy sleep ins, or gaming sessions. The effects were severe, forcing a complete reshuffle of all levels of schooling.

Primary and secondary schools battled to conjure lesson plans for students that were in their formative learning stages, to universities who were under immense strain to still provide a world-class education for students paying thousands of dollars.

While giving Canta insight into how the University of Canterbury navigated lockdowns and subsequent changes to rules and regulations, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Catherine Moran noted there were a lot of internal changes.

She cited measures including: “reorganising teaching timetables to reduce class sizes, providing lectures, tutorials, and assessments online, encouraging physical distancing, and introducing mask-wearing when required.”

Moran said student welfare was a strong focus area, especially for those living in halls away from family.

“During the peak period of Covid-19 cases in 2021 a group of 70 staff volunteered to deliver meals and parcels to residents’ rooms, amounting to approximately 16,000 deliveries,” she said.

While these changes were a result of a rotten situation, Moran mentioned it fast tracked UC’s commitment to providing an education that is accessible, flexible, and future-focussed for students - a fair shout given the online accessibility current students have.

There is no denying education providers like UC did a reasonable job in salvaging students’ education in an environment that the modern world had never faced. But in the same vein, there is no escaping the fact education rates in Aotearoa took a massive hit.

A report published in 2023 by the Education Review Office (ERO) found passing rates for NCEA levels 2 and 3 as well as university entrance rates had both decreased since the pandemic began. Furthermore, without modifications made to NCEA over the three-year period (2020-2023) such as the learning recognition credits, passing rates would have been even lower.

It’s not just the academic sector that has teachers worried as student’s behaviour has also come under the spotlight. 41% of all principals nationwide said in the same report that they are “concerned” about behaviour displayed by their students.

The real question now is, how will Aotearoa bounce back?

After lockdowns more or less finished and our world went back to a new normal, it was only a matter of time before Government intervention came to the party.

During their campaign run, The National Party made education reform a key policy and are now looking to implement changes within the sector that they believe will steer the ship in the right direction. Changes which will be made through the coalition government of National, Act, and New Zealand First.

During a conversation with the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), Canta asked whether the largest education sector union in the country believed proposed changes would create a feasible difference in Aotearoa kid’s education.

Strong opinions circulated their message, particularly on how there was little to no consultation with those who do the job every day, such as teaching staff, with factors of the proposal, such as charter schools.

“The reintroduction of charter schools is nothing but a repeat of a failed experiment which ran from 2014-2018 under the previous National government. Evaluations of charter schools showed that they didn’t lead to any real innovation in terms of curriculum, community, or whānau engagement,” the union said.

However, it didn’t end with just charter schools, as the union also commented on how the introduction of standardised testing for primary school students is a good idea but glosses over the true problem – providing teachers with the support and tools that they need.

“Teachers and principals have been asking for more teacher aides and learning support for tamariki – not more tests which have the potential to simply make children more anxious about their results, instead of focusing on supporting them to learn better.”

It’s safe to say the pandemic has affected Aotearoa’s education in more than one way. Not only was three years of formulative learning crippled at the knee, but the argument also can be made that Kiwi kids have missed out on core social interactions.

The many different perspectives to please makes it a slippery slope for the Government to go about fixing the problem of education in New Zealand. And while we as a country are slowly making up for the time lost from binge watching shows and countless other hobbies, there is still work to be done to revitalise and enhance the younger generation’s education.

The Significance of Ardie Savea Joining Moana Pasifika

Ardie Savea may be the best rugby player Aotearoa has produced over the last decade, making his All-Blacks debut in 2016 vs Wales, and going on to appear in more than 85 games – and counting – in the famous black jersey, not to mention being the team’s current vice-captain.

For the past 11 years, Savea has been playing club rugby for his hometown team, the Hurricanes. During his time with the Hurricanes, he has gone on to become one of the city’s most beloved players and played a key role in bringing the city its first and only Super Rugby title.

However, with his Hurricanes contract ending at the end of the 2024 season, Savea did what very little expected and signed for Moana Pasifika until 2027, teaming up with his brother Julian.

As news that shocked the rugby world, many thought the loyal Hurricane would extend his stay at the capital-based club, but Savea felt it was time for a new challenge.

“It’s time to give back,” Savea said to RNZ.

“I’ve always wanted to come [to Moana Pasifika]. I wanted to come when I’m still good. Even though I can’t represent Samoa, I feel like Moana is my Samoa, so I’m going to give it everything. I’m going to give it everything to be better to grow, to learn, get uncomfortable… to try to have a good next couple of years.”

Savea underlined that paying homage to his Samoan roots was a huge factor when making his decision to join Moana Pasifika.

“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started,” said Savea in a statement to Moana Pasifika.

Despite being based in Auckland, Moana Pasifika represents the Pacific Islands and mainly comprises players born in the islands or of Pasifika heritage, like Savea.

So what makes Savea’s move so significant? It represents

a turning point for Pasifika rugby.

For context, Moana Pasifika has won seven out of a possible 42 games since they first came into the competition in 2022, with their squad being made up of lesser-known names when compared to the star-studded New Zealand teams.

By securing one of the biggest names in world rugby, Moana Pasifika became a more desirable destination for players.

“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans,” said Moana Pasifika Head Coach Tana Umaga in a statement.

“As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”

However, this move transcends to something much bigger than just rugby, something former All-Black and current Moana Pasifika Chairman, Sir Micheal Jones highlighted in an interview with RNZ.

“It’s always been about that, to see young men and women in their community not only fulfil dreams but also to fulfil their God-given potential in life and out there, whether that’s education, journalism, business, politics, we’re interested, this is why we do what we do.”

Savea hopes his actions will inspire others to pay homage to their roots and go against the norms of what a ‘traditional’ rugby career looks like.

Like every great All-Black before him, people expected Savea to stay with his hometown team and look to try to bring home one last Super Rugby championship before heading overseas for one last payday. The reaction to Savea’s move has been met with plenty of support but also a lot of criticism, with the belief that this move jeopardises his spot in the All Blacks squad.

“That’s been one of the biggest risks of signing with Moana, according to some people, but that’s a great challenge and it’s something that ignites a fire in myself,” Savea said in an interview on The Morning Shift Podcast.

“I just see it as a disrespect to the Moana Pasifika team and for the brothers that are listening in the team, what an awesome motivation to hold. People and organisations telling me that I’m going to be a real soft player playing at Moana when I go into the All Blacks, that just riles me up, it’s doubting my people”.

No matter what your opinion is on Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika, one thing is for certain, it not only influences this up-and-coming super rugby season but also influences the next generation of Pasifika people. Savea could’ve chosen the easy path, stayed in Wellington and bowed out as a Hurricanes legend - however, he chose the path to inspire the next generation and become part of something bigger than just rugby.

Matias Gidden (he/him)

Conservative Christchurch or the City of Controversies?

Content warning: Mentions of racial and homophobic events, as well as offensive language in the form of slurs.

When thinking about the most conservative cities in Aotearoa, Ōtautahi Christchurch typically springs to mind. There is a widely known stereotype in New Zealand that Christchurch is one of our more conservative cities, alongside the idea that the further south you go, the worse it gets.

Canta wanted to delve deeper into the discussion to try and navigate the current state of racist and homophobic ideologies right here in Christchurch.

Through the history books:

In a Canta survey, most respondents described Ōtautahi as conservative, often sharing rather unpleasant anecdotes to support their views.

But has it always been this way? According to University of Canterbury history lecturer Geoff Rice, “Christchurch has not historically been known as a conservative city.”

“Since the 1890s, Christchurch was home to the women’s suffrage movement and the temperance movement,” Rice said.

These were radical and progressive movements for their time, firmly establishing Christchurch as a city of change rather than conservatism.

In a document titled Christchurch City Contextual History Overview, published by the Christchurch City Council, these movements are discussed in detail.

The Women’s Christian Temperance Union, founded in Christchurch in 1885, aimed to address abuse of alcohol.

Elsie Williams (she/her)

Maia Aramakutu (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou, she/her)

This organisation became a driving force behind women’s suffrage campaigns, later gaining national prominence under the leadership of Kate Sheppard in 1896.

“[Christchurch] has been a predominantly left-wing and Labour-voting city since the 1930s,” Rice noted.

This trend continues today, with Labour MPs representing Christchurch East, Christchurch Central, and Wigram. Even in Banks Peninsula, the Labour candidate only narrowly lost to the National candidate by a margin of about 400 votes.

So, if Ōtautahi has such a progressive past, why does it carry the label of a conservative city?

Rice offered an intriguing perspective: “Rather than conservative, it would be better labelled the city of controversies, as major issues seem to divide the city into opposing camps.”

A respondent to our survey pointed to schools and suburbs as significant factors contributing to the conservative Christchurch image. They shared personal experiences, acknowledging that schools are a big thing down here.

*Emma said: “I have been to job interviews where I’ve been asked about it. I’ve been offered and prevented from opportunities because of it, and it is crucial that you go to a ‘good high school.’”

*Emma also highlighted the stark wealth divide in Christchurch, noting, “suburb status is also another big one. I’ve visited lots of major cities now, and what I’ve found unique to Christchurch is that it’s a gridlocked city with a visible wealth divide between every single suburb. Again, there are reputations tied to the suburbs where you grow up.”

This notion of schools and suburb status is further supported by the Christchurch City Council document, which discusses the concept of the “Christchurch elite.” This long-standing influential group, concentrated in affluent suburbs like Fendalton, Merivale, and St Albans, has monopolised social and political power for years. Their children generally attend prestigious schools like Christ’s College and St Margaret’s, perpetuating an elitist reputation that has contributed to Christchurch’s conservative label.

So, while Christchurch’s history is rich with progressive movements, the influence of controversies and certain powerful groups has shaped its reputation as a conservative city today. With this context in mind, let’s explore the real experiences of people living in Christchurch.

One respondent shared: “I’ve never felt particularly welcome or safe here; it’s just not a place that is accepting of anyone.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the survey, with many expressing that Ōtautahi lacks acceptance and diversity.

This notion is further reflected in individual responses to questions about discrimination - A significant 34.8% of respondents reported experiencing gender-based discrimination.

One transgender respondent shared how they had “slurs yelled out of cars in town.”

Another, a woman, revealed she had “been told to stay in the kitchen and [that] uni might not be the place for [her].” While transgender and female individuals were the most vocal about gender-based discrimination, some male respondents also shared their experiences, with one saying, “Male. Immediately being called a rapist or stalker or whatever.”

Multiple wahine also discussed the reoccurrence of catcalling, sexual harassment and other forms of abuse hurled at them by men, causing them to feel unsafe - even in public spaces.

Sexuality-based discrimination was reported by 20.9% of respondents, with many describing incidents ranging from disgusted looks to being verbally abused. One particularly harrowing account came from a respondent who shared that they were constantly harassed by friends in high school after coming out, to the point where they felt forced to “take it back” and claim they were straight. This experience left them terrified of exploring their sexuality, fearing that “everyone will hate me” if the truth came out. The lasting impact of this bullying has made them feel “gross” about not being straight.

Racial discrimination was reported by 11.9% of respondents, though the majority (88.1%) said they had not experienced it in Ōtautahi. Of those who did respond, one parent shared a distressing story: “My son is a person of colour, and he was first called the ‘n’ word when he was 3. The racism here is out of control.”

Another respondent, who is Middle Eastern, recounted experiences of being treated rudely by older supermarket staff, especially when compared to their white flatmate.

The results of our survey reveal that discrimination is a significant issue in Ōtautahi, contributing to its conservative label and impacting the lived experiences of many in the city.

Another person who is both Māori and Pākehā said I am white-passing, had a lady come up to me and ask me why I have a tā moko cause I’m white and I’m being racist. [I have h]ad people ask why Māori get free food and everything handed to them. [I have b]een told I’m only here cause I got a Māori scholarship. [I h]ave been told I’m not Māori enough. [I have h]ad people say outrageous comments about my race to my face, etc...”

As the results have shown, there are still a large number of UC students who haven’t faced discrimination in some form - and as history also tells, conservativism might not be the right label.

Canta chats to Ōtautahi local, Tom Notton (they/them), after seeing a TikTok about his experience with racial profiling in town. After settling in Ōtautahi for the second year now, Notton has a good comparison of what it’s like to be a queer person of colour in four major cities. Dabbling in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, and Wellington - each one had its pits and its peaks. Growing up Cook Islands Māori and Aboriginal in Sydney presented fierce challenges involving bullying and racism, confronting Notton from the age of 8. But here in Ōtautahi, the past two years have presented fewer discrimination related challenges than expected.

“I guess it really depends on the circles that you surround yourself in. Because I experience nothing but acceptance generally. I’m not 100% sure why that is. I think I can safely assume that it is because I guess you gravitate to people to have the same values as you.”

Due to this gravitational pull, Notton doesn’t believe Ōtautahi is any more conservative than living in Wellington or Auckland.

From Notton’s perspective, queer culture in Ōtautahi “just looks different,” as the Queer community here puts in just as much effort as other major cities.

“I think that it’s probably time for Ōtautahi to have that label taken off them. Just because to a certain extent, it does

discredit a lot of queer people that do put in so much work.”

Notton refers to permanently fixed queer bars and spaces in Wellington and Auckland, where the queer community will circulate those areas.

“That’s amazing and great to have that safe space. But I find that here, we have an equal or near equal number of queer people that surround the city, but it’s just more spread out.”

When hitting the town, Notton finds that his crew reside in Smash Palace or Flux, which are “not necessarily queer spaces”.

“We’re just kind of spreading our queerness into little pockets that aren’t specifically labelled. And I think that it’s kind of a good thing in a way because it means that we’re not just not just circling the same space and not interjecting ourselves into other communities. We’re just kind of like, everywhere.”

In Auckland, Notton didn’t really experience the collision of both worlds, instead, “it was sort of like, there’s the straights, there’s the gays, you stay in your space. And that’s it.”

Although Notton’s holistic view of Ōtautahi is generally a positive space for queer people, an experience Notton was subject to, sparked frustration in them.

While attending a New Regent street party early last year, Notton and their five friends were having a good time drinking and dancing. Other than their friend dropping a glass, and dancing “expressively”, Notton was just having a good time like everyone. Nothing significant occurred for attention to be drawn solely to Notton, but security from Gin Gin brought the fun to a halt when they accused Notton of being on drugs and kicked them out of an open street party.

“I honestly didn’t even know what was going on. I don’t think I’ve ever been targeted like that in Christchurch before. Or ever really. I don’t go out a lot.”

Notton’s five Pākehā female friends were adamant Notton was the subject of racial profiling.

“And thinking back on it, it made me think, I was actually the only brown person there in general, not just in my group. Or within sight, at least.”

The night continued on, but the anger manifested in the morning, when Notton settled with the idea that they’d been racially profiled. Taking to TikTok to vent their frustration, Notton posted a video describing the situation, to which many people commented their agreement and experiences with being racially profiled in Ōtautahi. “Classic f*cken Christchurch,” said one commenter.

The real distaste sparked when Gin Gin viewed Notton’s Instagram story explaining the incident, choosing to ignore the allegations and divert from apologising.

“Because there was a lot of people from marginalised communities, people of colour, that were like, ‘oh my God, this happens to me all the time’.”

But also, Notton had Pākehā people telling him that the disposal of him from the street party might’ve been justified.

Besides boycotting Gin Gin due to the fact they didn’t apologise after viewing his concerns, the incident hasn’t affected Notton’s day to day life or comfort in the city.

Executive designer of QCanterbury this year, Aria Howes, was born and raised in the outskirts of central Ōtautahi, where

representation and acceptance didn’t exist.

“It was always something that I hid growing up, I really found a community through online Instagram, social media stuff.”

Going to a tiny country school with only 120 kids enhanced the already difficult navigation of Howes’ sexuality, as well as the pressures of generational religious values.

Finding a community at university and higher levels of support in the city appeared to be quite a culture shock, considering Howes’ explanation of the homophobia in the Selwyn area.

“It’s mostly when you reach the outskirts [of Ōtautahi]. You don’t really see a lot of support.”

When asked about the homophobic values residing in Selwyn, Howes said, “[queer culture] is not necessarily spoken about, advocated for and people very much use slurs casually.”

While not witnessing the depths of homophobia firsthand, growing up in the country area highlighted the lack of education about the queer community.

“If you show any bit of anything opposite from the gender that you were signing up for, if you dress more masculine, when you’re feminine, you get called a lesbian and stuff even, they just assume what you are. They don’t really have an open mind about that sort of thing.”

Recognising that she wasn’t straight, Howes came to terms with her asexuality through supportive online spaces. Starting Rolleston High School in the first year group ever meant the stereotype moulds were scarce.

“I recognised that I wasn’t straight, but it wasn’t like the right environment to explore. There was hardly anyone in my year, so it was very much like you [had to] fit into the stereotypes of that area. Otherwise, you are an outcast. And so you’re kind of forced to fit in.”

A big push on education around queerness would be ideal for Howes, as figuring out your sexual identity is difficult, especially when navigating being asexual, which isn’t commonly discussed.

So, Howes has taken it into her own hands to study and enter the field of health to promote mental and physical well-being for queer people.

“I really want to give them a voice and different spaces. Definitely in a Rural area.”

Christchurch’s reputation as a conservative city is increasingly at odds with its complex reality. Historically a beacon of progressive change, the city now grapples with a blend of traditionalism and modern controversies. The perspectives of residents reveal a city where social advancement and discrimination intermingle, challenging simplistic labels. Rather than being defined by a single narrative, Christchurch emerges as a dynamic environment, where diverse experiences shape its identity and where the legacy of both progressivism and prejudice continues to evolve, for better or for worse.

Shapeshifting With Paint Meet Jack Trolove

Amy Riach (she/her)

Having lived all over the world, painting in Barcelona, Glasgow and Melbourne, Jack Trolove found and fell in love with painting in Oxford, Canterbury. After 25 years of big cities, Trolove is living rurally again, but this time on the Kaipara Harbour in Northland, making art which resonates across Aotearoa.

Trolove paints liminal space, and his studio is home to everything that emerges on the threshold of transition. His portraits are abstract depictions of ephemeral emotions in oil paint. One face can hold both joy and grief, capturing transience on canvas.

Trolove has always loved art, particularly the way it can generate social change and become an emotive form of activism, he told Canta.

“[It’s] a challenge, tonic, or a balm for all the ways we feel,” he said, an impact which extends past that of language.

The small art room of his rural high school has had a massive impact on Trolove, who said that above all else he could always look forward to what he calls extreme, delicious chaos.

“Rules of the outside world didn’t apply and creativity exploded, sometimes literally.”

Since those days, Trolove has gone on to have a dynamic career in Aotearoa and internationally. Today, he works with oil paint rather than crayons, and although melted crayola’s are no longer a daily sight at the Trolove studio, he uses the very same experimental impulses now as he used to.

A recent solo at Pātaka Art + Museum, saw Trolove turn a white-box art gallery into the black-box of theatre, or the cave. Plunging paintings into darkness, and showing them in half

lights, was a striking choice that Trolove called “the beautiful trans bodies of dusk and dawn.”

For Trolove, emotion and art are inseparable.

“I try to make paintings that remind us how much emotional muscle we have. The materiality of paint holds a lot - it can carry gestures and energies that are unsettling, disturbing or blissful, and sensations like plummeting and flight, simultaneously. The more years I spend painting, the more magical it seems to me.”

Trolove said oil paint definitely has some restrictions, one of which being drying time.

“Turns out though, in spite of many noble attempts to get me to understand deadlines - oil paint was the one thing that has taught me to be organised,” he said.

Trolove works in an impasto style, laying paint on the canvas with a palette knife so strokes and layers are visible. Oil paint takes years to fully dry, sometimes even upwards of 40, but the viscous colours get tacky after a few hours, and artists like Trolove can’t drag the knife through the laid paint, so he often has a three-to-four-day window for enormous paintings, sometimes painting solidly for 14 hours a day.

As the oil paint dries, it changes, hardens over the canvas like a stretched skin. And for Trolove, that experience feels remarkably human.

Trolove is most interested in stories of change, myths of shapeshifting between states, like the stories of Selkies from the Celtic world, that shift from seal to human form. He said; “shifting between emotional states like grief and love can change us physically.”

Installation view from the exhibition Thresholding at Pātaka Art + Museum. Source: Supplied.

In spite of social pressure to fit into binary categories, according to Trolove, “the really magical experiences in life are not tethered in that way.”

In terms of studio-lore, Trolove told Canta it is first and foremost a messy place, one of many traits he picked up from teacher, Brent Firkin, and much of which he has passed down in his own years of teaching in university and community contexts.

In teaching his own students, Trolove has often returned to the things he first learned from Brent Firkin and high school art.

“So many of the things he used to say that I no doubt appeared to ignore at the time were exactly what I found myself saying to students and artists I worked with,” he said.

Trolove has loved passing down all that he’s learnt. Alongside teaching, he also spent years juggling his creative work with activism and working in suicide prevention, mental health and homelessness, as well as LGBTQIA+ community organisations.

But in everything Trolove has done, there has always been one common thread - emotional connection. Every emotion, every painting, is connected.

“Physically, we’re connected to everything else in the world because we’re literally made up of the same matter,” he said.

There can be no art without change, and there can be no change without emotion. It is the pieces of ‘almost’ that Trolove turns into canvas, and it is their innate emotion that makes his painting so deeply connective.

Jack Trolove in the studio with Turlough. Source: Supplied.

Detail from The Thick Skin of a Pronoun. Source: Supplied.

Detail from Arc. Source: Supplied.

Revitalisation of Te Reo Māori

With a few different meanings, language revitalisation in the context of Māori refers to attempts to reverse the decline of a language – ensuring through the efforts of everyone, te reo is preserved.

Like with English and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), te reo is an official language of Aotearoa.

“Language is at the very heart of a culture. Reo is whakapapa and identity,” said Culture and Heritage worker Georgia Hampton.

“It defines who we are, and where we come from. It is the doorway to understand Te Aō Māori - the Māori world, and its’ concepts,” Hampton said.

Language and culture are pillars of identity, and are meaningful to both individuals and as part of a hapori. Like with many languages, the journey of te reo can start from birth, or can be connected with later in life. Each experience will differ, depending on the person and circumstances.

“My journey towards reconnecting to my Māoritanga several years ago coincided with the start of my te reo Māori learning journey. Learning and speaking te reo Māori makes me feel connected to my culture, and identity as Māori,” said Tanita Bidois, a Māori lecturer, researcher and writer.

“I hope to continue my learning journey and speaking te reo Māori unapologetically, inspiring and encouraging my whānau and friends to learn and speak too.”

Challenges for preserving te reo have arisen in modern

companies and organisations who have not yet embraced the language in working culture. As well as this, the harmful and contrary views regarding te reo and its use in daily life can pose an issue for those who want to use it.

“Sadly, negative attitudes about te reo Māori can have implications for some learners and speakers. Additionally, there are still some workplaces and organisations that either do not use te reo Māori or actively discourage its use, creating ripple effects for kaimahi, clients and the wider community,” Bidois said.

“I think we are already seeing these challenges in fruition –the treatment of te reo as a formality, a box to check, and the backlash we see to te reo in workplaces and government offices. Reo should be celebrated for its contribution to New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage,” Hampton said.

To focus on revitalisation in a way that is sustainable and meaningful, it is most important to come together and emphasise why it is integral for Pākehā to also embrace traditional customs and perspectives alongside Māori. Learning something new can be discomforting and scary, but by leaning into the values and concepts of te reo, there is an opportunity for understanding the importance of language preservation, and its history.

“I think for Pākehā, when entering these spaces, the main thing is to come with an open mind, excited to learn. Try not to be disheartened, your engagement and support is deeply appreciated,” Hampton said.

Olivia Welsh (she/her)

Lake Heron, Taylor Range (Canterbury). Source: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons.

“There are so many steps we can take as a society, for example, the normalisation of spoken te reo in public spaces is an easy first. The compulsory teaching of te reo, and a greater breadth to the teaching of New Zealand history in schools.”

When searching for ways to collaborate with individuals, organisations and the government to ensure long-term sustainability of te reo, it is crucial that we ensure Māori are at the forefront, driving that change.

“They should be part of the decision-making process from start to finish. Seek them for consultation, they know the best steps for their people,” Hampton said.

“Protect the language. Protect its use in legislation, and champion initiatives, especially amongst communities to engage with Indigenous teachings.”

Renowned publications from around the world, such as the National Geographic, Oxford Academic, and TIME, have regarded te reo’s importance to the structure and way of life in Aotearoa. Back in March of this year, it was announced that a special edition journal about how to strengthen te reo revitalisation was launched by Māori linguists. This was to expand on current language research.

Therefore, we cannot talk about the preservation and strengthening of language without discussing linguistics, which refers to the specific study of a language. For te reo, it presents interesting findings on how to properly understand and communicate the language, while being mindful of certain dialects, and factoring in the variation of verbs, endings and more.

“As stated by Koro Dewes, “Ko te pūtake o te Māoritanga, ko te reo Māori, he taonga tuku iho nā Te Atua” - The root of Māori culture is Māori language, a gift from God,” said Forrest Panther, a lecturer of Language, Social and Political Sciences.

“One particular area where this is relevant is to do with the retention of mita Māori - the ways of speaking Māori associated with hapū and iwi, and Māori dialects more broadly. I believe that understanding more of the factors behind this variation [of passive ending on verbs in te reo Māori] is important to understanding more about te reo Māori itself and understanding more about mita Māori and Māori dialects broadly is very important for language maintenance and revitalisation strategies.”

Panther begins teaching a course in 2025 at UC, combining te reo and linguistics, titled “Te Mātai Reo Māori: The Grammar and Linguistics of Te Reo Māori.”

“I think it plays a big role. It is well-known that language encapsulates aspects of the culture of the people who speak it.” Panther said.

Te reo is all around us. It’s rich with the history of Māori ancestors, and warriors, and those alive today. No language that allows people to feel and share aroha and have a sense of identity should ever be scrutinised.

“Throughout my te reo Māori learning journey, the majority of learners I studied with were non-Māori. The increased uptake of non-Māori learners in te reo classes, particularly those who hold roles as Kaiako and other roles of influence, are important champions of the language,” Bidois said.

“This also includes non-Māori learners and speakers leveraging positions of power or privilege to challenge negative rhetoric about the use of te reo Māori within organisations and workplaces.”

The individual’s I’ve spoken to, who are experts in the fields of language, culture and research, have similar views regarding the visions they have for the future of te reo. That the continued normalisation of te reo across all sectors should be focused upon, and that greater recognition and regulation of te reo Māori is required for Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be honoured and celebrated.

Bidois hopes future learners and speakers continue to be brave, to make mistakes and to feel pride in speaking te reo Māori.

Finding my Culture at University

Growing up I didn’t know that much about my culture or what it really meant to be Māori - I knew I was Māori, my name is Maia Aramakutu, it’s kind of hard not to. I knew my iwi, I had been to my marae, I had participated in pōwhiri, learnt of Te Tiriti, and been taught a bit of te reo Māori - but that was the extent of it.

If I’m being honest, at that time I wasn’t really interested in exploring my culture any deeper because I didn’t think that was something I could do. I was also made to think Māori culture was koru art in classrooms, kapa haka, and pōwhiri. Although I identified as Māori on forms, I really felt like I was Pākehā.

That was until I started university and my perception of myself changed.

There were two catalysts in first year that made me want to start the long, hard journey of connection to my culture. One was deciding to take MAOR165 in semester two of first year, and the other was making strong friendships with other Māori students.

On the first night in halls in first year, I hit it off with two people on my floor who were Māori. These were the first friends I had made that were Māori and it was eye opening. For the first time, I met people who were on a similar page when it came to identity.

Like me, they had grown up urbanised and one of a few Māori at their schools. Talking to them was comforting and also made me realise a lot of the identity issues I had been having - let’s be honest, who doesn’t have them? - stemmed from being Māori, growing up urbanised and being away from people like me and my culture.

In first year, I was doing a Bachelor of Communications. In semester two, we had one elective and I made the decision to change whichever paper I had been signed up for to MAOR165, with one of my other Māori friends.

MAOR165 is a paper all about identity. We learnt some

aspects of Māori culture and what it means to be Māori. Although this paper did make me upset, it really put a lot of things into perspective and saw me to confront some complicated feelings I was having. It also sparked a passion for learning that I only really felt when I was learning about media. I wanted to learn more about Māori from other Māori. Before, I’d only been taught about Māori from Pākehā, and there is something different about learning about your culture, from someone who is part of it.

In second year, I changed my degree to Māori and indigenous studies. Although I am not actively learning te reo Māori, I decided this was the right move for me. I have been able to understand a lot of things about Māori culture and what it means to be Māori, as well as being introduced to concepts like re-indigenisation and Māori developmentwhich I now want to explore more in the future. I have also had the opportunity to build relationships with other Māori, which is important.

Cultural connection doesn’t just happen because you decide you want to put the work into connection. In my two years of actively wanting to learn, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg.

I also feel as though I am limited by the university, as in a university setting you are learning about Māori culture in academics, which isn’t bad, it’s just different than if you were on the marae.

Striving for cultural connection can feel daunting and it kind of is. It’s like you are walking up a maunga and you might never reach the top. But it’s the little things that make it so worth it. For me, this might be an endless journey - as we are always learning about our tipuna. Even culturally connected Māori learn new things every day, because colonisation has tainted our history.

I am happy with it being an endless journey.

Going to university has made me proud to be Māori, something I will never forget.

Maia Aramakutu (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou, she/her)

Kī o

Kī o Rahi, the game that dominated our high school years, brought fire to our bellies, and mud to our knees. The competition would flood school fields and fuel school spirit as this relatively new sport took over P.E classes. But the game of Kī o Rahi was not designed to just be played, as the story and the legends it stemmed from make it so much more than a game.

It is essential when learning the game, that the puurakau (story) is also learnt. Though most games you wouldn’t think twice about how they came about, legendary tales within Te ao Māori culture serve as more than just narratives; they are important components of Māori culture and identity, preserving the worldview and values of Māori.

Let me tell you a story…

A long time ago, a fierce warrior named Rahitūtakahina (Rahi) was married to a beautiful wahine, Tīarakurapakewai (Tī Ara). One day, the Patupaiarehe—fairy-like beings of the forest—kidnapped Tī Ara, taking her to their home, a large volcano. To hinder Rahi’s pursuit, they cast a spell that created a thick, vine-filled forest. Upon discovering the forest, Rahi knew he needed a new plan. He readied his Manu Tangata (kite), packed some moa eggs, and asked Tāwhirīmātea, the god of wind, to carry him over the forest. The wind swiftly brought him close to the Patupaiarehe, but they conjured a second sun, burning Rahi’s kite.

Before crashing, Rahi managed to glide into a giant nest. He fed the chicks his moa eggs, and when their mother returned, she recognised Rahi’s kindness and helped him continue his journey. She protected him from above as he travelled through the scorching desert left by the two suns. Exhausted, Rahi rested under a rock filled with mauri - lifeforce, which revived him. The Patupaiarehe then

summoned a giant lizard that tried to trap Rahi, but the rock’s mauri shielded him. The lizard dug a trench around Rahi, which filled with water, and transformed into a Taniwha to guard it.

That night, as the Matariki stars shone, Namu, the bird who had helped Rahi, kept him warm. Guided by the stars, Rahi’s father and whānau arrived and froze part of the water, creating a bridge for Rahi to escape.

Rahi and his whānau climbed the volcano and blocked the smoke vents, forcing the Patupaiarehe to flee. Instead of fighting, Rahi suggested they settle their disputes through a game. Thus, they created Kī o Rahi, a game still played today to bring people together.

How does Kī o Rahi live on today?

As the game continues to grow in Aotearoa and overseas, there are a few people working hard to keep this treasure thriving. A group called Tū Mātau Ora (TMO) was founded on the vision of mātauranga Māori informing positive outcomes for people, communities and our environments. TMO utilise the magic of taonga tākaro - traditional Māori games and activities - as a fun safe way to engage, educate and empower everyone in Māori customs and culture.

Lead by Pita Noanoa and Ness Mill, TMO are leading a revolution in how Aotearoa connects, learns and plays, helping create an Aotearoa where taonga tākaro, their tikanga and practices are normalised becoming a modality for decolonisation and re-indigenisation, and Kī o Rahi is a large part of that.

Championing many Kaupapa, they’ve helped shape and activate the first permanent Kī o Rahi turf in the world at Pukehuia Park, which is a huge step for the utilisation of taonga tākaro.

Rahi

TMO have even partnered with Wellington City Council (WCC) to help implement 4.3 of the WCC’s current 2024 strategic plan to “normalise and incorporate traditional Māori games and initiatives” - a goal TMO have continuously supported and unremittingly advocated for.

Over the last 18 months, The TMO team have shared taonga tākaro with over 15,000 people, and they don’t plan on stopping.

“The popularity has been steadily increasing over the last 15 years and is about to reach a new level, as a generation who have grown up with it, are filtering into adulthood. And as national coordination starts to take place,” Mill said.

For Mill and Noanoa, the growth of Kī o Rahi represents the normalization of Māori play and practices, offering greater opportunities for Māori to engage and succeed by embracing their identity, just as their tipuna did. It allows them to celebrate and value Māori culture, while providing everyone the chance to connect, share, and grow through the fun and learning of traditional Māori play.

Taonga tākaro offer a pathway to holistic wellbeing by promoting physical health through increased activity, enhancing mental wellness through cognitive stimulation and social interaction, fostering social bonds through shared experiences, and uplifting wairua through the joy of play, all while deepening our connection to te ao Māori.

“The growth of Kī o Rahi is extremely important as it helps reclaim a vital aspect of Māori culture, especially important at a time when an overtly racist Government attempts to remove years of hard fought progress.”

They believe Māori traditional games provide a platform for tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti to unite and help

decolonise and re-indigenise Aotearoa.

Looking ahead, the future of Kī o Rahi isn’t just a hope— it’s part of a strategic plan that envisions the sport as a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s national identity and a cultural bridge to the world. The vision includes Kī o Rahi becoming the most popular sport in the nation, with councils adopting strategies like Wellington’s to normalize Māori games. This plan aims to see Kī o Rahi integrated into schools, with marked papa tākaro and equipment available for students to play during breaks, and teachers being trained to share taonga tākaro.

National competitions, university leagues, and professional televised matches are all part of the vision, with the game extending to include both mixed and single-gender teams across various age groups. The dream extends beyond Aotearoa, with plans to introduce Kī o Rahi to international audiences, starting with whānau in Australia and expanding to other indigenous cultures and eventually the world.

The sport’s inclusivity is also a priority, with partnerships in place to include Kī o Rahi in the Halberg Games and the Paralympics. The future also holds exciting developments, such as a documentary on their journey, and international exchanges to share and learn from other indigenous cultures.

In essence, Kī o Rahi is set to not only thrive within Aotearoa but also to become a global ambassador for Māori culture, showcasing the rich heritage of taonga tākaro on the world stage.

Elsie Williams (she/her)

Cantabury Tales

Welcome to a new column where we respond to a tale submitted by one of you and attempt to give advice. Want us to respond to your tale? Email us at editor@canta.co.nz.

Dear Canta,

A lot has happened this year and honestly, I am kinda over it. I don’t really know how to stay motivated and why this sem is so much worse than last sem. Any advice on how to get out of this slump would be helpful.

Dear Slumped,

Yeah, the semester two blues are real. Semester two sucks, for some reason it is always so much worse, everyone is incredibly burnt out, and cannot catch a break. Good news? – Almost everyone is in the same boat as you, so don’t feel like you’re alone in the situation because you are definitely not.

If you need help staying motivated, try to remember why you are studying what you are studying. What was that original spark that pulled you towards your current degree? Find that within the subjects you are taking at the moment, and hopefully the motivation will start to come back. If not, and you just feel incredibly burnt out – relatable – start doing something other than uni work. Venture outside of Ilam and have some fun without always putting pressure on yourself. Balance may be the answer to your burn-out woes.

Hope that helps a little bit. Hang in there, you are so, so close!!

MON-FRI 8:30am - 5:30pm

Love, Canta

Love, Slumped

What is your childhood go-to travel destination?

Hunger

BP Pie or a wrap/salad from the Cabinet?

Just went in there to pee

many boxes of booze do you have in the back of the car?

Gisborne

I feel like you’re probably hungover on your way to RNV. You’ve likely never been to Gisborne before because its so far away and the line for subway is too long and you just want to get home

Hawkes Bay

You’re definitely just going to see family for Christmas. unfortunately and you get a little car sick so have to eat something that won’t make you queasy through those roads.

Auckland

You’re going to Auckland for a concert because you live in the south island and overseas artists hate us so they make us drive to Auckland. Have fun!

Russell

You’re on your annual family holiday and your parents are determined its cheaper to drive then fly so you’ve now been in the car for six hours with a packed lunchbox and a book.

Queenstown

You’re on a roadie heading for a mean weekend but you’re dirt broke and your hostel has a 2 star rating. Good luck pookie.

Dunedin

You’re probably heading down south for massive weekend with your childhood bestfriend for their 21st. Have the best time and stay safe driving!!!

Kapa Haka, and the Impact of Māori Mentors

Amy Riach (she/her)

The opening haka of an All Blacks match is a source of national pride, and Poi E plays loud and proud on the radio. But what about behind the stadium, off the rugby field?

Kapa haka is a performance, an art, a community, and a valuable kind of mentorship, unique to Aotearoa.

When kapa haka was first performed on the national stage in the 1970s, kapa haka was a radical act of revitalisation, and it remains an incredibly powerful practice of celebration and performance.

According to research by Te Rita Papesch, Māori scholar and kapa haka performer, historic urbanisation and cultural oppression has “made it increasingly difficult to carry out the most basic rituals and communal activities that informed and sustained our identity as tangata whenua.”

Papesch feared the unique ability to perform pōwhiri, for example, was slipping away as older generations passed.

Through kapa haka, according to Papesch, indigenous communities could sustain their ways of being Māori by moving performances of cultural identity off the marae.

Creating a frame, within which the key components of ritual could be performed theatrically, was essential in bringing together Māori from all over Aotearoa.

The popularity of kapa haka in New Zealand schools, the shared knowledge of waiata, the ability of Kiwi, Pākehā students to hum Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, and sing to the radio version of Poi E, is the result of a deliberate pursuit of survival, and an intentional preservation of te ao Māori performance and values.

The welcome popularity of Māori performing arts in this century is no accident. The broader New Zealand society, the government, the policy makers, the funders, the school principals, the workplaces, still need a better understanding of kapa haka, beyond its use on SkyTV at an All Blacks game, or as the clip-on addition to public and corporate events.

The extent to which the nation values kapa haka, outside of the All Blacks performing haka at a rugby match, often begins in primary schools, New Zealand classrooms, and early morning waiata before school assemblies. And in rural North Canterbury, where kapa haka is not funded or performed as it is in Christchurch City schools, a man named Rihari, with a guitar and a collection of songs, is responsible for bringing those waiata to the classroom.

Rihari Walker grew up with kapa haka, and now he travels between schools, introducing them to the power and the mana of kapa haka performance. As a five-year-old boy, Rihari quickly found an identity in traditional performance. “It became my life”, he told Canta, and through kapa haka, Rihari connected with mentors who have changed his life.

“I trained with the best,” said Rihari, who spent most of his youth performing with Te Kotahitanga kapa haka.

He grew up singing, with a poi in one hand, learning to understand te reo Māori, and eventually, learning how to turn language into songs.

Rihari is bringing kapa haka to the doorstep of Canterbury schools, and it has a profound impact on young people - especially the next generation of New Zealanders.

Rihari has two young sons, who he introduced to kapa haka through their primary school cultural groups, and his work as a mentor and kapa haka leader began with a tiny primary school classroom and parent volunteer hours.

When Rihari’s oldest son started learning kapa haka at school, he was working the night shift at a factory, and volunteered to spend time during the day with his son’s class. He told Canta, the students brought the excitement and the passion, and he brought “valuable experience with stage presence and guitaring”.

The class went so well that the school principal recommended him to just about everyone in Canterbury, and rural Oxford Area School was one of the first schools where Rihari taught.

Rihari wrote the Oxford students their own school haka, and he said that kapa haka should always be a unifying source of pride, something unique to each school, or each community.

“Growing up in kapa haka you’re exposed to a whole Māori community,” said Rihari, and that community is a source of identity, and of pride.

Rihari has composed 20 songs of his own, and said he has “always had tunes in [his] head”. Now composing hakas, he told Canta they have their own kind of musicality.

The haka is about more than a challenge. It’s more than violence. The haka is art, and soul, and according to Rihari, in performing the haka “we stand strong with mana, we stand proud in our identity. The haka is about knowing who you are.”

Rihari told Canta, performing the haka is “giving yourself to the universe”, and it takes proud, positive, mentorship to encourage that mindset in young boys, especially young, Pākehā men who are disconnected from Māori community culture.

Teaching kapa haka rurally, especially in predominantly non-Māori classrooms, presents a distinct challenge; and there is a gap in understanding and appreciation to be bridged, before the skills of performance can be truly taught.

But the challenge of extending kapa haka to communities beyond the marae is part of what Rihari loves most, as much as “having fun, and cracking jokes!”

“I take my mentorship quite seriously,” he told Canta.

“I see they have more potential than they’re showing.”

Rihari takes care to give the nervous but talented singer a lead in the waiata, or the disruptive but hardworking boy a role in the haka, and he says that kapa haka grounds young students who are still learning who they are. It builds identity, mana, and responsibility, and according to Rihari, “a month might go by, and they’re a completely different person. They’re confident, grounded.”

Seeing the change in young students, and the impact of kapa haka on generations of young students, is what keeps Rihari in the classroom.

The wairua, the te ao Māori spirit, or soul, is what defines kapa haka. It is the souls of individuals, coming together as one, in one performance, one shared value, one shared goal. It is generational, and according to Rihari, as primary students move up through the school and become leaders, “you can see that power has transferred. They lead the school now, and I have to keep up with that, for new generations.”

Rihari has fast become the same mentor that he admired so much when he was a student himself, staring at the haka with stars in his eyes. Through kapa haka, Rihari found his role models, and he told Canta, “I carry a little piece of them all in me. T hey taught me everything.”

According to E-Tangata author Linda Waimarie Nikora, “when we perform kapa haka, we are performing te ao Māori into existence.”

Nikora said, every time kapa haka is performed, witnessed, and celebrated, “I’m looking to learn what sort of world our people are choosing to bring into existence. Tūhoe will do it in a certain way.

Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-ā- Apanui, and other rōpu, will do it in another way, and draw on different traditions and histories.”

Kapa Haka is far from one-size-fits-all. It is a lifeblood, shaped by history, myth, and music, and it is worth more to each new generation, an emphatic connection to mentors who have passed, and ancestors who fade further into history.

Club Corner Club Corner

UCCISA

Tell us a bit about your club!

Kia Orana, We are the University of Canterbury Cook Island Student Association. Our club is a safe space where we can share our culture, tradition and language to students who are interested to know more about the Cook Islands. It is also a space for our Cook Island students to come together to know and see other Cook Island students that is studying at University of Canterbury and help each other out on our academic journey.

Promote your club to a newbie, how would you sell it?

Have you heard of ura, or hula? Have you heard about Rarotonga or Aitutaki? If you have, we are the club that will help you learn more about us and teach you how to do our Cook Island dance called Ura. Where the girls will sway their hips, and the boys will knock their knees together and so much more. If you have not heard about any of this still come, join along, and get to know about us.

What are some events and activities you have planned for the year?

The events we had recently were in celebration of Cook Island Language Week that happened on 5th –10th August 2024. During that week we were able to have UCSA help promote our Cook Island Language week by getting students involved to say a phrase of the day but in our language, leading to students being able to get 50% off for any hot drink on campus, during that time. Also on 8th August 2024, we hosted an event to celebrate Cook Island language week in Rehua. We had two workshops during that event which was to get students involved with learning how to hit our traditional drums and learn how to make a flower crown. This event was such a success and we had a great number of students who attended the event.

We have one more event for the year, which is our end of the year BBQ, so please keep an eye out on our social media platforms, which is “UCCISA” on Instagram for more information. It is an open invitation to our students to come together.

How can people get involved?

Our students can get involved by getting in contact with us on our page if they want to sign up to our club where they can receive emails from us. Or they can just follow us on Instagram to be updated with any event we have, where they can come and meet us.

Flat Famous Flat Famous

Want

Nickname: Pookie

Worst Habit: Dabbing

Favourite Flat Meal: Ya mum

Nickname: Crystal meth

Worst Habit: Selling meth

Favourite Flat Meal: Meth

Nickname: Ratty Mcfatty

Worst Habit: Walking like an elephant

Favourite Flat Meal: Cheese

Nickname: Ratty

Worst Habit: Being British

Favourite Flat Meal: Mushy peas

Amie

Brie

Emily

Maddy

CANTA

Only American Formula 1 Driver dropped and replaced.

Logan Sargeant has officially been fired and will be replaced by Argentinian driver Franco Colapinto from this week, at the Italian Grand Prix.

His departure comes after his best finish of the season was 11th place, and in which he had clear performance goals, since the beginning – to hold his seat. Furthermore, a dramatic crash in the Dutch Grand Prix practice round, with Sargeant finishing 16th in the official race, did not help his cause.

Team principal James Vowles told media the change could be incredibly tough on Sargeant, given he was already set to be replaced at the end of the season.

Sargeant has still not spoken publicly about the firing, but there has been speculation he could move to IndyCar and according to 1News, potentially with Prema racing - entering the next series with two cars.

“This is undoubtedly incredibly tough on Logan, who has given his all throughout his time with Williams, and we want to thank him for all his hard work and positive attitude,” Vowles said.

“Logan remains a talented driver and we will support him to continue his racing career for the future.”

Italian tennis star fires physiotherapist and trainer

Rising Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has fired both his physiotherapist and trainer after he tested positive for the steroid clostebol, which can be used to build muscle mass. This was because of his physio, Giacomo Naldi, applying an over-the-cover spray to a cut on his own hand before carrying out treatments on Sinner.

Naldi had received the spray from Sinner’s trainer, Umberto Ferrara. All of this came to light after Sinner won his fifth title of the year at the Cincinnati Open, where the Italian tennis star revealed that the decision to part ways with Naldi and Ferrara was due to the recent mistakes, and no longer feeling confident with them.

After admitting that they’d been a huge part in building his career and helping him achieve international success, Sinner commented during a news conference at the US Open on August 23rd, “[n]ow, because of these mistakes, I’m not feeling that confident to continue with them. I was struggling a lot in the last months. I was waiting for the result. The only

thing I need right now is some clean air.”

Sinner has been facing some controversary and backlash after some notable athletes and analysists believe that the Italian is being protected from the consequences of a positive test due to his top-ranking.

New Zealand’s Waka Ama teams love their gold

Multiple Waka Ama teams from Aotearoa New Zealand have had triumphant wins at the IVF World Sprint Championships in Hawai’i.

A total of 13 gold medals have been won.

Some of the notable wins include the elite women’s team winning gold for two sprints, the para-athletes of George Thomas, Dale Johnson, and Peata Nuku for their singles 250m sprints, master paddlers in the over 50’s, 60’s and 75s category and Gisborne’s Horouta and Kaiarahi Toa team.

According to the elite women’s team coach Sieda Tureia, they trained for eight months prior to the championship, where training camps would allow the women to tirelessly prepare every day, even during the weekends.

“Countries are catching up but that makes our job a lot more exciting, it kind of encourages us to push a bit more and already start making some plans for the next competition in Singapore,” Tureia said (RNZ).

The chief executive of Waka Ama New Zealand, Lara Collins, noted how Aotearoa is making a huge impact with nearly 600 kaihoe (rowers) competing.

Lydia Ko won’t be hanging up clubs anytime soon

Lydia Ko is one of the most notable New Zealand professional athletes of all time, having turn pro in golf back in 2013, with 28 professional wins so far. She is currently a player director on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

But that doesn’t mean she is slowing down anytime soon.

After having won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in early August, Ko is giving it her all at the Women’s British Open, where she was tied for fifth after two rounds, and is tied for fourth alongside South Korean Jenny Shin as of August 25th.

At a press conference on the eve of the British Women’s Open in Fife, Scotland, Ko commented, “I’ve always said that while I’m competitively playing, I want to play at the highest level I possibly can and continuously work hard with my team to become a better, more consistent player.”

Ko secured her first LPGA tour title since 2022 after having won the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Olivia Welsh (she/her) and Heidi Slade (she/her)

GCs of the Week

Introducing the newest column in Canta, GC of the Week – written by The GC in collaboration with Canta. Here, the GC celebrates everything, featuring individuals who’ve not only managed to be hilariously funny in their day-to-day lives but have also spread a positive impact throughout university.

Nominations

Say hello to Tom Ogg, the ultimate “Bucken GC” who’s been sending tremors from the streets of Lincoln to the heart of UC. Tom is the kind of guy who seems to have it all figured out; DJ, playboy, and rumored to appear for the West Melton Prems, he catches the eyes of many with his smooth charm and confidence. But Tom’s appeal isn’t just about looks—he has a talent for pretty much everything, with a nature almost Sonny Bill Williams-esque.

People often wonder what makes Tom so successful with the ladies, and the answer might just be that he does it all. He’s got the looks, the skills, and the perfect date idea: a trip to the McDonald’s drive-through followed by the Burnside carpark. Whatever it is, he’s spitting heat on the decks, slinging free Redbulls, or Smacking lip pillow mid study session - he is always in

Meet Chinnie “Wicket” Molemure, who, much like Hannah Montana, lives a double life. On a regular Uni day, you might notice his kind and gentlemanly behavior. However, place a beer and a couple of twisted ideas in this man’s possession, and watch the afternoon take a crooked turn. With a box of Speight’s as his means of transportation, Chinnie can teleport from a casual Friday afternoon, to the early hours of Sunday morning - in a single bend. After that first crack of his box, time itself begins to loosen its grip on him, with his extended periods of no sleep knowing no bounds. Not only is he the last man standing in the early morning, but once Monday rolls around, he’s somehow rested and ready for his week at Uni and the following weekend ahead.

GC of the Week

Jack “Spratt” Carrick

Meet Jack “Spratt” Carrick, well-known for his vibrant personality, cheeky behavior, and proud invention of the infamous “spider poo”. Whether he’s cracking jokes, helping out the fellas, or letting a ripper loose on the 8th floor of the library - Spratty’s next move is always impossible to predict. With so many unique qualities, this man could be studied in a lab. He’s constantly pushing himself to the limit in every endeavor he pursues - even the strange ones. While pushing his body to the physical limits time and time again, Jack soon discovered he needed a fuel to match his performance. So, with a couple of mates, he decided to start a protein powder business. Not only does this venture provide him with the nutrition he needs, but it also serves as a perfect excuse to hit up gym influencers in hopes for some “collabs.”

Tom Ogg Chinnie “Wicket” Molemure

Canta Commentary

Chip and Dip Combinations

Maia Aramakutu (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Porou, she/her)

Bluebird Chips and Kiwi Dip

This combination is a kiwi classic so of course it has a high rating. No matter what the flavour of chip, you are guaranteed to be left satisfied after taking one bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, from parties to sitting in your room watching a movie - it is a perfect snack. My personal favourite flavour of Bluebird chips is ready salted as it has a nice salt to chip ratio, unlike the salt and vinegar ones, and these chips will also definitely provide the perfect crunch.

I don’t even need to say this but Kiwi dip is delicious! The combination of reduced cream and onion soup is perfect together. Kiwi dip is especially good when combined and left in the fridge to marinate for a couple of hours and mixed with lemon - it really showcases the awesome flavours. If you have been living under and rock and haven’t tried this, I would head to the supermarket ASAP.

Sour Cream and Chives Chips and Hummus

Another chip and dip classic. As someone who has only recently decided to like salsa, this combination has really grown on me. Much like Kiwi dip and Bluebirds chips, this combination works with any flavour of corn chips and any level of spice for the salsa. The tangy and chunky salsa adds texture into every bite, combined with a deliciously flavoured corn chip - it’s a great snack. My only issue with this combination is sometimes the addition of salsa means the chip goes a bit soggy, which is not ideal. I am also a capsicum and pepper hater, so salsa isn’t entirely my thing. But even as a hater of those flavours, I can still admit that this is a great combination, that is more filling than other chip and dip snacks. So, I rate it.

Copper Kettle chips and Mediterranean Margherita Dip

One of the more expensive combinations, but so delicious. Both items on their own are elite foods, the margherita dip layers sundried tomatoes, basil pesto, and cream cheese on top of each other and really is an amazing combination. Copper Kettle chips, especially the salt and vinegar are perfectly flavoured. Kettle chips are thinner than most chips and pack an awesome crunch with every bite. They are also oddly shaped, you can get flat ones, ones that are curved over ones that are folded, this makes these chips the perfect vessel to get all 3 layers of the dip in every bite. I would definitely recommend trying this at some point in your life.

Sweet Chilli Chips and Cucumber and Yoghurt dip

A basic combination, but one for those who like textured foods. I am not sure why, but sour cream and chives chips and hummus just go together. Maybe it is the combination of the creamy chip and the savoury hummus. Probably the cheapest combination on this list, and on the healthier side of that is what you’re into. Hummus is a decent source protein and fiber made fun using chips as the vessel rather crackers or corn thins. I find this combination works best with thick cut chips as they pick up the hummus best. Another great thing about this is that it is a snack that will leave you full and satisfied. However, I do find that the hummus can get hard to eat after a couple of dips as hummus can be dry.

This combination has no room for substitutions. It is one of my favourite combinations of chips and dip. It is seriously elite. It tastes like when you get a souvlaki or meat on chips, and you have tzatziki and sweet chilli as the sauces. And trust me, it does work in chip and dip form; the chip adds a nice bit of crunch to these complementing flavours. The spice from the chilli goes nicely with the natural yogurt flavoured with cucumber, mint, and lemon. It’s a satisfying mix of flavours, that I cannot stress enough how well they go together.

Corn Chips and Salsa

Dipper One

LUCKY

Each issue we set up two birds who are looking for love on a blind-date and then tell them to write about it.

Here are the unedited results of Canta’s chosen love birds for this issue.

If you want some free Rollickin’ and the potential to meet the love of your life, apply at canta.co.nz/lucky-dip

I had literally no idea what a lucky dip was until a few days before the date. A friend signed me up, and I was surprised by an email in my inbox from Canta asking me on a date. I was keen to give it a go for some fun. I went along to Rollickin with some Uber troubles, which made me a bit late (sorry!!!). I didn’t know what to expect when I got there and thought the staff would help me find my date, but they seemed busy, so I had a look around outside until we made eye contact and smiled. She was super nice from the get-go. She had a near miss with a kid almost spilling ice cream on her, but after laughing about that, we had some great introductory chats, and it was super chill. We bonded over our love of animals and our pets. The conversation was relaxed and two-way. She shared some funny stories of a rock band she recorded with when she was younger and a questionable but funny beige-purple hair phase. We are both at a pretty similar point in life and have quite different interests, which made the conversation interesting when sharing plans and ideas of what we want to do and where we want to go. The strip that Rollickin is on is super vibrant, especially because it was such a nice day— there were so many dogs, and one was sitting at a table in a café eating off a plate which was wild. Wellmannered dog aside, the ice cream was great, and we had a good chat for around an hour until I needed to go. At the end of the date, we added each other on Snapchat. We had a laugh about my random Bitmoji,

and I provided some average chat and gave her Bitmoji a new outfit which she definitely wasn’t a fan of (lol). Overall, the experience was great fun, she was super cool and I will likely see her again. Cheers for the evening, Canta, Rollickin, and my date!

LUCKY DIP

Dipper Two

Deciding to say yes to a lucky dip date was a total spur of the moment decision that I probably would have said no to if I had thought about it any longer than 5 seconds. My friends all reminded me that even if it went badly I’d still get free ice cream, and no matter how true that is it still didn’t make the nerves go away.

Due to my previous not so amazing experiences with men, my friends had insisted the week prior that I needed supervision (thanks guys), so of course when I went on my lucky dip date, they had to be there. I sat outside with my back to them to avoid making eye contact and nervous giggling, although I did a lot of that anyway.

When my date arrived I thought, “Oh sh*t he’s cute” and he came over to give me a hug and introduced himself.

We chatted for a few minutes before I suggested getting our ice cream, to which I was very happy to hear that he was also a big fan of salted caramel. This may be an exaggeration but I reckon I would’ve lost about 25% interest if he didn’t. We got our ice cream, sat back outside and chatted for the next hour about the usual first date topics like uni, our hobbies, flatting, and what we wanted to do after uni. We shared some of the same interests, one of which was the fact that we’re both up for trying new hobbies (that we don’t

always stick to). He also mentioned that he had quite an impressive streak in German on duolingo, which my friends later said was a good sign that he doesn’t have commitment issues. In between conversations we quite frequently got distracted by dogs roaming around New Regent St (another green flag that he likes dogs).

Overall, I just hope I wasn’t too awkward as I usually make some unhinged comments due to me having 1 brain cell and no filter, and it doesn’t help that I’m also a big yapper and don’t know when to shut up. But he was really sweet, I enjoyed chatting to him and we exchanged snapchats too. I would be happy to get to know him more and see where it goes, even if we just end up as friends as he seemed like a really nice person.

(Hariklia you did well, iykyk)

How Aotearoa has Shaped Pop Culture

Aotearoa has a unique grasp on the rest of the world. To some it’s a small island often mistaken for Australia, and to others we’re simply forgotten. This was seen in the Paris Olympics –when we were left off a closing ceremony world map.

While this isn’t news, that’s not to say we haven’t shaped pop-culture and left significant marks across media, language, and sport.

One of the most integral aspects of Aotearoa that has framed how we’re viewed in international pop culture is that of history, and Māori. As a bicultural society, Aotearoa is shaped by the past and by being able to recognise and respect Māori ancestors and claims to the land.

“Reflecting on New Zealand’s version of pop culture is quite different for what is and always has been Māori popular culture,” said Associate Professor at Aotahi School of Māori and Indigenous Studies, Jani Wilson.

Wilson’s research demonstrates the move from performances and celebrations where alcohol is at the forefront, to more whānau-based activities like picnics, and settings where individuals are empowered through language and cultural values.

With kapa haka being an important part of Māori identity dating back to before 1934 – the first year Waitangi Day was commemorated, Wilson commented: “it’s only been with the proliferation of social media over the last 10 years

where rangatahi – and I’d say this is the case for Māori and non-Māori – have performed haka and sung in te reo, where there’s been a sense of a desire for a bicultural popular culture.”

“We have incredible stories and talents right here; we have access to the technology like everyone else. But our strength, really is in our people who are born and raised in the creative arts, music, performance, and making things… But this is part of our collective mentality and culture. Family over everything. And to be fair, our Pākehā are increasingly enjoying these Kaupapa too. So, this isn’t a trend as such, but a return to our Pacific values.”

A lot of our filmography features depictions of violence and masculinity masquerading in different forms. Cultural Studies graduate Dorian Ghosh, gave Once Were Warriors and Power of the Dog as examples.

“[Aotearoa] has traditionally been constructed as masculine, rugged and to a certain extent, violent. The image of the pioneering man (often Pākehā) traversing through the rough unyielding terrain,” Ghosh said.

Another, perhaps more surprising admission, is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which Ghosh described as “one of New Zealand’s biggest cultural imports.”

When it comes to sport, there is no doubting that the All Blacks have changed rugby forever, and according to what is distributed online – on the official website for the All Blacks, they are the most successful men’s rugby side - internationally.

“Often when I speak to my family in India, they will bring up two things: Rugby and the Haka, both of which are linked due to the performance of Ka Mate by the All Blacks,” Ghosh said, who considers the image and overall culture of rugby one that has prioritised a sense of masculinity in its national identity.

While influencing pop culture ourselves, it is also in how we interact with it that dictates how we present ourselves internationally.

“It is important that we engage with pop culture, with it being a good indication of the direction our culture is taking. Our Queer and BIPOC young people will remember what side of history we were on through how we interacted with popular culture, how we used it to tell the stories of people who couldn’t,” Ghosh said.

“I am excited to see where popular culture in Aotearoa is headed. The motifs in our pop culture are starting to diversify, with Te Ao Māori and Queer theory informed pieces becoming a part of the cultural zeitgeist.”

Aotearoa has always been a beautiful country. Across the world, people wish to visit because we are the home of adventure and thrilling activities, the Real Middleearth™, and have some of the most wonderous wildlife and scenic views. But it is through culture, language and values that we need to be known for most; as a country that connects with its bicultural uniqueness.

We need to be having uncomfortable conversations about how to endorse cultural appreciation and awareness, without appropriation taking control.

On Aotearoa’s next steps, Wilson told Canta: “This means challenging the status quo and deciding on what we can do to adapt what is perceived as our popular culture and what we would like it to be, moving forward.”

Olivia Welsh (she/her)

Oh wow, look at Libra over there – always sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong. Maybe that is why a lot of people are starting to tell you less and less each time you see them. Definitely something to work on.

Scorpio Sagittarius

We all know your birthday month is coming up, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore and belittle everyone else’s moment. Learn how to celebrate other people! It will make you feel better, and in return for your special day, you will get more people celebrating you!

Girl, please! Are you okay? Everyone is concerned because seriously, have you been sleeping? This might sound like a foreign thing to you, but please consider going to bed earlier. Your eyebags and mental health will thank you!

Capricorn

Kind of average, not your month. Maybe try again next issue? Don’t forget to brush your teeth and wash your face in the morning.

Yeah, I honestly don’t know what is going on either, but maybe missing lectures and sleeping in isn’t the best way to cope? Try stay on top of things so you can have more time for you. This time of the term is rough so hang in there!

I know you spent the entirety of the holidays catching up on lectures, but don’t make that everyone else’s problem. Be nice and smile, it isn’t their fault you have bad time management.

Aquarius Pisces

If only you could make your lunch at home and bring it into uni instead of being forced to buy food on campus – oh wait, you can! Seriously, look at your bank account and re-evaluate. You just cannot afford it!

Obviously you struggle with taking a hint because your constant yap is truly frustrating for everyone around you. Please, please, please – as Sabrina would say, don’t distract everyone in the library around you.

Happy days! You are doing so well! It is that awful time of the year when everyone around you just cannot cope with uni, but you my friend are killing it. Keep up the good work, and don’t get cocky just because Canta complimented you!

It was your season to shine and now it isn’t. I know it is depressing but remember that you are always the prettiest one in the room and that is all that matters.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if life was truly all sunshine and rainbows? Unfortunately, it isn’t but I promise it is always better on the other side! Grab your Aries mate and go out for some coffee. Give each other some TLC – it is obviously needed.

You’re knee-deep in chores, your room is a mess, and you are behind on your assignments but you think it is a good idea to have a nap? Are you insane? Get your butt to uni ASAP and do not – and I repeat – do not look back.

Libra

Puzzles Puzzles

How many words (at least three letters) can you make with the word...

20 by 20 orthogonal maze

Help Mr. Kea find his delicious dinner!

Meet The Team!

news@canta.co.nz

Hariklia Nicola

Heidi Slade Madilin Macpherson Managing Editor editor@canta.co.nz Print Editor print@canta.co.nz Designer design@canta.co.nz

Jordan Smith News Editor

Nikki Clarke Digital Editor digital@canta.co.nz

Amy Riach Feature Writer

Elsie Williams Feature Writer

Olivia Welsh Feature Writer

Maia Aramakutu Feature Writer

Tessa Birch Video Editor

Ella Paterson Audio Editor

Sophie Kensington Video & Digital Assistant

Alexandra Brown Writing Intern

Matias Gidden Writing Intern

Timmy Heritage Writing Intern

Honour Mitchell Social Media Intern

Mia Böhm Photography Intern

Rebecca Staal Design Intern

Te harakeke, te kōrari Ngā taonga whakarere iho o te rangi, o te whenua, o ngā tīpuna.

Homai he oranga mō mātou.

Tihei mauri ora.

The flax, the flax flower

The treasures passed down to us from the sky, the land, and the ancestors. Give health for us all.

Behold the breath of life.