As we head into June, there’s a lot to look forward to, and a few well-earned breaks just around the corner.
I hope you all celebrated King’s Birthday Weekend with a bit of extra breathing room to relax, recharge, or catch up on study. Whether you went home, hung out with mates, or just enjoyed a sleep-in, I’m sure you made the most of it.
Study Break is happening this week and while exams can be stressful, there’s no reason your stomach has to suffer! Throughout the week, we’ll be offering free yummy food every day to keep you fuelled and focused. Make sure to drop in to Grounded or Forbes Lawn (weather depending) and grab something (be sure to show your Student ID).
We’ll also be taking time to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki. A special moment in the Māori calendar that marks the Māori New Year. It’s a time of reflection, connection, and new beginnings. If you’re observing it through kai, kōrero, or quiet contemplation, I hope it brings you a sense of peace and renewal.
And just like that, the mid-year break is on the horizon. Whether you’re planning a proper winter getaway, catching up on Netflix, or diving under the covers with a good book, I wish you a warm and restful winter holiday. Keep looking after yourselves and one another, exams will be over before you know it, and the second half of the year holds plenty more adventures...including Garden Party!
P e t s o f
L U S A
Part .1
Studies show that pet ownership can lower blood pressure, increase physical activity, reduce stress and anxiety, and obviously provide companionship. This must be why the LUSA Team is always cool, calm, and collected! Check out some of their beloved pets.
What is your pet’s name?
Fat Cat (AKA Gnocchi)
How old are they?
Unsure, she was rescued, we’ve had her 8/9 years
What breed are they?
Manx - born with no tail
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Noisy
What’s your pet’s favourite food? Cheese, will literally come running at just the sound of the cheese packet opening
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Dreaming of cheese
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Eat cheese (and sit on your knee)
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Got herself tied up in a dressing gown and was totally stuck unseen in a messy teenagers bed – she was lucky we found her!
What is your pet’s name?
Beau
How old are they?
5
What breed are they?
Blue Point Tabby Ragdoll
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Gentle Giant
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Shredded chicken. Once he hears those forks start shredding, he is at our feet!
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Sleep, eat and if it’s windy, chirp at the leaves outside.
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Drink water straight from the hose or bathroom tap.
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Jump into a full bathtub to try and get to the running water from the tap.
What is your pet’s name?
Sylvie
How old are they?
She’s just turned one - basically a toddler with fur and a serious attitude.
What breed are they?
Calico
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Playful
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Chogurt (cat yogurt)
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
She loves to watch birds from the roof, make friends with the neighbours (to get as many pats as possible) and teasing her brother Bazil (a Jack Russel).
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
She loves chasing her toys (she does some great backflips!) and stretching out in front of the fire.
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing you’re pet’s done?
Sylvie has an obsession with eating plants (only non-toxic plants allowed in the house!), she’ll nibble on anything except the catnip plant which she hates.
What is your pet’s name?
Oscar
How old are they?
8 years old
What breed are they?
Border Terrier
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Mischief
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Lamb chop bones, salmon, ice cream
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Now days sleeping and gaurding the place. In his younger years, digging holes and cheiwng the sid eof the house.
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Swim
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Jumped off a cliff after a sheep. Got stranded on a rock in the Abel Tasman for the night.
Swam out to an island after a seal.
Swam out through a tunnel after a duck. All of these events he had to be rescued by foot, boat or kayak! Common theme here, I know.
What is your pet’s name?
Rupunzel Meowlizzo Sarabi Smith (Ru for short, named after RuPaul)
How old are they? 4 years old
What breed are they?
Tabby cat
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Small – she was the runt of the litter
What’s your pet’s favourite food? Oscars Sensations (the jelly ones)
What is your pet’s name?
Bear
How old are they?
10 years
What breed are they?
Cuddle Monster x Golden Retriever
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Stage 5 Clinger
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Other dogs’ sh*t (soft or hard, old or fresh; he’s not fussy)
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
I think she sleeps all day and scratches my couch when we’re not there to stop her
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do? Hide/play in her cat tunnel or eat
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
She once broke out of her cat carrier as I was taking it to the car, instead of taking her to the vet as planned I spent most of the day/evening trying to coax her back inside. It took opening all the doors and windows, leaving a trail of treats, and playing music for her to finally come home (she’s an indoor cat).
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Hurl abuse at the rat dogs on the other side of the fence, feast on cat poo, roll in dead things, harass the birds, find food to steal… and somehow still manage to be the cutest, sweetest, most lovable pup ever
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Rolling in the dirtiest, stickiest most rotten thing he can find
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing you’re pet’s done?
Got to hang back stage with The Killers band before one of their Christchurch concerts (a furry four legged animal was listed on their backstage rider!)
My mother bemoans the lack of botanical gardens in Lincoln and Selwyn. “Nowhere to take the grandchildren to play,” so she says. “Whatever do you mean?” I cry, arms proffered in protest. “Lincoln already has a most beautiful arboretum!”
She looks at me, and ponders in her puzzlement. I can scarcely blame her. I suspect there are many who live on campus who still don’t know about our arboretum.
Now, before you call me a greenthumbed nerd-a-lot, keep in mind you are reading the Sustainability Spread.
No signposts will lead you to our arboretum, but to the leafy stand at the end of Farm road, beyond the LU Gym, flats, nursery and cricket bats, a thicket of bush obscures your view.
Never mind the proud sign of no-entry, private place; it does not concern you!
A wee footbridge spans a water race and a white birch-bark beckons you closer around a small winding causeway. Then your view clears: a grassy plain beckons you forward, disappearing under yawning conifers, New Zealand beech, and wild hedgerows.
Our arboretum may not be of grand magnitude, like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or a native haven, like Hinewai reserve. but it is uniquely ours. Almost forty years old, which is more than double the age of some students at LU.
A Safe Arbor
by Nathan Campbell, LUSA Sustainability Rep.
• Did you know that the magnolia grove in the arboretum was once the biggest in the southern hemisphere?
• Did you know we have hazelnut and walnut orchards?
• Dive beneath the large beech before the central lawn and you will find evidence of rope swings and play: the university preschool brings kids by here once a month for play.
Who amongst us know of the ‘Living Laboratory’? Believe it or not, the arboretum is an active classroom! Hiding at fence edges and foliage thickets are a series of tracking and monitoring equipment used to teach students in ecology courses how to monitor wildlife; landscape architecture students are presented design challenges within it’s leafy walls. Once, an artist retreat; the floating sculpture between Stewart and Ivey West was designed by an artist who worked for a time from the arboretum!
But it’s not all roses (although there are some). The arboretum is undermanned and under-visited. The quality of the wayfinding does not help- unless you were walked there. I think we should employ a similar strategy to the kiwi enclosure at Orana Park: footsteps painted in the sidewalk that lead you from the library to the arboretum!
The Arboretum Guardians Group was established in recent years to take care of the Arboretum, but they cannot do so alone.
LESS is interested in working with the Arboretum Guardians and other student groups to plan working bees for this wonderful slice of Lincoln, so if you are interested, be sure to sign up using the QR code!
SAGE Tip of the Month: CYCLING
Benefits of riding your bike:
RIDING a bike is healthy, fun and a low-impact form of exercise for all ages.
CYCLING can help to protect you from serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.
BIKING is easy to fit into your daily routine by riding to the shops, park, school or work.
SAGE offers FREE regular bicycle maintenance sessions – advertised on the Hub & elsewhere.
BRIGESTONE LINCOLN: Gerald St is also supporting cycling by offering bicycle spares eg tyres, tubes, accessories.
We hope your studies are going well. I’m sure all your hard work from this semester is going to pay off. Final exams may look scary, especially if you have just started this year. But don’t worry. You will realize that what you have already completed in the semester is contributing to the final assessments and exams.
If you still feel overwhelmed, here are some tips to help you with your studies.
1. Complete tasks one at a time – If you have assignments due, focus on finishing, and submitting. Focus on what you need to do rather than worrying because your classmates seem to be ahead of you.
2. Balance your study – organise your time. Rachael in the Academic Success Team (found in the library) can help you to make a workable plan, this is so you can complete assessments on time, make sure you have time to exercise, hang out with friends and to make time to eat well. It’s the combination of all these that will set you up well for the work to come.
3. Enjoy before exams – If the studies are completed in week before exam week starts, all that’s left is revision before exams and practice numerical/codes. Once that’s done, help yourself relax a little. Meeting classmates and having a healthy discussion about exams and life, not just help with break from studies but also gets some important exam questions discussed that might have been missed during individual studies.
4. Sleep well – Getting to bed before midnight is crucial for a well-rested brain. Did you know that during your sleep what you have learnt is transferred from your short-term memory to your long-term memory. Do not cut your sleep short, especially as memory is the key to getting through exams and assessments.
Student Buddies!
There are support services available on campus to help you whenever you need them.
Kaiwhakarite Tauira | Student buddies can help guide you on which support service you may require. Feel free to reach us out via the QR code provided. We are also available on Tuesdays 12.30pm – 1.30pm, in Grounded, Forbes Building, where you can have your lunch with us, play games, and mingle with us and other students around.
On a night out, what is your bevvy of choice?
A. Whatever is cheapest at the piss shop
B. Goon
C. Bottle of Jim Beam
D. Box of DB’s
What is your dream car?
A. Toyota Hilux
B. Subaru Legacy
C. Ford Falcon
D. Holden Commodore
Which of the following is your next tattoo?
What Type of areBogan you?
What is your dream number plate?
A. 015LUT
B. BO1ZZZ
C. M4GG0T
D. Dunno. Whatever I decide to write on the piece of cardboard where the number plate should be on the day.
What hairstyle are you currently rocking?
What will be the names of your first three kids?
A. Brexleigh, Miraccle, Royal’Tee
B. Chardonnay, Pinot, Shiraz
C. Shazza, Dazza, Wazza
D. Hold-En, Skye-lyne, Fal-Cun
You’re getting married, what is your/your wife’s wedding dress?
D. Durrie dog hard 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
What are your thoughts on smoking?
A. Not my jam
B. Vaping is life
C. Can I bum a dart bro?
A.
B.
C.
D.
You’re heading down to the dairy to get some cigs. What footwear are you rocking?
Do you like the sound of high performance vehicles?
A. Nah bro
B. Call the po po
C. BRAAAAAAAAAAAAP
D. Excuse me while I change my undies..
What is the state of your yard at present?
You’re taking a hot Sheila on a date. What is your go to outfit?
D. Holey black singlet, stubbies and dirty bare feet topped off with a dart between your lips 9. 10. 11. 12.
Mostly A’s: The No-gan
You’re not bogan at all. Seriously, try harder mate.
Mostly B’s: The Try-Hard Bogan
You’re all enthusiasm but slightly off with the execution. You rock near-new Swanndri’s, drive a too-shiny old car, pretend to enjoy drinking DB and your yard is a little too tidy and driveway devoid of burnouts. A+ for effort, but D- for bogan-ism. Keep trying bro. You’ll get there.
Mostly C’s: Bogan
Your natural habitat is in the wops, your mating call is the roar of a modified V8, and your diet consists primarily of meat pies and energy drinks. You, my friend, are a glorious bogan: a proud, unpretentious beast whose fashion sense peaked in the 90s and whose loyalty to their mates is only rivaled by their love for a good burnout.
Mostly D’s: The Mullet Maestro
Your blood type is Jim Beam
A. Pair of jeans fresh off the line, tee shirt and sneakers
B. Canterbury rugby shorts, Swanndri and Red Bands
C. Dirty shorts, camo jacket, socks and jandals (complete with bread tags to hold the straps in place)
positive, your ringtone is the sound of a V8 doing a burnout, your wardrobe consists solely of holey black singlets and Swanndris and you rock a GF named Shazza. Hold that dirty mullet up with pride; you aren’t just living the bogan life; the bogan life is living in fear of disappointing you.
A. B. C. D.
A. B. C.
D.
Taking a shit at Uni has to be one of the most strategic and stressful events of tertiary education, at least for some of us.
So many things to ponder
“Am I near individual stalls?”
“What if it’s a stinker and everyone knows it’s me?”
“Oh god, what if there is no toilet paper?!” Honestly, if there was a course called SHIT302 (Scheduled Happenings in Toilets), I’d be on the Deans list.
Let me share with you my learnings of the best (and worst) places to be vulnerable on the porcelain throne at Lincoln University.
Waimarie
The newest toilets on campus, they sport luscious red tiling, squarish toilet seats. Not many people seem to hang around at Waimarie as there are much less studying areas compared to Forbes or the Library, therefore they tend to keep quite clean. It is a fun game trying to guess which of the many stalls gets used the least, and I usually fail, but I always trust a pleasant time is ahead as I plan for my ass to be bare and my soul to be cleansed.
8/10
Forbes
Oh Forbes, the horrors you have witnessed. The pawn in a game of chess. The trenches in bloody warfare. A turkey on Thanksgiving. You sacrifice yourself to hundreds of students, fed on 2-minute noodles and beer, and therefore experience some indescribable things. Every time I make my way into the lands of hell, I see remnants. Skid marks, toilet paper on the floor. I swear I can see claw marks on the walls. Now if you will excuse me, I will be off to the confession booth at church.
2/10
Ground Floor Library
This I can say is the middle of the pack toilet experience. The median (or is it the mean?). The experience isn’t anything that will make you believe in a god and shake his hand, but it also wont have demons grabbing at your ankles and dragging you under. And that is okay, sometimes I need that. I can rely on it. I trust it. I know it won’t surprise me in good or bad ways. However, pooping is a risk as they are open top stalls. One big splash and anyone would know. Though I believe in you. Be sneaky, cropdust everyone.
6/10 (Yes it isn’t 5/10 Fuck off, this is my marking!)
SHIT302: Where shall I poop at Lincoln University?
By Georgia Fitzpatrick
Lvl 3 Library
Now THIS. This spot is a sacred space to me, and honestly, I didn’t include it in fear of it’s destruction. They’re large, they’re secluded. This is a temple, and I am its ruler. My bum has never felt safer. The toilet paper has always been stocked, the paper towels always ready. It would be mirroring the experience to my own home if not for the lock sometimes sticking and me freaking out that I am trapped and no one will find me and I will die of hunger and my ghost will haunt the university forever and OHMYGOD WHAT IF MY PARENTS PACK UP MY ROOM AND FIND…No wait. nevermind, we are good I just needed to jiggle it a bit.
9/10
NRE Building
I didn’t know about this one until third year due to never having a class there. It’s a bit out of the way, and its open topped stalls don’t leave much to desire. Though there is a lovely dispersed natural light coming from the windows in there, and it makes me feel like I’m in a dream that I will forget in the morning, yet will fill me with a mellow sense of peace throughout the day.
7/10
SOLA Building
If you poop here, I am threatened by you. It’s so intimate. Two open stalls, a basin, a mirror. That’s it. Its as if you’re asking the person in the stall next to you to wipe your ass for you. The stall itself is fine, but to poop? Heathenistic.
4/10
Dining Hall
The final one graded. She’s the quiet one in the class. Never puts her hand up to answer questions, sits in the back row at the end. Yet when you see her name in your group project, you feel ease. Trust. You’ll talk, get a glimpse into her life and that she has a cat called Muki. And then the assignment gets handed in and you never talk again. She once again becomes a stranger. Dining Hall bathrooms, I miss you. Text me, lets catch up.
8/10
Thank you for listening. I wish you well in your poop endeavours. God speed my friends and wash your hands always.
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS PARKING: WHAT YOU NE ED TO KNOW
GET YOUR PERMIT
FREE parking permits available at the Student and Visitor Centre in the Forbes Building. Display your permit to park on campus.
PARK IN DESIGNATED AREAS
Use the campus map to find available parking zones, including 220 spaces at Springs Road. Do not park in staff carparks - they’re reserved for University & LUSA staff!
PARK CORRECTLY
Park straight and within the painted lines. Don’t take up more than one space. Don’t block access for other vehicles or pedestrians.
NO-PARKING ZONES
New no-parking signs are up across campus. Vehicles in restricted areas may be towed at the owner’s cost.
PARKING MONITORED BY SECURITY
Two warnings for parking violations. Fines will be issued for continued breaches. Payable at Student Finance.
EV CHARGING STATIONS
14 EV charging stations with a 3-hour time limit. Move your car once charged so others can use the station.
PARK MORE SUSTAINABLY
Consider carpooling, public transport, cycling, or walking.
FOLLOW THE RULES – PARK FAIRLY FOR EVERYONE NOT LIKE THE BELOW!
What is
MATARIKI
Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades) signals the Māori New Year. The appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate.
In the 2000s, it became more common for both Māori and Pākehā to celebrate Matariki. A public holiday to mark Matariki, held in either June or July, was implemented in 2022’ According to Māori tradition, the god of the wind, Tāwhirimātea, was so angry when his siblings separated their parents, Ranginui the sky father and Papatūānuku the earth mother, that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times. Traditionally, Matariki was a time to acknowledge the dead and to release their spirits to become stars. It was also a time to reflect, to be thankful to the gods for the harvest, to feast and to share the bounty of the harvest with family and friends. Now, thousands of people take part in events across Aotearoa, to honour the beginning of the Māori New Year, and in whānau celebrations to remember those who have died and to plan for the year ahead.
MEET SHEREE... Building a Whare,
Weaving a Whānau
By Zara Weissenstein
“Ka mate kāinga tahi, ka ora kāinga rua” - When one house falls, another house rises.
For many ākonga at Lincoln University, that new house is the Lincoln University Whare Whakakotahi - a true home away from home. And the person who helped to create that home? Sheree.
For over 20 years, she was the voice that so many people would listen to in the mornings, having their breakfast or driving to work. Broadcasting through TahuFM under Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. She would brighten everyone’s mornings.
From radio and television to theatre and music, her world revolved around storytelling and connection.
“Any chance I got on that microphone to make someone’s day better, I did.” Sheree said.
But after decades on air and a global pandemic that reshaped the way we live and work, the call to do something new and the opportunity for a challenge came knocking… Quite literally.
“I actually said no a few times,” she laughs, recalling the offer to visit Lincoln and see what it was all about.
“If you’re already in a thriving community, you don’t know what’s out there.”
But one coffee with the DVC Māori at the time, was all it took to shift her perspective. “I said, ‘well this is quite a nice place!” And just like that, it was the start of a brand new journey. She started at Lincoln University as a Liaison Officer, travelling to various kura to speak about the university and opportunities that were available, though she quickly realised she couldn’t truly speak about the place without fully knowing it. So she immersed herself in the campus. She met people, joined huis, and discovered the creative whānau thriving among the many academics. “There’s more than just academics here, it’s like a family.”
From Liaison to Team Manager, and eventually to Director of the office of Māori and Pasifika Development, her pathway to leadership was guided by deep values, broadcasting skills, connection and a passion for weaving people together.
“I love to embody the value of Rakatirataka. Raka is to weave, and tira is a group. I love to weave people together and get us all singing in tune.”
No two days are the same in the job of Director. One moment she’s in the māra harvesting potatoes, the next she’s working through strategic plans or having an aunty conversation with a student who just needs a listening ear.
“I try not to plan my day because I like it to be open. If someone needs help, I’ll stop what I’m doing and help them before I move forward. That’s a value I hold dearly, and it surrounds you with like-minded people and good vibes.”
That values-led leadership is what makes the Whare such a unique space on campus - safe, welcoming, and genuinely warm at heart.
“I treat the Whare like my own home,” she shares, reflecting on her upbringing in a big, collective whānau. “It’s very communal, and that’s what Whare Whakakotahi means - unit to unite - to unite, to be as one.”
“If you build it, they will come” is a quote that she likes from the movie ‘Field of Dreams’. “If you create that atmosphere, then they will come, and it’s those vibes that make the Whare such a safe space.”
One of her most beloved contributions to Lincoln is Waiata Wednesdays; a weekly kapa haka session that began with just a handful of students and has grown into a full whare. “When I came to Lincoln, I could see there was a need to bring our Māori and Pasifika students together. I’ve got a Bachelor in Māori Performing Arts and grew up in kapa haka, which is how I learnt the language.” For her, kapa haka isn’t just performance; it’s a way to heal, connect, and uplift, while also learning the language and culture. It is her belief that there are stories and narratives in Māori songs and haka that everyone needs to know and hear. “There’s also another saying - “Mā te whakaharatau e tika ai” which means practice makes perfect. In my eyes practice in haka does make the perfect situation for a person to flourish.”
“It’s like prayer - a vibration. You leave feeling grounded. I wish kapa haka was every day.”
Waiata Wednesdays aren’t exclusive, they’re open to all students and staff, no matter their background.
“Try it. Your worries could disappear in just a moment if you just walk into the Whare.” Whether you know the language or not, it’s about intention. “Kapa haka allows us to cry, to laugh, to purge and reset.”
Looking ahead, she’s deeply committed to the continued goal of incorporating the Māori and Pasifika students further into the heart of campus. With various projects coming up, and with the help of Te Awhioraki, this goal is being turned into a reality.
Her hope for students is simple but powerful: “I want them to walk away with culture and confidence in who they are and what they know. They should know they’re welcome to come back, to give and receive. I want them to be rakatira, manaaki, and kaitiaki.”
And her advice for those still figuring things out?
“Seek out your support team. You don’t have to be too proud to ask for help. If you’re too shy, come to me. I’ll have a cup of tea with you any day.”
As she puts it best, Lincoln University isn’t just an academic institution – it’s a collective, a movement, a whare for all who walk through its doors.
“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. I love it here. I wish I’d known about Lincoln earlier.”
When asked to describe the Lincoln student community in three words, Sheree laughed and responded, “Super energetic humans”, remarking on the energy at Lincoln.
Her favourite memory from Lincoln University? The food. “The food. Being able to grow your food. Being able to go and understand where the kai is coming from.”
A Final Message to the Students.
“Don’t be scared. Give it a go. Cause shit I was scared, but I gave it a go.”
WHICH BUBBLE TEA ARE YOU?
FIRSTLY, CHOOSE ANOTHER DRINK!
WHICH POPSTAR DO YOU LIKE BEST?
BILLIE EILISH TEDDY SWIMS TAYLOR SWIFT
No More Sips and Noms in the Stewart Theatres
Most students will now be familiar with the Stewart Building Theatres 1 & 2; the places where you try (and sometimes fail) to absorb wisdom (and maybe catch some sneaky shut eye following a Wednesday night drinking session). Well, along with the uncomfy chairs and that one flickering light, they have now got a total food and drink ban (cue the hangry lectures).
Why the sudden ban? Apparently, a few of us have been treating these lecture halls like our personal refuse depots. Think abandoned chip packets doing their best tumbleweed impression, the ghosts of Red Bull’s past haunting the desks, and enough empty coffee cups to build a small, caffeine-fuelled fort. Doesn’t make for a great learning environment huh? (unless you’re a mouse or rat of course!)
For a good sixteen years, things were relatively clean; we could usually sneak in a quiet snack or a much-needed
caffeine hit without turning the place into a tip. But lately, it seems like some students feel the need to turn the lecture theatres into replicas of their flats.
The Uni’s basically said, “enough is enough.” The cleaning crew are tired of starring in a never-ending episode of Trash Wars and the lecturers and students are sick of competing for table space with discarded takeaway boxes and mouldy coffee cups.
So, the new rule is simple: no more sips and noms in Stewart 1 & 2. It’s a bit of a downer, especially when that midday lecture slump hits you like a rogue rugby ball and no more surreptitious snacking to stay awake. Tough times. This means we are going to have to get strategic with our pre- and post-lecture fuel stops. Think mainlining coffee before you go in, and making a beeline for Mrs O’s the second it’s over.
We understand it’s a bit inconvenient, but at the end of the day, these are shared spaces and let’s be real, nobody wants to sit in a lecture theatre that replicates a dump or try and figure out where that horrid smell is coming from. Hopefully, this ban will do the trick and we can all get back to (mostly) clean learning environments.
Club Yarns
Join the LU Water Polo Club, a fun sport for all skill levels, from never-played-before to experienced!
We have training nights but are planning on having some game nights for the second half of the second term. Grab your friends and come give it a go!
Follow the Instagram @LU_waterpolo to be in the loop for upcoming game/training nights or any questions!
The Lincoln University Music Club is Back –and Louder Than Ever!
After some time off the radar, the Lincoln University Music Club is officially back on track, and we’re on the lookout for new members to help bring the beat back to campus!
What’s the Music Club All About?
We’re building a space where music lovers of all levels and backgrounds can come together, to jam, collaborate, learn from each other, or just hang out and talk music. No pressure, no auditions, just a shared love for sound. Whether you’re a guitarist, a pianist, a singer, a producer, or someone who just enjoys good music and good company, the Music Club is the place to connect, create, and have fun.
New Semester, New Vibes
We’ve got some exciting things lined up for next semester, including:
• Karaoke Night – grab the mic and sing your heart out
• Jam Sessions – chill, informal meetups to play music together
• Music Quiz Nights – test your music knowledge and win some prizes
• Maybe… even a Campus Concert? – we’re dreaming big and want you to be part of it! Plus more creative, social, and performance opportunities to come!
Everyone’s Welcome
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never performed before or if you’ve been playing for years. If music makes you feel something, you belong here.
Wanna Join?
Come find us at Clubs Market Day next semester, or you can check out our Rubric page for updates, upcoming events, and how to get involved by scanning the QR code.
Come jam with us!
Golden Z is an active club in Lincoln University’s community.
You might recognize us from Women’s Week, Women’s Hour at the LU gym, or even just floating around with small events like Knifty Knitting or Coffee and Harakeke in grounded.
This previous semester had been big for us. We put more passion into our events and had officially done and conquered our first Women’s Week. Women’s week had been in the making for a very long time; we wanted to make it special and distinctive. It consisted of multiple events spread across different days encouraging community interaction and charity. These were some highlights from the week:
Monday - we had an amazing workshop from Lincoln Universities very own, Nazmun Ratna! She highlighted the importance of empowerment, on finding ways express that.
Tuesday - we held a new event for Golden Z, collaborating with LUNA for Candle painting!
At this event where all the profit went towards a charity that was going to be chosen by the community later in the week, giving the community an opportunity to have a voice in the matter.
Wednesday - a classic event that Golden Z is very proud of, Breast cushion stuffing- where we have the lovely Zonta Ladies come through.
Thursday - we collaborated with TIB on their stall outside LUSA. This is where we gave away a burger kit spot prize, along with the community choosing a charity to support. All our profit will be going to
Christchurch Women’s Refuge. We also wanted to ask a very important question to our cohort, ‘Name A Women Who Inspires You.’
This was to challenge people in our community, giving them a reminder of the inspiring women in their life.
Friday - we wrapped up a busy week with a nice sitdown Knifty Knitting. Where we get together usually more sporadically throughout the year and then donate the contents to the Miricle Hope Charity.
Other events hosted by Golden Z this previous semester include;
AVIVA street appeal - you might have seen us posted outside the Prebbleton Fresh Choicewe we’re raising money for AVIVA, who help families and people who are involved in all kinds of violent situations, both victims and abusers.
We hosted an Accessible Self-defense class in collaboration with TIB and ICONIC which was a great success, leading us towards returning our self-defense classes from last year.
Coming into Semester 2, we’d love to see your faces- come find our stall at the club’s market to find out what’s on this semester, we are the bright orange stall!
On the morning of the 13th of April, a group from the LU Run Club started various race distances at the Christchurch marathon in the city centre. With the different race lengths of 10km, all the way up to the 42km marathon, those partaking were chasing personal bests and overall, giving it a good crack!
It was an incredible event to be a part of and a huge congratulations to all of those who raced.
A big thanks to the healthy initiative fund for covering the cost of the race entry. Another thanks to pure nutrition, who supply us with gels.
Below are some quotes from race day participants:
‘Was a beautiful day, awesome to see all the keen runners giving it their all. Was great to see those from Lincoln University run club absolutely smashing it. The atmosphere was incredible and would say to anyone to train and enter a race. It is the hardest but most rewarding thing.’ - Hannah White
‘The race was interesting. There were a lot of people competing across many different categories, and it took a bit longer than I expected, especially to actually get across the start line and start ‘officially’ running. Running through the city was cool – it’s usually all hustle and bustle, but it felt strangely quiet and peaceful.’ - Cam Holmes
“Great day, great atmosphere and was good to be running fast with some friends” - Alex McCorkindale
“The Christchurch marathon was one of my favourite running events to date! The atmosphere was absolutely electric with thousands of supporters scattered around the course encouraging everyone. I think the support really carried me through and I managed to snatch a PB which really was the cherry on the cake to an awesome event.” - Kaitlin Watson
“I really enjoyed my first half marathon, with great weather and friends. I appreciate this opportunity! Thank you so much.” - Yuichiro, Kubo
LU Run Club Take on Christchurch Marathon
The Chinese Culture Festival was held on the 20th of May on Forbes Lawn on a brisk but sunny Tuesday!
With the help of LUSA, the LU Chinese Students Association pulled off an epic day full of fun, laughter, tradition, games, and of course, delectable food!
With 6 food trucks to choose from, we were spoiled for choice! From bubble tea, noodles, fried chicken, dumplings, waffles filled with Oreos and hot fudge sauce, to squid and octopus!
The Chinese Association held an activation where they gave all students the opportunity to win 50% off food with a 100% chance of winning something from drink bottles to sweets.
From 11am till 2pm the festival vibes were flowing, with many students (and staff) coming and going, catching up over uni-life, chilling in bean bags in the winter’s sun and just taking a break from study and asignments.
A huge thanks to the vendors who came out and of course, a big congratulations to LUCSA for putting on a very successful event. We know there was an incredible amount of hard work that went into the preparation of this event.
RECAP
Congratulations to our 2025 graduates. We hope you enjoyed a fabulous Grad Ball! On Thursday 8th of May we held our LUSA Grad Ball at Addington Raceway in the Christian Cullen Lounge. Over 400 people attended the event, entering the space through a beautiful light tunnel where they were treated to a glass of complimentary bubbles in celebration of their success. Attendees then danced the night away to DJ Mike Nicholas and local band Smashbox in an elegantly themed space. Addington Raceway put on some delicious canapes and hot supper for our graduates to enjoy and a 2025 themed photo wall was available for graduates, their friends and family to take photos to commemorate the night. We were really pleased to see such a strong uptake on tickets at this event. It was our pleasure to celebrate our graduates on such an achievement and we can’t wait to see what our graduates do next. We wish them all the best for the remainder of 2025 and their bright futures ahead.
If you wish to provide any feedback about this event or other LUSA events, please reach out to events@lusa.org.nz
Thursday 5th June 12pm – 3pm Tuesday 15th July 12pm – 4pm
*Plus
19 July, Buses Depart Calder Drive
ZARA WEISSENSTEIN TUMUAKI ~ PRESIDENT
Congratulations on making it to the end of semester one!
What an incredible few months. From Ori to our International Morning Tea, from Paint’n’sips to Gradball, it has truly been an awesome semester of great events, and it’s been so amazing to meet you all. And the good news? Now we get to do it all again! After we’ve finished all our exams and have had a well-deserved break of course. But really - make sure you look after yourselves as we go into this crazy few weeks of study, exams, and our last assignments to hand in! Make sure to take breaks, schedule in some naps, and of course make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand. On that note, keep an eye out this week for all our study break free food events! You need to keep your brain going!
Now some of our postgrads will already know this from graduation, but I’ll say it here as well so that our undergrads can hear it too (but slightly different). All the hard work, late night studying, and cramming sessions? They’ll all pay off when you get to walk across that stage and shake the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors hands. Juggling your studies, sports, work, friendships, and other commitments? It will all be worth it when you get that qualification in your hands. Keep at it. You can do it!
Remember that LUSA is always here to support you with anything you may need at Lincoln, even if you just want to come in for a chat. Come in to the LUSA office, or email me at president@lusa.org.nz
I’ll see you all next semester for Re-Ori!
CAM HOLMES TUMIAKI TUARUA VICE PRESIDENT
I hope those who are heading off campus for the Semester Break enjoy their time to recharge the batteries ready for Semester 2. The Club Grants Committee will meet during the break and results of those applications in Round 3 should be sent out to Club Execs before the start of Semester 2. The fourth round is due on the 27th of August for events/expenses occurring before the end of the year (6th September – 5th August).
I have been very busy working on LUSA’s Policies. After Board Meeting 3 five polices have been uploaded to the website. The names of these are;
• Clubs and Societies Governance Policy
• Financial Delegations Procedure
• Information Technology Policy
• Credit Card Policy
• Executive Reporting Policy
The next ones that are currently being worked on are the Travel and Expenses Policy, and the Advisory Panel Terms of Reference.
What is the Advisory Panel you may ask? It’s a panel of up to three members who are external to LUSA and LU. They provide advice and recommendations on a whole bunch of really important stuff from Annual Budgets, Health and Safety requirements, and helping set and review the GM’s KPI’s and a whole lot more.
Over the break I plan on attending the FAR conference right here on campus. There will be expert talks on a range of topics, practical insights into current research and I’m sure interesting information related to my own research. Attending these things comes back to really making the most of your opportunities here at LU, well worth it!
It hasn’t all been policies and paperwork! Zara, Nathan, and I made
the trip down to Dunners for a Student Associations conference, which was a lot of fun. I’m also teaming up with George to pull together another Shave for a Cure event—he’s aiming for September or October, so get your clippers ready! vp@lusa.org.nz
TROY VOLMAN SECRETARY
Let’s be real, this time of year is a grind, assignments to be completed, exams are closing in and the pressure is building up. If this is you, trust me you are not alone. As your LUSA Secretary, I’ve been busy lately with a lot of meetings, although this might not sound like a lot of fun, it’s what matters and works to get things done. Whatever it is, I’m here to provide some realistic student feedback, making sure everyone’s voice is represented and what is decided here is transparently communicated through the LUSA exec.
At the end of the day, you deserve to know what is happening behind the scenes and to have people such as the LUSA student exec who won’t just sit there and nod when things aren’t going well, we stand up for what is right! We continue to push for what is important for everyone. I personally am looking into a range of assessment/academic policies to ensure everything is clear for all people (this includes marking rubrics, dates of instructions for assessments etc), course clashes and assessment structures.
Heading into exams, don’t forget that you have already done the hard yards to get to this point (fun fact, only 7.6% of people worldwide have a university degree, you can join this). My advice for you is to keep turning up, keep chipping away at the work, talk to others when things get hard, sleep well, exercise and eat good food (maybe slow down the liquid diet). We are here for you all, so come say “Gidday” for anything, issues, ideas or an interesting yarn! secretary@lusa.org.nz
CATERINA CAMPESE INTERNATIONAL REP
Here we go again with another edition of RAM! It hasn’t been long since the last, but I’ve got a few things to share since the last one. We recently made great progress on tenancy awareness. With the help of Jayne from the Student Experience team and Ray White, we hosted an informative workshop for all those (especially international students) who might not be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities when flatting, boarding, or renting in Aotearoa.
LUSA also ran some pretty cool events this term, including the PostGrad Paint & Sip, which was a perfect chance to let your drink of choice bring out your creative side!
I recently had a great catch-up with NZISA (New Zealand International Student Association). If you haven’t heard of them before, they’re the national body representing international students, with an elected executive and regular catch-ups with international reps from universities and polytechs across the country. It’s always good to know there’s a dedicated team at NZISA looking out for us and helping keep the international student voice alive!
Over the years, several initiatives have aimed to improve the international student experience. One of these was the International Student Wellbeing Strategy (ISWS), which ran from 2017 and provided funding to support student inclusion, well-being, and academic success. This support was made possible through the Export Education Levy, a fee collected from providers enrolling international students, which helped fund projects, campaigns, and resources across the country.
In more recent times, the focus has shifted toward broader goals set out in the International Education Strategy 2022–2030, with wellbeing still mentioned as a priority. However, dedicated funding streams
like the ISWS no longer seem to be running.
A few other changes have also come into effect this year. For example, partners of international students enrolled in selected programmes are now able to apply for open work visas, recognising the importance of family support. On the other hand, visa fees have significantly increased, doubling for student visas and rising by 139% for post-study work visas, raising some understandable concerns about affordability. All of this points to a changing landscape for international students, where direct investment in wellbeing seems to have eased off, while attention has shifted toward long-term system goals and migration pathways.
In this context, it’s more important than ever to know that NZISA is here to help represent and support international students, making sure our needs and voices aren’t forgotten.
As always, feel free to reach out if you want to know more about NZISA or have something you’d like raised with them.
international.rep@lusa.org.nz
DIPTI ADHIKARI POSTGRAD ACADEMIC REP
Hello fellow students, With winter creeping in and exams just around the corner, I hope you’re all managing to get some rest before the storm hits. The to-do lists and assignments aren’t going anywhere, they’ll still be there after you’ve taken a break. So don’t feel guilty about unplugging for a bit. Enjoy your weekends, catch up with friends, and take care of yourself. Trust me, I have experienced it firsthand. Never the dedicated studious person, the work has seemed overwhelming and unsurmountable at times.
Pivoting to the academic Postgrad Rep side of my story - I am excited
for the new Postgrad Engagement Rep to be elected and take over the role. I am sure that the nominees are the best Lincoln University has to offer and whoever wins will be the best at their job and bonus for me that I get a partner in crime (advocating for you guys).
I have been working on some projects, but bureaucracy is a slow-moving entity, and my hope is that some of those can see the light of day before my term ends!
One of those projects being the LU Postgrad Club which has a new executive committee (yay!) and has taken over the club and is running it quite smoothly, it’s like watching your child take their first steps. I am so proud of the students for being such good sports, hoping this helps you in your future endeavors and may you keep this spark alive.
You can always come and have a yarn with me at Science South and/ or wherever you see me, and/or at PG.academic@lusa.org.nz
ALEESHA YOUNG ENGAGEMENT & WELLBEING REP
Studying for your exams is important but it is not more important than your mental health so remember to drink lots of water, spend time outside and don’t isolate yourself from your friends.
Hope you all made use of the Mārama Hauora events that were on throughout May.
We also had a great brainstorming session at the last RAM club meeting. Remember to look out for the details for the next RAM club meeting on the Instagram. Or if you have ideas for what you want to see (even if you don’t want to write it) then email me at engagement.rep@lusa.nz
Good luck for all your exams, study hard and have a great mid-year break!
NATHAN CAMPBELL SUSTAINABILITY REP
Busy as a bee I am, and I suspect you are too.
At the end of April, I joined 370 others in the 2025 City Nature Challenge, uncovering all plants, fungi, and critters scattered across the Otautahi Christchurch region. Together, we found over 2,400 species and made 25,434 observations over one weekend! What’s more, lil ol Lincoln discovered more than UC! Not that it’s a competition...
As we approach mid-year, I want push you to be vocal about any sustainability issues you see at LU. The Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society (LESS) would love to welcome any new members, at any time in the year! Ask yourself: Is being a student at Lincoln sustainable to you? What can the university do better, across classes, grounds, and more? You are always free to approach me and let me know your thoughts or concerns.
I intend to host a drop in session over some coffee and crafts in the future, so keep your eyes peeled!
Kia kaha e hoa! Good luck for exams, and mānawatia a Matariki! sustainability.rep@lusa.org.nz
GEORGE GIBBS DISABILITY EDI REP
Kia ora everyone, We have had some excellent events this term!
I hope you all learnt some sign language during NZSL week and will be using them regularly. I also hope you managed to attend some of the awesome events this Marama Hauora which were organised by the Wellbeing Team.
I’m sure you all have done well this term and prepared for your exams if you have any. I know that everyone is ready for a break and to prepare for the next semester. I want next semester to have more awesome events with Iconic.
Contact me if you are interested in helping out and let me know if you have anything positive or negative to report this semester. I am always available for a private chat, you can also reach me at my email; disability.rep@lusa.org.nz
WELLBEING & IDENTITY
With May having been Wellbeing Month, I hope you have taken up the opportunity to be involved with some of the many activities which
have been offered here on campus. There has been quite a variety with all designed to add to one’s experience while at LU.
Wellbeing and identity are inextricably linked. The fast paced and dynamic culture of today can often strip people of their sense of peace and acceptance for who they are. Therefore, understanding one’s identity is a crucial aspect to having an overall sense of self-worth. But often the question which arises is “where do I find this understanding of identity?” It begins with not giving your-self a label which you then try with all your might to fit into. Labels are often given by one’s peers or even their family and while nice to have they can also carry a whole heap of pressure and can be very limiting. Several top sports people, musicians or academics
struggle with their labels, the identity, which they are known by, and when something happens which means this portion of their lives is finished there is nothing to fall back on; to help with an understanding of who one is?
May I encourage you during your time here at Lincoln to set aside some space, have some conversations and really dig into gaining an understanding of who you are. For each person is much more than their label or first impression which they may be known by. If you would like to have any conversations around this, feel free to send an email and make a time to catch up. Believe it or not the bible has much to say on this topic and can be very helpful in discovering a healthy sense of one’s identity as we are all uniquely made.
REV CRAIG FAIRHALL
On Friday 16th May, LUSA took part in Prink Shirt Day. It’s a powerful movement to spread aroha and kindness to end bullying. Here at LUSA we aim to create a community where all people feel safe, vauled and respected regardless of gender, age, ability, religion or cultural background.
We did our bit by giving out free pink donuts to all of those wearing pink! Also, for any pink tee sold between May 13th-16th, LUSA donated $10 to the Mental Health Foundation NZ.
Thanks you to all of those who did their part in helping to emliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion!
INTERNATIONAL MORNING TEA
On Wednesday 14 May we held an International Morning Tea in Grounded between 11am – 12pm for our international students.
Students heard from Spring Xing and Denise Pelvin, Lincoln University International Student Advisors about their support and services. They also heard from Caterina Campese, your LUSA International Representative, about her role, international events and happenings on campus and international club events that were coming up.
This event was well attended with about 65 – 70 students coming along on the day. The food was a huge hit, and students were able to mix and mingle with their friends and meet other international students whilst they enjoyed their morning tea in Grounded.
If you haven’t already heard about the Handy Landys, we’re a small but very mighty group of humble and hardworking students who lend a hand wherever we can in our rural communities! Whether it’s bartending at the North Canterbury Drought Shout, mulching trees, helping out at the South Island Agricultural Field Days, or supporting farmers after tough weather – we’re always keen to get stuck in, rain or shine!
Field Days Fundraiser
Last term, we teamed up with D. Reynolds Electrical Company to help set up for the South Island Agricultural Field Days. For three full-on days, we ran extension cords and set up power stations at each tent site – all while being chauffeured around by the apprentices! It was a great opportunity to learn something new, and apart from one mystery bruised finger (we’re not naming names), it was a very successful mission!
Blythe Valley Overnight Trip
From May 16–18, the Handy Landys crew headed to the Blythe Valley for an overnight working bee with the Blythe Catchment Group. It was a productive and memorable weekend – we helped with potting, planting, and a bit of good old-fashioned pine poisoning. We were generously hosted in local accommodation and treated to a classic Saturday night BBQ by the catchment team. We also brought along our signature Handy Landys ham buns for lunch, a tradition we’re proud to uphold.
Scargill Planting Day
On April 5th, eight of us hit the road bright and early at 8am, heading for the Scargill Motunau Recreation Reserve. We teamed up with members of the Birdsong Trust to do some plant maintenance, mulching, weeding, and of course, plenty of laughs and good yarns in between. The reserve is an awesome spot, with tennis and squash courts, a bowling green, freedom camping, and a pavilion. This year, they’re planning to plant another 1,500 native plants over a series of community days. If you’re keen to get outside and get your hands dirty, keep an eye out, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved!
Mental Health Talk, May 29th
We’re stoked to have partnered with Lincoln Young Farmers to host a mental health talk with Craig Wiggins, a passionate advocate for rural wellbeing. Craig spoke about the importance of mental health in farming communities and how we can all look after ourselves and each other.
Farewell to Eibhlin and Emily
And finally, we’re saying goodbye to our chairperson, Eibhlin, and our vice chairperson Emily, at the end of this semester. While she’s off to the other side of the world, don’t worry, we’ll definitely be pestering her for all her tips and tricks!
From all of us at Handy Landys –thank you, Eibhlin and Emily, for your energy, leadership, and all the laughs. We’ll miss you both!
Lincoln University Postgraduate Club
“You’re not alone — Postgrad is Better Together!”
We are the Postgraduate Club, a new student group aiming to build social connections among postgrad students and make the academic journey more supportive, shared, and fun.
We’re a fresh club, but our energy is sky-high! If you missed our first couple of events don’t worry, the train hasn’t left the station yet (and there’s plenty of room in the carriage).
Upcoming Events:
17 June 2025 – Movie Night
Let’s escape the academic grind and enjoy a relaxing movie evening together. Popcorn, pillows, blankets.
Late July – Nerdy Presentation Night
This one’s for those who’ve ever cried into their keyboard while preparing slides. If you’ve ever said, “I made this graph at 5am but it looks awesome,” this is your night! We’ll share our research experiences, presentation tips, and academic bloopers in a cozy, nerdy, and supportive environment.
25–31 August 2025 – Day Trip
We’re heading out into nature! The exact date is a surprise, but you can expect laughter, fresh air, and lots of photos. Full details will be shared soon via our Instagram and mailing list.
Stay in Touch:
With our new logo and fresh energy, we’re taking a small corner of RAM to share cozy vibes.
First-weekend Trip for 2025
On the 9th of May, 24 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed LYFC members packed into two vans and set off for three days touring North Canterbury. The first stop was Stoney Hurst, a sheep and beef property where we dug into farm succession and financial planning with Charlie. It was really interesting to hear how far he has come since his days at Lincoln!
We piled back into the vans and after a speedy boat race in Waikari, we arrived at Ngai Tahu Balmoral. We had a good look around the beef finishing unit, wagyu cattle, and diverse pastures. Friday night saw us stay at Kaiora Downs, where everyone felt like they’d just walked on a set of the recent country calendar.
After a few beers to end the day, we parked up in the woolshed for the night, some staying warmer than others. We cracked into it early Saturday morning, heading up the inland Kaikoura road to hear about regenerative agriculture and sheep milking. After inspecting some mixed species winter crops we headed down the road to hear from Tony Blunt. A short walk saw us at their on-farm luxury accommodation, an eco pod looking out across the valley. Tony’s story was a highlight for many as we sat in the sun admiring the views.
Kaikoura didn’t know what hit it when we arrived on Saturday night, full of fish and chips and rearing for a night on the town. After a bloody good weekend, we headed home on Sunday, making sure to check in on the local pubs along the way.
Thank you to the farmers who hosted us and everyone who came along for a great weekend!
EFFECTIVELY HOW TO STUDY
Studying at uni during the winter months can be challenging due to shorter days, colder weather, and the temptation to stay cozy indoors. But with the right strategies, you can stay productive and succeed in your studies. Here are some top study tips to help you stay focused during the winter:
Create a Cozy Study Environment
Light up your Study Space:
Natural light is scarce during winter, so invest in good artificial lighting to keep your space bright and inviting. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness or a daylight-simulating lamp can help.
Temperature control:
Stay warm but not overheated. If your room is cold, consider layering up or using a space heater. A comfortable temperature will help you stay focused without distractions.
Use candles or essential oils:
A pleasant scent can make your study environment more comfortable and help reduce stress. Try lavender for relaxation or citrus for energy.
Stay Active
Exercise regularly: Cold weather can make you want to hibernate, but staying active boosts energy levels and focus. Take regular breaks to stretch or do a quick workout.
Go outside when possible: Even a short walk outside can refresh your mind and help combat feelings of sluggishness.
Establish a consistent routine
Set a schedule: In the winter, it’s easy to slip into irregular habits. Set specific times for studying, sleeping, eating, and exercising. Consistency can help you stay disciplined.
Morning productivity: Try to start your day earlier when possible. The lack of daylight can make it harder to feel motivated, but getting an early start ensures you’re working when your energy is highest.
Stay Connected with Study Groups
Join virtual or in-person study groups: Working with peers can boost motivation, help with difficult topics, and keep you engaged. In winter, online study sessions can help you maintain social interaction when you’re feeling isolated.
Use study apps: Apps like Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, are perfect for connecting with classmates. Collaboration tools like Notion can help you organize group projects or study schedules.
Manage Stress with Healthy Habits
Practice mindfulness or meditation: Winter can sometimes bring on the winter blues. A few minutes of mindfulness or deep breathing can help clear your mind and reduce stress before studying.
Prioritize sleep: Lack of sunlight can affect sleep patterns, so make sure you’re getting enough rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to stay refreshed and focused.
Eat nourishing foods: Seasonal foods like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables can provide warmth and sustenance. Keep snacks like nuts, fruits, or dark chocolate nearby to maintain energy.
Use Technology Wisely
Stay organized with digital tools: Use apps like Notion, Evernote, or Google Calendar to keep track of assignments and deadlines. Set reminders and break tasks into smaller chunks.
Avoid distractions: Winter may encourage binge-watching TV or staying on your phone. Use apps like Forest or Focus@Will to help you stay focused during study sessions.
Set Goals and Celebrate Small Wins
Break tasks into manageable steps: Large assignments can feel daunting. Break them down into smaller tasks and tackle them one at a time.
Celebrate progress: When you finish a task or complete a study session, reward yourself with a cozy break, a hot drink, or a small treat. This helps keep you motivated through the winter months.
Get Vitamin D
Take supplements if needed: The lack of sunlight in winter can lower your vitamin D levels, leading to fatigue and lower mood. Consider taking a supplement or eating foods rich in vitamin D, like fatty fish, eggs, or fortified cereals.
Spend time outside: Even in winter, getting sunlight when possible can improve your mood and energy levels. Try to go outside during the midday hours for the maximum exposure to sunlight.
Dress Comfortably for Study Sessions
Layer your clothing: Dress in layers so you can stay warm but also adjust your clothing if you get too hot while studying. Wearing warm socks, cozy sweaters, and comfortable clothes can keep you comfortable during long study sessions.
Take regular breaks: Sitting for too long in the cold can be uncomfortable. Set a timer to take a break every 45-60 minutes to stretch or move around.
Stay Positive and Maintain Perspective
Keep a positive mindset: Winter can sometimes feel isolating or draining. Remind yourself of your long-term goals and why your studies are important. Try to stay positive, even on tough days, and find ways to make studying enjoyable.
By creating the right environment, maintaining a routine, and taking care of your physical and mental well-being, you can maximize your productivity during the winter months. Stay warm, stay motivated, and keep making progress!
RĀMERE 20TH PIPIRI
MATARIKI
MATARIKI WORDFIND
CELEBRATE CONNECTION
HAUTAPU
HIWAITERANGI KAI
MATARIKI
PLEIADES
PŌHUTUKAWA
PUANGA REFLECT
REHUA
TAU
TAURUS
TUPUĀNUKU
TUPUĀRANGI
URURANGI
WAIPUNARANGI
WAITĀ
WAITĪ
WHANAUNGATANGA
WHETŪ
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.
MINDFUL COLOURING
Colour Me In!
Grab some pens, pencils, crayons and felts to add colour to your scene and bring it to life!
HORRIBLESCOPES
Taurus (May 13 – June 20)
This month will be neutral. Nothing exciting will happen and you will find yourself dissociating more. Create your own future and take change of your fates. If you do not take charge you may find yourself phasing out of the world. Your lucky animal will be Samwise Gamgee.
Leo (Aug 10 – Sept 15)
This month you will find things will get tense as you find out about the underground exam betting rings. You will find luck if you admit your hidden feelings and stop pretending to be something you are not. Let John into your heart. Your lucky animal will be a small clay horse.
Ophiuchus
Gemini
(June 21 – July 19)
This month you will find your foundations rotting. It will be wise to called to the Blessed Carlos Acutis for guidance this month. Hermes may also provide sufficient guidance too. Things may only work out if you give William a gift. Your lucky animal will be a small T-Rex in a bowtie.
Virgo (Sept 16 – Oct 29)
This month will be one of conflict. Find it in yourself to fight the powers that be and paint things in pastels. You will find that you will find it important to get your partner a special secret gift. This will unlock a secret door you may find. Your lucky animal will be Short-haired bumblebee.
(Of-ee-You-Cus) (Nov 29 – Dec 16)
This month will be your time to shine. The knowledge you collected this semester will give you a new path and you will be able to collect a new species. Take advantage of this and become the new star of Lincoln University. Your lucky animal will be Derrick J. Moot.
Aquarius
(Feb 16 – March 10)
This month you will find no lone time. People will not listen to your pleas so avoid getting kidnapped. Things may be calm if you admit to what you did on May 5th to your friends. Your lucky animal will be a three toed sloth.
Cancer (July 20 – Aug 09)
You will find this month things will start to grow. You will find that you are pregnant with desire. A child will be coming on your doorstep and things will be snotty and wet. Take a chance on making friends with that special girl. Your lucky animal will be a pink Flemish rabbit.
Libra
(Oct 30 – Nov 22)
This month you will find love in a forbidden partner. Let yourself give in to your heart for once. You may find yourself reconsidering your gender identity once you hear the Ruru call. Take your time when it comes to that one exam. Your lucky animal will be a flattened possum.
Sagittarius (
Dec 17 – Jan 19)
This month you need to take a chance on that L.U.N.A event. Find friends amount the chaotic nerds to protect you against the oncoming chaos. Take things from free events to build your supplies and stop being afraid of your feelings for Peter. Your lucky animal will be a Tank.
Pisces
(March 11 – April 17)
This month you will experience complete failure and success at once. You will meet a man. Beware the number 14 and birds. You will find that you need to just leave. Your lucky animal will be Orthodera novaezealandiae (NZ mantis).
Scorpio
(Nov 23 – Nov 28)
This month will be one of new experiences. Beware of moths and look towards the flowers. Don’t trust D.O.C this month. Try out a new recipe with your partner, you may find things getting sweaty in your bedroom. Your lucky animal will be the Pixie’s Parasol (Mycena interrupta)
Capricorn
(Jan 20 - Feb 15)
This month will be a complex one, you will find that the rules will be bend to a point that you are not comfortable with, but if you hold out the rewards will be lifechanging or ending. Beware men called Liam and stay away from planes. Your lucky animal will be a canary will a bowl cut.
Aries
(April 18 – May 12)
This month you will find yourself washed out and dampened by those older than you. Your fire will return in the bedroom once you meet your match. A great boon will arrive along with a lone cowboy. Beware their promises. Your lucky animal will be a Cowboy Frog.
