CANTA ISSUE 9, 2024

CANTALENDAR

14th August 18th August

Thursdays in Black Sex Quiz

7 - 9pm @ Bentleys

17th August

Go Live Festival

7 - 11pm @ Christchurch Town Hall

$13 Beginner Lesson Ice-Skating Sessions 12:45 - 1:45 @ Alpine Ice

19th August 19th August 22nd August

Burger and Bevvy Night

4 - 7pm @ The Foundry

UCKS Korean Language Classes

6 - 7:30pm @ Jack Erskine 244 and 235

Monthly Open Mic Night 7pm @ A Rolling Stone

25th August 27th August 29th August

Revamp Vintage ‘Almost Spring’ Market

10 - 3pm @ The Air Force Museum

WORD Christchurch Festival begins!

Various venues across Christchurch until September 1st

Threads and Thrills Indoor Night Market 4pm @ The Arts Centre

31st August 7th September 9th September

Fire on High Food Festival 12 - 8pm @ High St

Urban Craft Beer Crawl 12 - 4pm @ various venues across Christchurch

Next Canta mag drop!

Editorial

Editorial

Don’t base your vote on a cookie!

Welcome back to the last Canta of the year … SIKE! Just for this term, I promise.

This is the ninth issue of Canta for the year – how exciting! In this issue we talk about all the political issues that students are facing, as well as some cheeky extra pieces that we think you could really enjoy.

But in all seriousness, the UCSA elections are coming up which is a time to vote for a president, and executive who you think will best represent yours the students’ voices. This may seem to some people like the time to get a free cookie in the library or undercroft if you select a bunch of names, but this is genuinely so much more than that.

The UCSA is literally here for the students. They are funded by your own student levy, so you really should care who you vote for. I strongly encourage everyone who reads the Canta to inform themselves - get out there and talk to the candidates, read up on them, watch the debates, and most importantly read their policies.

It can be as simple as thinking about what you want, or the things at university you care about, and seeing what candidates align with you.

Education about the election and the candidates that are running is incredibly important, so please flick to the back of the book and have a read! Don’t let yourself vote for someone purely based on looks or even because you got given a cookie or free things for your vote.

Your vote is so much more powerful than what you may think. Definitely put it to good use.

Canta will even be moderating the President Debate on

Tuesday August 13.

As it is our job to hold the UCSA to account as we are editorially independent from them, it is incredibly important we are there to talk to the candidates and ask them the questions that students want answers for - I definitely recommend going and listening to the responses, and making an informed decision. Everything these days is incredibly political. If you get told “it isn’t about politics,” they are wrong, because it definitely is. Every conflict in the world, every type of economical trade deal, every single day of our lives is simply political.

We have politicians arguing in Government and making decisions for us. We have strangers asking us to vote for them and putting our trust in them that we believe they will follow through with promises. I encourage everyone to learn more about the political system because it truly is a fascinatingly huge topic, with so many different areas of importance.

Long story short, stay informed and make sure you know who and what you are voting for!

Please, please, please, research the candidates – you won’t regret it.

Look after yourselves, especially with assignments and midterms ramping up. It is so important to take time out for yourself, you are after all your most important asset.

Stay informed,

Your 2024 Managing Editor, Hariklia

Nicola

Tumuaki Piece

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki

Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi

Mānawa maiea te mātahi o te tau

Tēnā rā koutou katoa,

Over the mid year break we welcomed in Te Tau Hou Māori (Māori New Year), calling upon Matariki, our nine stars to celebrate such a beautiful time of the year amongst whānau. Matariki is a time for reflection on the past, remembering those we’ve lost over the past year, and envisioning our goals for the future. It’s a time for Ngāi Māori to gather, share food, learn, harvest, plan, predict, and grow together.

During Matariki our Te Akatoki Executive spent time connecting with other Māori Students Associations in Dunedin. We met and discussed ways in which we can develop as Māori Students in our Universities, and how we can better advocate and provide opportunities for Māori to succeed. A key point of discussion was the relationship between Māori students associations and their Pākehā counterparts. It was eye-opening to see how far ahead UCSA and Te Akatoki were in their relationship in comparison to other universities (shoutout UCSA, but let’s not stop here!!). It’s crazy to think that despite how long Māori have fought and how many shoulders we stand on, some of us are still treading in (very) deep waters. And injustice anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere, so let’s keep going people!!

Te Akatoki also spent a huge amount of time resting, reflecting and reshifting our focus in order to prepare for Semester 2.

Looking back at the year so far as Te Akatoki we realise how influential Matariki is on the environment and world around us. The beginning of the year we were still finding our feet, setting up systems and building connections within the university. Over Matariki a lot of change and growth happened organically within Te Akatoki. Since the Māori New Year, we have had developments in our organisation, have hosted events that are new and exciting, not to mention have welcomed an array of new faces into the whare. The timing of all these events makes us realise how important it was to rest of the period of Matariki, and to allow nature to do its thing while we rested.

Whilst the period of Matariki is rooted in the core of winter, a time of sadness, darkness and cold, it is still the most beautiful time of the year for Māori. Each year Matariki has its new fruitions and gifts to offer us. It grounds us again and shines a light upon the opportunities and forthcoming occasions that await us.

Te Ture mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o

Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act came into play on April 11th, 2022, honouring the 24th of June as a Public Holiday. This allows everyone in Aotearoa to celebrate this day with whānau and if you’re not keen on upholding the mana of Matariki Te Tau Hou Māori, welcoming in the New Year, just head to work and skip the public holiday. While we’re out there celebrating with loved ones, sharing kai, and gazing at the stars, you can be at your desk, staring at computer. We’ll save you a spot next to the photocopier for when you realize stargazing beats stapling.

Canta News.

Here’s what Riccarton and Ilam’s permanent alcohol ban actually means

Jordan Smith (he/him)

Going hand in hand with the typical university experience, alcohol is used by many. But, what many students, especially those living in the area may not realise is that there is a strict alcohol policy hovering over Riccarton and Ilam.

The area is under a permanent alcohol ban, meaning it is prohibited to consume alcohol and possess open vessels in public areas, including places like footpaths, roads, and carparks.

The ban does not apply to private areas such as houses, and one can carry unopened vessels through the area.

Christchurch City Council’s (CCC) Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience David Griffiths explained the strict policy: “Riccarton [and] Ilam area has a long history of issues and impacts caused by alcohol consumption,” Griffiths said.

Griffiths said the city council evaluated factors including alcohol littering, public intoxication, and serious offenses like property damage, violence, the number of police callouts and more when considering and constructing the policy for the area.

Griffiths said the number of police callouts in the area increased by 51% in 2017, compared to 2013.

With such strict rules as to what is and what is not prohibited, a clear understanding is needed in terms of what the enforcement and punishment of breaching the ban looks like.

Only the police are authorised to enforce these rules, while also holding the right to impose a variety of punishments. Griffiths outlined these punishments to Canta, which vary drastically in severity.

The police can issue warnings and direct those to tip or remove any open vessels of alcohol in the area to far more serious consequences, such as giving out a $250 dollar fine, and even arrest those as they see fit.

Because of the steep penalties that students can face, UCSA President Luc MacKay said that students must strive to consider the decisions they make while on a night out.

“I think there is ample information out there around the RiccartonIlam alcohol ban and most students are aware of it. We regularly inform people about the alcohol bans through our social media,” MacKay said.

“Compliance is a totally different issue altogether. People make poor decisions under the influence, and this certainly isn’t limited to following the alcohol bans.”

Simply being aware of these rules is the best antidote for avoiding a punishment, Griffiths said, as well as not drawing the attention of the police, or community by acting in a disorderly or antisocial way.

ECan restructuring nearly finalised, after discussions between councillors and staff

Environment Canterbury ECan, has fully discharged its’ five current committees, replacing them with two new ones in a governance restructuring which “streamlines its business and focus on its three core services,” ECan said.

According to ECan, all councillors would sit on both committees, with the two new groups including a Strategy and Policy Committee, which will feed advice, and report to wider ECan on local/regional and national issues. As well as a Regional Delivery Committee, which “will have governance oversight of the organisation’s delivery, including the three core services,” ECan said, in a news release.

Further changes within the environmental council include new arrangements for its’ 2025 and 2028 local body elections.

In a report considered by the council, ECan said it began the review of its’ governance structure early this year, with the purpose of ensuring better alignment with the council’s three core services - established from July 1, including environmental regulation and protection, community preparedness and response to hazards, and public transport.

According to the report: “the objective of the review was to support accountability for, and integration of, the organisation’s work towards the outcome measures in the Impact Framework set out in the new Long-Term Plan.”

The decision was made across workshops and discussions, between both councillors and staff, “to work through how the Council’s committee structure can best support the move to the three core services,” the report said.

As according to ECan, the principles for considering the structure of the new changes included: “Governance structures and processes should be effective, open and transparent. There is clarity for the community around decision-making roles.”

ECan media told Canta that the Chair and Deputy Chair for each committee still needed to be determined, and that the council had deferred those decisions until August.

Heidi Slade (She/her)

Confluence of Rakaia River and Wilberforce River, Canterbury, New Zealand.

Source: Michal Klajban / Wikimedia Commons.

UC Students and the public gather for the BDS rally

Olivia Welsh (She/her)

A BDS rally in support of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions was held at the University of Canterbury, on Friday.

The rally, which had been promoted across social media and through posters, particularly by the Students for Justice in Palestine group (SJP), is one of a series of protests and encampments at the university over the last few months.

Beginning at 1pm, the rally saw students and the public meet on C-Block lawn, the gathering featuring speeches from Greens MP Kahurangi Carter, former OUSA President Francisco Hernandez, Environment Canterbury Regional Councillor Grey Byrnes, and City Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt.

“The speakers expressed their full support of the students’ efforts to promote BDS as an initial step for the university,” said G.R, an attendee of the rally.

During his speaking opportunity, Harrison-Hunt commented that “[t] he system isn’t broken. It’s made for the people who created it.”

Byrnes also stated that “[m]orals are something that is private, but decency is public.”

Signage and banners were held up during the rally, with one reading

‘Boycott Israel’, and the other ‘UC Students Don’t Want Ties To Genocide.”

During this gathering, a petition was presented which had been advocated for since May, where those in attendance could sign the hundred-metre-long scroll with their initials, supporting BDS at UC, and Palestinian liberation.

This was then unrolled and spread across the full perimeter of the space between PuakaJames Hight building and the Matariki building. After being marched around campus, the scroll was presented to administration at UC.

1057 people signed the scroll, including students, staff, and alumni.

“We’re happy to say that we had a really great rally on campus on Friday in support of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions at UC. We’re part of the ongoing student movement in Aotearoa and worldwide to take ownership of our campuses to support Palestinian liberation,” SJP said.

“That’s why SJP is calling on students to ask their faculty to vote yes and calling on students to take pressure to UCSA to use its voice on the Board to push for the BDS motion.”

This is in relation to a motion that was considered on Friday August 9, to investigate and implement boycotts and divestment at UC.

One New Zealand winner of stadium naming rights race

Ōtautahi’s soon to be infrastructural marvel has found a new name, as Te Kaha stadium will be dubbed ‘One New Zealand Stadium’ once construction has finished in 2026.

The telecommunication company inked a 10-year deal to secure rights for the $683 million, 30,000 seat strong stadium, spanning from 2026-2036.

Canta previously reported on the financial and cultural significance that Te Kaha will have on Christchurch, a sentiment not lost on One New Zealand’s CEO, Jason Paris.

“Cantabrians have been waiting a long time for a world-class stadium, and this multi-use arena is certain to deliver,” Paris said in a media statement.

“One New Zealand Stadium will bring the best music, live entertainment and sports, including the mighty Warriors, to Christchurch and we’re stoked to be the naming rights partner.”

Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare confirmed that One NZ has the cities’ best interests at heart. She said a rigorous decision-making process took place, and as a result, One NZ understands what a privilege it is to be associated with the stadium.

“Parties submitting tenders went through a formal selection process based on a set of weighted selection criteria. The preferred party was then selected with the required engagement with Council and Venues Ōtautahi Board approvals undertaken,” Harvie-Teare told Canta.

“One New Zealand is not only committed to the region, but are

connected with the profound meaning of this incredible venue for our city.”

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger described the new partnership as one that is a “huge step towards realising this [is the] world-class venue that our city has waited so long for.”

“We can’t wait to welcome artists, sporting fixtures and corporate events to One New Zealand Stadium, and to show the world that Christchurch is the sporting and events capital of New Zealand,” Mauger told media.

However, even though the stadium will have One NZ as its’ official title, Harvie-Teare has firmly assured that the name Te Kaha will still be entrenched in the identity of the stadium.

“While the name of the Stadium will now be One New Zealand Stadium, the whenua beneath the venue will remain Te Kaha and the whole Precinct will be known as Te Kaharoa, being the names gifted to the city by Ngai Tūāhuriri.”

Harvie-Teare went on to further comment to Canta that the success of Te Kaha will be shared with the entire Christchurch community and beyond, in that how it will be a beacon for “pride, whanaungatanga, unity, belonging and cohesion for all”.

Exciting times are in Ōtautahi’s future, as the delivery of a state-ofthe-art stadium coupled with a groundbreaking partnership is only set to bring prosperity to the region.

Jordan Smith (he/him)

Palestine flag being held up at the BDS rally. Source: Canta / Hariklia Nicola.

A banner that reads ‘Boycott Israel’. Source: Canta / Hariklia Nicola.

UNVEIL POLIT OF MUS NG THE CAL POWER C

ElsieWilliams (she/her)

Music and politics have long been intertwined, each influencing and shaping the other. Though music and pop culture are often deemed a minor aspect of political power, its strength is more impactful than meets the eye. Canta had a chat with a university lecturer in Wellington, Mona Krewel – who designed a course about music and politics. Dr Krewel has dedicated much of her academic career to exploring the intricate connections between these two domains.

Dr. Krewel’s course aims to identify music as a vital instrument of political commentary, illustrating this with the example of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2. As the song addresses the violence of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, it is a poignant call for peace which reflects on the Bloody Sunday incident where British soldiers shot unarmed protesters. Such music, Krewel explains, not only mirrors historical events but also raises awareness about ongoing social issues. “There are so many ways in which politics and music are kind of intertwined, and that’s actually why it’s so interesting.”

This form of political protest can also be laced throughout the heavy beats of hip hop music, as musicians discuss issues surrounding police brutality in their lyrics.

Compton hip-hop group N.W.A released “F—k tha Police” in 1988, paving the way for future artists such as J.Cole and Childish Gambino, to challenge the issues America faces in regards to police brutality.

Krewel identified music as a powerful vehicle for expressing political identities, whether it be national, racial, or subcultural.

“Think about national anthems which kind of tried to create identity of people as a nation and define them as an in group. But you could also think of this like, black people express their identity in hip hop music, or something like that.”

Celebrity endorsements also have an incredibly large role to play, such as Bruce Springsteen performing with Hillary Clinton, or Taylor Swift’s “Only the Young” being used in a campaign for the first time. These A-list celebrities demonstrate how musicians leverage their influence to encourage civic engagement and support political causes.

“It’s very often used kind of to mobilise political participation, and also to recruit for movements,” Krewel said.

She mentions the tactics of Neo-nazis, using kinds of hate music not only to generate funding for that scene, but to get people “to step with one toe into those waters of hate music and they don’t even really know what it’s about.”

Though not classified politicians themselves, musicians can instead act as politicians of change, using platform to raise awareness and support for various causes. Figures like Bono and Bob Geldof have famously used music and influence to address global issues like famine in Africa, though such efforts have sometimes been critiqued for their lack of deeper educational impact on the underlying political issues.

Gedolf’s Live Aid concerts have been criticised largely by developmental scholars according to Krewel, “by the way that he’s just raising money and it’s only white artists on stage, but people are not learning anything.”

Despite the obvious intersections, Krewel observed that there has been surprisingly little research in political communication focusing on music. Most existing studies come from musicology and sociology, leaving a gap in political science that her course aims to fill.

“So we are behind, I would say in any case.”

Dr. Krewel is in charge of a research paper, involving an extensive analysis of song lyrics from the Billboard Charts,

spanning from 1958 to the present.

By creating a dataset of 30,000 songs and applying advanced AI models, her team identified significant periods of politically charged music: the protest music of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the hip hop addressing police brutality and political violence post-2010. This analysis highlights how music reflects societal issues, with protest songs and hip hop providing potent commentary on racial and social injustices. Krewel acknowledges the sensitivity of these topics and incorporates perspectives from black artists and scholars in her lectures to provide an authentic and respectful exploration of these themes.

To top off the course, their analysis comes to an end with a research paper analysing aspects of music. And to no surprise, there’s a lot of papers handed to Krewel delving into Taylor Swift and her musical relationship with politics. Her journey from a country artist controlled by managers to a long-term career artist who speaks out on feminist issues is particularly intriguing. Unlike many female pop stars, who are often marketed as sex symbols and not expected to have lasting careers, Swift has defied these expectations.

“She has actually kind of managed to become so successful that she is able to find her political voice and speak out about things and having her own opinion and controlling her own business.”

People often poke at Swift for her lack of speaking out against important political topics, but Krewel said you can’t blame her.

“She’s still careful and you cannot blame her for that because in another lecture, we actually talk or we watched a film about the Dixie Chicks, now known as The Chicks. The Chicks faced immense backlash after criticising George Bush’s invasion of Iraq during a concert in London. Their records were burned, they were boycotted by country stations in the U.S., and they received death threats, leading them to fear for their safety on stage. “And so it’s hard to blame Taylor Swift for being so careful about that.” As Krewel points out, “[i]t just takes one person” to pose a serious threat, as seen in the tragic shooting of John Lennon.

When I asked Krewel why it’s crucial to understand the intersection of music and politics, she laid it out plainly: “We too often in particular, in research, just care about the serious political communication... but it is actually very unrealistic that only the news would inform our view of the world.” She pointed out that our Netflix binges and Spotify playlists shape our political views as much as, if not more than, the evening news. Shows like The West Wing and House of Cards don’t just entertain us; they subtly tweak how we see real-world leaders. Krewel also noted the economic power of fanbases like Swifties, saying, “You cannot ignore it... in an isolated world, only news would probably matter, but this is like a very elitist view of thinking that this is how people form their political opinions.”

Ultimately, pop culture and its stars often have more influence over us than some politicians. So, whether it’s Taylor Swift’s lyrics or a binge-worthy political drama, it’s clear that the lines between entertainment and political influence are blurrier than ever.

Obligations under Te Tiriti vs the Coalition Government

Before I start this article, I am going to outline a simplified version of the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As we all know in 1840, a treaty known as Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed by representatives of the Crown and between 43 and 46 Māori Rangatira. This was an agreement that had three articles and although the agreement is not legal, it still stands as agreement.

According to the New Zealand Human Rights commission “The Treaty is also important as a ‘living document,’ central to New Zealand’s present and future as well as its past.” This is because Te Tiriti “establishes a relationship “akin to partnership” between the Crown and rangatira and confers a set of rights and obligations on each Treaty partner.” Therefore, the Crown and Māori have obligations under that agreement that they must uphold.

As a Māori during the 2023 election, one could say I was not impressed with some of the election rhetoric around Māori culture, communities and peoples. Between Acts slogan of ‘end division by race’ and Christpher Luxon’s constant referral to ideas around co-governance and how it is a bureaucracy, the future for Māori growth under their Government looked grim. I could also foresee that the obligations the Government have to uphold in the agreement of Te Tiriti would probably be ignored under this coalition Government.

Which isn’t to say that historically the obligations of the Crown haven’t been ignored, they definitely have, but with the establishment of the Māori Health Authority under the Labour Government and co-governance initiatives, there were finally substantial partnerships between the Crown and Māori.

In not even a year of governance, the coalition Government headed by Prime Minister Chrispher Luxon have, in my opinion, destroyed needed partnerships between Māori and the Crown, and shown that the Government do not respect Te Tiriti and what the agreement stands for.

Yes, this is a bold statement, but I am going to outline why.

One of the first things the Government did was make all Government departments revert to English names. For example, instead of the New Zealand Transport Agency being Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, they are now NZ transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

The reasoning behind this was that it is confusing, with Winston Peter telling new media “all communications are about comprehension and understanding.”

Personally, I can read a Māori name then read the English next to it, and then understand - but maybe I am built different or something.

Another big move from the Coalition was to disestablish Te Aka Whai Ora for reasons involving bureaucracy.

Furthermore, the Government’s budget featured only one Māori related initiative, entity or policy which was given increase in funding, with Te Matatini, a nationwide kapa haka competition getting a boost in funding from 2025, receiving $48.7m over the next three years, with the funding meaning it can continue.

Tama Potaka, the Minister for Māori development said the move would “help us celebrate the ongoing revitalisation of our language and tikanga.”

While this is positive, the rest of the budget is not so much.

It has essentially cut funding to a range of initiatives which are extremely important for Māori growth.

The funding for historical Treaty of Waitangi Settlement claims has been cut, with the $9.5 million to be returned to the Crown.

$20m worth of funding for Rangatahi transitional housing has been returned to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Funding for Te Kawa Matakura, a qualification for people who wish to develop knowledge of māauranga-ā-iwi has been cut.

Funding for Mātauranga Māori based approaches to reducing agricultural emissions has been scrapped.

Grant funding for the Aotearoa Reorua programme has been reduced by half.

These are only a few of the initiatives that have lost funding.

I do understand that some funded needed to be cut if the Government is to meet its’ plan of getting our economy back on track, but it seems they have decided to cut a lot of Māori based funding, and chosen to not boost any funding for Māori based initiatives.

This also begs the question of what the future of Te Tiriti will look like under this Government, especially if the Treaty Principals Bill proposed by Act is successful.

But I would rather not go into that - unless it happens.

I want to finish by saying that honouring Te Tiriti should not be that hard, yet for some reason government after government are unable to meet these obligations, which were agreed upon and written by European ancestors.

And although the Government’s decisions around Māori are not ideal, these decisions do not take away our rights to protest, or the fact we are the tangata whenua of this country.

Anonymous Opinion Piece

The Harsh Truth about Hosting the Olympics The Harsh Truth about Hosting the Olympics

Matias Gidden (he/him)

2024 marks the year that Paris will host the Summer Olympics and at first thought, this seems like a great idea. One of the worlds’ most visited and historic cities hosting arguably the most historically significant sporting event in human history - what could possibly go wrong?

Well, a lot.

Paris’ 2024 Olympic bid was highly prioritised by current President Emmanuel Macron. After taking office in 2017, Macron immediately began campaigning for the French capital to become the host city for the games. The French government pledged an initial €1 billion euros to help create the needed infrastructure for the games. This pledge included a promise to clean up the River Seine so that it could be used for both the marathon swimming and triathlon events.

The commitment to clean the River Seine was met with huge backlash from the Parisian public. The hashtag #JeChieDansLaSeineLe23Juin, which translates to :‘I shit in the Seine on 23 June,’ gained a lot of traction on social media and despite not coming to fruition, it highlighted the general implications that come with hosting the Olympics.

Sports Sociologist and Bachelor of Sport lecturer at UC, Nick Maitland talked to Canta about the political issues surrounding the Olympics. “It’s undeniable that we love the Olympics, watching these athletes from all around the world compete in all these different sports - it’s great. However, with that, it’s really easy to stop looking at what’s actually going on.”

“Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on such a temporary event. There’s so many concerns with that.”

“For example, an event like surfing, which is going to be held in Tahiti. Scientists are concerned about the damage to the coral reef due to the construction of the judging platform for the event. The surfing event could last for a week, but the environmental damage could be a lasting legacy.

“The Olympics are sold to the world as this great thing that has financial benefits for everyone in the hosting location, but the real beneficiaries are a very small, elitist group.”

Due to the temporary nature of hosting the Olympics, most locals feel that the huge investments being made could be used for more pressing issues. The hosting of the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro was met with outrage from locals

due to the city’s high rate of poverty. This local unrest was then further fuelled in the months following the conclusion of the games, as venues were left abandoned.

Similar criticism was shared by protestors of the London games that were hosted in 2012, with accusations of profiteering being aimed at the then UK prime minister, David Cameron.

“It’s just wasteful on so many levels” added Maitland. “There is no need to spend hundreds of millions of dollars when the people in the area are suffering. It’s such a complex issue. The question to ask is, are mega-events like the Olympics good for the planet? There’s clearly a lot of green-washing going on with the French government trying to clean the River Seine for a few swimming events, especially when it’s more than likely that the river will go back to being polluted in 6 months time.”

Situations like the cleaning of the River Seine show the growing trend of greenwashing in sport. Greenwashing is a tactic used by countries or organisations to make them appear to be environmentally friendly - when they’re not. In recent years, this has become the latest strategy for sportswashing as the global environmental crisis worsens.

Sportswashing is a term that is thrown around a lot when discussing major sporting events. The use of a major sporting event like the Olympics helps to distract people from the unethical practices going on behind the scenes. Previous hosts from the last 20 years alone have all faced accusations of sportswashing, with the countries ultimately being in a worse place than they were prior to hosting.

The 2004 games in Athens has been cited as one of the main contributors to Greece’s overwhelming national debt. Humanitarian and social issues were all major problems surrounding the 2008, 2012, and 2016 games held in Beijing, London, and Rio De Janeiro. While Japanese citizens felt that the money invested in the 2020 Tokyo Games should have instead gone towards the redevelopment of Fukushima, which was still recovering from a devasting earthquake and tsunami that hit in 2011.

In the case of Paris, rising unemployment rates and social tensions around religious freedom have led to unrest, and Parisians demanding change. Yet, with all focus shifting towards the hosting of the games, change doesn’t seem to be on the cards anytime soon.

The Politics The Politics

I am under 18 - Exit

Porn has always been a very interesting topic of conversation. It’s everywhere, in so many different formats, and you’re quite guaranteed to find exactly what you’re searching for. In porn, your kinks and preferences are available to explore.

But its mainstream presence is still taboo, with pornography tied to issues around intimacy, underage exposure to content, and warped perceptions of sex. Another concern is how pornography may affect romantic relationships and create a divide between partners based on unrealistic expectations.

Sex Therapist and author, Dr. Gloria Brame, mentioned how “conflicts about porn are one of the top reasons couples reach out to sex therapists.”

This may be due to the challenges that originate from consistent and damaging porn exposure, such as enabling an addiction - which can disrupt work, finances, and personal connections. Like with many addictive behaviours, porn cannot be used as a tool to cope with stressful experiences and anxiety.

“Couples who are equally comfortable with porn generally use it to enhance their sex lives; whether to add spice, provide visual stimulation for foreplay, or get creative ideas on how to have hotter sex,” said Brame.

“Studies have repeatedly shown there are no ill effects from couples or individuals watching porn – but personal beliefs, forced secrecy, rejection by their partner, and shame are extremely hurtful to themselves, their partners and their relationships.”

Pornography itself appears to be like every other form of entertainment that is relatively accepted in society. But what may be injurious about it, is how porn can change the dynamic of relationships’, and views of sex.

From a forum I created to gain public insight on porn, over 93% of respondents shared that they watch, or have watched, pornography in the past. Over 92% of those view it through online media, such as videos and websites.

These weren’t the most shocking numbers, as the Porn Working Party – PWP, stated that “[o]ur three part youth focused research project from 2018-2020 showed that 1 in 4 young people had seen porn by the age of 12.”

Out of the most noticeable trends, incestuous storylines were mentioned by 50% of forum-takers. Even when anonymous, it appears that people have similar views when it comes to why pornography is consumed. Whether it’s an easy form of gratification and escapism, it’s normalised, and used for pleasure purposes, or is used as an outlet for curiosity.

But is the reason why pornography is so political due to the acts that take place in the videos, or how it can affect those who are watching it?

“My concern is that pornography often actualises sexual patterns that emphasises violent and humiliating portrayals of sex, particularly towards women, rather than showcasing the beauty of sexual intimacy,” said Alba Kristiansen, a Couple and Sex Therapist.

“The main challenge with pornography lies in the age at which people start watching it and their psychological background such as OCD or experiences of trauma… There has to be a balance… Young people should understand that pornography is not a tool for learning about sex.”

A lot of respondents shared how pornography has shaped the way they approach sex. It can present an impracticable portrayal of intimacy, while also broadening and inspiring some of people’s personal activity. Essentially, a combination of harmful and gratifying content.

“It’s where I learnt all of the things I know about sex besides how to be safe… Something that isn’t really shown in porn is the better you are at communicating your wants and needs without criticising the other person, the more enjoyable it will be for you,” said A.C. (she/her).

“From someone who doesn’t watch porn, I can 100% tell if someone has learned how to approach sex through porn,” said an anonymous contributor.

What has been brought up, not only through these responses but in news, academia, and conversation, is how porn can negatively impact women. This is due to inherent violence, misogyny, and racially antagonising fetishism.

“[It is] due in no small part to the promotion of the industry through media, which is reinforced by cultural values rooted in patriarchy and the sexual conquest of women. On a personal level, most people just think it’s harmless and an

Politics of Porn Politics of Porn

I am 18 or older - Enter

easy way to get off without considering the implications,” said R (he/him).

It has been expressed that consumption of pornography has perpetuated a fear of intimacy in some individuals and has shaped certain kinks and moods that take effort to unlearn, especially those depicting abuse as a fantasy.

Since porn can thrive on shock value, and what “looks” the most pleasurable, it is not always easy for people to find something they respectfully enjoy.

“Mainstream pornography is always made for the male gaze and can be unethically made. As a female, I find I’m needing to search for other specific websites that cater to what is made for us, and ethically sourced,” said another anonymous contributor.

33% of forum-respondents mentioned that many of what they considered problematic regarding porn was associated with the exploitation of women. It is also due to some material being distributed without consent, which can find its way onto mainstream social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook.

Pornography can be used in a healthy way for individuals and couples, and can start conversations about sex that need to be had.

But there also needs to be a focus on the proper education around safe and consensual intimacy, as research from PWP had found that 66% of young people had never spoken to an adult about pornography.

This means that they were left to discover it themselves, without proper restrictions and guidance put in place. Tackling a taboo topic alone can never be ideal.

“Our work aims to empower parents and whānau with information, tools and resources so they can talk with their young people about tricky topics like porn in a way that works for rangatahi; talking with them, not at them or past them,” said PWP.

PWP is open to collaborating with stakeholders to create tools that support people’s learning and understanding of pornography and its implications.

“In 2022 we worked with [the] Ministry of Education to create

Ka huri / te kōrero / Changing the conversations about pornography, an online module to support teachers to talk about pornography based on our research,” said PWP.

With films and television becoming more promiscuous, like ‘Euphoria’ and even ‘Bridgerton’, regulation of pornography is important to ensure that people, and children most of all, are safe from certain content when they aren’t educated on its effects. Regulation can occur in multiple ways, such as checking IDs when browsing sites, and ensuring through open conversations that people know of the differences between sexual liberation and buying into portrayals of sex that are unethical.

“Rather than kids finding a discarded Playboy, they are now able to watch brutal hardcore pornography everyday before they even hit puberty,” said another anonymous survey contributor.

The thing about sex, and getting off, is that it is within people’s rights. Wanting to have a good time, and connect with someone emotionally and/or physically, is so undeniably human that it is not even funny. Sometimes, porn can do the trick.

“It’s a service to a person’s basic desire of pleasure.”

“If you have a problem with porn doing something to people, then that is an issue you should have with all media,” said P.S Pornography, including its distribution and consumption, will always be a political topic because everyone has different thoughts on it.

Everyone won’t always agree with each other, but what is important is making sure that people are educated, safe and having fun, and always keeping communication lines open.

Olivia Welsh (she/her)

While Tik Tok fills the screens of Gen Z with memes, trends, dances and mukbang, it is also a platform for political ideologies and activism. Content creators were once just good for creating a dance to a trending song during lockdown - now, they are being pinned to boycott lists for absence of engagement on current world issues.

No matter where the algorithm leads you, activism has undoubtedly trickled through the endless flow of content stored in your apps. Brief 30-to-60-second videos spark significant social movements that can touch all corners of the world in a way that has never been seen before, but while influencers accrue millions of likes and views for their niche talents or quirks, TikTok has built a foundation of demands.

Whether it’s if they’re still with their partner, why they don’t hang out with a certain friend anymore to why they haven’t spoken out for Palestine, amidst the current social, environmental and political landscape, TikTok is becoming the new frontier for modern activism.

According to Paramount insights, TikTok has become the most effective platform for communicating with the largest possible audience in the shortest amount of time. Despite the company’s efforts to devoid themselves as a political app, Tik Tok is now one of the most widely consumed sources of political discourse and activist content, rather than being strictly for entertainment. Gone are protests strictly through marches, rallies, flyers, and strikes. Now it’s hashtags, likes, comment, shares, reposts, and spreading the word whilst racking up creator funds. But the more eyes on your profile, the more expectations arise.

Influencers vary along the follower scales, but their role as a person of influence never goes unnoticed. In the social media sphere, it is never enough when you’re on a platform. The on-going humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza has people in support of Palestine outraged. Calls for a ceasefire on the ground level mean voices can be faint, forcing frustrated on-lookers to call upon influencers to help spread the word. Some influencers are loud and proud about their activism and trickle it throughout their content. But some

Social Media Activism Social Media Activism The game with

remain silent, or when they do speak up, they get harassed for it being ‘too late’.

The debate about whether mukbang influencers should speak out on humanitarian crises, despite their private support, is complex. It revolves around whether their behindthe-scenes contributions—like Emma Watson’s support for Palestinian rights through quiet donations—are sufficient. To be a person of influence holds a vast amount of power, and what people do with it is their choice.

Celebrities like Selena Gomez may feel the pressure to post on social media, as she believes a “single post won’t change the world.” Other celebrities like Bella Hadid continually speak out for Palestine despite potential job losses. This intricate balance between public visibility and private actions underscores the nuanced responsibilities of modern influencers, blurring the lines of expectations placed upon them.

Lucy Blakiston, owner of Shit You Should Care About, said her frustrations with social media activism are rooted in a deeply personal and challenging experience. On a podcast with creator of The Spinoff, Duncan Greive, she explained that during a particularly tough period in October due to the passing of her brother, she faced intense criticism for not publicly addressing what happened on October 7th.

Blakiston is loud when it comes to posting about current events, issues, politics, and her support for Palestine. And yes, she had 3.4 million followers expecting some shit they might care about, but at the end of the day she’s just a Kiwi gal doing her best. She described this period of heightened scrutiny as a time when she was “really down” and felt overwhelmed by the barrage of negative comments and demands.

“People were coming for my throat about it... I was honestly ready to delete everything, and it would have been a real shame.”

This intense online pressure contributed to her decision to reevaluate her presence on social media platforms. Blakiston’s criticism of social media activism is informed by her broader disillusionment with its performative nature.

Social Media Activism Social Media Activism with no winners

She expressed frustration with the way activism on these platforms often prioritises visibility over meaningful impact.

“It kind of feels like gamifying social justice a little bit. How many likes, how many shares... it just feels very performative.” This sentiment is exemplified by her reaction to the public shaming of The Weeknd, who was criticized for not posting about his substantial 4-million-dollar donation to Gaza.

Blakiston and Greive highlighted the disconnect between public expectations and actual contributions. “The Weeknd was on that list... who hasn’t posted about it but has just donated 4-million-dollars to help feed Palestinian people. And you’re like, what is the end game here?”

Blakiston’s experiences illustrate a broader critique of how social media platforms emphasise superficial engagement over genuine activism. Her contemplation of leaving Instagram reflects her recognition that these platforms can be emotionally taxing and may not necessarily foster realworld change.

“I make zero money off of it, so why am I letting it hurt me?”

This questioning of social media’s role in activism highlights a growing concern about the effectiveness and impact of online engagement versus tangible, offline contributions.

Gabi Lardies from The Spinoff recently critiqued a social media campaign aimed at blocking celebrities who haven’t condemned Israel’s bombing of Palestinian civilians. This campaign, sparked by a TikToker known as @blockout2024, encouraged users to unfollow and stop engaging with these celebrities to reduce their ad revenue, leveraging the attention-based economy of social media.

“What makes the blackout so appealing to many is that a small individual action can grow into a global movement as more and more people join, or rather, block. It’s an opportunity to participate in people power, or true grassroots activism.”

Lardies argues this approach, while popular for its simplicity and potential for mass participation, may not be the most effective means of activism.

Instead, Lardies advocates for supporting the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement, a long-standing form of protest endorsed by numerous Palestinian organisations since 2005.

BDS seeks to apply non-violent pressure on Israel by boycotting Israeli products, divesting from companies involved with Israel, and advocating for government-imposed sanctions. The movement aims to end the occupation, achieve equality for Arab-Palestinian citizens, and uphold the rights of Palestinian refugees.

Lardies emphasises that BDS has a track record of influencing corporate and public behavior, citing examples such as the relocation of Sodastream’s factory and the halting of Ben & Jerry’s sales in occupied territories. She suggests that while blocking celebrities may raise awareness, engaging in the structured and strategic actions of the BDS movement can lead to more substantial and sustained impacts when engaging with a humanitarian crisis.

Navigating social media activism presents no clear answers. Influencers are criticised whether they publicly speak out or support causes privately. This underscores the nuanced responsibilities of modern advocacy, where balancing visibility and genuine impact remains a delicate and complex challenge.

Elsie Williams (she/her)

As recently as 2017, the initial intention was to extend fees-free into 3 years’ worth of education. But now, the current system will be replaced with a final-year fees free plan, following years of students ‘trying’ university and enjoying a first year, without the costs.

According to Labour Leader Chris Hipkins, first year free was introduced to improve “affordability and access to tertiary education” for New Zealanders from a range of different background and education environments.

The initial promise for the scheme was to extend the funding into two years, and finally three by 2024, made by the Labour Government in 2017, a promise which was opposed by National. However, Covid-19 saw large budget strains, with the government at the time shifting its’ priorities.

Unfortunately, as many might be hoping, the change does not mean you can access your first and final year free if you’ve yet to finish university – the government is sadly not that generous.

According to reports from The New Zealand Herald, the number of students from decile 9 and 10 schools, in university reached its peak in 2021. This neglected the initial desires of the fees-free scheme that were implemented to provide more accessibility for tertiary education for everyone.

However, with a lack of growth in domestic student enrolments from 2022 to 2023, dropping 0.2%, is it fair to say less people are finding study accessible or affordable?

Whether you should be worried obviously varies from person to person, however, it should be considered that many students planning on starting study in 2025 will now have to fund this themselves via a student loan, or other form of upfront payment.

Not only are the changes proposed to the fee’s free schemes, but National have also elected to change the amount of interest on a student loan. Student loans remain interest free for any students remaining in New Zealand, however, with inflation - the government has reconsidered the growth of interest rates.

According to the Ministry of Education, the interest rates on students overseas will increase by 1% from the 1st of April next year, making the new annual rate 4.9%. This interest rate will commence if you are outside of New Zealand for six months or more. The National Party are making plans to encourage more sustenance in the health sector by paying loans of nurses of up to $4500 a year for the first five years of their careers, provided they remain in New Zealand for this period.

It’s all daunting, considering the rising cost of living and the rise in your loans. Is purchasing property even a possibility? If you leave university with a $60,000 loan and you want this gone in maybe 5 years, you’d be paying about $230 weekly to pay off that loan.

In 2023, TradeMe jobs revealed the average salary of New Zealand was $70,000. Is this doable? A lot of this burden feels carried by the younger generation, those who are paying a large amount for their education.

It feels like these plans contribute to a larger divide of how differently two generations lived in their younger adult years. Will the economy be more grateful than the students with the large loans? A lot of the conversations regarding tertiary fees and loans are dominated by ‘more’ tax or money or quotes of how hard it is live as a young person right now - very justified, might I add. Certain opportunities or conversations are outside of the spaces that should provide relief to young adults, and it feels the vulnerability of students is far from the conversation of being addressed.

To sum it up, what’s worth knowing?

• Fees-free is shifting from first year of study, to your final year of study.

• Student loan interest for overseas repayments is increasing and fees-free scheme is remaining for a single year, but from first year to your last year.

• There are no current plans to re-introduce the 3 years’ worth of fees-free that was originally proposed by Labour in 2017.

• According to the Tertiary Education Commission, there is no confirmation how much fees-free entitlement will involve, as it has involved up to $12,000 for the current system.

Timmy Heritage (he/him)

Young People online

Amy Riach (She/her)

The digitisation of media, pop culture, music, and just about everything in between has been hailed as the greatest modern revolution and disparaged as the vice of youth and the epitome of ‘everything that is wrong in the world.’

But has the digitisation of politics truly led to the digitisation of democracy?

Christopher Luxon has TikTok, Chlöe Swarbrick has a major Instagram following and as the global political landscape moves increasingly online, the ways we engage with media are reflected in the ways we engage with the democratic process.

Students are the coveted demographic for election-hopeful politicians, and the generation most routinely blamed for dependence on those damn phones. But in the decline of mass-media, learning to navigate social media instead is a vital skill. According to UC Communications Professor Donald Matheson, “young people tend to be very media literate, and open to new ideas. That’s what defines being young!”

And as social media evolves from one sphere of communication to a platform essential for news and politics, scepticism online and receptiveness to different perspectives remains vital to political literacy and Aotearoa’s democratic process.

“I don’t think that young people are the big problem. I think perhaps older individuals who are more jaded, or more disillusioned can be more harmful online. People who are angry and disappointed in their world are the most vulnerable to those echo-chambers on social media,” Matheson said.

Echo-chambers are restrictive or exclusive environments, where a media user only encounters news and opinions which reflect their own; a growing phenomenon not unique to social media, but certainly exacerbated by it.

One of the major popular concerns with social media is its ability to create and populate echo-chambers. By surrounding ourselves with content that almost-exclusively reflects existing biases, we are easily entrenched in those ideologies.

As a result of polarised social media, many have pointed to increasingly polarised politics, and research published by Harvard University in 2023 analysed Facebook’s userdata from 2020, reportedly finding “the majority of content that people see on the platform comes from ‘like-minded sources’” - sources that share the user’s pre-established political leanings.

We are in a post mass-media age, and unique communities online are forming smaller, defined, publics.

According to Matheson, “the issue isn’t those publics, because they can be really cool”. For neurodiverse students, or LGBTQ+ youth, who do not feel celebrated by the mainstream, finding community through media-platforms “is fantastic.”

“If you feel your identity isn’t celebrated, you can find a real community online.”

But where is the line between inclusive community, and reductive chamber? According to Matheson, “the issue is if that’s all you see. You’re not listening anymore, and that becomes dangerous.”

He told Canta, “People often dump on the youth of today!”, but young people tend to be media-literate, “and more open to new ideas. Young people are the ones exploring new perspectives.”

and echo-chambers is increased.

As mass-media fragments, our vulnerability to polarisation

“The breakdown of mass media does have its positives,” Matheson said.

“More voices are heard, the dominance of the middle and the elite is less.”

However, it also leads to fragmentation, seen in the polarised way we discuss politics online, the violent Trump vs Biden discourse, or the rise of the far-right in Europe.

Socio-economic issues are given rise by corners of the internet which share extreme views, and second-year communication student Lucia warned Canta that echochambers isolated from other perspectives, and confined to one party-line, can act as ‘ground-zero’ for mis and disinformation, “like when Trump had Twitter.”

Echo-chambers have always existed; there was a time when different people aligned themselves exclusively with different newspapers, political-communications major Guy, said “echo-chambers are exacerbated by social-media, but not caused by them.”

Even during mass-media prominence, echo-chambers tended toward political discourse. Lucia said the key difference now is the extent of their reach. Before social media was prominent, “you were sharing views with your town, or your country. Now, anyone can share any extremist view with 8 Billion people.”

“Humans want validation,” Lucia said, and political echochambers satisfy and validate extremist opinions. Political communication student Kate said the online fragmentation “enhances partisan divide,” and pay-to-view subscriptions which place former mass-media platforms behind a pay-wall, are further splintering mass-media outlets.

This enables people to “niche down into volatile places,” with what little mass-media that remains is becoming even less representative.

“The best social-media is about bridge-building” Matheson tells his students, not division.

“Public service media like RNZ, like BBC, have a responsibility to build bridges,” he told Canta, and currently, online echochambers are “not giving us connections, just rabbit-holes.”

In a polarised online landscape, Matheson explained many young people are feeling increasingly disconnected from Aotearoa’s politics.

“If young people develop this rhetoric that all of politics is boring, or stupid, we will be left with the politicians that people in their 70’s vote for.”

According to Matheson, “younger politicians only ever get voted in if young people vote.”

As politics moves into an online sphere, so too must public discourse, and young people have the ability to lead the way in forming positive communities online, without regressing into isolated echo-chambers.

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,

Everything is incredibly overwhelming at the moment. I don’t really know what is going on with my uni work but am just expected to hand something in all the time. I just don’t really know how to cope with everything and it seems like it is never ending!

Love, a little lost right now.

Dear a little lost right now,

I am really sorry you feel this way. Getting into this type of slump at uni is incredibly frustrating and can be very hard to get out of. Fortunately for you, we have all been there, so can definitely give you some advice on this issue.

Try doing something – first and foremost- that actually fills you with joy. Whatever that may be is completely up to you, but find the thing you love and use it to ground yourself. That way, you can actually remember life isn’t all bad.

Then, try and see what you are wanting to achieve – like your goals. Is the path you are on the right way to do that? If it isn’t, that is okay! Re-work it – you never know you might find something you love doing even more.

Most importantly, look after yourself! Don’t be too hard on yourself, ask for extensions if you need, and don’t be afraid to have the odd mental breakdown. As long as you always pick yourself up when you fall, you are still a winner – no matter what. Hang in there, it’ll get better!

Lots of love, Canta x

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

Which New Zealand Prime Minister Are You?

What matters more?

Economic policy

Do you have a personal TikTok account?

Yes No

Lasagna or beef strogano ?

Social policy reform

What degree would you rather do?

Commerce

Leadership

Lasanga

Key Luxon Clark Ardern

Christopher Luxon

You are a business orientated person with a passion for social media. Something people may not know about you is that you spend your free time soul searching, however, that does not stop you from having fun with your friends and family. You know how to rock that full business look, in your suit and tieyou are unstoppable!

John Key

You are someone who is confident in themselves and a smooth talker. Most people will describe you as both personable and approachable. You also have a passion for the economy and actively engage with the stock market. Alongside participating in stocks, you have a range of different hobbies from outdoor activities to musical instruments you do it all!

Helen Clark

You are someone who has a strong belief in themselves and your ability to achieve your goals. You are an authoritative and hands on leader that knows how to get stuff done. In your free time you love to connect with the nature, going on walks and visiting some of our prettiest spots around the country. You also enjoy relaxing at a café with your morning coffee. Just remember to not talk yourself too seriously

Jacinda Ardern

You are an openly compassionate and empathic person with great communications skills. Although these are positive traits people will either love you or they will hate you, but you don’t let the haters stop you from being yourself. You spend your downtime either on a run connecting with nature or working on your next DJ set. You have a good work life balance, and you really know how to have fun!

Political influencing, from memes to everything in between Political influencing, from memes to everything

in between

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

In light of the American 2024 presidential election, the democrats have adopted interesting campaign tactics to target the youth demographic. If you are chronically online like me, you would instantly know what I am referring to is Kamala Harris’ 2024 “Brat Summer”. This campaign started when Biden stepped down as the democratic candidate for the 2024 election. This prompted TikTok users to hype up Vice President Harris as the next presidential candidate, and what better way to do that then make edits of Harris to music from Charli XCX’s album Brat.

The democrats embraced the trend, with the official democratic TikTok page posting an edit of Harris to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon”. Utilising TikTok as an aspect of

Why not embrace trends as a political candidate or a political party? Although the use of social media is not new within the realm of politics, the use of trends particularly on TikTok is something that is not always seen within politics. With many political parties and politicians sticking to Facebook and Instagram, posting curated photos with long captions. This type of content is not something that a younger generation

The utilisation of TikTok trends may be a newer thing in American politics, but as seen in our last election, our politicians love to dapple in posting social media content.

Take Christpher Luxon for example, when he’s not busy being the self-described “King of TikTok”, he dabbles in being the Prime Minister. With the TikToker making his debut last year during Nationals election campaign, posting basic influencer content where Luxon was in a full suit standing over a sink showing us his skincare routine - or when he was standing in front of the camera trying to figure out what tie went with his outfit in his, “get ready with me for another day

There was also his infamous video that was posted after he was in parliament. That I can’t even begin to describe other

this cannot be confirmed.

Labour is not the only party that sees the appeal in reaching out to a younger audience. New Zealand First MP Shane Jones took to making Bart Baker style parody videos during the 2023 election.

Taking classic songs such as “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey and “In Da Club” by 50 Cent - spoofing the lyrics to relate to his policies and the NZ First campaign.

Although I would not like to admit it his songs were catchy, in my opinion his most catchy spoof was his spoof of “Another one Bites the Dust” by Queen. Where he sung the lyrics: “how do you think we are going to get along with this cogovernance?” “Shane Jones back, we are looking for seats, hard on crime - you know,” and the chorus, “Shane Jones vote for us”.

Shane Jones told Stuff reporter Sam Smith in Stuff article titled Singing with a believin’ Shane Jones this 2023 election that the “aim of doing the videos was to connect more with younger voters and encourage them to register to vote” with Jones acknowledging that “[his videos] have made him more visible amongst younger people”.

Although Jones has not publicly said why he choose to make music spoofs, the intent behind these videos seems to have worked with many of his comments calling him a G.O.A.Tgreatest of all time.

Although Labour and National have not come out publicly and said it, the intention behind posting these types of videos is to appeal to a younger voting base to show they are relatable and can connect with us via our humour. By jumping on trends, it makes us think that these people are in the know with us – the online generation.

This can be seen in the comment sections of most of the TikToks that have been identified in this article. In the comment section of Labour’s TikTok account, you can often find comments using the laughing emoji or referencing the memes that have been used on the post.

Like most influencers, his videos came under scrutiny this year when people found out that he had a team of seven working on his videos and those people were partly paid

Although he did not post a classic influencer apology, he did take to the media saying “I’d just say to you we’ve got a very good social media programme - it’s very important. I can talk directly to the New Zealand people, as well as talking through you guys and the traditional media channels as well.”

It’s not just the leader of the National party who has taken to posting TikToks. The Labour Party have a page and is constantly pushing out content. However, their page differs to Luxon’s, as now that they are the opposition party, they stick to posting memes which make fun of the coalition government.

Now this type of content is not new, and is seen by political parties’ across the world - but it doesn’t make it any less funny. Most recently, Labour have taken to posting cat related memes to make fun of different policies that have been put into place by the National government.

The use of memes can be interpreted as the politicians’ using internet humour to appeal to a younger audience - although

During the election campaign Luxon often received comments from people hyping him up. With comments under his “GRWM” video such as “[l]ove that he’s getting amongst it and actually isn’t terrible”, “you go girly pop” and “[l]ove the GRWM video!! Voting for you!”

Although these were the responses found on Luxon’s page, I asked students what they thought when seeing these videos during the election. One responded “they [the videos] come across as insincere and patronising, I feel as though I am being talked down to by someone who doesn’t truly believe in the medium he is using”

In relation to MPs and political parties using TikTok in general, third year Political Communications student Tarek said, “I don’t think TikTok is a particularly appropriate medium for all politicians to use… I think trends can be funny, they don’t substitute for communicating messages in a way that is clear and substantial.”

Finally, one student pointed out an important notion that I would like to end this article on, “when I watch these videos I still know they’re a politician… they are posting these videos to seem more personable.”

CANTA

Black Ferns co-captain breaks record, as she signs longest women’s contract with NZ Rugby

Kennedy Simon broke records in mid-July, becoming New Zealand’s first women’s XVs player to gain and sign a four-year contract with New Zealand Rugby, as has been reported by LockerRoom’s Suzanne McFadden.

Simon told LockerRoom: “It’s pretty surreal. I never thought it would be a thing in my time … It’s nice to know what I’ll be doing for the next wee while, too. I can’t wait now for everyone to lock in their futures.”

Simon began with the Black Ferns in 2019, following the offer of a three-year deal for the Hokkaido Barbarians in Japan. Throughout her career with the team thus far, Simon has overcome an intense knee injury, fought back against a calf injury and is currently having to sit out due to an ankle injury, which she gained in the last 30 seconds of a Black Ferns trial match in June.

Co-captaining the team, Simon has quickly become one to watch, and rapidly staked her claim as a core member of the Black Ferns squad, for the next four years at least.

NZ Cricket confirms six inbound tours for the 2024/25 international season

The extensive live-to-air 2024/25 season programme kicks off with three Black Caps tests against England hosted across Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton in December while the White Ferns take on Australia in three ODI’s, all Wellington based.

The season goes on to feature the Black Caps in a series of T20’s followed by ODI’s against Sri Lanka, who the White Ferns will go on to face in March.

NZ Cricket has also announced the Black Caps will head to Pakistan in Febuary and March, for an ODI Tri-Series, and the side will venture to New Zealand for another set of T20 and ODI games over late March and April.

Lewis Clareburt to finish 6th in favoured Olympic swimming event

The 25-year old New Zealand swimmer was unable to secure his ideal outcome for the final of the 400m individual medley, and had “already conceded that Grenchman Leon Marchand was

a class apart among the eight finalists,” said the New Zealand Olympic Team.

Clareburt finished with a time of 4 min 10.44 sec, a result which is recorded being a second slower than what he swam when winning the world title for the event, earlier in the year.

“I’m disappointed. I’m a better swimmer than that, but this is the Olympics and there are no second chances,” Clareburt said on the NZ Olympic Team site.

“I just wasn’t able to execute the race I wanted.”

Clareburt claims to have lost his rhythm early, in the breaststroke leg, throwing him off.

Canadian women’s football coach apologises following Olympic drone-spying scandal

The team has since had six points deducted, and coach Bev Priestman has been banned for a year, following the incident involving coaching assistants using drones to spy in the New Zealand Football Ferns practices, before their opening Olympics game.

As reported by Stuff, Priestman headed the Canadian team to victory in Tokyo in 2021, and in a statement, she has apologized to the effects of her actions on the team:

“I am absolutely heartbroken for the players, and I would like to apologise to them from the bottom of my heart for the impact this situation has had on all of them,” she said (Stuff, from a statement by Priestman).

Despite the controversy disrupting their initial 2024 Olympic experience, the team managed to secure a victory over France (2-1) on Monday.

Heidi Slade (she/her)

Flat Famous Flat Famous

Want $100? Apply at canta.co.nz/flat-famous-application

Nickname: Grogan

Worst Habit: Being a virgin Favourite Flat Meal: Aunty Eds

Nickname: Melman

Worst Habit: Can’t handle her piss Favourite Flat Meal: Poached eggs and apple cider vinegar

Nickname: Stinky

Worst Habit: Sleeping with shit men

Favourite Flat Meal: My baking

Nickname: Rylan

Worst Habit: Pregnancy scares Favourite Flat Meal: Hazy IPA

Nickname: Marty

Worst Habit: Physically fights the boys

Favourite Flat Meal: Blue V

Nickname: Trigga

Worst Habit: Peeing on the floor

Favourite Flat Meal: Snot and a scrumpy

Logan Jess Mattie

Mel Ryan

Trey

Club Corner Club Corner

CUBJJ

Tell us a bit about your club!

Introducing the University of Canterbury Brazilian JiuJitsu Club! Founded in 2023, we’re a vibrant, studentled community dedicated to the art and practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Our club caters to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. We emphasize technical skill, mutual respect, and personal growth, all while fostering a fun and supportive environment. Join us to improve your fitness, learn self-defence, and be part of a great community!

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

Curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Our club offers an exciting and inclusive way to start your BJJ journey. Whether you’re looking to get fit, learn self-defence, or just try something new, we’ve got you covered. Our beginner-friendly classes focus on fundamental techniques and provide a safe space to learn. With a friendly group of members and experienced instructors, you’ll quickly feel at home on the mat. No experience is needed just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for a fantastic experience!

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

We’ve got an exciting lineup of events and activities for this year:

New Zealand Inter-University Tertiary Grappling Games - On August 24th, join us for our inaugural event featuring individual, tag team, and quintet competitions. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and compete with university students from across New Zealand.

Christchurch Tag Team Event - On September 21st, we’re hosting an open tag team event, welcoming competitors from all over Christchurch. It’s a great

Corner Corner

chance to test your skills in a team format. UFC Social Events - We’ll be gathering for every major UFC Main Card event to enjoy the fights together and discuss BJJ. It’s a fun way to connect with fellow fans and stay engaged with the broader combat sports community.

Encouragement for National Events - We support and encourage our members to pursue BJJ events and competitions around the country to further develop their skills and experience. Our Training Schedule:

Monday and Thursday Nights: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Sundays: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Tuesday Lunch Time Rolls: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at the Rec Centre

How can people get involved?

Getting involved with our club is easy:

Attend a Free Intro Week: Come to a free week of our beginner sessions to see if BJJ is right for you. Join Our Group: Follow us on Instagram @canterburyunibjj to keep up to date with what is happening in the club and catch a glimpse of our trainings.

Register for Membership: Our membership fees are incredibly student friendly.

- Students $40 per Semester $60 per Year

- Non-Students $45 per Semester $70

Spectate Events: Engage in our competitions and social events to become an active member of our community.

For more details or any questions, contact us at canterburyunibjj@gmail.com or on our Instagram @canterburyunibjj. We can’t wait to see you on the mat!

What It Means To “be political”

Alexandra Brown (she/her)

As a kid, everything I knew about the word politics, was it’s something adults always said they pretended to care about, featuring dinner table conversations and depressing news segments. It was the fancy unknown and I never really bothered to ask about it.

Or, at least, not until I became conscious of my presence in society - which happened in high school and when Covid hit.

When I found out that the government could choose how long I stayed home from school, it was like a flashing light in my face telling me: ‘Hey! You’re a part of this! This involves you!”

That makes me lucky.

And it wasn’t for a decade and a half, that I learned everyone everywhere has a different idea of how the world should work, leading me to the question – why did it take so long?

Despite attending school for most of my life, I could not find much relevant information there. I knew there were contractual obligations restricting teachers from sharing their own political viewpoints, but was that reason enough to leave the politics discussion out of the classroom - entirely?

The closest I could get was economics or history, but neither of them provided what I wanted.

I couldn’t help but get frustrated that there weren’t many places I, as a young person in Aotearoa, could find political information relevant to my country and community. Unfortunately, this was not a unique experience.

There is currently no mandated civics education in the school curriculum, meaning its’ presence and quality varies widely leading to significant gaps in student understanding of political systems and their own role within them.

A survey ran by Canta highlighted this knowledge gap, with 75% of takers having not received any form of civics education at school.

With limited formal civics education available, many students turn to personal research, the internet, and family to fill in the gaps. This reliance on vast but unmoderated methods highlights a significant insight into how political knowledge is acquired, potentially underscoring the need for more structured education on the subject.

I interviewed Dr. Helena Cook, a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury, and the chair of the Civics and Citizenship working group of the New Zealand Political Studies Association, to find out more.

“I think often young people are extremely political,” Cook said.

Cook emphasised the challenge in defining civics education. Conventional aspects like electoral systems are crucial but are just one part of a broader understanding of civic duty.

“If you’re talking about traditional forms of political engagement, like what is an electoral system, how do you vote, then absolutely students should be supported to learn more about that... It can be really daunting when you’re 18 and thrown into your first election, and have to try and operate in a system you don’t really know anything about.”

Despite a lack of formal civics education, it seems many people understand the importance of voting – 97.3% of survey respondents who were eligible voted in the 2023 election. Reasons for voting listed included privilege, responsibility, and representation.

“It’s traditionally framed as the most recognisable form of political engagement,” Cook said.

“I suppose people like to think they are contributing to democracy; they want to feel a sense of agency or contribution to who is in power. The way young people are engaged with social media means there’s a lot more awareness than, for example, 20-30 years ago. You really had to go out and look for it, and now it’s kind of delivered to you.”

This falls in line with the perceived accessibility of political coverage online. Respondents commonly stated the most reliable places to get political information were policies sections on campaign websites, the news, government websites, and social media.

“You don’t really have an excuse to not know about what’s happening in the world,” said Cook.

Recognising that students have varied learning styles and levels of accessibility; it becomes clear the traditional classroom setting may not always be the most effective.

“We have to remember that [the understanding of citizenship] is often through an extremely Eurocentric lens. And that actually, that is not always speaking to the experiences of migrant communities, of Māori, of Pacific communities,” Cook said.

Engaging in community, contributing to the wellbeing of those around them, existing as a minority. The perceived universal understanding of what it means to be involved in society is in fact, less agreed upon than one may think. For some groups, attitudes and activities are normal, though others may see them as political acts.

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Canta Commentary Social Media

Amy Riach (She/her)

Love it or loathe it, Snapchat was a middle school staple for many of us, and the ability to obsess over the locations of friends and exes is honestly what keeps me here.

But I feel like I’m slowly ageing out of the ‘instant’ culture. And sometimes, I just love to peer at a message in my notification bar, like I’m that one annoying neighbour in a ‘70’s sitcom peering on tiptoes over the fence. Opening a chat without really knowing what I might find feels a little like being blindfolded, and the additive nature of constant connectivity feels more draining now than it ever has before.

I think we’ve all taken at least one truly terrible photograph on Snapchat, and then been incredibly relieved that the awful candid will be deleted a day later. But the lack of permanence can also foster a real lack of accountability, and Snapchat can be a dangerous platform for abuse or unwanted content. Plus, screenshots of content, which you thought was private and impermanent, can be a major privacy breach.

Of course, we all love a good leaderboard, and breaking a 700 day streak feels like it might incur the same wrath commonly dealt by the Duolingo Owl. Most of us are bound to Snapchat by nostalgia, or the ridiculous streak stats that we fostered at age 12, but I do feel like many of us have started to grow out of the instant culture and the little yellow ghost.

Instagram

Instagram is my favourite child. She’s the eldest daughter, like the perfect millennial combo of Pinterest and Messenger, and I adore her. Yes, there’s a lot of millennial humour to wade through, but she also features Brat summer, so I think she’s really modernising.

I love getting second-hand TikTok via reels, I love being two weeks late to the trend, I love the Insta stories and the formal photos and the 10 photo vlogs of my friends lives. Instagram is ideal for sharing content and texting friends or creating group chats - and yes, being added to an Instagram groupchat called ‘sorting things out’ at age 13 was a visceral kind of fear. But post middle-school, the messaging forum of the app is one of the best.

The day I delete Insta is the day something truly terrible has happened. If I disappear from Snapchat, I’m eating chocolate in bed. If I disappear from Instagram, threats and violence was involved, and you should all be worried.

TikTok is the feared enemy and greatest friend of the procrastinating student. The doom scroll is real, but you couldn’t pay me to delete the app. Where else would I get the latest news about the American election?

Half the content on TikTok is found in the comments, and half the entertainment comes from watching half a video over the top of the open comment section. TikTok is all about other peoples’ content. Their comments, their reposts, their dances, made to the same 10 second clip of music, and although I love the trend culture, it does quickly go from peak popculture to annoyingly repetitive.

I’m never one to dismiss the entertainment value in a Grey’s Anatomy clip played next to a Subway Surfers video - and I’m sure that has no bearing on my current attention span, but TikTok does quickly wear thin, and it’s not always a positive or a constructive place to be.

Facebook Marketplace and Facebook the app exist as two separate entities, and I am entirely convinced of that.

But Facebook is a place almost exclusively populated by PTA mums, amateur soccer teams, and community ‘chitchat’ pages who fulfil the apparently coveted role of HomeOwners Association. Maybe one day I’ll hit 40, cut my hair into the compulsory middle-aged bob, and develop a newfound love for my Facebook feed, but until then, my account serves exclusively as a door key that affords me Marketplace and Messenger.

I’m quite sure that by now, all my data has been sold on to a third party. I’ve probably accepted website cookies on a recipe blog and signed away my first-born child, and at this point, if Mother Gothel shows up to the christening, I think I just have to make my peace with that.

But for all my cynicism, Facebook gets to keep 3 stars, thanks to the fanatic love of beloved aunties, and the warm-fuzzies I get when Facebook friends add to my feed on my birthday. Plus, if you need a flatmate, a flat, or just a room to rent, Facebook is a regular goldmine!

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

As any sane person would, when I found out about free ice cream for the low low price of a blind date, I said f-it why not sign up. A few months later having completely forgot about it, I received the joyful email saying I got selected for the hit or miss opportunity of a date. After changing outfits at least three times I went with the tried-and-true black sweater and blue jeans (basic I know), but my date had the same idea as I discovered we were matching.

But back to the start, as any girl would three friends and I jumped in the car and were on our way. Having arrived 10 minutes early, we sat and scoped out the potential prospects. Due to it being 3pm on a Thursday it was quite easy to take our pick. After talking to the workers letting them know I was there for the lucky dip they informed me my date was already upstairs waiting (which I already knew). With an apprehensive breath I made my way up to meet who I would be spending the next hour with. Names and an awkward hug were exchanged, and I thought it best to immediately go order ice cream. I personally would have abused the ability to order however much ice cream we wanted but seeing as my date order first and only got 1 scoop, I decided not to overindulge. So, I stuck with my all-time favorite Mint Chocolate-chip, in a cup because watching someone eat ice cream from a cone is one of the biggest icks I have ever seen. We started with the basic just met this person questions and allowed the conversation to flow easily.

Early on he did disclose that he had not signed up for the lucky dip and instead was surprised when he received the email the night before due to friends putting in his information. Struggling to decide if he was actually going to show up or not. Lucky for me he did. We ended up sharing some interests in common such as Legos, movies and tv shows and talked about all the places we wish to travel after uni ends. He was very passionate about his interests and made the time fly by. As our date ended, we exchanged Instagram’s and made our way outside. Much to my embarrassment, the three friends I had arrived with were all sitting right outside the door at a table waiting to get a better look. Parting pleasantries were exchanged and our separate ways we went. Lovely guy just not the one for me…

Thanks for the good story and sweet treat CANTA!

LUCKY DIP

Dipper Two

So there I was, enjoying a casual evening with the boys, our laughter filling the room as we sipped on our drinks and recounted the latest antics from our uni lives. The conversation was light, the atmosphere relaxed, and the banter, as always, was top-notch. Little did I know that my mates had cooked up a plan that would turn this ordinary night into something far more memorable.

Between rounds of beer pong, I found myself the unsuspecting target of a well-intentioned prank. Apparently, my mates were feeling a bit mischievous and, as they would later admit, concerned about my less-thanactive dating life. Their solution? To set me up on a blind date. I was completely unaware until they dropped that bombshell on me later that weekend.

At first, I was thrown off by the idea. The prospect of meeting someone new without any prior knowledge felt both exhilarating and terrifying. My nerves kicked in, but my friends were adamant that it would be a fun experience, a challenge even. They assured me that it was all in good spirits and promised to help me prepare. So, with a mix of excitement and apprehension, I agreed to go along with the plan.

I arrived at Rollickin a bit early and was told to wait upstairs for my date, nervously wondering what my friends had signed me up for. The blind date began with some light chit-chat about our degrees and university

life, easing our nerves. We discussed our majors, favourite professors, and amusing student mishaps. As we relaxed, we discovered a shared love for collecting items like Lego sets, comparing our favourite builds and laughing about the satisfying yet time-consuming process. This led to a lively discussion about TV shows and movies, where we exchanged recommendations and debated our favourite binge-watching stories. Our differing tastes in Harry Potter and Star Wars sparked a fun debate about which universe was better.

The conversation took an amusing turn when we imagined what three items we’d take if stranded on a desert island. She said she’d bring a Kindle loaded with books and a solar-powered battery charger, while I wanted a stack of comics and a football. We joked about who would be better equipped to handle island life.

The experience turned out to be far more enjoyable than I had anticipated. It was refreshing to meet someone new, and the initial nerves soon gave way to a fun time. My friends had pulled off their prank in the best possible way, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a memorable experience. (Though you won’t see me willingly doing it again).

Let’s Talk Conspiracy Theories

Olivia Welsh (she/her)

When searching for alternative explanations or reasonings, conspiracy theories can be an all-consuming way for the public - and potentially higher-ups - to assert their views of how history has taken place. Some of the most popular conspiracy theories of all time, like the Founding Fathers of the United States being linked to the Illuminati and Area 51 being home to extraterrestrial life, are still being debated today.

Some may appear harmless, fostering offbeat and creative discussions, others can be both detrimental and triggering.

For example, conspiracies have relentlessly suggested certain tragedies were inside-jobs, and what we have come to accept as a society is false. The question is, how does this information spread so quickly, and how does this media influence public thinking?

“Most social media is monitored with some of the malicious content being removed, but it is not always that way,” said Daria Kuznetsova, a Media and Communications lecturer, on the dissemination of information.

“Traditional media, especially before the internet age, had very strict editorial policies, and a kind of gatekeeping in some way […] the gatekeeping really disappeared when the digital media came.”

Kuznetsova noted how we have all become content creators on social media.

The use and access of media can contribute to the creation and continuing belief of conspiracy theories, where digital formats such as social media apps and websites are partly responsible for its circulation.

Think of how quickly the world began tossing up the idea that the assassination attempt on ex-President Donald Trump’s life in July was orchestrated by himself and his team to gain sympathy.

It is through what we search and our interests that dictate the type of media we are exposed to, creating an echo chamber that is hard to escape. It is recommended that consuming a wide range of opinions and news can help to ensure that our networks are expansive and not limited.

“There is actually some debate now in the academic community if ‘echo chambers’ really exist. But basically, what I would say is that most social media platforms have algorithms that suggest you the content they think you could like,” Kuznetsova said.

“The algorithms do help to create echo chambers.”

Our investigation of and engagement with conspiracy theories can depend on many things, including an emotional tie to spending time debating unorthodox possibilities, to looking to reinforce our own preexisting ideologies.

“People tend to read the news that align with their beliefs, opinions… political opinions, conspiracy opinions,” Kuznetsova said.

“The idea in the literature is that the media has three different pathways. The media can either shape their [people’s] opinions, reinforce the opinion that they have… and there is a third one where people can change their opinion based on the media.”

The latter is quite rare, as the public may have an internal predisposition and preliminary knowledge on what they believe and are interested in.

“The reason that I think conspiracy theories gain traction is because people need something to latch onto. They need something to blame, they need a reason… it kind of ties in well with religion in that it is hard for the human mind to accept the fact that things just are,” commented H.M (she/her).

“I think that the human brain is incredibly logical and because of that no matter how “crazy” something may seem or how intense a story is, there just has to be a reason for it.”

Regardless on where you stand with conspiracy theories, whether of the pop culture variety or those tailored towards historical and government speculations, we should always be trying to educate ourselves. This is especially crucial when we have so much influence and the media constantly at our fingertips.

It’s all about being knowledgeable and respectful.

There is a lot of material online about the role of religions, modern phenomena, political trust, evidence-based belief, mentality, attitudes, and democracy; and it all ties into conversations around conspiracy theories. If anything, those from the world of academia and journalism are generating some of the most intellectually sound publications around all things conspiracy related.

So don’t be afraid to take a deep dive.

Puzzles Puzzles

INTERNET

Math Minute! Math Minute!

Grow up! And I mean that in the meanest way possible. Everyone is sick of your constant whining and genuinely needs you to start problem solving for yourself.

You are doing so much better since the last time we spoke. Time management is going really well, and you are getting to have some time to yourself!

You are truly killing it.

Sagittarius

Wow, you aren’t looking too good are you. Maybe take five and re-evaluate. Because trust me uni is not worth having a mental breakdown over. If you need to do a degree switch, that is okay too. The world is your oyster, my friend.

Couldn’t care less if I am being completely honest. Have a good rest of your term and I will see you next time when I might care.

It is the politics issue of Canta and you still haven’t made it any further than the puzzles? Maybe try informing yourself on the world around you instead of literally knowing nothing.

Pisces

Work on your street smarts, you are a tad bit too gullible for my liking. Maybe try opening your eyes a little bit more and actually absorb the world around you.

You might be finding yourself in a lot more arguments as of late. Remember to ground yourself and think about your next words. We know you all can be a little bit dramatic and too hot to handle.

Please for the life of me, clean up after yourselves! People want to sit next to you at the library but literally can’t because you are taking up the entire universe with your crap. Learn to be a tidier Kiwi, the world will thank you for it.

I am usually really mean to you guys – all with good reason might I add. But this issue, I have sparked a thought to tell you all. You are looking mighty fine and are doing so well. That’ll probably change in the next issue though.

Capricorn Aquarius

You’re killing it my queen! You always slay and kick ass in everything you do. Remember to take time for yourself and do whatever you want to do. I know motivation has been hard recently but keep going!

You are one of the most stubborn people I have ever met. Probably why you can’t make friends with people your own age. Maybe stop hanging out with people younger than you and see who is around in your own age-group.

Live, laugh, Leo! Good on you for trying your best all the time. It does kind of suck when things don’t end up quite how you have planned.

2 x 500mL CANS

KIEREN WOOLLEY

CHIPPA WILSON

ELI TOMAC

SADOWSKI-SYNNOTT

Meet The Team!

editor@canta.co.nz Print Editor print@canta.co.nz

Smith News Editor news@canta.co.nz

Hariklia Nicola

Heidi Slade Madilin Macpherson Managing Editor

Designer design@canta.co.nz

Jordan

Nikki Clarke Digital Editor digital@canta.co.nz

Amy Riach Feature Writer

Elsie Williams Feature Writer

Olivia Welsh Feature Writer

Maia Aramakutu Te Ao Māori 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