GYRO OTAGO POLYTECHNIC STUDENT ‘ZINE
ISSUE # 11 THE POLITICAL EDITION INCLUDING: DUNEDIN SLUTWALK 2013. PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT ELECTIONS. INTERVIEWS: OP CEO PHIL KER. GREEN PARTY, MAYORAL CANDIDATE AARON HAWKINS. OPSA REPRESENTATION. NEWS & MORE!
VOTE FOR YOUR OPSA PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT VOTING OPENS THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER BY EMAIL & BALLOT. Ballot voting at the Student Centre in Manaaki Building. Voting closes on the 27th of September.
GOT 99 PROBLEMS? LANDLORDS PLAGIARISM MARKING & GRADES COMPLAINTS ACADEMIC APPEALS TEACHERS
CALL OPSA ON THE
STUDENT HOTLINE 03 477 6974
GYRO Editor Contents
Dave Strydom.
OPSA Page ›pg 4-5
FAST FORWARD ›pg 6
LETTERS ›pg 7
NEWS IN BRIEF
The past week saw us turn the season from
›pg 8-9
winter into spring. The first of September is
SLUTWALK
heralded as the start of spring. But spring is
›pg 10-11
easy to find. It’s been here for a while already
HOSTEL TAKEOVER: PHIL KER
as evident in the blooms, extended daylight and
›pg 12-13
rise in day time temperature.
OPSA ELECTION CANDIDATES ›pg 14-15
We have another issue of Gyro. The hot
INTERVIEW: AARON HAWKINS
topics for the coming weeks include the OPSA
›pg 16-17
president and vice president elections. The two
COLUMNS
candidates are set and although they’re not
›pg 18-19
running against anyone it is still very important that you cast your vote. If no competency gets
Published by OPSA. Copyright (C) OPSA 2012. A member of ASPA.
Set in Bell MT, Trade Gothic Condensed, Univers.
Advertising gyro@opsa.org.nz
Editor
more votes, nominations for the position will be opened again. So take the time to show your support by casting your vote. This issue also has an interview with Phil Ker, the CEO of the Otago Polytechnic about the new $12 million dollar international hall of residence which has been proposed.
Dave Strydom. gyro@opsa.org.nz
Technical Editor
Gyro also contacted mayoral candidate Aaron
Mark Baxter. mark.baxter@op.ac.nz
Hawkins with a few questions regarding student
Head Designer
issues and the city council.
Dave Strydom. @designdavenz
THANK YOU Aaron, Stephen, Rebecca, Mark, Geoff. Gyro Magazine reserves the right to edit all content for reasons of style and clarity.
The main feature is on the Slutwalk movement, which sees its annual march from the Dental school to the Octagon on Saturday the 14th of September. Read the article for more on why this event is important for our society. Peace, D
PRESIDENTS COLUMN
Rebecca Swindells. Hi again! Wow, Spring already! Where has this year gone? I hope you have all enjoyed the beginning of this semester, had a great Father’s Day in the weekend, and for those of you who are sports fans, had a chance to get up close and personal with the Ranfurly Shield at some stage during last week. These past few weeks have been memorable for a number of reasons. Otago (although for only a week) won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years, the changes to the GCSB bill passed in parliament, the leader of the Labour Party resigned and the race is now on for the next Labour Party leader and as you will see around town, elections are soon for our city councillors. Thank you to all of you who came to our class rep meetings, we had great turnouts and some really good information coming from these meetings!
OPSA NOTICES email gyro@opsa.org.nz NEED HELP FILLING OUT YOUR 2014 STUDYLINK ONLINE APPLICATION? Studylink will be on campus to help you on: September Thurs 19th & Fri 20th October Tue 15th & Thurs 17th Wed 30th & Thurs 31st There will be two sessions per day: 12-1pm & 3.30-4.30pm in F Block. Please register by replying to the email notification sent to your OP student account or at the OPSA Office (Manaaki, level 2).
FREE FLU JAB. If you’ve paid your Student Health Levy (part of most students normal fees) flu vaccinations are free for you. Pop into Student Health to make an appointment time.
We will be out and about again in September talking to your reps, so if you need to let us know anything get in contact with them! Keep an eye out for your OPSA reps and their events over the next few months! Keep safe, enjoy summer and see you all next issue. OPSA prez signing off !
OPSA SPORTING & ADMIN BLUES NOMINATIONS CLOSE 30TH OCTOBER 2013 Criteria to be eligible for an OPSA Blue 1. Nominations will only be considered for achievements covering a period 1st October 2012 to 30 September 2013
2. Nominee must be enrolled at Otago Polytechnic for no less than .30 EFTS in the year that the award is presented 3. Must have passed the national qualifying standard set by the national sports organisation 4. In addition, nominees must have passed more than 50% of their course at Polytechnic in year of nomination Nominees recommended for an award by the OPSA Blues Panel are not confirmed until eligibility and academic checks have been completed)
LIVING IN A BAD FLAT? If you’re getting a bum deal from ruthless landlords, OPSA has an advocacy service that may be able to help you resolve any issues. Call us on 477-6974
ACCOMMODAT ION RESOURCES Visit opsa.org.nz/ accommodation.php to find flats, how to deal with problems, free flat rating scheme, and more resources!
OPSA & STUDENT REPRESENTATION
CONTACT
What OPSA does for you.
OPSA
HOW DOES IT WORK?
and the executive committee, plus
Independent student representation
make some smaller daily decisions on
starts with your class representative.
their behalf. It is a full time role and
A student from every class is elected
includes duties in the OPSA student
to represent any issues (good and
offices, where the president’s office
bad) that concerns any student.
is located.
•
STUDENT HOTLINE
477 6974
They are placed to bring those issue and/or ideas to the OPSA executive
The OPSA vice-president is a small
committee which is headed by the
part-time role. They act as the
OPSA president and vice president.
helper and back-up to the president. They also facilitate the conversation
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
between the executive committee and
The executive committee is a group
the OPSA president.
of students who volunteer their time to OPSA to represent student issues
WHERE DOES
whenever possible. Some members
REPRESENTATION OCCUR?
are nominated by their peers to
OPSA is there to represent OP
represent their portfolio. While other
student voice at every opportunity.
committee members will often focus
From participating in public
on a portfolio with their individual
discussions; sitting in on closed
strengths or interests. Members
meetings, to a presence on campus.
reach out to students representing
A representative from OPSA is there
their portfolio as the opportunity
to stand for all Otago Polytechnic
arrives. They voice student concerns
students during open sessions of
to the President, who represents all
OP council meetings. While recent
students and committee members at
law changes have removed student
meetings with the Otago Polytechnic
represention, OPSA has maintained
Council as well as local and regional
a good working relationship with the
councils.
OP council. And has been allowed, to an extent, to voice concerns and
WHAT ABOUT THE OPSA PRESIDENT
be involved in council decisions.
AND VICE PRESIDENT?
OPSA also works with the Dunedin
The OPSA president is charged with
City Council and the Otago Regional
representing the voice of students
Council to help improve student
at any opportunity that arises. They
involvement in the city and region.
oversee and manage OPSA, its staff,
•
OFFICE UPSTAIRS
Manaaki Building - (M Block) Harbour Tce
POSTAL PO Box 5381, Dunedin, 9058
• EXEC CONTACT PRESIDENT
Rebecca Swindells president @opsa.org.nz
VICE PRESIDENT vp @opsa.org.nz
FAST FORWARD >>> Fast track through some facts & current news >>>
>>> CAMPUS
>>> NATIONAL
Otago Polytechnic has lowered it’s number of schools
A report showing 250 new vacancies in the new
to 11 by merging four schools, in an effort to share
Department of Conservation structure has brought
resources. The design and hospitality school has
criticism to the change. Green Party conservation
been merged. While the business and information
spokesperson Eugenie Sage said the high level of
technology schools have also merged. By sharing
vacancies left NZ fauna and flora under threat. As it
resources new opportunities for interdisciplinary
meant that a huge part of practical conservation work
programmes between the schools.
would be left undone until the positions are filled.
OPSA ELECTIONS OPEN SOON.
QUAKE RATTLES CHRISTCHURCH.
Elections for the President and Vice President of the
A strong earthquake struck near Christchurch on the
Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association open on the
morning of September 1st. According to GeoNet,
10th of September by email and ballot. Candidates for
the magnitude 4.3 quake occurred 35km south of
elections are on page 14 and 15. Ballot voting will be
Oxford at a depth of 10km just after 8am. GeoNet has
available at the student centre in Manaaki Building.
reported over 600 reports of activity that same day.
OP MERGES SCHOOLS, DOWN TO 11.
Voting closes on the 27th of September.
>>> LOCAL
W.O.F FOR DUNEDIN HOMES.
DOC OPENS 250 NEW VACANCIES.
>>> INTERNATIONAL
US SEEKS TO STRIKE SYRIA. American president Barack Obama has stopped
The introduction of a warrant of fitness for Dunedin
short of firing on Libya to seek the backing of the
homes has taken a major step forward with a recent
US Congress. US sources claim to have a substainal
drafting of the document. The W.O.F is aimed at
body of evidence to show Syrian President Bashar
creating warm, efficiently heated, safe, secure
al-Assad carried out an attack on rebels in the city
and health homes. The draft document covered
of Damascus with chemical weapons. The attack
categories such as insulation and heating, moisture
has reportedly killed over 1400 people. However, it
and ventilation, sanitation, electricity and safety.
has not been determined who made the attack and
However, big decisions around how to implement
exactly what weapon was used. Russian President
and assess the warrant are yet to be answered.
Vladimir Putin has urged the US not intervene.
>>> SPORT
OTAGO LOSES RANFURLY SHIELD Otago has waited 56 years to hold the Ranfurly Shield. The Otago Rugby team lost to Hawkes Bay in their first game defending the shield losing 20-19 in a game that was open for the taking until the last minute. Hawkes Bay broke it’s own Shield drought of 44 years.
While some are questioning why the US is willing to intervene at all.
LARGEST CANYON FOUND UNDER ICE. A megacanyon around 740km long has been found hiding under 3 kilo meters of ice in Greenland. The mega canyon is roughly twice the length of the Grand Canyon but deep, only reaching depths of 800 meters. The megacanyon is estimated to have been covered in ice for the last 4 million years.
LETTERS
Send your letters to gyro@opsa.org.nz in a 100 words or less.
STAR GAZING DUNEDIN.
WHAT A GAME!
Dear Gyro,
Dear Gyro and sports fans,
I was talking to friend who
Let’s not blame anyone for the loss
mentioned a number of interesting
of the Ranfurly Shield. Yeah the ref
places to visit in town. Like the
missed a call and the kicker missed
observatory up the hill next to the
an easy one (few). At least we
golf course! I found public transport
played our bloody hearts out boys.
and a clear sky full of stars right in
And that’s the memory that will
the city! A must see! Especially
remain with me.
keep an eye out (he he) for open
Thank you Otago,
days to the observatory.
Stan the southern man
Cheers, Star child
WHERE’S THE ADVICE?
IS SOMEONE HAS TO STOP THE NEW OIL BILL! Dear political Gyro,
Dear Gyro,
I’m really concerned about the oil
We noticed that although the last
exploration bill being pushed through
issue had a sex theme there was
parliament. Overseas companies
actually no sex advice in it. Also, how
could be allowed free reign on our
could you miss the opportunity to
coastlines. We must stop this bill!
call the issue Gayro?
Concerned,
Thanks,
Mother N
Fred
RANFURLY SHIELD AT LAST
THE LIVING CAMPUS EVENT
After 56 years of missing the cut, Otago has won
The Living Campus, the gardens are campus, are
the rights to hoist the old Log o’ Wood again.
celebrating their 5th Anniversary this year!
Otago held of Waikato with a great defensive stand in the dying moments of the game to win
The Living Campus has developed the Otago
26-19. The team has now won the Sheild 5 times
Polytechnic Campus into a sustainable, open-
since it was first played for in 1904.
aired, interactive environment for students and lecturers. Over the past 5 years the Living
The Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge
Campus has created many sustainable projects
system across the ITM Cup and Heartland
within Otago Polytechnic such as recycling,
Championship. The holding team defends the
composting, worm farms, food bank donations,
Shield in challenge matches, on their home
student adopt a garden, edible gardens, education
grounds, where the winner takes all.
sessions, and tours of the Living Campus.
The Shield was donated to the NZRFU by
To celebrate the Living Campus’ Birthday we are
the Governor of NZ, The Earl of Ranfurly in
holding an event to promote sustainable practice
1901. It has featured as one of the top prizes in
within Otago Polytechnic. This event will
domestic rugby union for over 100 years.
consist of a range of activities, food and prizes.
As Otago is the only province boasting a town
Please join us for the Living Campus Event on
with the same name, suggestions of a parade
Tuesday 3rd September 12-1pm in the quad.
through the streets of Ranfurly have been the pinnicale of discussions this week.
Tues 3rd Sept 12-1pm
BLUES AWARDS
SPORTING BLUES AWARDS
DUNEDIN ZINEFEST
Nominations for the annual Otago Polytechnic
The third annual Duneidn Zinefest is coming
Students’ Association Sporting Blues awards are
later this month. Runing on the growing success
open until the 30th of October 2013. The Awards
of the first two events this year’s festival is a one
recognise sporting achievements by Otago
day celebration with workshops, demonstrations,
Polytechnic students..
live music, guest speakers and a market with stalls of DIY publications.
To be elagable for the awards an indivdual, team, coach or adminastrator must have achieved
If you have any Zines or DIY skillz you would
sporting acclaim in their chosen sport at a
like to contribute to the event, such as stall
national or international level.
holders, musicians and workshop coordinators the team at Blackstar Books would love to hear from
Nominees stand to win a trophy in their category
you! blackstardunedin@gmail.com
along with a goodie bag and all the fame and glory that goes with being a Sporting Blue Award
Invitation for submissions open until
winner!
September 14th.
Nominations can be made by anyone (including
The date for the festival is the 28th of
nominating yourself) and are avaiable at the
Septemeber 2013 at Blackstar Books on Moray
OPSA offices, upstairs Manaaki Building (M
place. With an after party at Chicks Hotel out
Block), Harbour Tce.
in Port Chalmers. Find moore information on the Facebook page Dunedin Zinefest fb.com/ zinefestdunedin.
“ I’ve been told I’m
not supposed to say this - however, women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized.
”
THIRD ANNUAL DUNEDIN SLUTWALK 2013 In January of 2011 a Canadian police officer
that everyone has the right to wear what ever
speaking about crime prevention and particularly
they like regardless of archaic stereotypes.
addressing the issue of rape said: “I’ve been told
The “SlutWalk” movement today represents a
I’m not supposed to say this – however, women
international awareness campaign against victim
should avoid dressing like sluts in order not
blaming. This year sees third annual SlutWalk
to be victimized.”
event in Dunedin. Rape Crisis Dunedin organises
Now let us consider this statement for a minute.
the local incarnation. In explaining what the
Not only is it implying that a concept such as
event is about organisers would like people to
a slut exists but it is saying that a victim is
understand why it is of the upmost importance
responsible for the abuse they have suffered. It
to reclaim the word “slut”. The movement
also suggests that sexual abuse is the norm. That
highlights the way the term is used unjustly to
the only way that a women can protect herself
shame and blame survivors of sexual abuse and
from a race of barbaric horny men is to hide.
minimise the behaviours of sexual predators.
As a guy this last part concerns me most. I’m far
The most important thing to remember is slut is
from a perfect gentlemen but I strongly believe in
a concept that has no basis in reality because it
respecting others and treating my fellow humans
is based on the misogynistic assumption that a
fairly with dignity. The assertion that a man
woman’s worth lies in her sexuality.
will rape a women if she is dressed provocative
RCD is advocating for a community where all
is implying that we men have no control over
survivors of sexual abuse - both male and female
their actions. And that is just as absurd as the
are supported, listened to and believed. The 2013
statement itself.
Dunedin SlutWalk will march from the Dental
In April that year over 3000 people gathered at
School on Great King Street down through town
Queen’s Park and marched down to the Toronto
to the Octagon.
Police Headquarters in protest of associating the word slut with sexual abuse against women. Initially the idea was to dress in everyday wear to symbolise that sexual abuse happened to ordinary women, in everyday life. Many of the protestors came dressed as “sluts” and today the movement “SlutWalk” has helped to empower their message
SLUTWALK 2013 WHERE Outside Dental School on Great King Street WHEN September 14th. 11:30am.
HOSTEL TAKE OVER? By Alena Plaksina
A new student hostel for Otago Polytechnic students, with a potential of 235 rooms, completed for the 2015 academic year (as reported by the ODT) sounds like an exciting proposal. But what will this new project really mean for students? Otago Polytechnic’s CEO, Phil Ker spoke to Gyro about the proposal. Read on to get answers to concerns and queries overheard on campus. Perhaps one of the most pressing questions in regards to this project ties closely into recent discussion with the DCC to address local unsatisfactory flats, as well as the Labour Party’s suggestions of a possible bill to introduce minimum insulation standards for rental housing.
Who is it for? The proposed hostel can offer students a fantastic housing opportunity away from the flatting scene. But who exactly will this hostel be available to? Will this building only house first-year students, similar to the already-existing student halls, or will this accommodation be available to students of all ages as an alternative to rental flats? In any case, what criteria will be used to select students for the limited spaces in the hostel - will it be based on academic achievement, length of course of study, etc.? The hall of residence (let’s not call it a hostel!) will be available to students in the first instance for whom a guarantee of supervised accommodation is a prerequisite for accepting a place at Otago Polytechnic. Right now we are losing students because we cannot guarantee this, and so this is the problem we are trying to address. We expect that about half of the accommodation will be taken up by international students. Once we have met this need the residence will be open to any Otago Polytechnic students from out of Dunedin. We have not yet worked through criteria for selecting students, other than what I have mentioned above.
“The hall of residence (let’s not call it a hostel!) “ How does it work? The ODT describes the new hall as a series of 5 bedroom apartments with supervision. How exactly will this work? Some major concerns from the student body include meals (will this hostel be fully catered, or give students the chance to cook their own food), security, curfews, opportunity to keep pets, etc.? The accommodation will be self-cook, and we intend to provide free cooking lessons and dietary advice to residents, through our culinary school. We will be making meal packages available to students who do not want to self-cook.
Will there be parking? Parking is a pressing issue around the Polytechnic and the University area. Reportedly, the proposed land on which the new hall will be built, is currently a car park. Will this proposal contribute to the parking problem on campus? Will the residents of the new hall of residence have a designated parking area? There will be car parks available as part of the development as per DCC requirements.
Will it be sustainable? Our campus prides itself on sustainable practice, even including community gardens available to students. Will the new hall support this ethos with its own community garden for residents and potentially the wider student body? Will the residents have an opportunity to grow their own produce? We will be doing our best to ensure that the new residence will honour our sustainability values, and this will include community gardens. So if you are from out of town and always yearned to study in Dunedin, but wanted to avoid the dreaded flatting scene, soon you will have the chance to settle close to class, tuck away your car, put some gardening clogs on and venture into a student lifestyle dreams are made of. One can only hope this proposal will give local vultures a fright and drive down the prices for inhabitable student housing. But maybe that’s asking too much.
PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
FIELD OF STUDY: Business Management CURRENT/PREVIOUS POSITION WITH EXEC: 2012 and 2013 I have been President, 2011 I held the Vice President position, in 2010 I was the Maori Student representative and in 2009 I was a general Executive Member. For the entire 5 years I have been on the Campaigns Committee and the Finance Committee. EXPERIENCE (YEARS) ON EXEC: This is my fifth year. WHY DO YOU WANT THIS POSITION? I have been on the OPSA executive for 5 years, and while I have held the presidents position I feel I have built key relationships with external
REBECCA SWINDELLS
and internal stakeholders, I have worked to gain students a discount on Dunedin buses, signed and agreement to ensure that queer students get the support they need and more! I want this position so that I can continue to complete the work I set out to do, and implement more agreements,policies and events that will better student life.
1. What is your vision for OPSA into the
4. What do you think OPSA has done well in
future? That OPSA is recognised by all students and
2013 and how do you think it could improve
staff as the official student voice, that OPSA continues
in 2014?We secured a trial discount for students for
to build key relationships with stakeholders and that
the Dunedin buses.We signed an agreement with OUSA
OPSA engages and includes all students on the Dunedin
queer support, so that our students can get access to
campus as well as all our distance students.
queer support services. We have signed an agreement with the DCC to work more closely on student related
2. What is one concrete goal you would you like
issues.We have increased engagement with our
to achieve in this office? To increase engagement by
students, and this showed with our first
25% with all students by the end of 2014
semester survey results. I think OPSA needs to improve on providing events, more
3. How do you plan on working with the Otago
events that students want and like - I will be conducting
Polytechnic and local council to improve
an events survey this semester to see where we can
life for students?
improve. I also think we need to improve our branding
I have already implemented an agreement with the DCC
and awareness, on and off campus.
that means we will be working more closely to improve
Finally I think that we need to be more inclusive of our
student life, presently we are working on a housing
distance students, and those of you who are on campus,
warrant of fitness, if this bill is successful then all rental
but are on the outskirts of main campus (L block, Art
accommodation will have a minimum standard they must
School, Vet Nursing, Sports institute)
be before a landlord can rent it out. This will improve student living. I will continue to meet with the DCC, OP
5. Why should students vote for you? I’m
council, Leadership and Management to work on issues
passionate, experienced and have achieved a lot in my time
that are prominent to students.
as president and I could achieve heaps more in another year!
VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
FIELD OF STUDY: Bachelor of Social Services CURRENT/PREVIOUS POSITION WITH EXEC: 2012 Maori Rep 2013 Mature and Men’s Rep EXPERIENCE (YEARS) ON EXEC: 2 years WHY DO YOU WANT THIS POSITION? Having been part of OPSA for the past two years firstly as the Maori Rep then as the Mature and Men’s Rep, I believe that it is time that I took a more active role within the organisation. The skills that I bring are numerous, and I believe will be a helpful asset in assisting the OPSA
STEPHEN HOHAIA
president continue to help the organisation flourish and grow into a more powerful student voice.
1. What is your vision for OPSA
4. What do you think OPSA has done well in
into the future?
2013 and how do you think it could improve in
To create a strong voice for all students and an
2014? The agreement with the Otago Regional Council
organisation that is a respected independent entity.
(ORC) to provide discounted bus fares for students, and the relationships that the current OPSA president has
2. What is one concrete goal you would you
made with external stakeholders. eg Otago Polytechnic
like to achieve in this office? To make OPSA more
(OP) Otago University Students Association (OUSA) and
visible to students, council and the Otago Polytechnic.
the Dunedin City Council (DCC). and continue to grow these relationships in 2014
3. How do you plan on working with the Otago Polytechnic and local council to improve life
5. Why should students vote for you? I will be
for students? Have regular contact with OP council,
a strong voice for all students and I will help OPSA
leadership team / management the mayor and city
to continue to move forward working closely with OP,
councilors, to push through the housing warrant of
OUSA, ORC the DCC and other organisations to represent
fitness for student accommodation. Make students safer
and promote our views, to make sure
on and off campus and to minimize issues that arise.
our voice is heard
VOTING OPENS THE 10TH OF SEPTEMBER BY EMAIL & BALLOT. Ballot voting at the Student Centre in Manaaki Building. Voting closes on the 27th of September.
study in. As urgent as it is, it is important that this process isn’t rushed, and that the phase in period provides landlords with a reasonable amount of time to bring flats up to the desired standard. 3. The ORC has announced a trail period by which they will discount bus travel for students. What issues around public transport are you looking to address? The discounted fares trial is a good start, but I want to see the Dunedin City Council take over the operation of our bus service, and make it affordable and efficient for everyone. The fares, ticketing system, route maps and communication
Mayoral and Dunedin City Council candidate Aaron Hawkins talks to Gyro about student issues related to the council.
of these all need serious work, and the ORC have shown little interest in this. It also makes sense for the organisation in charge of roading, urban planning, cycleways and maintaining bus shelters (the DCC) to be able to co-ordinate our public
1. This is your second time running as a candidate for Mayor. What have you learnt since last time? Since narrowly missing out on a seat at the Council table in 2010, I’ve remained actively involved in local body issues, as a columnist for D Scene (RIP), and participating in the Dunedin City Council’s own consultation processes. If you want to get people on board, you need to go out and talk to them! This is the approach I will bring to the DCC if elected in October, something that they are currently lacking. 2. Do you think the council is obliged to address issues regarding the living standard of rental properties in Dunedin? Which of these issues related to student housing are you focused on? It is critical for Dunedin that the DCC design, implement and enforce a Warrant of Fitness scheme for flats in the city, because everyone deserves to live in a warm, dry and healthy home. Our poor housing stock can make us very sick, putting unnecessary strain on health services and employers covering absenteeism, and also makes Dunedin a less appealing city to live, work and
transport as well. 4. Our research suggests that a good amount of students walk and cycle. How would you suggest we can improve the personal experience of walking and cycling through our city? Making Dunedin more accessible by bike and by foot is good for our health, our planet and our wallets! It is good that the DCC have started to take cycleways seriously, but it is important that we spend what money we have in ways most likely to get more people on bikes. Any money spent on ineffective infrastructure makes the case for further investment more difficult. We need protected cycle lanes on main routes through the City, and to commit to finishing the Port Chalmers – Portobello cycle track. I want to make the lower Octagon, at least, a pedestrian only area, and start building a culture of walking streets in the CBD. I’m interested in the idea of reinstating Barnes Dance crossings in the centre city, and we need to make the streets around our schools, from early childhood to tertiary institutions, safe for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.
5. Isolated cases have brought up the discussion around
create new ones. Students are already a huge part
a permanent liquor ban for North Dunedin. What is your
of Dunedin’s economy, but they need to be taken
stance on the proposal?
seriously as people with a lot to offer the city
History has shown that prohibition never works,
rather than begrudgingly accepted as a lucrative
and simply banning liquor is a blunt and overly
revenue stream. There are a lot of passionate
simplistic solution to a complex problem. We now
students with energy and ideas that the DCC could
have more of a say as a city in the way we regulate
do more to tap into, not just for economic strategy
alcohol sales, through the development of Local
but all strategies. The Council has little to no
Action Plans, and I look forward to engaging with
presence on campus or in the student quarter, and
the student population as part of that consultation
changing that would be the first step I would take.
process later in the year. Personally, I favour the
8. You’re an active supporter of the creative arts in
path Wellington has gone down (staggered closing times for bars and bottle stores in different parts of the city) compared to Christchurch (blanket earlier closing), but we need to find a solution specific to us.
Dunedin. Is there any one particular festival or event you would like to see integrated into our annual events calendar? As far as things that the DCC can do to support festivals and events on our cultural calendar,
6. In which ways can the council look to connect
the number one thing is co-ordination. There’s
graduates and skilled labour with long-term local job
a constant stream of amazing art and cultural
opportunities?
fare in Dunedin: Orientation, iD Fashion Week,
We are desperately lacking a strategy to retain
Dunedin Fringe Festival, Puaka Matariki, New
graduates, one that would encourage them to
Zealand International Film Festival and the
stay here and set up shop after they have finished
Otago Festival of the Arts, plus the art gallery
studying, or to return here once they’ve finished
circuit and the Fortune & Globe Theatres, paint
travelling, working or studying further afield.
a colourful (and incomplete) year long roster of
Currently we are essentially an exporter of great
activities as soon as you see them all in the same
minds, and turning that around is one of the best
place. We need to do more to sell Dunedin as a
things we could do as part of a long term strategy
creative city to ourselves and to visitors. Someone
to create sustainable, long-term jobs in Dunedin.
needs to build an app for that, stat.
Improving the quality of housing would also help
9. Which issue relating to student living standards is
encourage people to stay here and work.
receiving the least amount of attention from the council
7. With the closure of jobs and diminishing government
that you will address?
support, how can students be part of a healthy short-
Now that we are starting to get some traction on
term economic strategy for Dunedin?
a Warrant of Fitness scheme for flats, the biggest
It is important the the DCC leads the city in
problem is how to make it easier for people to get
fighting the Government’s decisions to lay off
around the city without needing a car. Maintaining
staff in Dunedin, particularly skilled labor in
a vehicle is hard for a student population that
the case of Invermay, but relying on the whim
doesn’t have a lot of money to spare, and parking
of the government of the day isn’t a strong or
on campus is scarce, so better bus, bike and
secure long term economic strategy. We need to
pedestrian access will allow students to live, work
do more to help existing businesses, and to help
and play in more diverse suburbs.
COME ON LABOUR, GIVE US SOMETHING TO VOTE FOR By Geoff Smith
So here we are again Labour, another leadership
policy announcements on housing and power prices
battle. David Shearer is gone and the party
are a start, but the battle to convince the general
faithful are excitedly debating among themselves
public is still to be won.
who should take on John Key at the next general election, in just over 14 months time. The new
There are plenty of voters for Labour to sell a
Labour leader is likely to be either Grant Robertson
progressive policy platform to. They have all the
or David Cunliffe, both of whom trace their
various factions within the Labour party, for a start.
political roots back to Dunedin tertiary education.
Then there are all the disillusioned left-leaning
Grant Robertson, in particular, was a former OUSA
voters who have already departed to the Greens,
and NZUSA president back in the 1990s.
New Zealand First and other parties. There are also the swinging voters who currently see no real
The job of beating John Key and National should
difference between the two major parties. And
be simple, shouldn’t it? Spying bills, asset sales,
let’s not forget the 800,000 people who were so
tough new rules on house deposits, squeezed
disillusioned at the last election that they could
funding in health and education – these are all
not even be bothered to vote. All these groups of
things that most of us don’t like. Yet the irony is
voters don’t like what the current government are
that John Key is now at the peak of his powers,
doing - come on Grant, David, Shane (Jones – the
as best illustrated by his performance in a recent
third leadership contender), surely you can make
Campbell Live interview on the GCSB bill.
something out of that?
The problem is that Labour is not there. Sure,
The Labour Party at its worst is plagued by
they’re still the biggest fish in the pond of political
factionalism and ideological confusion, but at
parties and groups that don’t like the current
its best has the potential to reflect modern New
government’s policies, but Labour needs to be more
Zealand better than any other political party and
than that. Simply being National-lite doesn’t work.
put in place policies that can genuinely help people
People who like those sorts of policies can simply
to have better lives. But first it needs a leader who
vote for National. And Labour, you’re being lazy.
can articulate this vision and take on John Key to
It’s easier to campaign on a “we’re not quite as
show that there is another, better option to vote
nasty as them” manifesto than it is to put forward
for. That is the challenge facing Grant Robertson,
genuinely progressive policies - which help all New
David Cunliffe or Shane Jones.
Zealanders – and have the belief to debate these effectively with John Key and his cronies. Recent
Lord of the Drones
A FORCE FOR GOOD
Obama, while itching to bomb Syria, has deferred the
August has been a busy and productive month for the
decision to act as the World Police and attack Syria for
Scarfie Army. So much money has been raised and so
Congress to decide.
much awareness of charitable organizations. There are
According to US Government it is “clear and compelling”
lots of them out there that need volunteers!
Why attacking Syria is stupid
The Scarfie Army
the cowardly chemical weapon attack on Syrian civilians was done by the ruling al-Assad regime. One has to
The human resources team made and sold delicious
wonder if it is as clear and compelling as the “evidence”
soup. $250, as well as all the left overs, went to
Sadam had weapons of mass destruction.
Foodshare. Foodshare distributes food to people who
While these chemical attacks were in fact real and
need it. Thanks for buying it.
extremely
Several staff members from all over campus baked and
nasty,
unlike
Bush’s
made-up
excuse
for invading Iraq, the fact is we don’t know who is
sold cupcakes raising over $300 for SPCA.
responsible. I don’t know who did it. Neither do you.
On August 30th a group of Maori pre-trade students will
And neither does Obama. It seems quite believable that
be painting the town red (well actually the Tainui Croquet
either side could have done it.
Club green) while some foundation students are making
I’d imagine if the regime was responsible, its dwindling
benches for Quarantine Island and repainting even more
support will lessen further. However, history has shown
benches for Bathgate community gardens.
that US attacks will boost support in Syria for the regime
Some Social Services students are delivering Special
rather than undermine it.
Olympics posters to businesses in Dunedin hoping
Can Obama guarantee that no civilians will be harmed in
to entice the 1000 volunteers needed for the Summer
his strike? If not, his logic appears to be killing civilians to
Games in November.
teach other people that killing civilians is bad. And what would a strike achieve anyway? It would
August has been jam packed and the months ahead have
likely help the Syrian rebels. Some of whom may be
even more fundraising opportunities coming up. If you’re
responsible for these or other chemical attacks. And
keen to collect for arthritis, child cancer or breast cancer
some of whom are openly affiliated with Al Qaeda.
let Darlene know. We’re hoping to organize our own breast
That’s not to say we should turn a blind eye and ignore
cancer collection day on campus. More about that soon.
this inhumanity. Someone needs to be held to account.
If fundraising’s not your thing and you’d rather get stuck in
But World Police USA jumping in boots and all without
and do something physical a combined OUSA and OPSA
knowing the facts and using assumptions that may be
clean-up day is taking place on Sunday Sept 15th. Meet at
false as an excuse, is, well… Remember Iraq?
the Manaaki building at 11am. You’ll be given a bag, some
Foreign intervention may be necessary in Syria. But
gloves and a place to tidy up. A free BBQ will follow at
for very good reasons attacking countries that haven’t
1:30. There are lots of spot prizes too.
attacked you is a breach of international law without permission by the actual world police, the UN.
Look out for more Scarfie Army projects in the months ahead. Remember if you’ve got an idea or are keen to see
Comments? gyro@opsa.org.nz
one of your favourite charitable organizations get a helping hand contact Darlene. Darlene.thomson@op.ac.nz
››› T H E G YR O S E P T E MB E R E VEN T S G U IDE ‹ ‹ ‹
TUE Queens Got Talent OPEN MIC, Queens 8pm, FREE Casual YOGA, 6-8pm, OUSA Recreation, $5
WED
LIVING CAMPUS Event, OP Quad, starts 12 noon, free
3rd
TUESDAY CLUB: The Caversham Industrial School by guest speaker Keith Scott. Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, 10am, $5
10th
TLA & BLACK SKY HUSTLER South Island Tour (punk), ReFuel, 8:30 pm, Free
4th
BRAVO! BRITTEN. The NZ String Quartet. First Church of Otago, 7:30pm, $48/40/15
11th
DARTS & PING PONG, Queens, 8pm
THU
LATIN NIGHT, Embassy Nightclub & Karaoke, FREE
FRI
Casual YOGA, 6-8pm, OUSA Recreation, $5
SAT
OTAGO FARMERS MARKET, Railway station, 8am until 12 noon.
7th
DUNEDINMUSIC. COM’s 8th BIRTHDAY, all-ages arvo show (2pm), R18 evening, Refuel, free OPEN HEART CIRCUITRY, Queens, 8pm SUPER VILLANS RMC Gotenks (Eno + Totems), Summer Thieves & Gasp live! (hip-hop/rap) Starters Bar, $12 SOCIAL SERVICES BALL, tickets from OPSA SLIPPERY NIPPLE LSD Fundraiser, Crown Hotel (Rattray St)
SUN
STADIUM MARKET, Forsyth Barr Stadium, 10am until 2pm.
14
BOW MESSIAH Tour (metal), Crown Hotel, 9pm, $10 THE DATSUNS (rock), ReFuel, 8pm, $30/$27 CRAFT BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL, Forsyth Barr Stadium, 12-7pm, $19.90+bf PCP EAGLES, SHITRIPPER & MR STERILE, Malbas th Bar, 8pm
8th
QUIZ (Drifting fundraiser), Kengsington, starts 5.30, $5.
>>>| 29 Sept JAPANDROIDS (rock), ReFuel, 8pm, $49.50 MAYORAL FORUM on Arts and Culture, Fortune Theatre, 7pm
6th
LEFT OR RIGHT Winter Tour (blues), Plato, 9pm, $20 TRUST PUNKS, Team Ugly, Civil Union, & Yuckers, Queens, 9pm $10 or free with your Radio One Card
5th
FREAKY MEAT (metal), Ignite the Helix & The Amoeba, ReFuel, 9pm, $10
12th
13th
PCP EAGLES, SHITRIPPER (punk), Gravemind, & Scum Hammer, Dunedin Musician’s Club, 8pm TWO CARTOONS : GET HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY w/ Friends. 9pm. ReFuel. Free.
3 Sept |<< 28 DAY CHALLENGE starts, Unipol Recreation Centre, www.unipol.co.nz
OPEN MIC/DECKS NIGHT, ReFuel, 8.30pm, all welcome & all gear provided.
FESTIVALS, WORKSHOPS, GIGS, EXHIBITIONS, PLAYS, & MORE – THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO “WHAT SHALL I DO TONIGHT?”
MON Casual YOGA, 6-8pm, OUSA Recreation, $5
EVENT OF THE WEEK
SAT 7th
SUPER VILLANS RMC Gotenks (Eno + Totems), Summer Thieves & Gasp live! (hip-hop/rap) Starters Bar, $12 EVENT OF THE WEEK
SAT 14th
CRAFT BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL, Featuring Sola Rosa (Akl) and more local acts. Forsyth Barr Stadium, 12-7pm, $19.90+bf
Note booking fees and random elephant taxes may apply to above prices. Want your shin-dig promoted here? mark.baxter@op.ac.nz