2013 REORIENTATION
OUSA Recreation Centre Where students and student clubs & societies meet and recreate.
• Heaps of rooms and facilities to use - FREE or discounted with student ID! • • • •
Upskill with cheap recreation courses Loosen up with casual classes Join or start a club that suits your tastes Great value vegetarian lunches
OUSA Recreation Centre – Formerly OUSA Clubs & Societies Centre 84 Albany Street; 479 5960; Text: 021 2898 252 Check out ousa.org.nz/recreation/ for info on the latest courses, tournaments, to book rooms, and to enrol!
Polytech t ge students o! all this to
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
IN THE SHADOWS OF A LEGEND
Welcome to the first issue of the second semester. This
›pg 8
issue we’ve been afforded a few extra pages. It includes a
INSOMNODROL
guide to OPSA’s Re-Orientation events, a full spread for
›pg 9
DRAGONS VS WHITEWALKERS ›pg 10
REORIENTATION GUIDE ›pg 12-13
CHICAGO ›pg 14-15
columns and a satirical feature on NZ politicians. There’s a quick look at some of the upcoming films in the NZIFF running this August. The festival never fails to bring some fantastic films to our cinemas and I for one am very excited. Do go along to as many as you can. We also have an information graphic on Steven Adams, the 19 year old Kiwi who was recently selected 12th over all in the NBA draft. Staying on basketball for a moment -
COLOUMS
I take my hat off to the Otago Nuggets basketball squad.
›pg 18-19
They’ve had a huge year and I couldn’t be more proud! The team and it’s organisation are an example of hard
Published by OPSA. Copyright (C) OPSA 2012. A member of ASPA.
work in a sports franchise and are sure to be heralded as one of our regions top achievements across the business and local community.
Set in Bell MT, Trade Gothic Condensed, Univers.
Cover Trade Gothic Condensed
Advertising gyro@opsa.org.nz
This issue would not be possible with the contribution by all the volunteers involved. Some supplied artwork and graphics while other produced original writing. In our coming issues we will rely more on these contributions so keep them coming! A special thank you to Stacey, Ashlea, Darlene and Mark. Issue 8 features artwork courtesy of
Editor
first year art student George Fraser. On the cover we’ve
Dave Strydom. gyro@opsa.org.nz
used a drawing of an American Indian from his portfolio.
Technical Editor Mark Baxter. mark.baxter@op.ac.nz
Head Designer Dave Strydom. @designdavenz
George also drew the feature images in our Game of Thrones article and a portrait of Nelson Mandela. Gyro is aiming to produce some themed issue this semester. Our next will be the long awaited food issue and we’re looking for recipes and information on local
Gyro Magazine reserves the right to edit all content for reasons of style and clarity.
community gardens. So if you have some information to share with us, please contact us at gyro@opsa.org.nz Peace, D
PRESIDENTS COLUMN
Rebecca Swindells. Hi all and welcome back to semester two! Wow the year has flown by so fast! This issue I’m going to fill you all in on what’s happening this semester! Over the next few weeks, we will have have a number of cool events happening, so keep an eye out and get involved! There is heaps if cool free stuff to giveaway! In August and September I will be out and about catching up with students, I have sorted our class reps into 6 smaller “groups” so that we can talk about things that may affect you in the different areas, I’ll be meeting the health reps, sports reps over the next two months, dates will be posted in this issue so have a look at when and where i’ll be and come for a chat! Mid way through August we will be hosting flatting week alongside OUSA. We have an awesome cookbook specially made for students, we will be giving away A FREE TROLLEY of GROCERIES and a heap more! We also have environmental week and a number of lunches coming up, so keep an eye out for posters and LIKE our Facebook page to keep up to date! OPSA Prez signing off !
UNIPOL & OUSA RECREATION CENTRE $60 semester two fitness class memberships for sale ENROL TODAY
OPSA NOTICES email gyro@opsa.org.nz P3 FOUNDATION IS REC RUITING! P3 Foundation is a youth-led organization empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to take action against extreme poverty. We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help run our various cam paigns. To get involved visit our website www. p3foundation.org and click ‘volunteer’.
FULBRIGHT NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL AWARDS. These awards, valued at up to NZ$5,000, are for NZ academics, artists or professionals to visit the US for 12 to 90 days in order to present their work to American audiences. www. fulbright.org.nz/ awards/ nzscholar/travel Applications close at 5pm on 1 August 2013. Contact Janey Walker janey@fulbright.org.nz (04) 494 1500
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
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.
GYRO VOLUNTEERS. Gyro is looking for contributors, writers and artists for 2013. We have topics that we would like cover or come with one in mind. Contact the editor Dave Strydom at gyro@opsa.org.nz
AMP SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW OPEN Tell us about your amazing idea for a community project, business idea, education, or a dream to represent your country – and you could receive a scholarship of up to $15,000. Open to any New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. apply at doyourthing.co.nz
ACCOMMODAT ION RESOURCES Visit opsa.org.nz/ accommodation to find flats, how to deal with problems, free flat rating scheme, and more resources!
OPSA EXECUTIVE COMMITEE Gyro talks to the exec about their plans for 2013
CONTACT
OPSA •
Phil Te Tana OPSA Class & Maori Rep PORTFOLIO Maori Students (new on the exec) CONTACT tetapr2@student.op.ac.nz FIELD OF STUDY Dip. of Applied Sport & Exercise Leadership Why did you chose to join the executive committee this year? I joined the the executive committee to gain a greater understanding of how OPSA support and provide services to students while ensuring a fair representation of the different ethnic and cultural backgrounds of OP students. What events will you be organizing this coming semester? Most likely a Hangi but would
STUDENT HOTLINE
477 6974 INT. EX
8332 •
also be looking into providing an opportunity for Maori students to experience Waka Ama. What kinds of support are you offering to the students during this semester? It is my intention to actively represent Maori students by maintaining good relationships through supporting ideas and events that encourage whakawhanautanga. Which is your most frequently asked question by students? Though not frequently asked, when there is mention of a Hangi, it definitely excites students, so this will be an event that will definitely happen this semester.
OFFICE UPSTAIRS
Manaaki Building - (M Block) Harbour Tce
POSTAL PO Box 5381, Dunedin, 9058
GYRO WAS UNABLE TO GET ANY RESPONSE FROM THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTIVITES OVER THE BREAK. Bethany Roberts Gabrielle Tili Agnes Elisara Eden Iati
• PRESIDENT
Rebecca Swindells president @opsa.org.nz
VICE PRESIDENT
We do hope to hear from them soon.
Gerogina Bridgeman vp @opsa.org.nz
FAST FORWARD >>> Fast track through some facts & current news >>>
>>> LOCAL
NOMINATIONS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY ELECTIONS NOW OPEN All New Zealand citizens over the age of 18 are invited to submit their candidacy for local authority elections. Election Day is Saturday 12 October. Local authority elections are for seats on the Dunedin City Council, and their local community board, the Otago Regional
PROF RECOGNISED FOR HIS WORK ON CHAMPAGNE REGION STRATEGY An Otago Polytechnic professor who has received international acclaim for contributing to a book on Champagne says the story behind the wine variety is every bit as important as the taste. Associate Prof Richard Mitchell, of the school of hospitality has
Council and the Southern District Health Board.
received international acclaim for his contribution to
The Municipal Chambers will host an information
The Business of Champagne: A Delicate Balance.
evening for interested candidates on Wednesday 24
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV),
July at 7pm. Citizens can obtain nomination forms
an international jury of wine experts, recognised Prof
and candidate information at www.dunedin.govt.
Mitchel’s chapter on ongoing marketing strategies
nz/elections or phone the DCC Customer Services
capitalising on the mythology of the Champagne
Agency on 03 477 4000. Nominations close at 12
region. A strategy New Zealand winemakers could
noon on Friday 16 August.
adopt to marketing their own regions here in New Zealand.
Draft Transport Strategy Going Out to the Public
>>> POLITICS
DUNEDIN DRAFT TRANSPORT STRATEGY AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INPUT. Improving road safety, extending cycle networks and encouraging more freight to be moved by rail are among the many issues included in the Dunedin City Council’s Draft Transport Strategy. DCC Transportation Planning Manager Sarah Connolly is encouraging people to have their say on the Draft Strategy. Public submissions on the Draft Transport Strategy open tomorrow and close on 19 August. More Information on the Draft Strategy is available at www.dunedin.govt.nz/transport. People can also attend drop-in sessions being held in the central city, South Dunedin and Mosgiel next month.
>>> SPORTS
OLDEST GOLFER TO WIN A MAJOR.
GOVERNMENT TO HAVE LAST SAY OVER CONVENTION CENTRE EVENTS. The government will hold the right to veto any event to be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre. Events deemed “unsuitable” can be cancelled under the final agreement with SkyCity in the latest pokies deal. A power said to have received more attention than warnings about the damage the pokies deal will do to the community.
HINDUS ASK FOR FRONT PAGE APOLOGY. Hindus are upset at the Hindu goddess Kali caricature in New Zealand’s leading metropolitan daily newspaper The New Zealand Herald, which they found highly insensitive. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, asked Herald Editor-in-Chief Tim Murphy
Julius Boros became the oldest golfer to win a major
and Board Chairman of its parent APN News & Media
when he won the 1968 PGA Championship at the age
Peter Cosgrove to immediately apologize and publish
of 48 years, 4 months, 18 days old.
the apology on the front page of the paper for this trivialization of Hindu goddess.
PRINCESS & THE OLD CASTLE
LETTERS
Send your letters to gyro@opsa.org.nz in a 100 words or less.
give the landlord 3 weeks written
Dear Gyro,
notice you’re ending the tenancy.
My old landlord is a total wanker.
Obviously you have to pay rent for
He has just said I still have pay
those 3 weeks.
rent on the flat I left last Semester even though I’ve moved into a new
However, if it was Fixed-Term you’re
flat with awesome new flatmates
basically screwed. You’ve agreed
and much less mold on the walls. I
to pay the rent until the end of the
gave him a couple of weeks notice
contract, so you can’t just swan out
which is heaps of time to find a new
whenever you like. The landlord has
tenant to pay his precious mortgage.
every right (including legal rights) to
Honestly, what the fuck is his
expect rent from you.
problem? I’m just going to ignore his endless whiney txts. Eat dick.
Your best course of action is to find
Yours,
someone to take over your old room.
NEV Princess
You’ll need the landlord’s agreement to do this, so be nice to him.
Dear NEV Princess, Your landlord may or may not enjoy
Ignoring his whiney txts is probably
a quick one over the wrist, but the
the worst thing you can do, apart
reality is that you signed a legal
from telling him to eat dick.
contract with him and you also have
If you need help sorting a dispute, or
to abide by terms you agreed to.
advice on how to avoid flat mould,
Flat leases are either Periodic or
check out www.OPSA.org.nz.
Fixed-Term. If yours was Periodic
- Gyro crew
you’re almost sweet – you have to
Find us on Facebook and Twitter Find out the latest news, events and student deals here www.facebook.com/otagopoly www.twitter.com/otagopolytech
IN THE SHADOWS OF A LEGEND Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela or Madiba (his Xhosa
education. Loved for his calmness and strength.
clan name meaning father) is often labelled
The 1993 Nobel Peace prize winner recently
the “father of a nation” for his guiding hand
celebrated his 95th birthday while struggling
in bringing democracy to South Africa. After
with respiratory illness. Madiba has long retired
spending 27 years in jail marred as a terrorist
from public life but is still viewed as a highly
and communist sympathiser he sought to bring
influential person in Africa. Millions of South
peace to the people of South Africa. Peace for
Africans who shared his hopes for “a better life
his supporters and for those who hated him.
for all” are still living in poverty. As once proud
Heralded for his political work to prevent what
country heads to their next election, you can only
could have been one of the bloodiest civil war
hope that hope still resides and the dream can
since the Boer War. Renowned for his focus on
still come true.
INSOMNODROL I NSOM ODROL I SOM DR L
THE 2013 V 48 HOUR FILM
FESTIVAL TOOK PLACE OVER THE WEEKEND OF THE 24TH - 26TH MAY AND SAW 4862 FILMS PRODUCED. SPENCER HALL WRITES ABOUT HIS TEAM’S ENTRY IN THE 2013 COMPETITION. SEARCH FOR “INSOMNODROL” ON YOUTUBE. This year was the third 48 hour film competition for our Otago Polytechnic Artschool team “Apparition on Toast”. In the past we’ve had teams that have mushroomed to almost 30 people and things got far too out of control. This year we stripped back to a core of five of team members. We developed a story and drafted out the storyboard for our film an called it “Insomnodrol”. A short story for an insomniac hallucination/ greeting card company revenge thriller. “Insomnodrol” and called on a small cast and crew that we had on standby as we needed them. Music was provided by Birdation. Who produced it out in Port Chalmers and emailed to us. We all took turns at editing the film. The whole project was heaps of fun! I highly recommend entering the 48 hours furious film making competition to anyone. A big thanks to OPSA for covering the cost of registration.
DRAGONS VS WHITEWALKERS - PLAYING GAME OF THRONES WITH NZ POLITICIANS -
After my recent but rather late discovery of Game of Thrones, with its tale of Politics, Power, and Plotting, I decided to take a look at the realm of New Zealand politics. Let’s take a look at who could play some of the characters in New Zealand’s very own version of “Game of Thrones: Political Edition”.
Seven kingdoms ruled by one king sitting on the Iron Throne. Each region of the realm is ruled by House, much like the parties in politics. Divided by the their allegiances, driven by their desire to rule. Each is ultimately looking out for their own interests under the guise of serving the people of the realm.
Cersei Lannister could be played by Deputy Prime Minister, Bill English. Who as Finance Minister and Treasurer certainly has some say as to what the king gets up to. But we all know that Cersei’s father Tywin Lannister always has the final say in family matters. And with their tendency to allow big business and America to drive their decisions perhaps one of them, such as Sky Casino or Obama, could play Tywin? House Lannister can be rounded out with Nick Smith playing Jamie Lannister. Can anyone say ‘sex scandal’? Perhaps self-made millionaire Steven Joyce could play Tyrion and Paula Bennett - Margery Tyrell, will do anything to become Queen? The King of the North could be the leader of the opposition. David Shearer as Eddard Stark, just a wee bit boring, sticks to the rules and doesn’t stand as a real threat to power. David still has time to prove himself a good man to the bitter end. Annette King could play Catelyn Stark. She thinks with her heart rather than her head. Catelyn is loyal to her children above all. Speaking for the Stark children the three eldest could also be played by locals. The eldest son Robb could be Trevor Mallard, smart but perhaps not smart enough. The eldest daughter Sansa could be Phil Goff as Joffrey sure knows how to push her buttons. And Maryan Street –could play Arya Stark, not afraid to punch above her weight. The last House we’ll cast is the Targaryens. Battling their way back to the isle of Westoros. In our story, the Prime Minister sits on the Iron Throne. But he who sits on the throne does not necessarily make the decisions for the realm. For King Joffrey his mother holds a certain power that only a mother could. In the real world, it is said that those with money can persuade a country’s leader to do as they please.
Gaining in strength and popularity. Lead by a firm belief in people, their desire to free people from the tyranny of the King and take back the throne that rightfully belongs to them. Daenerys Stormborn the mother of dragons, their confident and strong leader, can be played by Metiria Turei. And her right hand man Jorah Mormont, the first guard of her Queensgaurd, can be played by fellow party leader Russell Norman.
REORIENTATION 2013 22ND JULY - 2ND AUGUST
- WELCOME -
Welcome to Semester 2 at Otago Poltechnic. OPSA, your students’ association, has a few welcome back treats for you including free BBQs, $2-Off Day, a Giant Jenga Competition, Buskers Competition, and the Famous OPSA Quiz.
MON
11am - 1pm, Ozone Cafe Giant Jenga practice 12 noon, Manaaki entrance Welcome back BBQ & V Energy drink give-away
22ND
TUES
23RD
•
10am til 1pm
•
OZONE & AKO CAFÉS $2 OFF HOT DRINKS/MEALS (with OPSA/OP student ID)
11am - 1pm, Ozone Café Giant Jenga practice 12 noon, Ozone Café Chocolate Eating Competition
WED
11am - 1pm, Ozone Café Giant Jenga practice 12 noon, Manaaki entrance UNIPOL BBQ 12 noon, P Block Art School Art School Lunch
THUR
11am - 1pm, Ozone Café Giant Jenga practice 12 noon, Manaaki entrance UNIPOL BBQ 12 noon, P Block Art School Art School Lunch
24TH 25TH
- GIANT JENGA COMP -
Fancy a game of giant Jenga like Leonard and Sheldon on Big Bang? Well we have a giant jenga stack and we’re challenging you to a competition. You won’t want to miss this free event. Come practice your giant Jenga skills on Monday to Wednesday in the Ozone Café (Manaaki Building on Harbour Tce). The Competition is Thursday 25th, starting 12 noon. More information at www.OPSA.org.nz
- BUSKING COMPETITION -
Calling all student Buskers. Who is the best busker at Polytechnic? Heats on in the Ozone Cafe on Tues 30 and Wed 31 July. Audience decision will determine winners. Free entry. The four finalists will compete in a sing-off Final on Thursday 1st August. Compared & entertainment by Jae Bedford. All entries receive a complimentary voucher for meals at Ozone Café and prizes for winners. Register your interest with mark.baxter@op.ac.nz, performing preference will be given to buskers who register by Monday 29th July 12 noon, Buskers entering on the day are welcome, but only if there is enough time.
TUES
12 noon, Ozone Café Busking Competition Heat 1
WED
12 noon, Ozone Café Busking Competition Heat 2
30TH 31ST
THUR
1ST FRI
2ND
Hell Pizza Coffin Making Competition 12 noon, Ozone Cafe Busking Competition FINALS Judged by & with entertainment by Jae Bedford
4.30pm onwards, Ozone Cafe Quiz evening Famous OPSA QUIZ
- FAMOUS OPSA QUIZ -
Dunedin’s most fun Quiz, loved by mature students and freshers alike. Bring a team of up to six, or join a team on the night. Bar opens 4.30 pm, Quiz starts 5.15pm at the Polytech Manaaki Building on Harbour Terrace. R18. Warning: may contain traces of some light swearing and pictures of sex-toys. Free entry. Presented by OPSA.
CHICAGO - BAYFIELD HIGH SCHOOL I felt a little silly that I’ve been to Chicago but not seen the musical or even watched the movie of the same name. That was remedied tonight when I headed along to the Bayfield High School production of the classic tale of ‘murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery & treachery.’ In case you don’t know the story, it goes something like this: after committing crimes of passion, nightclub sensation Velma Kelly (played by Sam Shannon) and spotlight-seeking Roxie Hart (Claire Steel) both end up on Chicago’s famed Murderess Row. But with the help of slick defence lawyer Billy Flynn, these notoriously lethal ladies aim to become local legends. The leading ladies, and all of the cast and crew (minus director & choreographer), are high school students, so initially I was a wee bit apprehensive about what I was going to see on the stage. Fear not, every single person on stage, behind it, and in the orchestra, was amazing! Unfortunately I
can’t tell you to head along and watch because tonight was closing night (and it was sold out), but I can tell you that Bayfield sure knows how to put on a production – and are becoming well known locally as the high school to go to for future performers. A stand out performance among many came from Shannon, who took the role of Velma and (as cliché as it sounds) made it her own, her singing was excellent and she made a sold out Mayfair Theatre laugh, which I’m sure isn’t an easy achievement. For now though, I would just like to say to all that were involved, I thoroughly enjoyed my evening, the dancing, acting and especially the singing was spectacular, and for most of the show I thought the music was coming from a sound-system not a live orchestra - it was faultless! Thanks for making my first Chicago experience one to remember. Keep an eye out for Bayfield next year when they look to produce another fabulous show once again, you won’t be disappointed. Review by Stacey Gambell
RATING 4.5/5
2013 NZ INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - 8 - 25 AUGUST -
The NZIFF programme for Dunedin is screening from the 8th until the 25th of August at The Regent and Rialto. The full programme is available from these locations and their website. Keep an eye on Gyro for reviews and previews of some of the great films on show this year. To get us started Mark provides us with a few “rough & uninteresting” picks to keep an eye out for.
NORTH BY NORTWEST
THE SPIRIT OF ’45
A classic mistaken identity thriller,
A look at the cradle-to-the-grave
possibly Hitchcock’s best film, a
welfare-state set up after WW2
must see for anyone who’s never
that we’re currently dismantling.
seen it. Hi-res digital restoration
Loach is always gritty, brutally
version.
honest, and sometimes
COMPUTER CHESS 80s nerds at a computer chess
confronting; if you want to see a film that matters this may be it.
couple’s therapy session, with
PUSSY RIOT - PUNK PRAYER
modern dry humour. Sounds like a
See what the mainstream media
potentially brilliant retro Big Bang
isn’t telling you about Russia’s
Theory.
performance art protesters who
convention and the next-door
were jailed for singing in a church.
OFFICE SERVICES & SHOP OPSA OFFERS A RANGE OF HANDY OFFICE AND RELATED SERVICES Cheap Phone-cards, Cheap DCC Rubbish Bags, Lamination, Binding, Fax, Colour printing and Photocopying, Cheap CDs & DVDs, Stamps & Mail-collection, Diaries, Wall-planners & pens, Budgeting & Tenancy advice, ISIC travel card validation, Free Pool, OP exam compliant Calculators, and more... THE OPSA OFFICE IS A GOOD PLACE TO FIND OUT ABOUT ADVOCACY, MEDIATION, AND OTHER HELP. THE OPSA OFFICE CAN BE FOUND UPSTAIRS IN THE MANAAKI BUILDING ON HARBOUR TCE. •
Mondays to Thursdays: 9am - 5pm • Fridays: 9am - 3pm OPSA also provides free student telephones, microwaves and water-filters on OP’s various campuses.
ASK YOUR DCC Ashlea Muston
ONE TOILET FOR ALL! Mark Baxter
It is time to consider how our local politicians can be
PAKEHA PARTY - WHY IT’S NOT REALLY RACIST
stewards of change, and it is certainly time to consider
Yes, there’s some racist crap spouted by the PP’s
how students and young people are going to demand the
supporters. And yes, some of them probably are
change that is needed to safeguard our future.
undoubtedly real racists. However, dig into the comments
Climate change is arguably the defining issue of our time,
and most are based on ignorance and fear rather than
and the clock is ticking. We need to call our current leaders
actual racism.
out and demand that we are moving towards a lowcarbon
Hating on ignorant people is perhaps just as bad as being
New Zealand which provides an economy centred around
racist. They mostly can’t help that they don’t know NZ’s
clean energy opportunities, transport solutions and green
history, the justice process, or indeed that they believe
technology. We need to tell them that young people are
the half truths and outright lies they’ve been feed.
engaged with this issue and concerned about how our
Many believe Maori privilege is a real thing. They’re
futures fit into the long term picture.
probably not aware that all those ‘race based’ scholarships
Local body elections, which are just around the corner,
they can’t apply for are family trusts. They do not seem
are a fantastic chance for us to make change in Dunedin
to understand Treaty settlements are the long drawn-out
and in other towns and cities. If the DCC can spend $200
legal settlement of an actual legal agreement. Some even
million on the stadium, then there is potential to create
mistakenly believe Maori have their own law.
change in other areas. Local body elections allow us to
But most of all they are failing to understand that true
elect candidates who have a strong sense of urgency
equality isn’t necessarily giving people exactly the same
about climate change and vote out candidates who
thing. Imagine if all public toilets were just urinals. No
do not.
special privileges for women or the wheel-chair bound.
To make these stances clear and accessible, Generation
One toilet for all! That would be equality using PP’s values
Zero will be canvassing candidates from Dunedin
and logic.
and around the country on their stance on climate
However, in the real world different people need different
and commitment to action. Keep an eye out on
things to both have an equal and fair suck of the sav.
generationzero.org.nz for this information closer to
If PP founder David Ruck genuinely wants what Maori
the election, and remember to enrol at your new flat’s
have, he should voluntarily add another month to his
address before August 16th.
prison time for stealing $40G worth of someone else’s property. Because that’s the true reality of “Maori privilege”.
WANT TO WRITE A REGULAR COLOUM? WE’RE LOOKING FOR ONE MORE WRITER.
Instead of just pointing and shouting “Racist!” at PP supporters, or worse, just laughing at their ignorance, at least try and explain to them why they are wrong. It’s usually not hard.
CONTACT THE EDITOR NOW. Comments? Mail to gyro@opsa.org.nz
ETHICAL GMO Stccey Gambell
A FORCE FOR GOOD The Scarfie Army
One company that has become widely known for the
A big thank you to all of the voluenteers who have put in
huge amounts of money it is making and their extremely
time for one of our Scarfie Army projects this year. And a
questionable ethics is Monsanto. Perhaps masking
special thank you to those who helped with our tag-line
itself as a sustainable agriculture business that states
“A force for good”. Our goal is to give every staff member
its mission as: “Producing more. Conserving more.
and student the opportunity to volunteer for projects that
Improving lives. That’s sustainable agriculture. And that’s
benefit the local community.
what Monsanto is all about.” They are a GMO (Genetically
These projects saw students use their talents in areas
Modified Organism) producer who aim to patent all the
such as automotive, nursing and social services in the
seeds it produces, essentially becoming one of, if not
community. With projects aligning with class projects.
the largest, food producers in the world. Previously
The automotive students serviced chartiy vechiles. The
associated with Agent Orange and the poisonous
Nursing students held a family fun day for child cancer
artificial sweetener, Aspartame, Monsanto claims to be
families. While social worker students held a working
working above board and to the laws of The USA. But,
bee in North East Valley. Other projects include Campus
with some of the richest and most powerful shareholders
services staff had a working bee at Port United Rowing
in the world (including Bill Gates, a strong believer in the
Club and a campus clean up – which was cancelled due
power of GMO’s), even laws can be bought.
to poor weather conditions.
Known currently for their practices with GMO, notably
The projects are mostly open and can be driven by a
Roundup resistant Soy Beans and RGBH (growth hormone)
student or staff member. SJS now advertize volunteer
to produce 20% more milk from cows, Monsanto have
positions too. A number of community groups have
staff on their books who are previous employees of the
reached out to The Scarfie Army and projects are
FDA (American Food & Drug Administration) and have
continously rolling in. Contact Darlene Thompson on
previous employees who now work at the FDA – where
darlene.thomson@op.ac.nz if you would like to suggest
laws and regulations of all American food and healthcare
a project, lead one or find out how to be involved in the
are created. Thus the ‘revolving door’ term applies. RGBH
next project.
is now banned in many countries including Canada who thoroughly tested it, and across Europe. The hormone
Currently scheduled projects for The Scarfie Army
was found to have increased levels of Mastitis in the cows, caused reproductive problems, the milk produced
August 2nd
contained puss, and was proven to increase rates of
A working bee is planned at Quarantine Island. This is a
cancer if consumed. I could continue for some time about
unique opportunity for any student but you MUST pre-
the ethical failures of Monsanto but how though, does
register.
this affect us here in New Zealand? To the outside world we have a ‘clean, green’ image and we must ensure our
Sept 25th
government is not bought by big corporate money like
Cancer Duck Dive. Call into Ozone Café over lunch and
America has succumbed.
help us number 1500 plastic duckies for Child Cancer
››› TH E G YR O E V E NT S GU I D E ‹ ‹ ‹
TUE Queens Got Talent OPEN MIC, Queens 8pm, FREE Casual YOGA, 6-8pm, OUSA Recreation, $5
WED DARTS & PING PONG, Queens, 8pm
INDIE DANCE NIGHT Queens, 10pm, FREE
THU
LATIN NIGHT, Embassy Nightclub & Karaoke, FREE
FRI
ReOri: ART SCHOOL LUNCH, Art School, 12 noon BAD BLOCKS (Melbourne) & guests, ReFuel
24th
ReOri: GIANT JENGA COMPETITION, Manaaki, SODIVA, Inch Bar, Free TRUTH NZ Tour, 10 Bar, 8pm, $15 pre / $20 door
DUNEDIN CIRCLE JERK 2013, Local bands play local bands. Sammys, 8pm, $10 door TOMMYGUNNERS, Simple Thieves, Rusty Pilot, & E-Jets, Crown Hotel, $5
25th
2nd
Famous Polytechnic QUIZ NIGHT, Ozone Café, bar opens 4.30pm, quiz starts 5.15pm, Free entry SUPERVILLIANS, World Bar (Qtown), Free
1st
>>>
till 27th July
RIKKI LIND, Inch Bar, Free PROFIT HENS & guests, ReFuel
27th
3rd
SUPERVILLIANS supporting WHAT SO NOT, Glenroy Auditorium, $10 door WILBERFORCES, Queens, 9pm, $10 MITCHELL & STARRAT, Inch Bar, Free
SUN
ONCE APON A SUNDAY, Heartwarming stories read in the Storypit, City Library
4th
JAE BEDFORD, Inch Bar, Free
28th
LASER TAG TOURNAMENT, OUSA Rec Centre , 5pm, $5 MINI GOLF TOURNAMENT, OUSA Rec Centre , 5pm, $5 KAY ROW, Inch Bar, Free
OTAGO FARMERS MARKET, Railway station, 8am until 12 noon.
SAT
FESTIVALS, WORKSHOPS, GIGS, EXHIBITIONS, PLAYS, & MORE – THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO “WHAT SHALL I DO TONIGHT?”
MON Casual YOGA, 6-8pm, OUSA Recreation, $5
OPEN MIC/DECKS NIGHT, ReFuel, 8.30pm, all welcome & all gear provided.
$2 OFF DAY, Ozone & Ako Cafes, with OPSA/OP student ID, 10am – 1pm PIZZA QUIZ NIGHT, OUSA Recreation Centre, 7pm, $2
23rd
BUSKING COMP, Heat 2, Ozone Cafe, 12 noon, Hell Pizza COFFIN MAKING COMPETITION, Manaaki Bldg
31st
BUSKING COMP FINAL, Ozone Cafe, 12 noon, OUSA FUTURE DJ COMP, ReFuel THE GREAT CROONERS, Mosgiel Coronation Hall, 11am, $30
Cadbury Chocolate Carnival (see www.chocolatecarnival.co.nz) ReORIENTATION 2013 STARTS - see pages 12-13 for more ReOri: BBQ, 12 noon, Manaaki Bldg (Harbour Tce), Free
22nd BUSKING COMP, Heat 1, Ozone Cafe, 12 noon, SWAN LAKE, Regent Theatre, 7.30, $65 PHOTO COMP closes tomorrow, OUSA Rec Centre
30th
Note booking fees and random elephant taxes may apply to above prices. Want your shin-dig promoted here? mark.baxter@op.ac.nz