RAM 2026 Issue #3

ISSUE 03. APRIL 2026

RAM

YOUR LINCOLN UNI STUDENT MAGAZINE

27th APRIL

7th MAY

8th MAY

13th MAY

Farming

Student

18th MAY Crusaders

29th MAY

1st JUNE

LUSA 2026 EXEC

Zara Weissenstein President

Kia ora koutou, and welcome back for term 2, 2026!

Whether you had a lovely break or you spent the holidays continuing the hard work on campus, if you went on one of the various field tours for class or helped out back home on the farm, I hope you’re all riveted and ready to go for the next six weeks that will take us all the way to study break. We’ve got a lot planned for you for the rest of semester one so keep an eye out on the LUSA social media for what’s coming up! Something particular to note is our LUSA by-election, for which nominations will open next week on 28th April. There will be two roles up for grabs - Disability Rep, and Postgraduate Engagement Rep. There is plenty more information on page 9 of this magazine you’re holding as well as on the LUSA website, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at president@lusa.org.nz or pop on it to the LUSA office for a chat!

Graduation in a couple weeks. You’ll see all of our grads from last year popping back to campus for a quick (long) photo op in front of our Lovely Ivy Hall. This week will also include Grad Ball for our current postgrads.

Do also keep an eye out for cost-of-living relief coming

soon in the form of meal kits which you will be able to order from the LUSA website. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, please do sign up for a meal kit, we’d love to help you out during these tough times. Just a reminder that we also have our financial assistance fund available if you’re facing unexpected hardship, so pop on in to the LUSA office or email us if this is something you’d like to learn more about. Finally, the campus service council is due to meet this week as well, so thanks so much to everyone who sent through their feedback via the survey last term! This information will be so helpful for us to set next year’s fee. We’ll keep you updated on the results of that so do keep an eye out in our comms.

Enjoy term 2 everyone! Make the most of it, join lots of clubs, show up to events, study hard, and don’t forget to look after yourselves. president@lusa.org.nz

Sam Rajnikant Vice President

Has the break gone by too soon? The rest of the semester promises to feel jampacked; clubs are planning away, and the LUSA Exec have been involved with a few interesting things.

As usual, we have been reviewing LUSA’s policies. As an independent organization

LUSA has policies that safeguard it and guide operations, and these are periodically reviewed. This is one of the responsibilities of the LUSA Executive, more specifically the Policy Subcommittee headed by me as the VP.

This year the committee is formed by the VP, Secretary, PG Academic Rep. and Sustainability Rep., along with students who have volunteered time for it (legends). Depending on the policy being reviewed, other LUSA reps also sit in on committee meetings.

The SubCommitee convenes with a quorum of 3 members, and once we review a policy, making edits for relevance, clarity and accessibility if needed, it is passed on for the Exec’s inputs. Reviewed policies are brought up at LUSA board meetings for approval and updated.

LUSA policies can all be found on the LUSA website and to see where we are at with policies reviews this year, look at page 44.

Another interesting thing LUSA has been involved with is the nationwide Free Fares campaign to advocate for free public transport. We are aware of the hikes to bus fares this year, and recognize that much of our student body depends on public transport. In our capacity we will be reaching out to the relevant representatives of all political parties, as well as to ECan, to communicate the needs of students. While we understand the need for free, if not, lower bus fares in light of the current cost of living crisis significantly affecting students, we would like to hear from you if you have anything to add: this may be related to your dependency on buses as a student, accessibility issues

you may be facing, specific bus routes that you would like to be more developed, or questions and concerns you may have. Email me at VP@lusa.org.nz, or feel free to stop me for a chat relating to this.

Coral Peat Sustainability Rep

Kia ora tātou, I hope you all managed to have a little bit of a break over Easter. This will be another busy term in the sustainability world. You may have seen some posters up around campus with links to our sustainable transport competition (you can also find a QR code to enter the competition in the last issue of the RAM).

As fuel prices continue to rise, carpooling, catching the bus, biking or walking (if you are in range) are awesome ways to save money and be more environmentally sustainable. LUSA has joined the debate in the free fares campaign and will be advocating on your behalf for reduced and more accessible bus fares. On another note, it is getting colder now and lots of apple trees around campus are overflowing with ripe apples, so I advise you to go for a walk in the fresh air and grab yourselves some apples for your next apple crumble! sustainability.rep@lusa.org.nz

Anne Kaninteang Pasifika

Rep

Warm Pacific Greetings. I hope Term one went well for all, and you all are navigating through uni life just fine.

Welcome to Term two! In collaboration with Te Awhioraki, we have decided to offer students a chance to engage in sports and bonding through our new initiative of Volleyball and Ki o Rahi. We are alternating our volleyball Fridays with Ki o Rahi in hopes to gain more experience with other sports, (one Friday; volleyball, and the other; Ki o Rahi). This is a very crucial initiative as it can help students take time away from their busy study lives and focus on their physical health as well as their mental health. It is also a chance to get familiar with a game of Ki o Rahi! So, come along and have some fun.

If you haven’t already, follow our @_lupisa Instagram page to keep updated with upcoming notices for the term! This time of year, we have Pacific Language Weeks coming up, so stay tuned for any updates from LUPISA exec.

For those who are struggling with anything at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on my below email; my exec as well as our Te Manutaki team are more than happy to help. pasifika.rep@lusa.org.nz

Eligh Ashby Secretary

Kia ora, Just like that, we are halfway through Semester One. Where has the time gone? There has been a lot happening behind the scenes with LUSA over the past few weeks. I have been working across a range of areas, including preparing the minutes for Board Meeting One. These are now available under Official Documents in the 2026 Exec Meeting Minutes folder. I encourage you to review them to see what was discussed and decided.

I would also like to remind you that you are welcome to come along and see us in action. All meeting dates are listed under Official Documents, with meetings held at 5pm in Waimarie Whare Auahu (ground floor).

Alongside this, a big focus of my role has been advocacy. I have been pushing for improved study spaces for postgraduate students, representing your voice on the Academic Administration Committee, and chairing the ESD postgraduate course representative meeting with the Dean. These are important spaces where student perspectives directly inform decision-making, and I am making sure those views are clearly represented.

Lastly, if you or someone you know needs support or advocacy at any point, do not hesitate to reach out. secretary@lusa.org.nz

Darius J Harris

Postgrad Academic Rep

The First Term here at LU is done and dusted, so give yourself a pat on the back for getting this far! We have completed PG Week here on Campus spearheaded by Fiona from the Research Office, which had many Workshops and functions. Good to see that the registrations were up, but remember once you register, it is a great idea to attend. Again, it was good to see many fellow Post grads sharing together at the PG functions initiated by the PG Research Office with support from other LU service teams. I must admit my highlight was morning Tea in the Ross building with People Bingo. An excellent icebreaker! Furthermore, look out for our PG Pizza lunch around the 21st May. Come along, have a wee break and enjoy each other’s Company over some kai.

Always good to see the PG Class Reps at the Hui LUSA facilitates with Deans from the different faculties. These Class Reps are extremely important to hear, as first-hand students’ experiences of their classes, especially in the worlds of Taught Masters and online courses. This feedback promotes better delivery of courses and can be implemented very quickly into Teaching practice. There were many common threads heard in these Hui and along with the LUSA Team, I will be following up on these. I know we all realise, many things like Transport and Food are getting more expensive and LUSA is discussing initiatives to tackle the cost of living for Students here on Campus. We hope to have these available during the second term. These things can’t be solved overnight but here at LUSA we are very mindful of what students are facing and we will be doing our very best to advocate on your behalf.

Now that our nights are getting progressively longer and cooler, those seasonal coughs and splutters can linger about. Make use of Student Health to keep your well being first and foremost. Be aware of others and if you have a cough, wear a Mask when you are in common spaces like Lecture rooms, the library and elsewhere. If you are sick, stay home and recover so you aren’t spreading virus about Campus.

Look out for one another here on Campus. This is a very challenging time for all of us as I know many feel completely powerless over what we are observing. Many of our PG Students have Whanau within the Gulf States, thus we all need keep reminding ourselves to express our Campus values of Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga to one another. Stay safe and take care.

If you need to get hold me, please say ‘Howdy’ to me if you see me about Campus or email me. Pg.academic@lusa.org.nz

Postgrad Engagement Rep

As the semester continues, many graduate students are focusing on their research and academic goals. This is a time to make important progress; it is also a time when pressure is high, there are long study hours, and sometimes feelings of isolation are easy. Managing one’s well-being in these situations is just as important as studying. Taking a short break in the middle of studying helps maintain concentration and reduce stress. Small activities, such as taking a light walk, stretching, or spending a moment outdoors, can have a positive effect on increasing energy and concentration. These small daily habits make a big difference in the long run. Also, it is important to maintain connections with others. Graduate life is often personal, but the opportunity to meet and communicate with other students helps reduce stress and build a sense of community.

Recently, activities such as study breaks for graduate students have also been conducted, which provide an opportunity to take a break from academics and recharge. We are considering various well-being-oriented activities that graduate students can participate in comfortably. If you have any ideas or suggestions for activities for graduate students, please feel free to send your comments to the email below. Your comments are always welcome. Pg.engagement@lusa.org.nz

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS::

Postgrad Engagement Rep

The Postgraduate and Engagement Rep. is responsible for representing and advocating for postgraduate engagement and wellbeing by helping PG students engage with campus life.

They will dedicate their tenure to raising the level of engagement of PG students to create a culture of strong interconnectedness and positive wellbeing for all postgraduate students.

They will work alongside the Postgrad Academic Rep. to advocate for PG students at all levels of the university structure.

Key roles include:

• Student representative on Article Processing Charges Committee (Subcommittee to Research Committee).

• Postgraduate voice on Student Experience Board.

• Assisting and advising the Post Grad Society.

• Postgraduate voice on the Campus Service Council (for Student Service Levy).

• Facilitating LUSA and LU Postgraduate events as required.

• Facilitating major LUSA events including but not limited to: ORI, RE:ORI, GradBall, WinterBall, Garden Party, and free food events.

• Liaising with the Postgraduate Research Director and other relevant staff.

• Sitting on other committees where needed and help with operational tasks such as events.

Disability EDI Rep

The Disability EDI Representative is responsible for representing Lincoln University students on all matters that impact their university experiences. This role is flexible and will work to fit with the representative’s disability. They also support student engagement to foster their wellbeing and apply to connect with campus life.

Key roles include:

• Being an active member of the disabled student community and ICONIC.

• Liaising regularly with inclusive education, international advisors and Te Manutaki.

• Sitting on the Disability Action Plan group.

• Working closely with the Rainbow, EDI Representative and Wellbeing and Engagement Representative on EDI and wellbeing issues and initiatives such as Thursdays in Black.

• Sitting on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group.

• Liaising with the National Disabled Students’ Association.

• Sit on the Student Experience Team.

• Sitting on other committees where needed and help with operational tasks such as events.

• It is expected that approximately 80% of time should be spent on Disability/EDI and 20% on other committees and operational tasks.

If these sound like something you’d be keen to put your hand up for and represent your student body in, then be sure to get your Nomination Form in by 11.59pm, Wednesday 6th May, by scanning the QR code on the previous page.

WELLBEING & ENGAGEMENT REP. SPOTLIGHT

Liam Moore

1. What is your full name, degree, and year of study? My name is Liam John Moore. I am studying a Bachelor of Science in Brewing and Fermentation; I am in my third year.

2. Where did you grow up, and what led you to this uni? I was born in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. I came to New Zealand when I was about 5 and moved to Massey in West Auckland (JAFA alert!). In 2020, I had a go at engineering at UoA, but a mix of a lack of motivation and difficulties transitioning to online learning (due to COVID) had me forgo that pursuit. 2021-2022 I spent around 6 months living in Wellington in a derelict inner-city apartment supporting myself with a minimum wage hospo job (you know the one). Then, I moved back to Auckland, and while I was doing some general labouring, I started homebrewing on a Mangrove Jack’s brew kit. In the following year, I enrolled in a certificate of brewing at Otago Brew School. I enjoyed that so much I decided to study brewing and fermentation as a full bachelor’s here at LU.

3. What inspired you to run for this executive position? To be completely transparent,

it was my own struggles with mental health and troubles with seeking help that I wanted to make getting support more approachable and accessible for everyone. It was also about personal growth, finding my voice, and bringing forward the voices of others.

4. What are the main responsibilities you have on the Student Exec? Bringing forward issues that students have with the Uni experience to boards that can affect change.

• Working alongside Uni services and clubs to promote wellbeing.

• Bringing RAM club back for Term 2 - getting more impactful student ideas and opinions published.

5. How do you work with uni services to improve mental health and well-being support for students? My key role is to uplift the voices of students in terms of what they need from wellbeing and support services (Student Health and Wellbeing, Inclusive Education, Learning, Teaching and Library, etc.). Any comments and concerns that student may have about these services, I make sure to deliver to the right people.

6. What are the biggest wellbeing challenges currently facing students at the uni today? The cost-of-living crisis is undeniably a huge impact on everyone, especially students. With the price of food and gas rising, the financial strain can be a significant burden on all areas of wellbeing. Academic stress is a big-time pressure for many of us - the stress of balancing grades and assignments with work, our extracurricular commitments, and personal/

social lives is difficult and tiring, especially in busy periods with deadlines piling up.

7. How do you encourage students to get involved in uni life? I’ve got two words for ya: Free Food. All jokes aside, I try to foster outspokenness and engagement in the student body. I encourage students to get involved in sports, in clubs, to start their own club, to write for the RAM, and to join in on LUSA events (did I mention free food?). Anybody can make a change; if you see any room for improvement, speak up - be a course rep, or run for a LUSA exec role. The most important thing is to talk to us, to staff, and to your lecturers.

8. How do you manage and maintain your own wellbeing in this role, whilst being a student?

• Get enough sleep, food, exercise, and sunlight. When I don’t get enough sleep especially, I start getting brain-fogged, absent-minded, and I can’t fully focus.

• Ask for help - see the LTL/ IE/SH&W teams, talk to my mates and check in with how they’re doing too. Hang out with friends and join in on club activities.

• However, saying no to things, like social commitments, when I don’t have the capacity. Block out set time for study and coursework sooner rather than later.

• Work alongside othersalone in my room can get depressing.

• Catch up on lectures immediately.

I may not be doing all of this now, but this is the advice that I try to follow.

RAINBOW EDI REP. SPOTLIGHT

Sam Dryden

1. What is your full name, degree, and year of study?

Samantha Dryden, but you can call me Sam. I’m studying a Master of Science in Conservation and Ecology, focusing on relationships between lizards and shrubby tororaro on Kaitorete. Fun fact: I also did my undergrad at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Environment and Society, majoring in Environmental and Water Management, so this is technically my fifth year of study.

2. Where did you grow up, and what led you to this uni?

I was born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch. I have always been connected to and wanted to give back to my hometown, so staying in Canterbury after high school made sense, especially with two great universities nearby. The decision to go to uni also felt right because I’ve always been a curious person and enjoyed learning – the hard choice was what to study and where! Eventually, it was the small, community feel of Lincoln and the opportunity to learn about worldviews different from my own that led me here.

3. What inspired you to run for this executive position? I started my LUSA Exec journey in 2023 as Sustainability Rep when a friend of mine encouraged me to nurture my passions and give it a go. I was then inspired to run for the Rainbow EDI role by the amazing mahi of Arabella and Zara, who each contributed so much to the Lincoln community in unique ways during their time in the role. This is my 2nd year as LUSA’s Rainbow EDI Rep, and getting to know Lincoln’s rainbow community through SPACE and social events continues to inspire me. I have been so fortunate to have a strong support network of friends and role models here, and there is still work to do to make sure that all tauira can find that too.

4. How do you ensure that each cohort (Rainbow, Disability, EDI, Wellbeing) receives balanced and equitable representation? I do my best to stay active in our student communities by attending different events and talking to people. That’s one of the best ways to get a sense of where more representation is needed. For new or aspiring exec members, the position descriptions on the LUSA website also give a good idea of how to divide your time and attention in the role.

5. How do you ensure campus spaces are safe for students of diverse sexualities and gender identities? On a personal level, one of the most important things that I do to help make campus safe for our rainbow communities is be myself. If others can see that, then hopefully they’ll realise that our identities are normal and something to be celebrated.

On a wider level, I make sure to advocate for more visible allyship at every level I can in the uni. That means ensuring that rainbow students can see themselves in the built environment, that there are rainbow voices in every room, and that everyone has the resources available to educate themselves on queer identities and issues.

6. What gaps currently exist in Rainbow student support? One of the biggest gaps in rainbow student support at the moment is visibility. So many rainbow students here can go years without talking about their identities because they don’t know where to go or if it is safe to do so. That is why symbols like the rainbow crossings are so important and why we need more of them – they show rainbow students that they are seen, safe, and accepted. Another gap that exists is rainbow education. As is the case for many minority communities, it can be exhausting for rainbow students to constantly have to explain and justify their needs to others. If more people had the resources and desire to educate themselves on rainbow identities, it would be easier to support rainbow students across the university.

7. What are the main well-being challenges currently affecting students? Where do I start? There is so much heartbreak and instability in the world at the moment, and students still need to meet their basic needs, look after loved ones, maintain relationships, touch grass, and earn a degree. It can all get a bit much at times, and I think many students feel overwhelmed, stuck, and helpless.

8. How do you manage and maintain your own wellbeing in this role, whilst being a student? With immense difficulty! Looking after your own wellbeing is easier said than done, but I do what I can. I have found that allowing myself time for friends, hobbies, and going outside helps. I am also learning how to identify and communicate my needs and boundaries. The people and resources at Student Health and Wellbeing have also been a lifesaver for me – It is absolutely okay to reach out for help if you are struggling, no matter how small your problems may feel.

9. What has been your biggest achievement in this role?

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari taku toa he toa takitini – ‘My strength is not that of one, but of many’ It’s hard to pinpoint a single biggest achievement in this role, because every success that I’ve had has only occurred because of the support of so many amazing friends

and allies. I think I am most proud of the community that we have built together over the years though – it always makes me so emotional in the best way to see people coming together at events that I help to create, like Lincoln’s Annual Pride Hīkoi. I am also proud of myself for the bravery that it takes to put up your hand and choose to represent your community in a role like this.

10. What has been the most challenging aspect? Though it can be a strength, one of the most challenging aspects of this role is how intertwined it can feel with your identity sometimes. For example, if something hurts the rainbow community on campus, it can be difficult not to take things to heart when advocating to make it right. Our community is also so diverse that it can also be difficult to represent everyone and impossible not to feel imposter syndrome when you are the only rainbow voice in the room. That is why I am grateful for

the support of groups like SPACE.

11. Is there anything else you would like students or staff to understand about these cohorts? It can often be difficult for rainbow students to figure out where and who they are safe to be themselves around, especially in a new setting like university. That is why visible allyship is so important! Next time you’re having a conversation, try using queer-inclusive language, or perhaps introduce yourself with your pronouns. These actions may seem small, but they can make all the difference for someone. If you are wanting to learn more about how you can support our communities, also feel free to reach out to myself (Rainbow.rep@lusa.org.nz) or SPACE (space@lusa.org.nz). The internet is also free if you would like to learn more about different sexuality and gender identities!

LU CHAPLAINS LU CHAPLAINS

All the best for the 2nd term of this first semester of 2026. As you settle back into your studies remember that the best way to face the challenge of your studies is to tackle little parts at a time, once completed they all add up to the whole. For some encouragement have a read of the following article about Emily Harrington a free climber from the USA.

When Emily Harrington started climbing indoor climbing walls as a 10-year-old she loved it almost instantly. She was soon competing on her local gym’s climbing team, steadily progressing locally and then nationally, and ultimately as part of the USA Climbing Team. While climbing and competing on artificial walls, Harrington also had a passion for the outdoors both climbing and exploring. This was spotted by the professional North Face Global Team who offered her a place on their team in 2008.

After several years climbing with the North Face Global Team, Harrington decided to take on free climbing the Golden Gate route of El Capitan.

El Capitan is a 3,000 ft granite wall in Yosemite National Park and the Golden gate route is one of the more challenging ones. In 2015, Harrington conquered the Golden Gate route of El Capitan over 6 days. It was a huge

achievement, but five years later she wanted to go further and complete it within 24 hours. When she set herself this goal she knew she was not at that point capable of doing it. However, after one year of training and preparation, at 1:34 a.m. on November 4th 2020 Harrington embarked on this climb. There were moments of fear, self-doubt and exhaustion but Harrington pulled through to complete the climb in 21 hours and 13 minutes. Only the fourth person ever to do so and the first woman.

Setting ambitious goals can be scary because the very nature of them means that at the time of setting them, they are beyond our current abilities. It takes courage to set a goal high and it takes further courage to go after it. However, it is when we stretch towards something that is currently beyond us, that we stimulate growth and drive in us as we imagine the satisfaction of being able to do what we currently can’t.

Keep an eye out for the Winter Clothing Drive & Giveaway on April 30th

Wellbeing Month Chaplain Forum on Wednesdays through May

Weekly English Conversation Classes Each Thursday 12.00pm – 1.30pm

LU Run Club Sumner Run

Lincoln University’s Run Club held its first event for 2026 out at Sumner Beach. On the morning of March 15th, members of the Run Club gathered in Sumner for a run or walk along the beach. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions, with clear skies and a blazing sun overhead - it turned out to be a cracker day for exercise and to be outdoors.

The event went for an hour, giving participants the flexibility to run or walk however far they could within the time frame. Distances varied, with some members pushing themselves to complete up to 10km. After the run/walk, the group gathered to celebrate with a well-earned ice cream, thanks to support from LUSA’s grant. To round off the morning, some members took advantage of the location and headed to the beach for a refreshing swim.

Overall, the Sumner run was a great success, and we look forward to our next events coming up in terms 2 and 3.

LU Run Club Member Spotlight

What is your full name, degree, and year of study?

Brooke Jewell, Bachelor of Agricultural Science, 3rd year.

How would you describe your current fitness or running level?

Moderate, enjoy social runs.

What motivates you most to run?

Physical and mental health. Getting outside and clearing my head. Sense of achievement.

How often do you currently run with the LU Run Club each week? Every Monday.

What type of runs do you love the most?

I love running with people. Increasing my running distance through training and reaching a goal.

How important is the social side of a club?

It’s nice to relax and congratulate others. Run club treats after term runs and last run of term are very enjoyable.

What kind of activities are the Run Club planning on having for 2026?

• x3 Term runs.

• Sumner run has been (Sunday15th March) and it went really well.

• Mc Leans run Sunday 24th May

• Hanmer run in term 3 - date TBC

• What does the Run Club do to make running feel more accessible or welcoming to new members?

We have maps for people to know where to run. We run in groups, never alone.

We welcome all abilities and paces, offering walking and 3km and 5km running options.

Where can students expect to hear about club events?

Instagram, Facebook, membership emails and posters around campus!

@lurunclub lurunclub23@gmail.com

Date: Thursday 30th of April

For

The LU Postgraduate Club 2026

Are you a postgraduate student seeking a sense of community and a break from the rigors of academic life? Look no further than Postgrad Club 2026! Our club offers a vibrant space where students can unwind, connect, and create lasting memories through a variety of engaging events

A Warm Welcome to New Members

We kicked off the year with a successful welcoming event on the 25th of February The turnout was remarkable, setting the tone for a year filled with exciting activities and growing friendships Since then, each event has continued to draw enthusiastic crowds, eager to take part in the fun and camaraderie

Past Events: A Glimpse Into the Excitement

Movie Night

Our movie night featured the animated hit Zootopia 2, with a side of pizza, popcorn, and drinks, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for relaxation and laughter Due to popular demand, more movie nights are planned for the future!

Games Night

A favorite among our members, games night provides a plethora of board games for everyone, serving as a delightful icebreaker and a fantastic way to meet new people This event is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy a friendly competition

Field Trips

We also organize exhilarating field trips, offering a break from campus life and an opportunity to explore new places with fellow postgrads These trips are always a highlight, filled with adventure and bonding

Postgrad Dinner

On the 25th of March, we hosted our postgrad dinner, another resounding success Club executives prepared a variety of dishes, complemented by burgers and drinks, resulting in a feast that left no leftovers and plenty of satisfied smiles

Upcoming Events: Join the Fun!

We have three exciting events lined up, including two fundraisers:

Games Night

Date: 23rd April

A casual, social gathering ideal for making new friends

Quiz Night (Ticketed Event)

Date: 14th May (Thursday)

Enjoy snacks and compete for a prize in this lively evening of trivia

Bingo Night (Ticketed Event)

Date: 28th May

Open to both students and staff, with food provided for all attendees

Stay Connected

To stay informed about our events and learn more about Postgrad Club 2026, follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our emails We can't wait to welcome you to our community!

Instagram: @lu pgclub

Join us and be part of a community that celebrates learning, laughter, and lifelong friendships We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

LU STAFF SPOTLIGHT

JAYNE-SMITH ORIENTATION AND TRANSITION ADVISOR

THE HEART BEHIND LINCOLN’S FIRST IMPRESSIONS

For many students arriving at Lincoln University, the first few weeks can feel like stepping into the unknown. New faces, new systems, and a quiet question sitting in the background: Do I belong here?

For Lincoln’s Orientation and Transition Advisor - Jayne Smith, that question is at the centre of everything she does. Her days are anything but predictable. One moment, she’s helping run bustling transition events and creating spaces where new students meet support staff, connect with faculties, and begin to piece together what their university journey might look like. The next, she’s working behind the scenes, coordinating with teams across campus, making sure every detail is in place. And in between, she’s supporting the kaiwhakarite tauira (student buddies), showing up for them just as much as they show up for others.

“No day is exactly the same,” she says, and there’s a clear energy in that. It’s a role built on people, connection, and the quiet, powerful work of helping others feel seen.

Her path into this role wasn’t linear, but it makes perfect sense. With a background in recreation, fitness, and wellbeing, spanning institutions from all across New Zealand to Fiji, her career has always centred on people. Over time, that work evolved from physical wellbeing into something deeper: understanding how connection, confidence, and community shape how people feel and thrive.

“I love it here at Lincoln,” she says simply. “And I want people to come in and love it too.” That desire to help students find their people, their place, their sense of belonging, is what drives her work. Because for her, university isn’t just about academics. It’s about community.

She knows those first weeks can be tough. Students arrive having been “a big fish in a small pond,” suddenly finding themselves in a place where no one knows their name. That shift can be deeply unsettling. “They simply don’t know what they don’t know,” she explains. “Even just introducing yourself can feel like a big task.” What students often don’t realise is that this feeling of uncertainty is completely normal. But when you’re in it, it can feel isolating. That’s where her work matters most.

If there’s one message she comes back to again and again, it’s this: Just turn up. It sounds simple, maybe even cliché, but in her experience, it’s where everything begins. “Be brave,” she says. “Be vulnerable. Be courageous. Just turn up.” Because belonging doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with small moments like walking into a room, sitting down, showing up to a club meeting, or even just being there alongside others. Over time, those moments build into something bigger. She’s seen it happen countless times. Quiet students finding confidence.

First-years becoming club leaders throughout their university journeys. Communities forming where none existed before. “It’s amazing what can come from that,” she says. “You might miss something really beautiful if you don’t.”

At the core of her work are deeply held values, grounded in her upbringing and identity as Māori: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and aroha.

For her, that looks like meeting people where they are at, listening to understand rather than respond, and recognising that every student carries a wider story, whānau, culture, and community with them. It’s also in the small things - a wave across campus, a quick conversation, a moment of recognition. “You never know how much that could make someone’s day,” she says. “Some people can go a whole day without anyone saying a word to them.” Those small acts, repeated over time, are what build connection. And connection, in her eyes, is everything.

She describes the Lincoln student community as exciting, innovative, future-thinking. But it’s not just about potential, but the moments we share as a collective. She shares a memory of a time a group from the Lincoln University community dressed as zombies and performed Thriller in Cathedral Square, part of a global event. Practising in breaks, showing up together, creating something joyful. It’s those shared experiences that turn a campus into a community.

If she could leave students with one message, it would be this: Trust yourself. Lean in. Turn up. Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one moment of courage, or one step into the unknown to change everything. And at Lincoln, there will always be someone ready to meet you there.

Pizza Lunch Pizza Lunch

Kaunihera

LUSA Executive 2026

Meeting Dates

Dear students of Lincoln University,

Would you like to know more about what goes on behind the scenes at LUSA? Come learn more about what we've been up to, our processes, and our policies at our board meetings this year.

Contact the LUSA president at president@lusa.org.nz for more information.

P.S. If you're an online student, you can still attend online!

You will have completed your first assessments and tests, and hopefully now have your timetable well embedded into your weekly routine, along with your other commitments such as work, sport and recreational activities and your social connections. This next 6-week block is going to become even busier and having a solid routine is important. Here are some tips from the Kaiwhakarite Tauira;

• Struggling to settle into a routine? Feel overwhelmed with all the demands? Then make an appointment with Rachael M in Academic Success and make a schedule that is going to work for you with all your commitments. It can help to SEE where your time is needed or used.

• Making time to be social is important as you get to relax, chat and have a laugh. This feels like it gives you some down time. You can also learn some great ideas that really can help with managing all the different requests of you.

• LUSA has large wall planners, that already have all the dates you need to know. I used 4 coloured high lighters one for each course, that shows each assessment and test for the course. This has helped me to see where I am going to be busy. Which I then have changed my shifts at work, so I have more time to do the assessments.

• When spending time completing assessments and study, making time to go outside for breaks or to eat lunch creates a sense of calmness inside.

• After sitting, intentionally get moving - get out of your head and into your body. Movement ensures you are breathing, which is highly recommended. Plan to get out and move, could be go to the gym, make a takeout coffee and go for a walk with a friend, join a social sports team or just head to the local park and shoot hoops. The choices are endless it’s up to you, what you will turn up to do.

time meeting lots of people, here are some photos of us at our stall. We created some fun pictures using our fingerprints. (see photos)

International Student Support Evening!

On Wednesday 11th March we hosted an event for our international students called International Support Evening. At this event over 66 international students had the chance to hear from Lincoln University services and support including Student Experience, Student Buddies, Chaplains, Gym, International Advisors, Health & Wellbeing as well as from some LUSA clubs; LU Chinese Student Association, SPACE Club, LU International Culture Society and LUCK Club (Korean Culture Club).

The evening was facilitated by Halle Gravatt, Tumuaki for Te Awhioraki Maori Students’ Association alongside LUSA. We also put on a free food buffet serving a delicious range of Indian and Thai curries for students to enjoy along with some canapes. We were super impressed with the turn out and it was great to see so many of you interact with the stalls and chat to our support services.

We hope you had a great time at this event if you came

along and learnt something new or met new friend(s)! Thank you to everyone who came along and to the support services and LUSA clubs that took part, we cannot run this event without you.

The International Student Support Evening was a great night hosted by LUSA during March, in Grounded. We had a great

LU CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

MAY 18–22 2026

Join us for a week celebrating the cultures, identities, and communities that make LU unique. Get involved, learn something new, and celebrate diversity together.

COMING SOON

By 9am, the car park at Lincoln University is already in full swing. Cars sweep in like a tide that doesn’t wait, late arrivals squeezing into tight gaps, early ones claiming the good spots, everyone moving with that low level urgency of a weekday morning. Engines idle a little longer than they should. Doors shut harder than intended. It’s not chaos, it’s not calm either. It’s pressure, humming just beneath the surface.

I slip in with the rest of them.

No engine noise. No lingering vibration. Just a quiet stop that almost feels out of place here. For a second, it feels like I’ve cheated something, arriving without the usual mechanical fuss. I park near the chargers, step out, and for a moment just watch.

A petrol car pulls in nearby. Not unusual. What is unusual is the pause. The engine cuts, but the driver stays there, hands fixed on the wheel, staring straight ahead like they’re doing maths no one else can see. And maybe they are. Because getting here isn’t just about showing up anymore. It’s budgeting. Timing. Choosing between filling up now or risking it later. It’s watching numbers climb somewhere out of reach.

That weight doesn’t disappear when the engine turns off.

It follows them out of the car. Into class. Into coffee conversations. Into the quiet mental arithmetic running alongside everything else they’re trying to juggle. Fuel is not just fuel, it’s a limit. A boundary that keeps shifting.

I turn away from it and plug in. Click. That’s it. No second thought. No calculation. No what if. It’s almost uncomfortable how easy it is.

The charger stands there like it’s always been part

Plugged in at Lincoln Uni

By Dee Patel

of the landscape, asking nothing, demanding nothing. While the rest of the car park runs on uncertainty, this one small strip runs on something else entirely, something steady. Predictable. Boring, even. And right now, boring feels like a luxury.

This isn’t about being better. It doesn’t feel like that. If anything, it feels like standing in two realities at once. In one, people are doing everything right and still

getting squeezed, adjusting budgets, skipping trips, stretching tanks a little further each week. In the other, the system has already absorbed that pressure. Quietly. Without fuss. Just by existing. And that difference is sharp. So yeah, this is a thank you to Lincoln University. Not the loud, performative kind. Just an acknowledgment. Because having this here, having something that removes even a small part of that daily friction, changes more than just how a car gets powered. It shapes how someone’s day begins. But it also makes the contrast impossible to ignore.

Because not everyone gets to opt out of that pressure. Not yet. And you can feel that in the car park, in the pauses, in the idling engines, in the way people sit for just a second longer before stepping out to start their day.

By the time afternoon hits, the whole thing unwinds in reverse.

People drift back, one by one. Keys turn. Engines start. And as the car park empties the way it filled, every departure carries something different with it, different costs, different calculations, different constraints, spilling back out onto the road ahead.

THE SUSTAINABILITY SECTION!

Lincoln Ecological Society Events Calendar

25th April: Day trip to Banks Peninsular Tickets available via Rubric

27th April: Movie night: Listers

A glimpse into the extremes of bird watching plus Save Denniston Plateau Documentary. 6:00pm, Grounded Theatre

Dinner provided, optional: bring potluck dessert.

29th April: Coffee and Capture Bioblitz, plus free hot drink if you bring your own re-usable mug.

Follow our social media for more details.

2nd May: Day trip to either Waipara River Mouth or Riverbridge Conservation Park Details TBC – sign up to our free Rubric membership for more information.

8th May: Moth lighting. Take a break and join us on campus to admire all the interesting moths out and about at nighttime. We will warm up afterwards with a cuppa and some cookies.

22 May: Ecological themed baking competition and crafts night. Follow our socials for more details.

29th May: Conservation and Ecology Careers Night!

BOOK AT bit.ly/sage-free-bike-service

LESS: Crafts & Korero

Bring along your crafting, mending & upcycling projects and use this opportunity to elevate your winter wardrobe, take a break from study whilst cozying up in Grounded.

9:00am-11:00am Forbes Building

30th April: Upcycling your Boring Clothes (learn embroidery and hand stitching techniques)

14th May: Buttons (re-sew or replace your missing buttons)

28th May: Darning & Mending (fix your holey socks and stitch up those rips in your favorite clothes)

SAGE offers a free, on-campus, bike service to students (& staff) throughout the year. Slots fill up fast!

By Coral Peat

As we approach the colder months, I encourage you to flesh out your wardrobes by going thrifting for some secondhand winter layers. Op-shops can be great places to find good quality woolen layers for an affordable price. They are also usually overflowing with cozy jackets and long pants and skirts to take the sting out of the cold alpine winds coming down over the plains. Many of you may have seen me wandering around campus in my outrageous coats – these are all items I have found in Op-shops. Here are my top five picks for thrift-shops near us:

SaveMart Hornby

94 Shands Road, Hornby, Christchurch

SaveMart would be my first choice of op-shop because they usually have something that will suit everyone. I have never come out of this op-shop without at least one good find and they are reasonably affordable. SaveMart stocks a wide range of clothing styles and is relatively easy to get to by carpooling or bus. My favorite piece from here is my beloved Yellow Coat.

The Salvation Army Rolleston Family Store 2/1 Rōhutu Way, Rolleston

My second choice is the Salvation Army in Rolleston. I like this store because it is easy to get to and often has interesting and cozy jackets. Last year I scored a super warm purple coat from here and I seldom come away from this store disappointed. The Salvation Army has a high turnover, so it is worth checking in once every month or two to find new items.

Hato Hone St John Retail Store

4/57 Tennyson Street, Rolleston

Hato Hone often has useful craft supplies and bags of cheap wool for mending holes in old socks or woolen jumpers. They also often have lots of cozy scarves and blankets and are just across the road from the Salvation Army so it is easy to visit both stores on one trip.

ReUse Burnham

183 Burnham School Road, Burnham

ReUse is a great choice if looking for a variety of items (including but not limited to clothes). They are affordably priced and focus on diverting good quality, usable items away from landfill. ReUse also supports local artists and craftspeople so if you are big on supporting small-scale local makers, stop by for a look.

Toffs Recycled Clothing

1026 Ferry Road, Woolston

While a little harder to get to, Toffs is probably one of the most affordable choices of op-shops. Make a day’s outing by catching the bus to the other side of town, visiting Toffs and going for a walk along Sumner Beach. Toffs is great for underlayers and casual wear and also has quite a high turnover.

More photos of the fun and cozy jackets and coats my partner and I found in op-shops to supplement our wardrobes last winter:

I know many of us are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, so when thinking about adding to your wardrobe, please make the most of the op-shops near you. From both a financial and an environmental perspective, help us reduce waste, reuse resources and keep our bank accounts in the green. If any of you are interested in fixing holes in your favorite winter clothes, re-stitching your missing buttons, or adding personalized embellishments to upcycle boring pieces of clothing, please come along to LESS’s crafts and kōrero sessions.

FARMING NEWS

I’M GOING BACK TO PORK

Breeding companies have been allowed to destroy the pedigree pig sector and the NZPork Industry board has been happy to allow the decline of New Zealand Pork Production while doing bugger all to address the question of low Animal Welfare Imports.

New Zealand farmers take pride in producing food to a high standard. These standards reflect who we are, people who believe in doing the right thing and standing behind the quality of what we produce.

But pork stands out as an exception in our domestic market. Today, more than 60% of the pork consumed in New Zealand is imported.

We want to see a future where New Zealand produces more of its own pork, where farmers are properly rewarded for meeting high standards, and where consumers actively choose locally produced food because they trust it. I believe in the future of the sector, the strength of the story and the role it can play in building a more balanced and fair food system in New Zealand.

HUGE ENVIRO PROGRESS MADE BY CANTY FARMS

Our Canterbury farmers are making really significant progress in their care for the environment, and preventing or limiting adverse effects.

Ecan’s recent Farm Environment Plan data shows that the number of farms receiving an A grade on their plan has increased from just 14% in 2017 to 77% in 2024-25.

HEINZ WATTIE’S CLOSURE OF 3 FACILITIES

Selwyn and Canterbury will be hugely affected by the proposed closure of the Wattie’s Shands Road frozen vegetable plant. This is expected to impact the country’s already-hurting vegetable growers and seed producers. The proposal is a blow for our area and our growers and distributors who are also grappling with rising fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East. The ripple effects will spread far and wide, not just for the factory workers, but for the growers and their rural communities, and indeed the consumer.

The number of C & D grades has dropped from 12-2% in the same time.

Selwyn farmers are doing even better: 87% of them received an A grade in the last audit, 13% received a B grade, and there were no Cs or Ds.

Farmers often feel that city dwellers are always down on them, but this shows this real progress should be applauded.

A well-known packet of Wattie’s frozen mixed vegetables of peas, carrots and corn for example, perhaps no more under new proposals. Phased closures were also being proposed at its food factories in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and its packing facility in Hastings. Around 350 mostly full-time roles would be impacted, including vegetable growers - around 220 of them in Canterbury alone.

Heinz Wattie’s previously said the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary step to position the company for the future.

New Zealand Farming and Horticulture:NZ Farming Brian Brake; photographer; 1960s-1980s; New Zealand

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

What is your full name, degree, and year of study?

My name is Chelcie, and I’m currently a PhD student in Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University.

What led you to this university?

I mainly came to Lincoln because of my supervisors. I was really drawn to their research direction, especially the way they connect landscape and digital technology, which also fits my own interests. Since my research sits somewhere between landscape architecture and computer science, it was important for me to find the right people to guide that kind of interdisciplinary work and Lincoln felt like the perfect fit!

What were your expectations before coming to New Zealand, and what were your first impressions?

Before coming here, I imagined New Zealand to be green, peaceful, and full of nature. After arriving, I realised it actually reminded me a bit of my hometown, Inner Mongolia. Big skies, wide open land, strong winds…it felt like the Southern Hemisphere version of Inner Mongolia. That made it feel unexpectedly familiar, even though I was very far from home.

What challenges did you face when you first arrived?

Definitely language and cultural misunderstandings. I had a few very innocent but very memorable moments. One of my favourites was when someone said “bring a plate” to a gathering. I thought it literally meant just bring a plate, so I showed up proudly holding an empty plate… only to realise it actually meant bring a ‘plate of food’. That was a very funny experience.

The biggest challenge, though, has probably been the language barrier. My English has improved a lot since I arrived, and I feel much more confident now, but there are still moments when language feels like a wall , especially when conversations move quickly, jokes start flying, or cultural references appear out of nowhere. Studying abroad really teaches you to laugh at yourself sometimes.

How is studying in New Zealand different from studying in your home country?

Studying here feels more self-directed and flexible. There’s a stronger emphasis

on developing your own ideas and shaping your own research direction. It feels less like following a fixed path and more like designing your own journey, which is exciting, but also means you need to be disciplined and independent.

Have you made friends with local students or mainly other international students?

A mix, and I think that’s one of the best parts of being here. I have some very close Chinese friends, and I’ve also been lucky to meet a wonderful group of international friends from all over the world, from different countries, different cultures with different food habits! It makes life very interesting. It’s also been great for my English, because you naturally learn how different people speak, joke, and communicate. We’ve done a lot together; hiking, kayaking, skiing, parties, and just sharing everyday life. I think these will become some of my most precious memories in the future.

What cultural differences have you noticed? What do you find difficult about living here?

Some Kiwi habits genuinely shocked me at first. Seeing people walk outside barefoot, or wear shorts and jandals in winter, was amazing to me. In my hometown, winter can drop to -20°C, so if someone dressed like that, people would probably assume they had either lost a bet or lost all feeling in their legs. I had truly never seen anything like it before!

Another big difference is the feeling of night-time. In New Zealand, evenings can feel very quiet and peaceful. In China, night-time is often when the city really wakes up, street food, barbecue, bright lights, roadside stalls, and people still out enjoying life late into the night, sometimes even past midnight! Here, nighttime feel much calmer. It’s beautiful in its own way, but it definitely took me some time to adjust to.

Where do you currently live?

When I first arrived, I lived in a homestay, and I actually really enjoyed it. My host family was lovely, we had great conversations, and there was one dog and two cats, which made it even better. It was a very warm and gentle start to life in New Zealand, but after eating “white people food” for a year, I decided it was time to move out and start cooking

Chinese food for myself again. So, now I live more independently, and, to be honest, much more deliciously.

Can you describe your hometown?

What do you miss most about home?

My hometown is in Inner Mongolia, and it has a very open, expansive feeling , big land, big sky, and a strong sense of space. That’s probably one reason why parts of New Zealand felt familiar to me. But of course, home is still home. What I miss most is definitely the food: hotpot, barbecue, and especially the delicious dried cheese from Inner Mongolia. I also miss the energy of home, the noise, the convenience, and the feeling that there is always something happening. Sometimes homesickness is really just food with emotions attached.

How has studying abroad changed you?

It has made me more independent, more adaptable, and more confident. Studying abroad sounds exciting when you say it in one sentence, but in reality it’s made up of lots of little moments; figuring things out, making mistakes, laughing at yourself, and slowly becoming stronger. I think I’ve grown a lot, not just academically, but personally as well.

Do you plan to stay in New Zealand after graduation or return home?

At the moment, I’m open to both. I’d like to focus on doing meaningful research, finishing my PhD well, and then seeing where the right opportunities take me. But no matter where I end up, this experience will always be a really important part of my life.

WRITTEN BY ZHEXI ZHANG

LSD Takes on Craigieburn: Pies, Pushes, & Perspiration

The Lincoln Snow Department (LSD) recently descended on our Craigieburn lodge for the weekend to introduce the new members to the spirit of New Zealand ski club culture, which is chaotic, cold, and remarkably high-calorie (although unfortunately, there was no snow this time around).

The trip got off to the usual student start time (late), with it not being helped by one vehicle needing a push start, just to leave the start line. Meanwhile, a dusty navigational mishap saw one car completely miss the first rendezvous at the not-to-be-missed Darfield Bakery, instead ending up at the Sheffield tourist trap. The “The Push Start Express” proved to be consistent, needing another one to get going after everyone had finished refuelling at the Darfield Bakery. Once at Craigie, there was a brief panic for a missing lodge key before initiations were undertaken. New members learnt how to put on nut crackers (the infamous harness used to get up the rope tows at the field), before being attached to a section of tow rope in teams of 3 with a mission of finding the club prezzy who was hiding somewhere on the field.

The Elite: The faster group clocked in at a blistering 3 minutes and 8 seconds.

The Scenic Route: The slowest group took a gruelling 28 minutes and 45 seconds, largely because they opted to walk up a large section of the rope tow.

This delay meant the club prezzy ended up dangerously cold, and more tragically, sober.

To cement their place in the club, the freshers then performed the tradition of a shoey out of a notoriously stinky, well-used glove, although there will be a few more tasks for them once some snow falls.

This was followed by Craigie’s top-tier hospitality, with a massive dinner (and breakfast the next morning) put on by Tim, one of the Craigieburn’s club volunteers, both of which were massively appreciated by the crew.

The night progressed in typical Lincoln manner, with the last of the club hitting the hay around 2 am. Sunday morning, I surprisingly didn’t see many dusty faces, although there were some.

The lodge was tidied up well, although there was some useless mopping undertaken, before the push start assisted journey home took place. Overall, a good start to what will be an awesome season.

Cheers to those who came and made it an awesome weekend!

The LSD Exec

Handy Landy’s is a group of students keen to give back to rural communities during times of stress and hardship. Although we are primarily based in Canterbury, we are willing to travel near and far and take on any job, big or small.

We take immense pride in the agricultural industry and are always eager to get out there, meet local farmers, and make a difference.

We come from a variety of backgrounds; however, we all share a strong belief in the importance of supporting rural communities. So far this year, we have travelled to Banks Peninsula to help out the Little River Nursery. We made multiple trips to assist with cleaning up silt and repairing the nursery. We also completed two other trips to the Kaituna Valley, helping two sheep farms and one dairy farm that had been affected by heavy rain and needed assistance with repairing fences. It was a great way for the club to support local farms, learn new skills, experience different operations, and make a meaningful difference.

A huge thank you to everyone who has come along on these trips and lent a hand.

If you’re keen to join, scan the QR code and follow our social media pages to stay updated.

EASY & CHEAP EASY & CHEAP

FROM LUSA

SINCE 1990

WINTER WINTER

Cheap Eats BestFood

SAUSSAGE BAKE SAUSSAGE BAKE

INGREDIENTS

700g baby potatoes, halved

3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2″/5cm pieces

2 red onions, each cut into 8 wedges

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper

8 – 10 sausages (500-700)

Oil spray (optional)

G r a v y

2 t b s p m e l t e d b u t t e r , u n s a l t e d

2 1 / 2 t b s p f l o u r ( p l a i n )

2 c u p s b e e f b r o t h ( O X O C u b e s )

F r e s h t h

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 180C (fan-forced)

Place Vegetable ingredients in a large bowl

Toss well with oil and herbs to coat. Add sausages and toss briefly.

Transfer into roasting pan Pan should be of a size so the vegetables are stacked about 2 deep Rearrange sausages so they are on top.

G r a v y

In the same bowl used for the vegetables, add butter and flour Whisk

Add a bit of beef broth and whisk, then whisk in remaining broth. (Don’t worry if you end up with some floating butter bits)

Pour down the side of the pan (don’t pour over the sausages or veggies)

Optional: Spray sausages with oil – browns slightly better (especially lean sausages)

Bake 30 minutes Turn sausages Spray again with oil (optional), then bake for a further 30 minutes Keep doing this until sausages are browned and potatoes are soft

IN A RICE COOKER

1 cup rinsed long-grain white rice

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup diced tomatoes/salsa

1 tbsp oil/butter spices: cumin, garlic, chili powder

Combine all in the cooker. Use a 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio Cook and rest for 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

300g dried (spiral) pasta

50g butter

1 brown onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed

2 tbsp plain flour

4 fresh thyme leaves or 4 tsp dried thyme

300ml carton cooking cream or cream

1 cup milk

280g jar sun-dried tomato strips, drained

1 1/2 cupsshredded cooked chicken

120g packet baby spinach

1 1/2 cups pre-grated pizza cheese

TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA BAKE TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA BAKE

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced

Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following the packet directions or until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid Drain

Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened.

Add flour and thyme and stir until combined

Gradually add cream, milk, and reserved cooking liquid, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and combined.

Bring to the boil, then cook for 2 minutes or until thickened slightly

Add tomato, chicken, spinach, parmesan, and 1/2 cup pizza cheese Season Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until spinach wilts

Transfer to a 2 5L (10 cup) baking dish

Sprinkle with remaining pizza cheese.

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and heated through.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups pulled beef

6 large Agria potatoes

1 cup pre-grated cheese

2 tomatoes

1 red onion

2 tbsp butter

salt and pepper

1 Tbsp jalapeño

fresh coriander

olive oil

METHOD

Wash potatoes, rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper

Place in baking dish, cover with tin foil, bake for 2 hours at 160C fanforced, or until potatoes are cooked

When potatoes are cool, slice lid off potato and scoop out potato, place in bowl. Pop “jackets” skins back in oven for 10 min to dry out while you make filling.

Add butter, cheese, salt & pepper to potato filling. Mash together

Finely chop the tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, fold into filling

Stuff mashed filling back into jackets, top with pulled beef

Top with the lid, garnish with coriander

LU Table Tennis Club

By Hao Gao & Duke Hsiang

Table tennis is a game that combines physical movement, quick thinking, and strategy. Firstly, for physical movement, players need to wave their rackets and jump around on the field. Secondly, for quick thinking, the ball can land anywhere on the table at any time; a few milliseconds slower reaction, can lead to losing a point or getting stuck in a predicament. For strategy, players can twist the racket to increase spin on the ball to counteract the opponent’s speed and spin. Choosing spin or speed, different racket angles, different muscle movements, and different positions can lead to a totally different and surprising playing style.

This sport has a very low risk for injury. But has many benefits, including improving hand-eye coordination, flexibility, agility, reaction time, concentration, short-term memory, and decision-making ability. It can be enjoyed by players of all ages and at all fitness levels. It may take a lot of training to become a professional player, but new players and master players can enjoy their own games and play styles at the same time. Especially nowadays, as people tend to have short focus, unintentionally trained by social media! If we have a sport that can make people put down their phones and concentrate on their new friend’s performance, that will be priceless!

The first Lincoln University Table Tennis Club (LUTT) event ‘LU SMASH’ was held on the 13th of March in the Forbes Building, Ground Floor. Initially, we were worried about the space limitation, and how we could hold a tournament in a relatively crowded place with only one table - that’s why we limited the number of players to 16. But when the game began, we realised that the limited space and number of players were not a problem. Students from all different countries came to just enjoy the matches, food, and be around friends. Even though some didn’t fully understand the rules, just seeing who makes the ball fly away or down the net, brought the crowd together.

It was very heart-warming to see a primary school child, come and join the game, and then placed 2nd in the tournament! Big brother and sisters were there cheering him on!

This is the beauty of table tennis - where everyone can enjoy the game, no matter how good they are or what age they are!

The drawback of this tournament is that it’s held in one day which limits the number of players. Next tournament, we will have it over multiple days for with different levels of players: advanced and entry levels. We’d have the advanced players compete for the best LU TT player position, and let the entry level players also enjoy the game.

Feedback was that many wanted to join the game, but the fear of losing was holding them back , hence, we need to think of a smart way to make winning the game not the only outcome of this sport. Maybe let the audience vote for their favourite player for the entry level!

We applied for $250 from the LUSA Clubs Grant Fund for the event, but spent less than $200 in food, prizes and snacks for the audience and players. We used sponsor funds to purchase drinks. Thanks so much to all the LUSA staff for supporting the LUTT, without you guys, nothing could be done. Our club’s purpose is to bring joy to anyone who is willing to connect with table tennis, even if it’s just to come and meet new friends. Let’s make LU life more colourful together!

We have another LUTT SMASH game in the second half of semester one, and we hope to bring more joy to Lincoln University!

By Saskia Nuttall

LU Appreciation Wine Club: Term 1 ReCap

We have had an awesome start to the year at Wine Club. Here are a few of the wines we have loved.

Craggy Range Te Kahu 2023

An awesome red wine made up in Hawkes Bay, it’s a blend of cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, these are varieties typical of the Bordeaux region in France. With aromas of rich dark fruits, and chocolate you can bring this to any occasion and wow everyone.

Borgo alla Terra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG 2024

A beautiful crisp white wine from San Gimignano in Tuscany, Italy. Made entirely from the Vernaccia grape one of Italy’s oldest and most loved white varieties. This wine comes with notes of lime, peach, and apple. Very refreshing, perfect for a summer’s day.

De Bortoli Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2022

A gorgeous golden dessert wine from New South Wales, Australia. A special type of fungus known as noble rot concentrates the sugars in the grapes to create something truly special. Aromas of pineapple, orange rind, and honey on the finish.

Thank you to everyone who came along this term, and we hope to see more people next term!

By Harry Feng

The Lincoln University Chinese Students’ Association (LUCSA) recently participated in the International Student Support Evening organised by LUSA. The event brought together students from diverse backgrounds and provided a great opportunity for clubs to connect with the international student community. During the event, LUCSA welcomed all attendees to join the association for free. Students who signed up received a LUCSA membership card at no cost, along with a complimentary snack gift pack prepared by the association. This initiative aimed to create a warm and inclusive environment while helping new and returning students feel more connected to the campus community.

The LUCSA membership card is permanently free and available to all students. Cardholders can enjoy various exclusive discounts offered by LUCSA’s partner businesses. Detailed information about current promotions and partner merchants can be found on LUCSA’s official Instagram account.

LUCSA encourages all students to stay connected and take advantage of these benefits. Students are welcome to contact LUCSA at any time to receive their free membership card and learn more about upcoming events and opportunities.

By Anthony Barkert

On Friday, the 20th of March, the Lincoln Hunting Club finally headed out on its first trip, despite a late location change and delays due to the weather. Twenty four members made the journey to Macaulay Hut, where the group arrived at the base of the river mouth by 3pm (where the 4WD trip up the riverbed towards the hut began).

Three hunting parties left the main track and camped high in the mountain top, on Friday night, while the remaining members continued up to the Hut, ready for a big day of hunting on Saturday. After an early start on Saturday morning, members split into six different hunting parties across the surrounding valleys, all with hopes of finding a trophy bull Tahr. Every group encountered a large number of Tahr, where over 100 animals would have been spotted. Although, most were nannies, which meant only two were shot, and the rest were passed up.

Fortunately, one hunting party (led by the Club President), came across several large bull Tahr. After more than two hours of stalking these animals, two American exchange students were both able to shoot their first bull Tahr. Both animals measured over twelve inches, making them real trophy animals for the hunters!

After a long day in the hills, everyone returned to the Hut where a large BBQ dinner was cooked. The evening was filled with plenty of stories, games, and a few well-earned beverages around the table.

On Sunday, the group made their way back down the riverbed and headed home to Lincoln. A big thank you goes to all the club members who helped make the trip happen and made it such an enjoyable weekend. Finally, thanks to LUSA for their support towards the trip.

P O L I C I E S R E V I E W E D S O F A R I N 2 0 2 6 !

A p p o i n t m e n t s a n d

M a n a g e m e n t C o m m i t t e e

T O R

T h i s c o m m i t t e e h e l p s L U S A

a p p o i n t t h e G e n e r a l M a n a g e r a n d

A d v i s o r y P a n e l m e m b e r s T h e

T e r m s o f R e f e r e n c e f o r t h e

c o m m i t t e e o u t l i n e s t i m e l y

r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s o f t h e L U S A E x e c

a n d G M . I n o u r r e v i e w w e m a i n l y

i m p r o v e d t h e c l a r i t y o f

p r o c e d u r e s a n d r e a d a b i l i t y o f t h e

d o c u m e n t

C a s h R e s e r v e s P o l i c y

I n t h e e v e n t o f L U S A l o s i n g i t s c u r r e n t

f u n d i n g , w e h a v e c a s h r e s e r v e s t o

k e e p u s f u n c t i o n i n g f o r s t u d e n t s f o r a

d e c i d e d a m o u n t o f t i m e W e a r e

c u r r e n t l y w o r k i n g t o w a r d s a 1 2 - m o n t h

r e s e r v e a s o u t l i n e d b y t h i s p o l i c y ,

w h i c h d i c t a t e s t h e c o r r e c t u s e o f c a s h

r e s e r v e s T h e u s e a n d r e s p o n i s i b i l i t i e s

o f p l a n n i n g c a s h r e s e r v e s w a s m a d e

m o r e c l e a r b y o u r r e v i e w .

D e l e g a t e d A u t h o r i t y P o l i c y

T h i s p o l i c y r e l a t e s t o

C l a u s e 6 2 ( c ) o f t h e L U S A

C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h a t a l l o w s

L U S A ’ s p o w e r s t o b e

d e l e g a t e d t o a n y o n e b y

t h e E x e c u t i v e a n d

d e l e g a t e s t o f u r t h e r s u b -

d e l e g a t e p o w e r s .

T h e po l i cy o u t l i n e s t h e p r i n c i p l e s of

d e l e g at i n g powe r a n d t h e

re s po n i s b i l i t i e s of t hos e w i t h

d e l e g at e d powe r T h e po l i cy a l so

re l at e s t o a not h e r doc u m e n t , t h e

Fi na n c i a l D e l e g at i o n s P roc e d u re s ,

w h i c h was a l so c h e c k e d w h e n

rev i ew i n g t h i s po l i cy O u r rev i ew

ma i n l y e n s u re d t hat p ro p e r

co m m u n i c at i o n was a co n d i t i o n of

d e l e g at i n g a u t ho r i ty t o p e o p l e i n

re l eva n t pos i t i o n s , a n d i m p rove d re a da b i l i ty of t h e doc u m e n t .

P O L I C I E S S O O N T O B E R E V I E W E D

B o a r d M e e t i n g 3

E x e c u t i v e M e e t i n g M i n u t e s P o l i c y : T h i s p o l i c y i s t h e L U S A

S e c r e t a r y ’ s b i b l e w h e n t a k i n g m i n u t e s o f e x e c u t i v e m e e t i n g s I t

o u t l i n e w h a t i n f o r m a t i o n n e e d s t o b e m a d e a v a i l a b l e t o

s t u d e n t s , a n d w h a t s h o u l d b e r e a s o n a b l y o m i t t e d

E n v i r o n m e n t a l S u s t a i n a b i l i t y P o l i c y : T h i s p o l i c y o u t l i n e s L U S A ’ s

c o m m i t m e n t t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t , w i t h d i r e c t i o n s t o m a i n t a i n s u s t a i n a b l e e v e n t s a n d o p e r a t i o n s

B o a r d M e e t i n g 4

E x e c u t i v e C h a r t e r

E x e c u t i v e H a n d o v e r P r o c e d u r e

I f y o u ’ r e i n t e r e s t e d i n b e i n g p a r t o f t h e P o l i c y S u b c o m m i t t e e , o r h a v e

t h o u g h t s a b o u t s p e c i f i c L U S A

p o l i c i e s , e m a i l : V P @ l u s a . o r g . n z

WORD SEARCH

A word puzzle game where letters are arranged in a grid, containing hidden words listed either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

SUDOKU

A LOGIC NUMBERS GAME, MINUS THE MATH!

The Grid: A Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid divided into nine 3x3 blocks. Numbers: Each row, column, and 3x3 block must contain the numbers 1 through 9, without repetition. Start with Clues: Some cells will have numbers pre-filled, these are your starting clues. Use logic and deduction to solve the puzzle.

NASTYSCOPES

OFFENSIVE BUT FUNNY HOROSCOPES...HOPEFULLY!

Someone will suggest a “fun new restaurant”, and you will experience a physical glitch in your brain because it’s not the place you’ve gone to every Friday since 2012. You’ll spend the next three hours explaining why “change is a threat to your inner peace,” while everyone else just wants a taco. You have the momentum of a tectonic plate and the flexibility of a frozen crowbar.

Your appetite for adventure cannot be denied but jumping off the LU Gym roof will end in an open fracture. Channel this feisty energy into taking a well-calculated risk like a boat race at the Grouse, rather than leaping into the abyss without a net. Getting out and fighting some sort of “good fight” will satisfy your restless spirit.

Compromise won’t come easily to you this month in any of your relationships. You’re certainly not in the mood to back down, even if you’re aguing over who’s the biggest bitch on MAFS! Someone will definitely be asking for it , just don’t lower your standards and go and hug a tree instead. Your hypochondria will flare up. So, spend the day convinced you have a rare disease, but it’s just your stupid anxiety caused by your inability to chill motherfucker!

Expect to get angry over something trivial, make a bad financial decision, and then hold a grudge about it for the next five years. You will likely alienate everyone you love by trying to micromanage their breathing patterns. Your “mysterious aura” is actually just a shroud of secrecy that makes people think you’re hiding a body (which, let’s be honest, is 50/50).

You might start the morning as a “Zen Buddhist” and end it as a “High-Frequency Day Trader.” By noon, you’ll tell three different people three entirely different versions of what you did last weekend. You’ll convince them that all of them are true. Don’t send a “Miss you!” text to an ex and then block them immediately. You may not be “complex,” but perhaps a glitch in the simulation.

The only person willing to go on a date with you is your cousin (Just like the Ball). You try to maintain control, but this week, you’re feeling a strong impulse to dive into the Lincoln Wetlands head first. Whether you’re stalking someone hot as a passion project, don’t get in over your head and spiral into obsession. Rein it in, and put your blinkers on, so you don’t look desperate.

You’ll spend forty minutes in the toothpaste aisle, paralysed by the choice between “Extra Whitening” and “Tartar Control.” Eventually, you’ll just leave with nothing and let your teeth fall out to avoid the social pressure of the checkout line. Your “need for balance” will manifest as you standing perfectly still in the middle of a busy sidewalk until a cyclist hits you. You won’t even be mad.

You will tell a close friend that their new haircut makes them look like a traumatized Victorian orphan. When they start crying, you’ll tell them they’re “too sensitive” and “limiting your freedom of expression.” You’ll then wonder why you weren’t invited to dinner. Daily Mantra: “It’s not a lie if I’m currently convinced it’s true.

You’ll spend the morning “optimising” your breakfast, only to realise you’ve sucked all the flavour out of it in the name of efficiency. You will then judge a toddler for not having a five-year plan for their Lego set. Lucky Number: 0. Because that’s how much fun you’re allowed to have until you’ve cleared your inbox.

You’ll spend four hours today staring at a wall, convinced you’re having a “psychic breakthrough.” In reality, you just forgot to eat lunch and your blood sugar is bottoming out. You’ll interpret a spam email as a “sign from the universe” to quit your studies and move to a commune that doesn’t exist. You are currently operating on a frequency that is 10% oxygen and 90% “vibes” and glitter glue.

You’ll “ghost” a group chat for three days because you felt a “shift in the collective consciousness,” then return with a meme about space-time that nobody understands. You think it makes you mysterious; they think you’re just a flake. Your heart is a sophisticated piece of hardware that has unfortunately been disconnected for maintenance.

You’ll get cut off in traffic today and spend the next forty minutes chasing a minivan just to give the driver a “piece of your mind.”

You’ll end up at a suburban soccer practice three towns over, wondering why you’re there and why your blood pressure is high enough to power a small city. You have the patience of a microwave and the internal volume of a jet engine. Chill out motherfucker!

INTERNATIONAL MORNING TEA

国际生上午茶

Wednesday 13 May, 11am–12pm, Te Kete Ika, Conference Room A & B

时间：5月13日（星期三），上午11点至12点 地点：TE KETE IKA A、B会议室

An opportunity to mix with fellow international students and connect with your LUSA International Rep. 拓展与其他国际学生的交流， 与林肯学生会国际生代表互动。

Refreshments provided.

提供免费茶点 RSVP Here

RSVP by 8 May 9am

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