As the season changes and winter sets in, we can so often face a shift in our mental health. The combination of shorter days, colder temperatures, all whilst juggling study and work, can make the colder months long and challenging. Taking proactive steps to nurture your mental wellbeing can help you stay resilient and even enjoy this time.
Keep up with your healthy habits; hitting the gym, meal prepping whatever it is, just because it darker for longer, you still have the same amount of hours in the day as summer.
Stay in contact with others, whether it be a quick message to say “Hey!” or heading out for a curry and a cosy movie, spending time with others can lift your mood and you can complain together about the cold! Prioritizing your self-care with a massage, or a night of eating popcorn, watching your favourite smut on Netflix and popping on a face mask, is so worth while. Chuck your gumboots on and head out in the mud with your dog for a big walk in the fresh, crisp air.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and small steps toward caring for your mind and body can lead to lasting wellbeing. Take each day as it comes, and give yourself the grace to enjoy the season, even amidst its challenges.
BOILED OVER
by Patryk Szczerba, LU Sustainability Officer
THE END OF THE COAL-BURNING ERA
On Monday 16th of December, the Lincoln University boiler was switched off for the final time, ending the University’s use of coal and ushering in a new era of 100% electric-powered heating.
After a brief tour of the facility and explanation of the former fossil-fuelpowered campus heating system, distributed by a network of underground pipes, the group gathered in the control room, where Barry handed over to fellow boiler operator Dean Waller, to do the final honours.
Without further ado, Dean strode towards the boilerhouse computer and executed the mortal mouse click while an eerie silence descended on the facility. The group broke into spontaneous applause, Barry and Dean shook hands, and the boiler began its end-of-life cooling phase.
The plant continued to cool down over the next few days, and steam gradually dissipated. Once completely cool the boiler will be decommissioned and scrapped to prevent any further environmental pollution. Watch this space for further information on the future of the boilerhouse.
BOILERHOUSE OPERATIONS
Just shy of 29 years, Barry Fairbrass has been tending to the LU boilerhouse and its two boilers; the 5.3MW main boiler (which was powered down for the final time in November 2025) and the 2.7MW small ‘summer’ boiler.
He and colleagues Dean Waller and Rodney Fairbrass (Barry’s brother) initially manned the facility 24/7,
but have worked in day shifts since the system was computerised.
Their boiler-related duties typically consisted of maintenance and repair work and de-ashing the machines three times a day, seven days a week.
While somewhat sad to experience the end of the boilerhouse era, the team are happy to see the University move away from burning coal.
ELECTRIFICATION ERA
Delivering electricity-powered heating and hot water to all our campus facilities, rather than coal-powered, will enable the University to take a huge step towards achieving our carbon emission target of 2,500t CO2e by 2030.
From now on all our hot water and heating will come from electric boilers powered by either certified renewable electricity purchased from Meridian Energy or generated from solar photovoltaic arrays located on campus.
From mid-2025, once the Lincoln University Energy Farm is operational, we will be able to produce around 18% of our annual electricity demand.
NOT-SO-FUN FACTS
• While in operation, the University’s coal boilers burned 2,100 tonnes of coal per year.
• The boilerhouse emitted over 4,200 tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to over 550 economy return flights from Ōtautahi to London.
• The coal boiler has been LU’s biggest source of carbon emissions, accounting for over 50% of our total emissions per year.
Presented by
COAL BOILER FUN FACTS:
• On averages it burns 2,100 tonnes of coal per year.
• Emitting over 4,200 tonnes of CO2e per year - that is an equivalent to: Over 550 economy return flights form Christchurch to London.
• Coal boiler is the biggest carbon emission source for university responsible for over 50% of the total emissions each year.
• Removing coal boiler and electrifying our hot water and heating will be a huge step towards reaching our carbon emission target of 2,500t CO2e by 2030.
• From now on, all of our hot water and heating will come from electric boilers powered by either certified renewable electricity purchased form Meridian or generated form solar pv arrays located on campus.
• From mid next year once Energy Farm is operational, we will be able to produce around 18% of our annual electricity demand.
• Once the coal boiler is decommissioned, it will scrapped so it can no longer pollute the earth.
Sustainability Map
We are making a campus sustainability map! Ultimately, this will be an interactive, digitised map, but to start we will publish it in the RAM Sustainability Spread to raise awareness. Is there something the map should show? Foragable tree locations? E-Bike chargers? Bike racks? Revegetation planting locations? If you have ideas, email Sustainability.rep@lusa.org.nz
SAGE Tip of the Month: Preserving
In order to preserve food, you need to remove one or more of the factors that bacteria and fungi need to survive.
Bottling: Heat-sealed jars kill bacteria, perfect for fruits & veggies.
Drying: Removes water to stop microorganisms—works for pasta & mushrooms.
LESS is a society run by students, for students, focused on sustainability on campus, and the community, all within our lives as students. In 2025, our aim is to bring together students from across the university with a passion for the environment and sustainability. With LESS, you will have access to the most recent sustainability news and events, including planting days, free bike workshops, and eco-seminars! You will also have the opportunity to lend your student voice to committees such as SAGE, the Arboretum Association, and the Living Laboratory here on campus.
Freezing: Freezing pauses food and halts bacteria.
Salt/Sugar: Draws out water to preserve, like in jams.
Vinegar: Adjusts acidity, preventing bacteria— used in pickles & chutneys.
Anime Club lu
A Semester Full of Fun & Excitement!
Written by Zhexi Zhang (Chelcie)
The Anime Club has been having a wonderful semester, packed with exciting activities and upcoming events. One of the highlights is our fortnightly “Movie Night” held at Grounded. These nights offer a fantastic opportunity for club members to come together, watch anime films selected by popular vote, and discuss our favorite characters, plot twists, and visual effects. Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or just starting your journey, our movie nights are the perfect place to enjoy quality time with fellow enthusiasts.
This semester, we’re also thrilled to announce that we’ve applied to host the “Archery Experience Class.” This unique event will give us the chance to try our hand at archery. We’re excited to bring this experience to the club and offer our members a different and fun way to challenge themselves, learn a new skill, and bond with fellow members in a hands-on, interactive environment. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting opportunity!
Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to mark your calendars for all the fun ahead! Our first event of Term 2 will be on May 2nd, where we’ll begin watching Season 1 Part 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen. We’ll continue watching it on May 16th and May 30th, so you can enjoy the entire first part with us! Don’t miss out—join us! The Anime Club is where we connect over shared interests, explore new activities, and create lasting memories!
DRUG CHECKING: 101
So, what is Drug Checking?
Drug checking is a harm reduction approach where you can anonymously provide a tiny bit of whatever you’re thinking of taking– a pill, powder, whatever – and some sciencey people using fancy machines will be able to tell you if it actually is what you think it is, how strong it is, and if there’s any dodgy stuff mixed in. Basically, it’s a way to get the real facts about what you’re consuming (and that there are no hidden surprises!) without anyone knowing it was you.
Why does this service even exist?
Simple: street drugs are sketchy AF. You have no clue what’s actually in that pill or powder you’re buying and could be cut with anything; it could be way stronger or weaker than you think, or even be a totally different drug altogether. Unfortunately, these can lead to some serious side effects, including hospitalisation and even death. Drug checking is like getting a sneak peek behind the curtain so you actually know what you’re dealing with before you take it. It’s all about trying to be a bit smarter and safer when you’re facing that unknown.
But won't I get in trouble with the University and/or the Police?!
Drug checking services, including KnowYourStuffNZ are 100% anonymous and confidential and carried out by a third party completely independent to the University and Police – no personal details will be shared, so you don’t need to worry about getting in trouble! Your presence at a drug checking clinic is not grounds for Police to search you and the results of your test cannot be used as evidence in court. However, you aren’t protected while travelling to a drug checking clinic, so we recommend you only bring as much as is needed for the test.
the substances they intend to take by providing drug checking and drug related information at festivals, events, and city clinics. They are basically a bunch of legends who offer free, no-questionsasked, confidential drug checking and have been contracted by LUSA to provide regular on-campus drug checking clinics. They’re all about keeping people safe by giving you the real deal on what you’re taking, no judgment involved.
Do I get my drugs back after testing?
Absolutely! While the sample you present for testing will be destroyed (only a teeny amount is required – about a match-head worth), anything not used in testing will be returned to you.
Is it free?
We know that the cost of living is hitting students hard, so the good guys at LUSA are covering the cost for the on-campus drug checking clinics run by Know Your Stuff, which means it is 100% FREE to access!
So,
by providing this service, does this mean you condone drug use?
LU and LUSA do not condone the use of drugs, and all drug use has risks. However, we know that some students have already purchased drugs and plan to use them. Therefore, we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to get those drugs checked so they know what they are really taking in an effort to prevent potential harm.
Can't make the on-campus drug checking clinics?
Who are KnowYourStuffNZ?
KnowYourStuffNZ addresses the lack of factual, proven information available to drug users about
Check out The Level (insert QR Code) for alternative drug checking clinics and locations around Canterbury and NZ.
POV: You go get your drugs checked!
The end of semester was approaching, and me and my mates were amped about the end of year party we had planned at our flat. We’d sorted the drinks, music, games, some basic food and got the word out. A few days beforehand, one of our flatmates had got hold of some MDMA for us to take at the party. I was quite hesitant, as had had a really bad trip off (what I thought was) MDMA in my first year and ended up in hospital.
I knew that KnowYourStuffNZ were running regular drug checking clinics at UCSA through some mates at UC, and had heard about the benefits of getting the drugs checked, but was freaked my name would be passed on to the University and the police. I’d already been before the Proctor a couple of times and didn’t want to get in any more trouble. I looked into it further though and found that KnowYourStuffNZ’s services were 100% anonymous and confidential and that our personal details would not be shared with the University or police, so knew I’d be sweet.
I ended up talking one of our other flatmates into coming with me, and we scraped off a small section of the pill to take with us. We rocked into the drug checking location at UCSA and everything was super casual; there were no police waiting to arrest us or staff ready to drag us to the Proctor. Instead, there was a lady who looked a couple of years older than us who welcomed us in and asked if we were there for the drug checking service. Everything was super relaxed, and she explained that the process was all anonymous and confidential; no names, no judgment, just facts.
She passed us onto another young guy who took us into the checking area and we handed over
the sample, which he took to a table with some equipment – looked a bit like something from a science lab, but not intimidating. While he ran the test he chatted to us; just things like how our studying was going, how many exams we had, what our plans were to celebrate the end of semester ad what we thought the drug was. It was more like a casual conversation with a mate than an interrogation. A few minutes later the test was completed, and the guy told us that the sample tested positive for MDMA, however was a new, much stronger type which had recently hit the black market. He explained that there had been an increase of hospitalisations relating to the new type, especially amongst people who had also consumer energy drinks. He didn’t try to put us off taking it, but gave some practical advice, like starting with a small dose, staying hydrated, and not consuming energy drinks or other caffeinated beverages with it, and to look out for each other. He also talked to us about the potential risks and what to watch out for if we and/or our mates decided to take it.
The process was super quick and casual. I felt at ease the whole time and at no point felt judged or like I was doing anything wrong. Knowing what was in the drug, the possible side effects and what to watch out for, made me feel more informed and like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I’ve used the drug checking clinics a couple of times since and encourage everyone to get their shit checked. I never want to see any of my mates hospitalised like I was from taking something that wasn’t what they thought it was; especially as this is becoming more and more common.
FREE
& CONFIDENTIAL
ONSITE DRUG CHECKING CLINIC
Thinking of taking drugs before a festival or Ori event? Get it checked!
Know Your Stuff offers a free, legal, confidential, non-judgmental drug checking service which can check if your drugs are what you think they are and don’t contain any nasty surprises or ingredients which could cause harm.
Can’t make it to the onsite clinic?
DISC Trust (part of the NZ Needle Exchange Programme) operates a free drop-in drug checking service at the Rodger Wright Centre (10 Washington Way, Sydenham, Christchurch) every Tuesday – Saturday from 12 - 4pm & 4.30 – 7pm
LUSA Club House (just before Gate 2 off Ellesmere Junction Road)
Regular on Campus Drug Checking Clinics 2025:
Thurs 8 May: 12pm – 3pm
Thurs 5 June: 12pm – 3pm
Tuesday 15 July: 12pm – 4pm
Thurs 7 Aug: 12pm – 3pm
Thurs 11 Sept: 12pm – 3pm
Thursday 16 Oct: 12pm – 4pm
Check out The Level for alternative clinics
Find out more here!
Powering Our Future Kim Hill Hot Topic 2025
Written by Cécile Tait
On the 27th of March, I attended a thoughtprovoking “Hot Topic” discussion with Kim Hill and four panellists in the Stewart Building. This year’s topic was “Powering Our Future — Our Social and Environmental Responsibility.” The Mayor of Selwyn and the Vice-Chancellor also gave opening speeches.
Here are some of my highlights:
Last year was the warmest on record globally. We are 65% reliant on fossil fuels in NZ for our total energy requirements. Fossil fuels are embedded into every part of our society.
NZ has 183 landfill sites but only one biodigester site.
Lincoln University (LU) generates 18% of its total energy needs.
The LU Energy Farm has an electric tractor imported from the Netherlands (which is ground-breaking in more ways than one).
LU has a Sustainability Plan which aims for Carbon Neutrality in 2030, and Carbon Zero in 2050.
However, a non-LU prediction is that we will collectively require three times the amount of energy that we are currently using in 2050.
LU cut off its cold boiler for the last time, last December. I had to google this, to check that it wasn’t an oxymoron like “waterproof tea-bags”, but both the boiler and entire piping system are at ambient temperature rather than heated, I was informed.
One horrendous alternative power option was suggested, which was to ask Australia to build an extra nuclear power station with an extension cord to New Zealand!
There are a plethora of factors fuelling humans’ resistance to change. This is exemplified within large, global issues such as climate change, down to small changes in lifestyle (e.g. helping save the planet by eating less meat or by collecting rainwater).
“Degrowth” was a new word for me which is an academic and social movement. It is highly critical of capitalism. The person who expounded on this, suggested a possible future power option of community-generated energy, with the profits going back into the community whose members are shareholders. Kim Hill cleverly questioned this with “What idiot thought up the idea of shareholders? Oh sorry, that’s capitalism”.
Orion doesn’t generate power, nor does it buy or sell power. It distributes it.
It was actually a positive outcome that funding was delayed for the replacement of the Burns Building at LU after the earthquake, because a state-of-theart structure was created, embracing the latest in technology.
My favourite one-liners were:
“If we take things for granted, we don’t value them” - like flicking on a light switch
“Value the waste we create” - e.g. a Biogas facility near Rotorua can process 75 tonnes of organic waste annually from kerbside collections and businesses, to grow capsicums and tomatoes!
“We can’t outrun reserves depletion” (and this is inevitable)
“Social cohesion is necessary” (e.g. to create pressure on a government, for a change)
“We need to accept alternatives” (e.g. community-based power generation)
“We need to design for durability”
“We talk a lot about change, yet we don’t want to do it”. Sometimes a disaster needs to happen first
“You can’t steer a parked car” (i.e. we need to collectively shift the direction of energy supply e.g. away from the four big power companies in New Zealand)
“Can transition be a revolution within capitalism, or must it be a revolution against it?” from David Hall’s book ‘A Careful Revolution’
“Do I have a deal for you!”
(I am considering having my favourites printed on T-shirts)
One member of the panel is expecting a large relocation of people (choosing to live away from urban centres as industrial dysfunction grows). When Googling, I discovered that LU was the first NZ university to generate solar energy on a commercial scale.
The Deputy Mayor of Selwyn closed the discussion with a succinct summary after question time, and the words “…go well and think about your energy future”.
On leaving, I unexpectedly bumped into a man I knew from Christchurch. I proudly informed him that in Lincoln, we have a supermarket that is partially-powered by wind turbines in its car park.
As usual after the annual ‘Kim Hill Hot Topic’, I felt supported by being in a room full of like-minded people who give a rat’s arse about the state of the planet.
Kim Hill
PARTY SAFE!
From Ori and Re:Ori to Winterball, red cards, and Wednesday night flat parties, there’s almost always a reason to party. Parties are an integral part of student life, but partying responsibly isn’t hard and it’s important to understand the risks. Here’s some tips on how you can be responsible while having fun!
Host Responsibly
When you decide to throw a party, don’t make it public on social media. Make sure your whare is big enough for the people you invite and have a plan in place if 200 people randomly show up, because it’s a Saturday night and that just happens sometimes.
There are also some pre-emptive options if you are planning on having a big one:
• Register with GoodOne: These guys will help you out with almost anything you need. Definitely get in touch with them if you’re hosting something big. They provide a whole bunch of information about how to host well and put on the best event you can. They can even send out your local cops for a wellfare check up on the party while it’s happening! (great chance for a selfie), and if you think a party is getting out of hand, give them a call sooner rather than later as a heads up – or better yet, talk to them before the party even starts.
• Check with your Neighbours before you Host: Noise can be an issue once you start getting into the swing of things. This is usually the main reason your party will get shut down and your equipment confiscated. Let your neighbours know. They are much less likely to get angry at the noise if they know it’s coming.
• Tell People to Bring Cans: Smashed glass bottles suck for everyone and you’ll need to sweep up any glass broken out on the street and/or footpath.
• Have Food and Water Available: Standard
• Set an End Time: and try sticking to it.
• Check all flatmates are keen for hosting the party.
• Make sure all your valuables are locked away: Local thieves and burglars like to party too!
• Don’t Light a Fire: Don’t let anyone set/light any fires regardless of whether they are contained in a brazier, etc. It’s just not a good idea when partying.
• Keep Track of who is Attending the Party: Try and make sure you know who is attending your party. You are responsible for their behaviour at your place. You don’t want to end up at the Proctor’s Office on Monday if something goes hairy!
If a party looks like it’s getting out of hand, maybe it’s time to head home. Check yourself and your mates when you’re out and about. Sometimes a situation may look manageable, but be aware that it can change in a second, the aim should be to have fun with your mates!
remember to Register before 12pm on the thursday before the event
LU NERD ASSOCIATION
LUNA, or Lincoln University Nerd Association, is a club dedicated to bringing nerds together and providing a welcoming environment for everyone!
We welcome a broad range of nerdoms, from gamers of all kinds to movie buffs and even those who enjoy a quiet night filled with different artistic talents.
We got off to a roaring start for Term 1, with fortnightly board game nights, video game nights, and our all-famous paint ‘n’ sip and we finished off with a movie night to bring Term 1 to a relaxing close.
Thanks to LUSA we were even able to provide pizza and snacks as we made our way through Nimona and then Pitch Perfect!
Term 2 looks set to be just as packed, continuing our board game nights, Jackbox games, paint ‘n’ sip, and another movie night to bring the semester to a close. Come along and meet our wonderful exec and club members if this club sounds like a bit of you!!
PAINT ‘N’ SIP
BOARD GAME NIGHT
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
I’m going to do a range of surveys, which I will post on the RAM Instagram @ram_lusa, to be in the future RAM issues, so go give us a follow! Along with RAM, I am going to continue to connect with students about all things Uni-life, to help the have the best time here at Lincoln.
What are you Currently Studying?
I am currently in my second year of my B.AgSci degree.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
Everything about LUSA is done to benefit students. My role in particular is a little bit of everything. My day-to-day work is sending and responding to emails, organising a range of events such as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Talk with Craig Wiggins at the end of the semester, so look out for advertising for that in this issue! I am also constantly working towards getting more RAM content from you guys! I am having a few meetings this year so come along for free food and good chats. Or you can always email me with content ideas or message the Instagram account @ram_lusa
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026? My best advice is just go for it! If you have a passion that can fit into one of the LUSA Exec roles, then reach out to the current exec member in that role, and ask them any questions you have. All the exec emails are on the right side of the LUSA office door if you need to find them or at www.lusa.org.nz
This year again, I am on the Student Experience Board under my new role. I am also on the Student Experience Team which is where the first discussions that get taken to SEB are had. I am also a part of Campus Service Council and Tertiary Wellbeing Council. I also am on the Thursdays in Black (TiB) Exec.
When I started at Lincoln at the beginning of last year, I was only 17 years old, because of this the amazing Jayne Smith held a small meeting for the students who were under 18 at the time to just check in with us about how we are feeling about uni. She then recommended me to talk to Janelle Blythe who brought me along to Student Experience Board meetings where I became the first year, Day Student Rep. There I had a taste of how it felt to bring issues to the board that were then able to be fixed, as well as being able to see how many of last year’s LUSA Exec roles played into this. Here I met Demetrio, last year’s LUSA President, who introduced me to Olivia who was last year’s Engagement Rep, who gave me a rundown on what she does in her role. I found what she told me quite interesting, so I decided to run for the 2025 engagement rep and now here I am!
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
This year my focus is RAM Club, I hope you all have had a chance to check out the first 2 RAM issues, if not then be sure to check them out online at www.theram.org.nz I would love to find a range of students who have ideas of what they want to see in the RAM, so that I can help them write or find someone who can write about what they want to see.
YOUNG
The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health
Exercise is often an overlooked tool in promoting mental health. While physical activity has long been associated with improving physical health, it also has significant benefits for mental well-being.
There are six important positive effects that physical activity can have on mental health.
Alleviating Symptoms of Depression
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins—naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that act as the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators (commonly known as “feel-good” endorphins). Exercise also helps reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol. Both cardio and strength training can trigger the release of endorphins. You may have heard the term “runner’s high,” which refers to the euphoric sensation often experienced by long-distance runners. This occurs when running stimulates the production of endorphins, neurotransmitters that create that feel-good effect.
A Healthy Outlet for Emotions
At times, we may deal with overwhelming emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration. Exercise provides a productive and healthy outlet for releasing these emotions. It can also offer an opportunity to disconnect from the stressors in your life and focus on your well-being. Whether it’s a walk, a gym session, or a fitness class, this time can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health.
Regular exercise is known to alleviate symptoms of depression. During exercise, serotonin levels increase. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite, and it also helps boost other neurotransmitters like dopamine(which makes us feel good) and norepinephrine (which is involved in the fight-or-flight response). The combination of increased serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels can lead to various mental health benefits, such as improved mood, better sleep, increased energy levels, and enhanced cognitive function. Additionally, exercise can foster a sense of accomplishment. Setting and achieving fitness goals can lead to an increased sense of achievement and enhanced self-worth, which is especially important for those struggling with depression, where feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem are common.
Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection
The connection between the mind and body is deep, and physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to enhance this connection. In practices like Yoga and Pilates, you focus on breath, movement, and mindfulness. This helps create awareness of your breath and muscle movement, which in turn helps calm the mind, allowing for a deeper connection between the two. The body’s movement through these activities helps provide mental clarity, emotional balance, and relaxation.
Improved Sleep Quality
Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are often linked to poor sleep. Regular physical activity can improve sleep patterns by promoting more restful sleep. As exercise increases serotoninlevels, it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Exercise also resets your circadian rhythm (the pattern your body follows based on a 24-hour day). If you exercise outside in the morning, even better—this gives you the added benefit of exposure to sunlight, which further helps regulate your circadian rhythm.
Improving Social Connections
Exercising in a group environment can be more motivating than exercising on your own. Having an exercise partner or being part of a team can help keep you disciplined and accountable. Group exercise settings can also benefit your social well-being by increasing your sense of community and giving you the opportunity to make new friends. Humans are naturally social beings, and we rely on cooperation for survival.
The New Zealand Health Guidelines recommend that you aim for 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity physical activity over the course of a week. So, how can you get started with increasing your daily exercise?
• Going for a walk
• Going for a run
• Attending a gym class
• Swimming
• Going to the gym
• Dance/Zumba class
• Taking part in a sports team
Club Yarns
On the 14th of March, 36 keen Lincoln Young Farmers members made the trip out to the Banks Peninsula for our first-day trip.
After a good drive out to the edge of the peninsula, our first stop was Annabel and Hamish Craw’s property ‘Ridgecliffs’, in Little Akaloa. They discussed several topics including the difficulties and opportunities of farming on the peninsula, succession and their time at Lincoln University, and involvement in Young Farmers. Annabelle and Hamish were really interactive and proactive about their farming model, including hosting Beef + Lamb field days. We were fortunate to see their on-farm accommodation and wedding venue, in a pretty scenic location.
The next stop on the trip was Tom Powers sheep and beef farm ‘Kinloch’ in Little River. Tom explained to us some of the challenges he faces farming alongside Lake Forsyth. This included his unwanted “flock” of geese grazing the flats. Tom also explained about his Speckle Park Stud, Middle Creek Speckle Parks. We then drove up to the top of his block where we had an amazing view of Little River and Lake Forsyth. The trip ended with a quick stop at the Tai Tapu pub for a drink and a debrief.
A massive thank you to everyone who helped organise the trip and to the landowners who gave us their time and showed us around their properties.
The LPG’s (Lincoln Postgrad Club) recent event was a hit! Boardgames and kiwi inspired food - the vibe was all about good times and great company. It wasn’t just about the games, though—the fairy bread quickly became the true MVP of the night.
Sign up to LPG to hear about our upcoming events here.
Instagram: @lpg_lincolnpostgraduateclub
Glossary
ANZAC
The term ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps, a combined military formation made up of units from the Australian and New Zealand armies during the First World War of 1914 -1918. Over the years it has become loosely used for any combination of Australian and New Zealand military personnel serving together.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a peninsula in Turkey on one side of the seaway known as the Dardanelles, a narrow natural strait linking the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean. The strait is often referred to as the boundary between Europe and Asia.
First World War
The First World War was an international conflict fought largely in Europe between, on one side Britain, the British Empire, France, Belgium, Russia, Italy and the USA and on the other side Germany and the Austro-Hungarian, Bulgarian and Ottoman Empires, Turkey being part of the Ottoman Empire.
The Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli Campaign was a bold but overly optimistic British plan aimed at capturing the heavily fortified Gallipoli Peninsula, to allow British naval forces to sail unimpeded up the Dardanelles, attack Turkey from that direction, capture Istanbul, knock Turkey out of the war, and open up a supply route to Russia to support its ability to attack Germany from an eastern front.
In 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops, then training in Egypt in preparation for moving to France and the Western Front, were redirected and re-assigned the task of helping to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula.
They started making amphibious landings on 25 April, now marked as Anzac Day. Poor planning, muddled landing points and an under-estimation of Turkish resistance, contributed to the campaign getting off to a disastrous start, from which the Anzacs never fully recovered. Over the subsequent months of fighting the Anzacs showed immense bravery and resourcefulness, and many famous battles were fought, with huge casualties, but little headway was made.
The whole British effort faltered and the campaign ended for the Anzacs in December 1915 with withdrawal from the Peninsula.
The Poppy
The symbol of the Poppy and its symbolic use originates and relates to the Western Front of the First World War, which stretched across north west France and Belgium. In Spring, red poppies bloomed in the fields that became fighting zones. They became symbolically associated with the fighting and the bloodshed there. The famous line from the poem “In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row and row …” is a poignant reminder of the loss of life. Flanders is a region of Belgium and the fields there, where “poppies blow” were part of the Western Front where over the course of the war more than a million soldiers from 50 different countries (on both sides of the conflict) were wounded, went missing or killed.
Anzac Day Services in Lincoln
These originated at Lincoln College, on the campus, after the First World War, organised by its then old Students’ Association.
They were held for many years in Memorial Hall, but attendance numbers outgrew the size of this venue as more and more people from the local Lincoln township wished to attend.
In 2008, after negotiations between Lincoln University, Selwyn District Council and the Returned and Services Association (RSA), led largely by former Lincoln University staff member Vern Clark ONZM, himself an ex-serviceman, the Lincoln University service evolved officially into a full Lincoln Community Anzac Day Service. After the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, which seriously damaged Memorial Hall, the Lincoln Event Centre and adjacent district war memorial in Lincoln township, became the venue.
The centre can accommodate the up to 400 – 500 people who now attend these services, made up of Lincoln University students and staff and residents from Lincoln township and surrounding district. Lincoln University participates fully in these services and the Lincoln University Gallipoli Roll of Honour is read out annually on the day by the incumbent President of the Lincoln University Students’ Association. This year it was read by Zara Weissenstein.
Lincoln University Gallipoli Roll of Honour
Eight former students of Lincoln College (now Lincoln University) were killed at Gallipoli in 1915.
Corporal Leonard Grimwade
Killed in Action, 25 April 1915 during the Battle of the Landing. Aged 23. Student at Lincoln 1910. From Takapuna. Described in the university records as: “A very good student. Plenty of brains and he uses them. Should get on.”
Private Harold Harding
Killed in Action, 25 April 1915. Aged 20. Student at Lincoln 1912 - 1913. From Dargaville. Described in the university records as: “A strapping type of New Zealanders who would have developed into a first class farmer. Remembered for his pluck at football and for the loyalty and earnestness of his character.” Member of the 1st Rugby XV 1912-1913.
Corporal Donald Lane
Killed in Action, 25 April 1915 during the Battle of the Landing. Aged 23. Student at Lincoln 1912. From Auckland.
Major Selwyn Chambers
Killed in Action, Chunuk Bair area, 7 August 1915. Aged 28. Student at Lincoln 1904. From Havelock North. Killed during the New Zealand offensive on the steep hill position known as Table Top.
Sergeant Lance Haines
Killed in Action, on Chunuk Bair, 8 August 1915. Aged 23. Student at Lincoln 1909 - 1911. From St Albans, Christchurch. Member of the 1st Rugby XV 1910. Decsribed in the university records as: “An exceedingly good-natured boy”.
Sergeant Stanley Bowker
Killed in Action during the Chunuk Bair offensive, 8 August 1915. Aged 22. Student at Lincoln 1911-1913. From Timaru.
Trooper Francis Martin
Killed in Action, Hill 60, 27 August 1915. Aged 29. Student at Lincoln 1907 - 1909. From Christchurch.
Trooper Percy Tressider
Killed in Action during the assault on Hill 60, 27 August 1915. Aged 27. Student at Lincoln 1909. From Auckland.
Anzac Beach, Gallipoli, 1915
Hundreds of soldiers move among the dead and wounded on the beach at Anzac Cove on the day of the landing.
Volunteers of the Expeditionary Force
Pictured here are the first eight student volunteers from Lincoln University, then known as Canterbury Agricultural College, who left New Zealand for military service overseas soon after war was declared on 4 August 1914.
Seated from left: T. Edridge, A. Duncan, A. Stitt, L. Manning, G. Musgrave.
Standing from left: R. Kember, R .Barlow, G. Wilde.
Barlow, Edridge, Duncan, Kember, Musgrave and Stitt all served at Gallipoli. Edridge, Kember and Musgrave were wounded there but survived. Eight other former Lincoln students, were killed there.
More than 200 students and old students of Lincoln University, then known as Canterbury Agricultural College, served in the First World War and over 50 were killed. Memorial Hall on the campus, with its plaques recording names, is their official Lincoln University memorial.
Baking is part of mosts own lineages of remembrance. During World War II, the Lincoln College (now University) Matron, Evelyn Lilburne, who also supervised all the campus cooking and catering, baked more than 400 fruit cakes, which were packed and sent personally to old students of the college serving overseas in the armed forces. To give ANZAC Day (25th April) a specific Lincoln University touch, below is a recipe from Mrs O’s for Anzac Biscuits.
Mrs O’s ANZAC Biscuits
Ingredients: (Makes 16 biscuits)
• 1 cup wholegrain rolled oats
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 cup coconut threads
• 1 cup soft brown sugar
• ½ cup golden syrup
• 125g butter
• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
Method:
• Preheat oven to 160C fan bake.
• Combine rolled oats, flour, coconut and sugar in a large bowl.
• Heat together golden syrup, butter and boiling water until butter melts.
• Stir in baking soda, then mix in dry ingredients until well combined.
• Roll mixture into golfball-sized balls and place on trays. Allow room for the mixture to spread.
• Slightly flatten the dough with a fork and bake until lightly golden – around 20 minutes.
CRISIS RESPONSE: NORTH KAIKŌURA VINEYARD
On the 19th of March, Lincoln University’s Student Volunteer Army (SVA) was contacted about a crisis response opportunity following a heavy weather front that moved up the South Island. 48 hours later, five keen members of the club were on the road heading up to a 50-ha vineyard North of Kaikōura. Facing the risk of a significant financial loss, LU SVA was quick to lend a hand to this family-owned business for what was only their second-ever harvest.
Arriving late at night, the only signs of the vineyard were the headlights of the harvesters as they worked non-stop through the night. After a quick vehicle swap with the very trusting vineyard manager, a 10-minute drive up the valley along a dodgy cliff-side road, and an even dodgier river crossing, we finally reached our accommodation. Greeted by a couple living in the station’s homestead, we had the best venison stew and apple crumble we’ve ever had (the key being all homegrown and a generous amount of Rata honey in the crumble). It wasn’t long before we were tucked up in bed in the shearer’s quarters, dozing off to the sound of roaring stags surrounding the valley.
On the Saturday we woke up bright and early, keen to get into action. As the fog began to clear on the valley below, the damage to the vineyard was evident. Strong winds caused 40% of their annual crop to fall over, only two
days before they were scheduled to harvest. Some areas had rows 100m long, completely flattened. Racing against the clock with the harvesters close behind, we hurried to straighten the rows and save as much of the crop as we could. We pulled up rows of damaged vines by hand and with the help of a digger, temporarily securing the broken steel posts with waratahs and the greatest invention known to mankind, zip ties. After seven hours of work we managed to save a phenomenal 20 tonnes of grapes, only stopping when we ran out of posts.
This was an amazing opportunity to gain insight into this industry and explore this part of the country. Huge thank you to the owners for their incredible hospitality, providing food and accommodation. Also to the SVA Foundation for your continuous support and advice enabling our small but mighty group to help those in need. Being a part of the LU SVA club and volunteering at events is always a rewarding experience. When facing situations like this, it’s important to unite together and not underestimate your ability to lend a hand.
Message from the SVA Foundation:
“We are beyond proud of our SVA Clubs. Time and time again, they show up -willing, adaptable, and ready to support the communities around them. A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered! Your effort made a real difference.”
Club Yarns
RAM REVIEWS
Now more than ever people are making their health a priority, often travelling around the country to get the very best wellness experiences. Ōtautahi Christchurch is leading the way on this front and we know that in and amongst the comings and goings of our everyday lives, it’s important to take the time to rest and recover. For some this may look like active relaxation, getting out into nature and exercising, while for others a luxurious massage or enjoying nourishing food might be the key to easing the stress levels and unwinding.
Throughout the garden city and its surroundings, there are many options to take a ‘treat yourself’ moment and indulge a bit. Take a dose of wholesome cooking, a pinch of the great outdoors and green space and add in a whole lot of pampering and you’ve got yourself the key ingredients for enjoying a relaxing wellness weekend in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
MOVE THE BODY
Soul Studio, Hot Yoga in Christchurch, is a space to sweat, celebrate your mana, and connect to your body, mind and spirit. Their modern-day shala provides everything you need for your practice, including mats, bolsters, blocks, and straps. They are experienced instructors which are there to help you relax, focus, and connect. Their Whare is a dedicated space for health and wellness that accommodates our collaboratively designed yoga classes, health talks, workshops, events, and more.
EAT WELL
One of the best ways to nourish your mind and body is through food, and throughout Ōtautahi, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating well. Of course, there are always a few spots that are top of mind when it comes to marrying wellbeing and eating out.
Barefoot Eatery (in The Welder) heroes local produce, with a strong focus on fresh juices alongside a food menu featuring everything from acai bowls to waffles and burgers. In Sydenham, Grater Goods is a vegan deli, with the goal of introducing more people to sustainable eating. Heading to the other side of town, in St Albans, you’ll find The Origin, a calm but bustling cafe with a vegetarian menu that delivers flavour and may even turn some meat eaters!
PAMPER YOURSELF
Sometimes there’s no better way to unwind and relax than with a luxurious massage or facial. Luckily there’s no shortage of beauty salons and specialists in Ōtautahi. Whether you are after a hydrating or brightening facial, a deep tissue massage or a treatment tailored to your specific needs, there’s a spot in the city that can cater for you. Our top picks include; Nicola Quinn, Lovoir Day Spa, Dee Dee Massage (inside The Arts Centre) and Renaissance.
SOAK AWAY THE BLUES
Escape to the beachside saltwater hot pools at He Puna Taimoana in New Brighton, and reap the benefits a good soak can provide; calm the nervous system, minimize inflammation and boost circulation. Not only are there five hot pools (all of varying temperatures), but you can also experience the cold plunge pool, steam room and sauna, all providing their own health benefits. Then take a walk along the pier and take in the views along New Brighton beach looking towards the mountains.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE
No guide to a wellness weekend in Christchurch would be complete without a mention of the Botanic Gardens. Even during the winter months, they are one of the city’s treasured green spaces. It’s quite easy to spend a meditative few hours wandering the many pockets and getting lost in the beauty of nature. Make sure you walk past Ilex Café and enjoy a moment of mindfulness with a coffee or treat from their very tempting cabinet!
ENJOY THE VIEW
Get active by heading to the Port Hills, and enjoy spectacular views from the Crater Rim Walkway. This popular hike follows the arching rim of the extinct Lyttelton Volcano and provides scenic views of the city on one side and Banks Peninsula in the other! If you’re an avid tramper and have a whole day to spare, you can tackle the entire 20km walk (and that’s just one way!) or if you just want to get the blood pumping, spend an hour or two exploring, there are many different sections you can pick from.
Wellness Spots in Ōtautahi
SPACE’s P ride Fashion Lookbook
For Ōtautahi Pride in March, SPACE put on a live ‘Dress to Impress’ activity at the Riccarton Sunday Market! Here are some of our favourite looks from the day!!!
D is ney Charac ter
D is ney Charac ter Safari Chic
Our vision at the Christian fellowship (CF), is to glorify God through welcoming all to know and love Jesus. This has led us to do several events this term.
Every Monday night we have dinner and Bible study at the Well flat (1419 Springs Road) just across the road from uni.
This year we are looking at the gospel of John. John was one of Jesus’ closest friends while he was on earth and wrote his gospel to help people know and believe the truth of who Jesus is. Anyone is welcome to come even if you have never read the Bible before. Dinner is at 6pm followed by Bible study at 7pm.
Each Wednesday we also gather for a free lunch and spend time thinking and discussing something from the Bible. We are thankful for the LUSA grant which we have received to pay for the food for this event. This term after a good feed of chicken and buns we were discussing all things to do with Christian prayer. This was led by our TSCF staff and some of the Lincoln chaplains. We looked at the Bible to answer the questions ‘What is prayer? Why should we pray? and ‘How to pray?’
Next term we will be using these sessions to look at some big questions about life, Jesus, and Christianity and see what the Bible says about them. Again the TSCF staff and chaplains will be helping us think through this. These sessions are at 1pm in the Glassbox in Grounded and are a chance to eat lunch together and have some good discussion. All are welcome.
Throughout the year we have also been able to run events like BBQ sports and board games
nights along with three toasties nights. Our plan is to keep running events like this to help connect and care for folks on campus. If you’re in the halls keep and eye out, we plan to have 2 toasties nights per term all going well.
Coming up we have the CF camp which is being held on the 2nd to the 4th of May at Hibburt Park on the north side of Christchurch. This will run from Friday evening and returning on Sunday morning (Feel free to come to some of it if you cant make it to all). The topic of camp will be again thinking more about prayer. We will have a guest speaker for the weekend, Nick Duke who is a pastor at a local church in Christchurch.
We try to run a camp every year, they are always a fun weekend of worship, encouragement, and activities. Again we are thankful for a LUSA grant to help us pay for camp which enables the cost to be subsidized to $50 per person for the weekend which includes food and accommodation.
Sign-ups for camp are on Rubric, anyone is welcome to come.
If you want to learn more about the club and see updates please find our Facebook page (Lincoln uni Christian fellowship).
The best place for updates is our messenger chat, if you would like to be on the messenger chat you can email lincoln.christianfellowship@gmail.com or contact us via messenger. Our club execs for this year are Emily White, Emma Daly, and Eddie Millichamp.
Would you like to volunteer for LUSA?
Would you like the opportunity to work at our fantastic events?
We need your help to continue to put on LUSA events throughout the year including Toga Party, Grad Ball, Winterball and Garden Party and so we are taking expressions of interest to be a volunteer at our LUSA 2025 events.
This is a great chance to get some work experience and add something to your resume before getting out into the workforce after graduation.
If you’re interested in volunteering for LUSA please email us at events@lusa.org.nz for further details.
lusa.nz studentsatlincoln
Lincoln University Muslim Association
Strengthening Community through Faith and Unity
The Lincoln University Muslim Association (LUMA) is a club consisting of Muslim students and LU staff that aims to provide its members and their families a safe place to connect, pray, and perform religious activities and act as a channel to share thoughts and voices. While primarily a Muslim club, LUMA gives a chance to all LU students to connect with Muslims and have good relationships with the community.
Ramadan Diaries: Iftar
Gatherings
During the holy month of Ramadan, LUMA organized Iftar dinners every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at The Young Farmers Club with the support of the generous Muslim community. This provides the opportunity for students and the community to break their fasts together and share moments of spirituality and joy.
Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations:
Joy and Reflection
Eid, celebrated on the 1st of Shawwal (1st April), marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. LUMA hosted the Eid celebration at Forbes Grounded, with prayers offered at the gym’s basketball court. This Eid was also a period of introspection where we thanked Allah for endless blessings, and prayers were offered for the people of Palestine enduring an ongoing genocide in Gaza by Israel and are unable to celebrate Eid like us. The event was made even more special thanks to LUSA’s meticulous planning and support. LUSA’s sponsorship of the food and henna stall highlighted its continued commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity on campus. By supporting events that celebrate Muslim culture, LUSA helped create a more welcoming environment for all LUMA club members and their
families.
Growth and Engagement: A Thriving Community
The efforts of LUMA are not limited to the Ramadan and Eid events. The association is active in engaging students and the community throughout the year to promote inclusivity and cultural, religious, and spiritual understanding.
LUMA also participates in Clubs Market Day every year and welcomes new members, thus constantly expanding its diverse community from different and diverse backgrounds.
LUMA is surely looking forward to fostering a stronger Muslim community at Lincoln University and aims to organize more events to engage students from all backgrounds to create an inclusive space of faith, culture, and friendship.
SUMNER WEEKEND RUN
Written by Hannah White
On the 23rd of March, the LU Run Club went for a mission out to Sumner beach. We all met at the Scarborough Clock Tower, which allowed for stunning scenic views, as those ran/walked down the newly refurbished Sumner Esplanade.
The sun was shining and it was great to get outside and exercise with fellow club members in such an awesome location. We ran/walked for an hour, before meeting back at the Clock Tower. Some of us even went for a very refreshing swim in the sea to cool off!
To finish off a such a great day, we all got a well deserved ice cream or smoothie.
This was such a cool experience and as a club, we will be doing more of these sorts of events, so stay tuned.
More information about LU Run Club:
• We do weekly runs. meeting at the LU Gym on Mondays and Fridays.
• For all updates follow @LURunClub on Instagram and Facebook.
The Lincoln University Fishing and Diving Club is a brand-new addition to campus this year, and we’re excited to get as many people involved in fishing and diving as possible. Our club offers a diverse range of fishing experiences, from casting lines in high alpine lakes and exploring the canals to heading out for deep-sea fishing adventures.
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting one of our own club members, Jack Colley, who shared his extensive knowledge and experience in fly fishing. His presentation on February 31, 2025, was well received by club members, sparking enthusiasm and inspiring many to give fly fishing a try. It was fantastic to see so many people engaged, asking questions, and eager to learn more about the sport.
We were also fortunate to have Lyndon Sims, a Fisheries Officer, visit the club to speak about the important rules and regulations surrounding diving and sea fishing. His insights into legal catch limits, conservation efforts, and responsible fishing practices were incredibly valuable in ensuring that all our members are well-informed and fishing sustainably. It was a great opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of how to protect our marine environment while enjoying the sport.
Thanks to a generous $2,000 grant from the Sports and Living Fund, the club made the decision to invest in diving equipment. Recognizing the importance of quality gear, Krugar Griffith took the initiative to reach out to potential sponsors.
After some great discussions, Wettie, a well-known supplier of diving gear, quickly came on board, offering us special discounts on our purchases. After consulting with club members, we placed an order with Wettie, ensuring we got the best equipment to enhance our diving experiences.
With our new gear on the way, we’re all looking forward to an exciting year of underwater exploration!
Whether you’re a seasoned angler, an experienced diver, or a complete beginner, the Lincoln University Fishing and Diving Club is the perfect place to learn, connect, and embark on incredible outdoor adventures.
Stay tuned for upcoming trips, workshops, and more opportunities to get involved!
By Ben Allen
DUMPLING WRITING
LU Chinese Student Association
On April 1st, the Chinese Students Association at Lincoln University hosted a lively cultural event; Free Dumpling Tuesday, held in the Glass Meeting Room in Grounded. The event invited students from all backgrounds to enjoy delicious Chinese dumplings while learning how to write the Chinese character for dumpling!
To participate, students simply followed the Chinese Students Association’s social media account and received a blank card to handwrite the character “ 饺子 .” Based on the neatness and artistic style of the writing, participants earned up to three stamps. These stamps could then be exchanged for various prizes, including a limited-edition zodiac-themed thermal bottle valued at $25 for those who achieved the top rating.
The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd. More than 100 handwritten cards were collected, showcasing a creative variety of writing styles and interpretations of the Chinese characters. The activity offered a unique opportunity for international and local students to engage with the Chinese language and culture, in a fun and hands-on way.
Overall, the event successfully brought together food, language, and cultural connections. It not only allowed students to taste authentic Chinese dumplings but also sparked curiosity and appreciation for Chinese characters and traditions. The Chinese Students Association looks forward to organising more inclusive cultural events like this in the future.
All events hosted by LUCSA are completely free. The only thing we ask is that participants follow our Instagram account. Simply search for @LUCSA.NZ on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming events.
Children’s University Needs You!
Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi | Children’s University (TMMCU) supports and encourages tamariki aged 7 to 14 to participate in exciting, engaging learning experiences outside the classroom.
This programme aims to create a community of lifelong learners and help tamariki achieve their full potential.
This programme aims to support aspirations to higher and further education, create a community of lifelong learners and help tamariki to achieve their full potential.
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, University of Canterbury and Te Whare Wānaka O Aoraki Lincoln University are working in partnership to deliver the programme in the Waitaha, Canterbury region.
Campus Experience is an annual event run by Te Mātāpuna Mātātahi, Children’s University to introduce tamariki to tertiary education and campus life. This is part of instilling an appreciation of life-long learning and encouraging engagement in tertiary education. 250 students, age 7 - 14 years of age will visit Lincoln University and engage in learning activities delivered by LU academics.
To make this work we need LU students to guide the tamariki around our wonderful campus between learning activities. As you show your group around you can explain your course of study, why you chose it, what you hope to do at the end of it so that they have a fuller understanding of university life. No previous experience working with children is required as a schoolteacher will be present at all times.
If you can help us with Campus Experience on Monday 23rd June and/or Tuesday 24th June please get in touch:
Toby Johnson
Learning Coordinator| Kairuruku Ako toby.johnson@lincoln.ac.nz
You may have noticed that we’ve changed the way we do our giveaways — we’ve been asking to see your student ID...
This is because we had noticed that some students were taking more than their share (one per person!) which meant we didn’t have enough for everyone. We’re all about fairness here and making sure that you all get a chance to access the freebies.
So for now, make sure you’ve always got your student ID on you (we’ll even accept a photo of it on your phone). Good work if you’ve remembered the number off by heart, but that’s not going to help you here sorry!
Yes this is going to slow things down and it’s inconvenient for you (it’s also more work for us), but at least you’re still getting free stuff. #thankslusa
We welcome any feedback or suggestions.
*This includes free lunches, snack giveaways, our freebies stall at Clubs Market Day etc
International Student Support Evening RECAP!
On March 12 we hosted the International Support Evening! At this event 75 international students had the chance to hear from Lincoln University services and support including Student Experience, Student Buddies, Chaplains, Gym, Internation Advisors, Health & Wellbeing as well as from some LUSA clubs – LU Chinese Student Association, LU International Culture Society and LUCK Club (Korean Culture Club). Asian Family Services, an external service that provides free, professional, and confidential support to Asians living in New Zealand, also took part hosting a stall of their own for the evening. The evening was hosted by our International Support Representative, Caterina, alongside LUSA. We also put on a delicious free food buffet serving a range of Indian and Thai curries for students to enjoy.
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.
Thank you to everyone who came along and to the support services and LUSA clubs that took part.
If you wish to provide any feedback, please feel free to email international.rep@lusa.org.nz or events@lusa.org.nz
We can’t wait to hear your suggestions to make this event even better next time!
INTERNATIONAL MORNING TEA 国际生上午茶
Tuesday 14 May, 11am–12pm, Grounded, Forbes Building
时间：5月14日（星期三）， 上午11点至12点
地点：FORBES一楼大厅
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
PRE-ROAR BOMB UP: HOPE KIWI TRIP
Written by Sean Keating
On the morning of Friday the 13th of March, 36 enthusiastic members of the Lincoln University Hunting Club fired up their engines and headed for Hope Kiwi Lodge, Lake Sumner. With high hopes and steady sights, they aimed to harvest a deer or two in one of the South Island’s prized Recreational Hunting Areas (RHAs).
Nine capable, loaded-up utes headed North with a roar of diesel engines. In the spirit of safety and fair hunting, the club’s executive team divided up the hunting area into blocks for groups to claim, to ensure there was no danger of hunting in someone else’s area.
Lake Sumner is one of the few Recreational Hunting Areas (RHAs) in the South Island, a special area that hasn’t had government pest control operations happening inside. As a result, the deer population
is healthy and abundant, making it a prime location for people to shoot their first deer. In total, 16 deer were shot and recovered by club members, including a few tidy stags. Hunting took place across diverse terrain and at all hours. From high alpine tops to the river flats – all (legal) hours of the day. Some groups managed to get the job done early and relax – others were out from before sunrise until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. After two days of hard mahi, everyone returned safely. Firearms were secured, and we enjoyed a few well-deserved cold ones around the BBQ. This wasn’t just about hunting – it was about pest control, wild meat recovery, and promoting biodiversity. Responsible hunting plays a key role in maintaining balanced ecosystems, which the Lincoln University Hunting
Club is proud to contribute to.
For some, this was more than just a weekend adventure, it was a milestone. Several hunters harvested their first deer, guided by seasoned club members. The thrill of the chase, the patience of the wait, and the satisfaction of wild meat recovery created many lasting memories.
The Hope Kiwi trip is just one of many trips and events the Lincoln University Hunting Club holds throughout the year, which newcomers are welcome to attend and get stuck in. Keep an eye out for upcoming trips and events, such as the Duck Calling Competition, on the 1st of May at The Famous Grouse Hotel. If you’re interested in Hunting in NZ and the various benefits it brings, then come along to our meetings to find out more – All levels of experience are welcome!
WHY ARE WAIMARIE’S HAND DRIERS SO LOUD?!
Just how loud are they? Things that are as loud as the Waimarie hand dryer (100db) (Disclaimer: Decibels were measured from a phone)
• Lawnmower
• Motorbike
• A nightclub
Things that are louder than the Waimarie hand dryer:
• Bagpipes (110db)
• Jet engine taking off (140db)
• Fireworks (145db)
Things that are quieter than the Waimarie hand dryer:
• Blender (85db)
• Garbage disposal (85db)
• Hairdryer (90db)
ploded to life with the force of a thousand jet engines blasting the skin off my hands. I had come to uni to get a degree not a free skydiving simulation.
It was a brisk autumn day, I was on my way to a soils lab and decided to stop for a tinkle in the upstairs Waimarie bathroom. I went about my business and began washing my hands enjoying the sensation of foamy bubbles and warm water, life was good. I turned to the hand dryer expecting a gentle breeze. But what happened next was less about drying my hands and more about fighting for my life. The hand dryer ex -
But the real disaster? The water in the sink.
The unholy windstorm sent the remaining soap bubbles and water droplets into orbit. The mirror? Covered. The walls? Splattered. The floor? One bad step away from an ACC claim. My jersey? Would’ve been less soaked if I’d used it as a towel anyway.
When the thing finally shut off, I stood there stunned, damp, and pondering every life choice that had led me here. My ears were ringing, my hair looked like I’d been caught in a tornado and my jersey was speckled with soap studs.
I staggered towards the exit, ears ringing, debating if I should cut my losses and just go home. To whoever designed those bathrooms I have questions. Why so loud? Why put the hand dryer above the sink?
The Lincoln Ecological Society is a group of ecology enthusiasts passionate about exploring and understanding the world around us. We are a large club, with over 150 members, and are always interested in welcoming new members. Whether you are knowledgeable about ecology or just curious to learn about some of Aotearoa’s unique species, there is space for everyone and some of our more experienced members have a lot to teach.
Our first event of the year was a visit to Southshore Spit Reserve to attend Avon-Heathcoat Estuary Ihuati Trust’s annual farewell to the Godwits event; farewelling the Godwits on the start of their annual migration to Siberia. The event was a success with a huge turnout of both people and Godwits and we spent a lovely evening watching the birds through the array of binoculars and telescopes provided. We followed this event with a movie night where we watched 2 episodes of Endangered Species
Aotearoa (a NZ comedic documentary series) and The Hope – an autobiography by Jane Goodall.
More than 20 Students attended the evening despite the pouring rain, and everyone enjoyed the free pizza and fizzy drinks courtesy of LUSA.
PRESIDENTS:
Coral Peat & Ashley Welsh
SECRETARY: Friederike Espinoza
TREASURER: Samrddhi Rajnikant
GENERAL MEMBER: William Harland
Seeking, Growing, Invading by Nina
Marie Donhauser
The Gathering; an Abundance of Seals Stephanie Metzger
Over the month of March, we ran a photography competition in conjunction with LUICS celebrating Social and Ecological Diversity.
We had several stunning entries and our winning entries were; Seeking, Growing, Invading – by NinaMarie Donhauser, and The Gathering; an Abundance of Seals by Stephanie Metzger.
We would like to express special thanks to the SPACE exec for helping with Judging the competition. The winning entries have been printed on canvas and will be displayed on campus during term 2 before being gifted to the winners.
On 22 March, 9 students embarked on a field trip to Peel Forest to spend the day exploring the bush and taking photos of interesting species to upload to iNaturalist. We went for a walk to a lovely waterfall and had a picnic lunch surrounded by a mixture of old growth and regenerative forest. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing ripe Kahikatea and Totara arils littering the forest floor.
To sign up look for the Lincoln Ecological Society page in the LUSA Clubs Directory and fill out a membership application.
If you have a chance, check out our Instagram or Facebook pages for more information about some of our cool past events and for reminders about upcoming opportunities (links are available via our page in the Clubs Directory).
2025 is an exciting year for our club and we look forward to bringing students heaps more cool opportunities as the year progresses!
COMING UP IN TERM 2:
21 MAY
Wellbeing Walk and Bioblitz to celebrate Marama Hauora
23 MAY
On site foraging workshop and presentation from guest speaker Peter Langlands
01 JUNE
Day trip to Quail Island to help Quail Island Restoration Trust with important conservation work
Peel Forest Trip Photo Credits: William Harland & Coral Peat
Want to know more about Tenancy agreements?
Come to this session and learn what you need to know about tenancy agreements.
Venue Īnaka Waimarie
Wednesday 21st May, 1–2pm
A Mental Health and Wellbeing Talk with Craig Wiggins
Thursday 29 May, 5pm
Grounded, Forbes Building
Registration is Required! Scan Here
ZARA WEISSENSTEIN PRESIDENT
Welcome to term 2 everyone!
Whether you had a lovely long break or you spent the holiday 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 five weeks that will take us all the way to study break.
I took a week off over the holidays to recuperate for a bunch more fun and exciting events for the rest of semester one; however, right before the break, we finally got our LUSA constitution approved by the registrar and we are now officially reregistered under incorporated societies!
Do you know what this means? We can finally go ahead and hold our by-election to find our new (second) Postgraduate Rep!
This change has split the original postgrad rep role into two (so that Dipti and future PG reps aren’t too stressed anymore!). The new role is the Postgrad and Engagement Rep, and thus this individual will take up running the postgrad society and fostering a fantastic postgrad community spirit on campus (among some other things).
We have already set up the dates for this election which you can find on page 41 in this issue in your hands! So please, if you are interested in running for the role, pop into the LUSA office if you have any questions, or email me at president@lusa.org.nz
What else is coming up this term you ask? Quite a lot! Starting with 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 which I’m sure a lot of our newer postgrads will be headed to. This year we’ve had to move it to a larger venue as it always sells out! You’ll also see the likes of our International Morning Tea and Pink Shirt Day giveaway, as well as the pride walk on the 28th of May.
Finally, we’ll finish off the term at Study Week with a bunch of free food events to keep you all going through exam prep!
We will be starting to pester you all for feedback this term as well. LUSA’s strategic direction is up for review and that is based on what you as the students of LU want to see from us! So, we would love to get any feedback from you that we can! Keep an eye out for more information as we will be setting this up very soon! And of course as usual, if you have any questions, queries, or concerns, or just want to have a bit of a yap or rant, come on in to see me in the LUSA office. Really. I’m almost always here if I’m not in a meeting!
CAM HOLMES VICE-PRESIDENT
I hope the first part of Semester 1 went well, your assignments are being handed in, and you enjoyed a bit of a break away from the books during the mid-semester break!
The newly formed Club Grants Committee met during the break and results of those applications in Round 2 should have been sent out to Club Execs. The third round is due on the 2nd of July for events/expenses occurring before Semester 2 midterm break (12 July – 22 August). Make the most of these applications as there is a budget set out each year for club grants.
I have been working on the Bullying, Sexual Violence, and Harassment Policy, which is a hefty beast. Quite a large part of this is reading through LU’s policies on these topics and seeing the similarities and differences – to then inform what we change. LUSA is also updating our Strategic Direction this year. The Strategic Direction is a document that outlines LUSA’s values and has 6 Strategic Goals that the staff and executive work towards. During the monthly Board
Meetings, the executive also discusses these goals and what we are doing to meet them. We will be wanting student feedback on this as it influences our direction going forward for the next few years. Stay tuned for some comms about this.
I hope those who were on campus during the break enjoyed Postgrad Week, something that I was very happy to see was a writing retreat specifically for writing research proposals. Thanks to Catriona from LTL for putting that on, I am sure many people made use of it.
Congratulations to those graduating in a couple of weeks, you’ve worked hard and deserve to celebrate. I’m sure I’ll see many of you at Grad Ball. Best of luck for the next five weeks of classes and study hard to get those final assignments and exams completed.
TROY VOLMAN SECRETARY
Seven weeks down, five to go! I’m not sure about you, but the past three weeks away from lectures have been a blessing. The first half of this semester has been crazy, and I’m sure everyone has been needing some deserved time off.
I’m sure these next five weeks are going to be just as crazy, make sure you keep yourself well leading into exams/ final assessments. This time is going to go pretty fast, so my best advice is to keep on top of your work, don’t try do everything the night before the due date - it’s not fun.
Another great thing about being at Lincoln is the awesome network and connection of people in the industry. I have been getting involved in a few groups and communities in the Ag sector lately. With this, I have had the chance to meet heaps of great people who were once in our shoes and have some worthwhile advice for moving forward in uni and life.
Can’t find groups or people like this? Ask other lecturers or someone like myself who can help find some groups and become more involved in your industry!
As usual, always free for a catch-up, on how things are going or how we can help, just reach out or catch me walking around!
NATHAN CAMPBELL SUSTAINABILITY REP
Kia ora e hoa, ke te pēhea koe? Hullo friend, how are you?
Morning mist creeps across fields and a cool breeze lingers in the air. Autumn has fallen. The nights are earlier, and most importantly, the term is back. I hope are feeling recharge and reset, ready for the term ahead.
You will see me throughout the pages of this Health and Sustainability issue. It’s been busy! First and foremost is the reaffiliation of the Lincoln Environmental and Sustainability Society (LESS). The exec and I have worked hard to get this club back up and running, and it will become the center for student-led sustainability activities for the rest of the year. If you want to know about free bike services, sustainability seminars, or have your say in LU’s sustainability, LESS is who I will go to to help me make things happen. You can find LESS on the LUSA clubs page or contact me and I will sign you up! Believe it or not, there are *lots* of sustainability activities occurring on campus all the time.. but students don’t always see what’s happening. That’s why I am working on a campus sustainability map to be featured in the RAM and online, supplying a list of key sustainability sites across campus. If you have any ideas of what the map should show, then let me know!
Find something new in the undergrowth to make today a little special.
GEORGE GIBBS DISABILITY EDI REP
Kia ora everyone,
Last term was a great one and we have more planned for the rest of the semester.
Last term Iconic had its first event which had a good turnout which shared experiences, stories and pizza. It will be awesome to see you all at future events.
We also have another Iconic event at the start of this term that I would love to see students turn up to. I will also have another open meeting for students to come and catch up with me coming up. There will be posters with more details.
I would love to see some students swing by and let me know how things are going, anything that is going well or poorly. If you are unable to attend but have something you want me to know you can always reach out at my email; disability. rep@lusa.org.nz
DIPTI ADHIKARI POSTGRAD ACADEMIC REP
Hello fellow students, Welcome back after the term break. I hope you had lots of cuddles, warm drinks, or a holiday somewhere sunny (paid for by somebody else, of course). Technically, we postgrad students don’t really get breaks… wish we did. Ah, the good old days. Brings back memories of idle summers in the sweltering heat, surrounded by friends, cheap food, and even cheaper alcohol smuggled into dorm rooms. Late-night gossip
(especially the night before exams), four people crammed into one tiny room, trying to cram a semester’s worth of info into one long night sprint.
Exams are near, and I assume not very welcome. Take solace in the fact that we didn’t get a break either, and meetings with my supervisors remain the bane of my existence. This blurb is starting to sound too bleak now...
So, on a brighter note: how lovely are the changing leaves, the vibrant colours, the slow dark mornings? It’s giving serious Mr. Darcyclenching-his-fingers-on-themoor energy.
May this term be warm and cozy, filled with laughter, good food, and maybe some peace of mind. And hey, don’t forget, you can always reach out if you feel like ranting about anything and everything: pg.academic@lusa.org.nz
Talofa Lava everyone, I hope you all enjoyed your break. Volleyball Friday is back up and running again, every Friday from 3pm to 5pm at the LU Gym. I hope to see some new faces there, as it is growing more and more! We also have fortnightly pizza after volleyball, so come along and have some fun.
We have two Pacific language weeks coming up this second half of the semester. Rotuman Language Week on the 11th - 17th of May, and Samoan Language Week, on the 1st - 7th of June.
Look out for these events during the two weeks, as we will have prizes to give out during this time!
MONI AVIA PASIFIKA REP
CATERINA CAMPESE INTERNATIONAL REP
Hola amigos,
Here we go again with another edition of RAM! It’s been a lively few weeks on campus, and there have been a few updates worth sharing. First up, the Postgrad Club held their first event — and what a great start! It was heartwarming (and hilarious) to see PGs from all over the world coming together for a night of board games, fairy bread, and a round of Twister. The whole evening had such a groovy vibe. It reminded us just how important it is to have spaces where we can connect and relax away from study pressure.
You may have seen a few emails flying around about changes to access for AGLS pool vehicles. Initially, it looked like access would be restricted to international students and anyone under 25. As soon as this came to my attention, I raised the issue with the University.
I pointed out that, under New Zealand road law, most people can drive using their home Country’s license for up to 18 months after arriving in NZ. So, requiring a New Zealand license, and treating a valid international license as “non-valid”, doesn’t align with national regulations and isn’t fair.
This policy would also have created inequality among international students: some Countries have bilateral agreements with NZ, meaning their licenses can be converted immediately and for free or upon a small payment, others face higher costs, and some others have to re-sit driving exams. For this reason, holding a Kiwi license cannot be considered a guarantee of drivers’ skills. If anything, it only reflects bureaucracy. We also noted that many staff members are under 25, so an age restriction would unfairly limit access for them, too.
The good news? Thanks to combined efforts from our LUSA GM, the PG office (Fiona & Andrew), and the LU Student Experience team, the proposed changes have been withdrawn for now.
That said, the LU vehicle policy will
be reviewed later this year, and further changes could still be on the table. As students, we always want to prioritize our and our peers’ safety and we will welcome any change promoting road safety in a sensible way. However, we will make sure that student voices are included in the process, especially to protect access for those who need vehicles for fieldwork and sampling as part of their studies.
If you ever want to share thoughts, questions, or poetry, if you’re feeling poetic, feel free to drop me a line at: international.rep@lusa.org.nz
SAM DRYDEN RAINBOW EDI REP
Kia ora e hoa mā!
Welcome to Semester 1, Part 2!
I hope you all had a wonderful mid-semester break. I know I personally enjoyed taking the time to slow down and admire the changing colours of autumn.
Thank you so much to everyone who celebrated Ōtautahi Pride Month in March! The highlight was absolutely hearing all about what Pride means to our Lincoln community at LUSA’s Pride Wiki activation.
I also thoroughly enjoyed sharing hot drinks together at SPACE’s regular ‘Gays in the LUSA Clubhouse’ events as the weather grew colder outside.
Looking forward to May, I am especially excited about Marama Hauora Wellbeing Month! As we near the end of the semester, looking after ourselves and each other is so important.
There are many wonderful events planned this month to help with that, which you can find on posters around campus or on LU Student Health and Wellbeing’s Instagram (@lu_sh_w). There is also a lot to be said about building small breaks, walks, and coffee catch-ups with friends into your study schedule.
ALEESHA YOUNG ENGAGEMENT & WELLBEING REP
Kia Ora!
I hope everyone had a lovely rest over the term break and are pumped and ready to go for term 2!
It was great seeing many of you at the sausage sizzle for the RAM issue 2 release.
RAM Club is up and running!!! We had our first meeting on the 2nd of April, thank you to those who came along. We came up with lots of cool ideas to work on for future RAM issues. Our next meeting is the 7th of May at 2pm in the Games Room in Grounded so come along!
May is Mārama Hauora, mental health and wellbeing month, so make sure you check out the events going on for that!
I have been organising a few events including Craig Wiggins coming to talk about mental health and wellbeing as well as a ‘Just Dance’ session. Remember to take care of yourselves this month (and every month).
chance to thrive. Why did I run for exec? I want to help make those chances happen. As the saying goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they will never sit.”
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
coming back strong this year, working together with SAGE for sustainability seminars, workshops, and other activities. If you want to have a say in sustainability on campus, join LESS through the LUSA clubs portal!
What are you Currently Studying?
A Masters of Science, specifically Conservation and Ecology. I have my undergrad in Landscape Architecture and I will combine the two in my research this year! I have a deep interest in home ecology, and how our personal garden spaces can be more productive, healthy, and teeming with biodiversity.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
The job of each LUSA rep is to represent (naturally) students across different facets and aspects of LU life. Sustainability Rep may seem more cryptic than execs such as Postgrad or International Reps, and that is largely due to the sub-surface activity the position entails. Long story short? I bring a student voice to committees and action groups that would otherwise not receive representation. This is why it is so important to hear thoughts and feedback from other students on campus. In order to represent the opinions, values, and ideas of the LU students in these groups I need to know what they have to say.
• AGLS Teaching Committee. This role is assigned to a LUSA exec member from the AGLS faculty each year. The purpose is to provide a student voice in discussions about AGLS courses, labs, and more. Think of it like a direct extension of the LUSA course rep position. As part of this role I chair LUSA student rep meetings for the AGLS faculty.
• Lincoln Uni Living Laboratory trust. You may not know this, but any field trips and projects you do on campus grounds are part of what’s known as the Lincoln Uni Living Laboratory! There are sites for this on LTL and Lincoln website, but essentially it refers to a landscape used for study and furthering of knowledge.
It’s thanks to some prodding from friends and the realisation that much I cared about in coursework aligned with the duties of Sustainability Rep. Sustainability is a nebulous term; its meaning changes depending on who you ask. Already this year, students have described sustainability with refillable pen and trams, whilst others describe sustainability with hybrid cars, low waste and sensitive agriculture.
To me, sustainability is about the future. Your future, the future of those who live beyond you, and giving every single thing a
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
This’ll show you some parts of LU you may not know existed! I help with:
• Sustainability Action Group for the Environment (SAGE). A staff and student group on campus. You’ll know these guys from activities around campus such as bioblitzes, community planting, and SAGE bike services.
• Lincoln Environmental and Sustainability Society (LESS). This student club is
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
Sustainability is a behemoth of concept to champion. There are so many things to cover, but sadly I must pick a few!
1. Sustainability Map. This map will pull together visible sustainability actions on campus, like food foragables, bike chargers, stands, and revegetation projects. I would love to digitise an interactive map, but to start we will publish it in the RAM Sustainability Spread to raise
awareness. Is there something the map should show? I would love to hear from you!
2. Sustainability Week. Last year’s team held an amazing event, and I would love to replicate this feat. Free pancakes with bike services, bioblitzes, revege planting on Springs Roadthese events saw great turnout from students. Do we want more of the same, or is there something fresh and exciting we can try?
3. Campus Engagement. My ultimate goal is to enliven the campus landscape for students. We have beautiful grounds with untapped potential for student events and spaces. In my undergrad (between 2018-2021) Forbe’s Lawn
hosted a fruit and vege stand for students to buy from. Enlivening the campus could include small markets like that or better signage to destinations like the arboretum. These ideas are ambitious for one exec term, so it is essential that the changes I work on excite and inspire other students, so they may continue fanning the flames after I’ve left LU.
What
advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
Throughout my undergrad I watched the LUSA elections come by each year (marked by posters showing up on favourite throughfares) and my main thought was “I don’t know
enough people to be voted in to this role.” I sort of left it there. Even last year, during my taught postgrad, I didn’t really know much about what the exec did or if it was something I would do well.
My advice? Do the work. If you’re reading these exec spotlights to learn what we do, that’s an awesome start. Get involved with the clubs and groups associated with the role you are interested in. Talk to the current rep. All our emails are available on the LUSA glass door in Forbes. Most importantly, don’t stress about who you know. If you care about the role and advertise yourself well during the election period, then you have done all you can, and you should be proud. You’ve got this!
LU Racket Club Event
MINDFUL COLOURING
Colour Me In!
Grab some pens, pencils, crayons and felts to add colour to your scene and bring it to life!
A logic numbers game, minus the math!
To play Sudoku, fill a 9x9 grid with numbers 1-9, ensuring each number appears only once in every row, column, and 3x3 block, using logic and deduction to solve the puzzle.
RULES
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.
Mental Health & Wellness Edition
NATURE PLAY
Senses, often underused, such as sound, can heighten a sense of awareness and promote mindfulness. This can be especially true in an unfamiliar environment, including walking through nature with friends and family.
STEP SOUNDS
1. Pause and listen
2. What can you hear that is nearby? 3. What can you hear that is far away? 4. What is the loudest sound? 5. What is the quietest sound? 6. Can you walk without making a noise?
Find the Word in the Puzzle
Words can go in any direction. Words can share letters as they cross over each other.
MINDFULNESS
1. Step Out of Autopilot
In this moment, try to bring your awareness to what you are doing, thinking, and sensing. Attune yourself to who you are and your current state.
2. Become Aware of your Breath
Right now, your only goal is become aware of your breath. Find the pattern of your breath and anchor yourself to the present for six breaths or up to a minute.
3. Expand Your Awareness Outward
Let your awareness spread outward. First to your body, then to your surroundings. Bring your attention to what is in front of you. What colors, shapes, and textures can you notice?
HORRIBLESCOPES
Aries (April 19 - May 13)
You will find you can’t get enough work down. Your passions will tear you apart between your many commitments. Your tea collection will be overflowing but your mind will not be calm. A lucky animal for you this month will be a small green frog in a top hat.
Cancer (July 21 - Aug 10)
This month you might want to catch your tongue. It will hurt those close to you when you try to hang out with friends. This might lead to refreshed friendships and finding those who deserve your loyalty.
Taurus (April 19 - May 13)
You will link yourself to a leader who is able to get you motivated despite your stubborn laziness. This will get you to complete those projects you have been sitting on and you might find a new relationship from this.
Leo (Aug 11 - Sept 16)
This month you will find yourself tired seeking sunshine and attention. You will find yourself seeking others to lift your energy up. You will struggle to let others shine this month but if you rest and not try to overshine others you will find things will start to fall into place.
Scorpio (Nov 24 - 29)
This month will be an ominous season for you. The dark shadows will cover your desires as you hunt for fresh bagels. Make sure the cream cheese is in date and that your car rego is in date. Have you had your meds today?
Capricorn (Jan 21 - Feb 16)
You will be in a storm of energy this month. Your hard work will pay off after a handsome lover falls into your lap and breaks all your rules. Look both ways when crossing the road for teal busses will be rushing into your future.
Gemini (June 22 - July 20)
You will find this month you will get the grades you want. It will be your month, maybe even your year. Though, beware you might not be able to get past the surface level of your friends preventing you from finding the people you need when things crash hard later.
Virgo (Sept 17 - Oct 30)
This month you will be finding your space opening up to others and your demands will start to level out. Try to balance your work life and sing out to those around you to help you find your voice since money may have silenced your dreams.
Ophiuchus (Of-ee-You-Cus) (Nov 30 - Dec 17)
You may find yourself lost this month but if you reach out to your local LUSA reps you will find things will become clear. You should make sure to offer them a little gift in return and your luck will bloom. My magic eight ball says this is not corruption (This is ethics committee).
Aquarius
(Feb 17 - March 11)
This will be a quiet month where things will allow you to retreat into your chaos goblin cave. You will start a new hobby after rotting on your favourite app. This hobby will take over your life. A T-Rex will be an appreciated animal for you.
Libra (Oct 31 - Nov 23)
This month will be combative and bloody for you. Maybe brush up on gladiator. Your period will hit you like clockwork and your timetable will be easier to stick to. This month will be a good time for secret ritual, keep at watch for the harvest moon.
Sagittarius
(Dec 18 - Jan 20)
You will find yourself alone this month, maybe by design. A lucky red cow will signal a great change is coming. Make sure to embrace red and those around you. It could be good to help those you see fighting invisible battles.
Pisces (March 12 - April 18)
You will hit a crossroad this month. You will either find a new adventure that will lead you to green pastures or you will find a dead end that leaves you worried and alone. Take a chance on that interesting course.
Friday 16th May,
*For every pink shirt sold between Monday 12–Friday 16 May, LUSA will donate $10 to the Mental Health Foundation, the organisers of Pink Shirt Day. for students* wearing pink on Pink Shirt Day
Every pink shirt sold is a donation to Pink Shirt Day! $30 Applicable on both online and in person sales. For online buying visit lusa.org.nz
