The days may be colder, but campus is heating up with good vibes, big events, and even bigger giveaways. Welcome back to a brand new term at uni. Whether you’re just defrosting from break or powering through the postgrad grind, we’ve got something for everyone in this year’s ReOri.
Clubs Market Day is back and it’s your chance to sign up for old favourites or discover something totally new. From hiking to anime, pottery to volunteering, there’s something for every interest, and probably a few free snacks from the LUSA team!
Dust off your best retro-glam for the Winterball, one of the most anticipated events of the Uni year. Think glitter, groove, and good vibes!
No ReOri would be complete without free food! Throughout the week, you’ll find plenty of free food giveaways outside LUSA in Grounded. Comfort food, hot food, and sweet treats, are perfect for keeping the winter blues at bay and fuelling up between classes.
We’re stoked to announce a new addition to the LUSA student exec this term. Minuk Kang’s is our new Postgraduate Engagement Coordinator! His role is all about making sure postgrads have a stronger voice and better support across campus. Whether you’re working on a thesis, juggling research and teaching, or just need to connect with others in the same boat, help is here and his name is Minuk!
So throw on your winter woolies and red bands and jump into Semester 2!
lusa.nz
studentsatlincoln
19 July, Buses Depart Calder Drive
Charged with an electrifying fusion of pop and rock, Ōtautahi band Castaway brings a captivating high-energy show to any stage they come across. The band met in their first year at university, as fate brought the 5 boys from all across the country to the same hall of residence.
Years on, the band lives and breathes music from their flat in Ōtautahi. When they aren’t chasing each other up for not unloading the dishwasher or sharing a delicious meal at the dinner table, they are hard at work on their sophomore EP, Nondual. In 2024, Castaway celebrated an opening slot for Drax Project, two releases in the NZ Hot 20, and making airwaves on ZM Locals Only, MoreFM, Hauraki, RNZ, and The Edge.
Influenced by the anthemic prowess of The Killers, the emotive melodies of Coldplay, the indie-rock vibes of Inhaler, and the genre-bending creativity of The 1975, Castaway writes fun and emotive songs that get stuck in the head and the heart. The boys’ communal living situation lends itself to a collaborative creative process, and they pride themselves on being a cohesive team.
Exploring themes of young love, the challenges of growing up, and the universal desire to make sense of the world, Castaway aims to write lyrics that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. Each track is a journey through the highs and lows of life, wrapped in melodies that linger long after the music stops.
The boys from the ‘Duster got together to reintroduce the balls to the floor, no bullshit approach of cranking out some dirty filthy energetic rock to an unsuspecting public, seemingly drowning in a wash of bubblegumradio-friendly-pop-rock-lite. Since then the band has managed to establish its way into the scene via many gigs at some of the South Islands’ lesser, and better-known spots, and has surely stamped an indelible mark in the covers and originals scene in Christchurch.
Without a doubt Cropduster is one of Christchurch’s most well-known rock cover bands, rocking hard on the scene in all manner of venues with an energetic, ballsy mix of hits, delivered with passion and professionalism.
The boys of Cropduster are set to charge and resurrect rock music to the mighty pedestal it once had in the heyday. This was an era when men had mullets, and real songs had feelings and a mighty sense of power. How could they not when ripping zeppelinesque vocals combined with pumping bass, thumping drums, and loud guitar resulted in a sweet cacophony of balls-to-the-floor carnage.
Emilie
Christchurch DJ/Producer Emilie is vastly proving a force to be reckoned with in the UKG scene in Christchurch and beyond, with no slowing down in sight.
With the success of her debut garage single ‘Generations,’ a speed garage/bassline-based track, it has been a well play-listed song. Generations has featured on George FM, charted top 4 with NZ official music hottest hits charts, and a Shazam tender, it’s exciting to see what is to come from Emilie. In their short time as an artist, she’s already had the opportunity to play at two festivals and support some amazing artists to name a few favourites; Effy, Main Phase, Interplanetary Criminal, and Loods. 2025 and beyond you’ll be seeing a lot more of Emilie as she rises to the top.
GetSet
Known for his genre-blending sets that fuse techno, UK garage, and house, GetSet has become a Music producer & DJ hailing from Christchurch.
Getset’s music is influenced by sounds and rhythms from around the world, blending to create a unique sound that is all its own.
In addition to his live performances, Getset has also been a radio host for 8 years on RDU 98.5FM, sharing his love of electronic music with fans across the airwaves.
He’ll be making waves with his hard-hitting basslines, rolling drums, and a sound that blends elements of techno, UK garage, and house at this year’s Winterball!
Rollestxn Ave
Rollestxn Ave is the brainchild of two Christchurch’s DJs. These two boys have contrasting skills which complement perfectly, creating the incredible duo which is set to blow the roof off.
“We’ve had the privilege of playing some mental shows over the last 4 years - Rolling Meadows, Greymouth, and of course our second home SIN AFTER DARK! With an INSANE summer behind us, the rest of the year is just going to get better! LINCOLN we’re back for round four, so get you’re tickets now before it sells out ‘cause this one’s gonna be huge!”
What are you Currently Studying?
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
I am currently in my second year of PhD, in AGLS department doing some potatoeyyyy stuff, which you don’t ever ask me about, or I will give a big sigh and then launch into a long-winded rant. The rant will inevitably end in existential crisis question of why did I do that? I’m sure you can all relate, right? right?
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
I am actively trying to make students’ lives better even though most of the work is behind the scenes, I am wholeheartedly advocating for the betterment of conditions in the uni. I know now that it takes time to make a change. I have had to learn the slow and hard way but do know that I am trying my best.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
My motivation for this year’s Exec team was just a high level of frustration, since I was becoming whinier about everything and was confused as to where exactly I was supposed to go for all my complaints and where was it exactly that I could take all my concerns to be able to make a difference. A few nudges from friends and suggestions did help though (I am publicly calling you out Aravinda). In my 6 months of being an exec, I am still learning new things and getting introduced to new concepts. I had to learn to become more patient and more considerate of other people and the diplomatic process altogether.
I serve on a number of boards including the Research Committee, where most of the Research problems are presented in front of the final bosses of the uni; Academic Board, where the final bosses determine the future of the university; APC Funding Committee, where the money for your papers and their publishing gets determined; Te Poari Wheako Tauira Student Experience Board (SEB), where your direct experiences as a student and the problems are answered for.
really slow and turn for me to accomplish things. I have started a few projects. Some projects that are in the pipeline are Vending machines for pads and other sanitary products when its off-office hours; advocating for all the concerns around housing, licenses, etc; Tables and common spaces for all post grad students research and non-research ones; reviving the Post-grad Club and handover to the new committee and a few in collaboration with the international community and the international rep as a whole.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
I am working towards big things, but small wins are what make up the big things. There are large cogs of bureaucracy that turn
Be truly passionate about this role, be willing to reach out and smile. Be ready to be stuck in a loophole but give it your all, and as our exec team loves to say, you are a student first exec second. So, if you are keen to take on hurdles and love facing roadblocks but elated when things do go your way, it is a win!
Meet Andrew, the Quiet Champion of Lincoln’s Postgrad Students
Tucked away in Waimarie, just outside the faculty bustle, sits the postgraduate research office, and this is where you will find a quietly influential figure in the Lincoln University Postgraduate world: Andrew Holyoake, the Director of Postgraduate Research. Don’t be tricked however, while you might assume he’s part of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences due to the location of his desk, Andrew is proudly independent from all faculties of the university, reporting directly to the Provost. And that independence is key to his role: it means he can advocate, fairly and firmly, for the postgraduate students he supports. Andrew says he’s always had a passion for facilitating research:
“I never really wanted to be a research lead, but always saw the great things postgraduate students could do if they were provided with the right environment.”
Andrew’s journey into this role had him moving around a bit. Born and raised in Christchurch, he completed a PhD in genetics at the University of Canterbury, and then took the traditional academic route to a postdoctoral fellowship in the United States. But it didn’t feel like the right fit. A six year long stint in biotech followed his return to New Zealand, before arriving at Lincoln University nearly 18 years ago. Since then, he has worked his way through various roles, ending up in this specific role just two years ago.
“I have a passion for facilitating research, and so since I came to Lincoln I have always been in a position of supporting postgraduate students, facilitating their research and journeys.”
Andrew’s job is rarely predictable, which keeps it both interesting as well as challenging.“Every day is different,” he says. “Sometimes I’m resolving issues between students and supervisors, other times I’m working on bigger problems like space and resources.” He does a lot liaising, listening, and makes sure the right people have the right information when they’re making decisions. A big part of what allows Andrew to step in
where needed, helping students navigate complex relationships and processes is his independence from the faculties.
“It helps that I’m independent because it means I can advocate on behalf of the students and try to navigate that relationship between them and their faculties, with the help of LUSA and other independent groups on campus.”
Postgraduate study can of course be a rewarding path; however, this does not come without its challenges, which Andrew sees up close and manages every day. Tension with supervisory teams, high expectations, cultural differences, and financial stress are some common issues that Andrew supports the students through to relieve the pressure of their studies. Andrew and his team work hard to offer safe, confidential support.
“We try to be really open and visible. Students can book a meeting with us anytime, and we work on a high-trust model. If you come to us with a problem, it stays confidential unless you say otherwise.”
Andrew has also been key in the creation of the PhD Learn page, a university-wide source hub designed to provide non-faculty-specific resources across all stages ofthe PhD research journey. But what makes his job worthwhile? He enjoys reaching the outcomes that are best for the students that he is advocating for. Sometimes that’s a student finally crossing the stage at graduation with the support they have received from Andrew and his team, which he finds incredibly rewarding. But sometimes, the best outcome is a student realising this path that they are on isn’t the right one for them, and feeling empowered to make the decision to move away from postgraduate studies. Either way, they have reached the outcome that is best for the student.
Andrews advice for prospective postgraduate students is simple. To start your postgraduate journey with your eyes wide open. He recommends talking to other postgraduate students first as a lot of students come into the research space without fully realising what it takes. Another piece of advice? Think carefully about your supervisors. “You’re not just being interviewed, you are also interviewing them. That relationship will last for years, so it has to be the right fit and you have to be confident that you can form a positive relationship with your supervisory team.”And for those
approaching the finish line?
“Hang in there, it will get better. And where possible, network, network, network. Most people don’t go into academia after completing their postgraduate studies so building connections and recognising your transferable skills is crucial. You’ll finish with more than research knowledge but all sorts of other skills. You’ll be a project manager, a communicator, and a problem solver.”
Looking to the future, Andrew’s vision for Lincoln’s postgraduate community is simple. He looks for opportunities for the growth of the postgraduate community, but also for providing the right spaces and resources for more consistency in the experience acrosscampus. Facilitating the community is also something he is passionate about; he’s particularly excited about expanding peer-to-peer support and learning opportunities.“Our long-term goal is for our postgrads to leave here singing our praises, as advocates of LU. We want people who come here to have a good experience and to have undergone a huge amount of personal development and growth, leaving here feeling good about their Lincoln experience.”
What’s your favourite memory from working in this role?
“My favourite part is graduation day, where I have the pleasure of being the PhD martial marshall and get to support all the graduating PhD students and help them out. It’s a fantastic day because it’s the culmination of a lot of effort that they’ve put in.”
If you could describe the LU Postgraduate Research community here in three words, what would they be?
“Eclectic. Grounded. Passionate.”
What is one last message to the postgraduate students of Lincoln? “Embrace every opportunity. This is one of the few times in your life where you’ll have so much freedom to explore. So go explore.”
By Zara Weissenstein
Mid-WINTER COCKTAILS
Gingerbread Martini
Cocktail
Ingredients
Gingerbread Simple Syrup
• 2T Coarsely Grated Ginger
2 Cinnamon Sticks
4 Whole Cloves
• 3/4c Granulated Sugar
Cocktail
• 1/2c Crushed Gingerbread
• Cookies
• Ice
• 2T Vanilla Ice Cream
1 shot Baileys
1 shot Vodka
• 1/2 shot Kahlúa
• Whipped cream
• Cinnamon
• Gingerbread people/Tiny Teddy
DIRECTIONS
Gingerbread Simple Syrup Syrup can be made a month ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• In a small saucepan over med/high heat, bring ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, (20 mins)
• Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool. Strain sugar mixture into a small bowl.
Fireside Negroni
Ingredients
• 5 shots Hot Earl Grey Tea
• 1 1/2 shots Gin
1/2 shot Campari
1/2 shot Sweet Vermouth
• 1/4shot Maple Syrup
• Orange Slice
• Star anise
DIRECTIONS
• In a small pot, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea. Let steep for 2 minutes. Remove bags or strain leaves.
• In a mug, combine Gin, Campari, Vermouth, and Syrup. Top off with tea and stir to combine. Garnish with orange wheel and star anise.
• Place crushed cookies on a small shallow plate. Pour some gingerbread syrup onto another shallow plate. Dip rim of a martini glass into gingerbread syrup, then dip into cookies to coat.
• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine ice cream, Baileys, vodka, Kahlúa, and 1/2 shot gingerbread syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Gently place a gingerbread person/Tiny Teddy in cocktail.
Ginger-Cranberry Whiskey Sour
Ingredients
Ginger Simple Syrup
• 1/2c granulated sugar
• 1/2c water
• 1 chunk of ginger, peeled
Cocktail
• 2 shots Bourbon
• 1 shot Ginger Smple Syrup
1 shot Cranberry Juice Ice
• Mandarin or orange peel, for serving
DIRECTIONS
Ginger Simple Syrup Syrup can be made 3 weeks ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• In a half-litre jar with a lid or resealable container, combine sugar and water. Using a fine grater, grate ginger into jar. Cover and shake jar until sugar has dissolved, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain ginger mixture into a small bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to expel as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
Cocktail
In a cocktail shaker, combine Bourbon, Ginger syrup, and Cranberry juice. Fill shaker with ice and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.
• Strain into a rocks glass or coupe. Garnish with orange peel.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
Ingredients
1 lemon wedge 1/4c Cinnamon-Sugar
• 750ml bottle of chilled cider
• 1 bottle white wine, chilled
• 1/3c fireball
• 2 apples, thinly sliced, some reserved for garnish
• Cinnamon sticks, for serving
DIRECTIONS
Rim each of your glasses with lemon wedge and dip in cinnamon-sugar.
• In a large pitcher, combine cider, wine, and fireball. Add sliced apples and stir to combine.
• Serve into prepared glasses and garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
Peppermint Bark Shots
Ingredients
2T White Chocolate Chips
1 mini Candy Cane, crushed
• 4 shots White Chocolate Creme Liqueur, chilled
• 3 shots Vodka, chilled
• 1 shot Peppermint Schnapps, chilled
DIRECTIONS
In a small heatproof bowl, microwave chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Dip rims of 4 shot glasses into chocolate to coat, then sprinkle with candy canes. Freeze 1 minute.
• In a large measuring glass, stir liqueur, vodka, and peppermint schnapps to combine. Divide among prepared shot glasses.
Pets of LUSA Exec
Part 2.
Pet ownership in New Zealand involves a strong bond between people and their companions, with nearly two-thirds of households owning at least one pet. Cats are the most popular pet, followed by dogs, and many owners consider their pets to be family members. The LUSA Exec are no exception. Check out some of their furry friends here!
What is your pet’s name?
Brayleigh and Ciara
How old are they?
7 and a half
What breed are they?
French Bulldog x Pug
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Household comedy
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Tomatoes straight off the bush. Except dogs can’t see the difference between red and green so can’t even tell the ripe ones
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Looking out the window, waiting for us to get back and barking at everything that moves
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Nap
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Once they ate a bleach bottle and now they’re known as the bleach dogs at the vet
What is your pet’s name?
Charlie
How old are they? 3
What breed are they? Golden doodle
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Clumsy
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Dad’s dinner
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Absolutely nothing
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Chase sparrows
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Repetitively falling into the river
What is your pet’s name?
Kezia
How old are they?
8
What breed are they?
Cairn Terrier/Border Terrier cross
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Cat-like
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Carrots and anything she’s not allowed to have
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Probably run on the couches
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Sleep on my mum’s bed
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Chewed through the electrics on my car twice
What is your pet’s name?
Micheal Joseph Savage and John Alfred & Alexander Lee (Princess for short)
How old are they?
About 12 ish years
What breed are they?
Goblin though you could say British Shorthair, I usually just say ¾ Feral
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Loud and Asocial
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Chicken Hearts though they also love mice
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Overthrowing democratically elected governments though they also like to nap on everything in my room
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Nap these days or complain to me
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Princess got spooked into a neighbour’s garage and spent almost all of December in there before I had to sit outside it all night watching the open garage to coax him out. When he got out he was so stinky I had to tend him all night and slowly reintroduce him to his brother who couldn’t recognise him.
What is your pet’s name?
Kima
How old are they?
2 and 1/2
What breed are they?
Border Collie
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Manic
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Peanut Butter
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Conspiring on how to get bed privileges
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Chase toys
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Become a bowling ball and K.O.ed a bookshelf
What is your pet’s name?
Patrick, also called Fat-rick
What is your pet’s name?
Jet
How old are they?
9 (almost 10)
What breed are they?
Heading dog
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Determined
What’s your pet’s favourite food?
Anything & everything
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there? Follows my dad around (everywhere)
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do? Chase Sheep & Chickens
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Shacked up with the kurī next-door (playerrr)
What’s your pet’s favourite food? Luscious juicy grass
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
He’s a Houdini. One moment he’s on one side of the fence with short grass, and the next, he’s magically reappeared where the grass is greener!
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Eating
Scan the QR Code and fill out the Q&A
How old are they?
20
What breed are they?
Standardbred
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Stubborn
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Thanks to his rather large (and comfy) J.Lo-style hind end, he’s not only a sofakind-of horse to ride, but also doubles as a movable picnic table; if you trust him not to scoff the food and drinks himself!
What are you Currently Studying? Bachelors in Land and Property Management.
Manaaki Tauira and LUPISA (Lincoln University Pasific Island Student Association).
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role? Moses - last year’s Pasifika Rep, spoke to me about the role and all the cool parts it has to offer, he also explained how important it is and how it helps to improve students’ time here at uni.
use my role to connect students through Volleyball Fridays, which has been able to give them a fun, healthy break from their studies. Language Week helped get smaller groups of students from different cultures to feel included and welcome here at Lincoln.
I was involved with LUPISA last year, and wanted to continue to do so this year, and what better way than becoming the President of LUPISA. I really enjoyed the events LUSA put on last year and wanted to come and help with those also.
How Does Your Role Benefit Students? My role is specifically helping the Pasifika community. I have been able to
LUPISA events bring more and more students, no matter who they are and where they come from together. This lets students engage and taste the foods from different cultures at these sorts of events, which has made our community larger and more connected.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role? This year I sit on the Student Experience Board, Campus Service Council, Faculty Teaching Committee for AGCM, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee,
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role? My main goal I want to achieve, is building a community and making sure everyone feels welcome, in order to feel like they have a place of belonging here at LU. I want to make sure every culture out there feels celebrated and included.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026? The main point is to try and turn up to everything you can, even if it’s just sitting and listening, because being there is worth it. If you feel lost, then reach out to someone who’s been on the exec in previous years and they will be able to help guide you in the right direction.
What are you Currently Studying?
My Masters in Science, Major Conservation and Ecology
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
A hope to help improve the system for students. I have a desire to uplift student voices and to make sure they are implemented into policy.
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
on policy, developments and the structures that make up the University. I also work with the University to keep on top of the accessibility of campus and its buildings.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
communication with students especially Postgraduates and also create a plan on how to improve the LUSA Club House, especially making it more accessible and safer.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
My role helps ensure that there is a disabled voice in the room and that events are accessible to the students. A lot of my work is behind the scenes focusing
I am on Manaaki Tauira Steering Group, the Disability Reference Group, Student Experience Board, NDSA (National Disabled Students Association), Policy Sub Committee, Equity and Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
I want to increase
Make sure you have the time, passion and focus to balance studies with your work. Get involved before the election if you can, to get an understanding of what need to bring to the team. Make sure to get out and involved in the social events LUSA offers. Take many notes and keep a calendar.
GIBBS
Club Yarns
How Anime (and Pizza) took over Lincoln!
By Aamer Mumtaz
There was no grand plan, no official launch, just a Friday night, some postgrads, and a half-serious suggestion at ASAP: “What if we watched an anime?”
One theatre booking and a few pizzas later, we found ourselves fully immersed, laughing, snacking, and silently agreeing, this shouldn’t be a one-time thing. That spontaneous night turned into something bigger. And that’s how Anime Movie Club LU came to life, not from strategy, but from shared screens, shared stories, and the undeniable magic of watching anime together.
Since then, we’ve hosted seven movie nights in Semester 1 and eight in Semester 2, including a special screening of Josie, the Tiger and the Fish in collaboration with LUSA’s Disability Rep and the Iconic Club, supporting students with visible and non-visible disabilities. Of course, it wouldn’t be an anime club without a little plot twist. Sometimes the Forbes Theatre betrayed us (tech issues, we’re looking at you), and we had to relocate to the Glassroom in Grounded, where vibes were different, but the snacks were still strong.
We also took a cultural deep dive at Japan Fiesta Ex 2024 in Christchurch. We got active with three archery events, where members completed their beginner archery course, thanks to support from the LU Gym, Sports and Healthy Living Initiative. And the cherry on top? We were proud to be named “Best New Club” by LUSA last year! A big thanks to LUSA for backing our events and fuelling our movie nights with pizza, popcorn, and soft drinks.
Meet our gloriously quirky exec team:
• Antonia (President) Kagome vibes: brave, calm, and somehow still patient with our chaos.
• Friederike (Vice-President) Shikamaru energy: genius brain, zero tolerance for nonsense.
• Chelcie/Zhexi (Secretary) Shiro mode: quiet, efficient, probably schedules in her dreams.
• Dipti (Treasurer)
Levi with a calculator: deadly with budgets, scarier with receipts.
• Sean (Advisor)
Master Roshi energy (but wholesome): wise, chill, and appears exactly whenwe need him.
• Aamer (Social Media Manager)
Tanjiro meets influencer: pure heart, dramatic angles,too many photos.
From a random Friday to an award-winning club, Anime Club LU has become a space for connection, creativity, and community. Whether you come for the action, emotions, or just the freesnacks, we’ve got a seat for you. Stay weird, stay animated.
LU Muslim Association
LUMA continued its Legacy Inclusion & Diversity
The Lincoln University Muslim Association, just like the previous term, continued making a meaningful impact this term as well; which was to contribute to the community and bridge a gap between different cultures. LUMA has proudly hosted some great events this term, each creating a sense of harmony and empathy.
Gaza Fundraiser Empathy & Compassion
One of the key events that LUMA held was a Palestine fundraiser with a Bake Sale. The event took place as part of Diversity Week organised by Lincoln University and LUSA. This fundraiser was an initiative in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza which has forced starvation in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation forces. LUMA received an overwhelming response from the students and staff. LUMA raised $396 in total by selling homemade baked goods. All the money raised was donated to Gaza through PSNA (Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa). This fundraiser was not just about money; the purpose was to create awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the devastating situation in Palestine and to raise the importance of global solidarity and empathy for the oppressed people.
Eid al-Adha Moments of Laughter and Celebration
LUMA also hosted an Eid al-Adha celebration. The celebration was attended by students, their families, alumni, and the wider Muslim community. The event started with Eid prayers followed by Eid feast. The event had something for every age group. Kids enjoyed the colourful
designs on their faces, from a face painting station in the corner, and adults shared delicious food and connected over laughter.
The distribution of goodie bags as Eid gifts among kids added extra joy and festivity and doubled the happiness on the kids’ faces.
This event highlighted the commitment that LUMA always caters to not only to Islamic tradition but to also include and engage with the wider Lincoln University Community.
Once again LUSA’s support was there at every step. Their commitment and support in organising and funding the event is worth applauding. LUMA is thankful to LUSA For the support they provided throughout the event.
More to Come
LUMA aims to carry this momentum through Semester two and is planning a second bake sale for Gaza.
This will aim to continue our financial support to the people who are suffering from Israeli aggression and also raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
LUMA is also planning to organize monthly Halaqas (Islamic study and reflection circles). This will enable students to strengthen their faith, ask questions, and gain knowledge in a relaxed, safe, and supportive environment.
A Stronger & United Campus Community
The events and activities organized by LUMA show that it is not only a cultural and religious club but a hub for compassion, empathy, and contribution. From charity to celebration, everything holds a purpose with shared values. LUMA aims to continue its legacy by welcoming wider Lincoln University students and alumni to be a part of our events and celebrations.
LUMA Executive
President: Majdi Mubarak
Vice President: Anum Shah
Secretary: Midhat Mahboob
Executive Members: Marlina Dikin & Riyaz Momin
Experience Korea
By James Yeon
On Monday, 27th and 28th of May, Lincoln University’s Korean Culture Club - ‘LUCK’, successfully held its second official event - “Experience Korean Culture, Travel Tips & Pizza Party!”
This event was held in conjunction with Lincoln University’s Diversity Week, and provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Korean culture and strengthen multicultural ties on campus.
Pop-up Booth/Activation
A pop-up booth was set up in Grounded and approximately 40 students participated. Attendees learned about Korean travel tips, looked at Korean tourismrelated materials, and participated in a variety of activities. This activation attracted genuine interest and participation from students of diverse backgrounds.
The main event on May 28th attracted 30 participants who enjoyed the following interesting and interactive programs:
• Introduction to the LUCK Club Leadership Team.
• Basic Korean language lessons and conversation practice.
• Korean travel destinations, transportation, and food.
• Korean-themed quizzes, fun games, and pizza parties.
These events received a very positive response, with many students expressing their enthusiasm for future events, such as K-POP, Korean food, and more language learning.
These events were made possible by the generous support and encouragement of many partners. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Zealand and the Korea Tourism Organization, kindly provided the Korean travel brochures, posters, and souvenirs, which helped provide a rich cultural experience for all participants.
LUSA (Lincoln University Students’ Association) provided invaluable logistical and promotional support that was instrumental in the success of the event. Their cooperation has enabled us to provide a richer and more dynamic experience, and has helped to spark a deeper curiosity about Korean culture for both domestic and international students.
The LUCK Club will continue to host inclusive and culturally vibrant events in the future, providing students with a space to connect, learn, and grow through shared experiences.
Connecting Korea and New Zealand Through Culture
Although Korea and New Zealand are geographically distant, they share a deep respect for nature and a strong emphasis on community harmony. In particular, 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a meaningful milestone that has not only strengthened economic cooperation but also fostered more active cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. In this spirit, a new cultural exchange space centered on Korean culture has been established at Lincoln University. It is called LUCK—Lincoln University Culture of Korea.
LUCK, short for Lincoln University –Culture of Korea, is a cultural club open to all Lincoln University students who love and wish to engage with Korean culture. Founded at the end of January 2025, LUCK has already attracted around 60 registered members from the university. The club aims to create a warm and welcoming community where students interested in various aspects of Korean culture—such as K-POP, K-dramas, Korean food, the Korean language, and travel information—can come together to share experiences and build friendships.
The first half of 2025 flew by for LUCK, filled with meaningful activities and memorable moments. Starting with the Club Market Day, LUCK successfully hosted two major events. The first was an orientation for new members, where the executive team was introduced, the club’s slogan was shared, and everyone joined in learning a few basic Korean expressions—creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The second event was part of LUSA Diversity Week, where LUCK organized a two-day Korean travel information booth. (See previous)
More than just introducing tourist spots, the event was thoughtfully designed to help participants feel a closer connection to Korea.
To ensure accurate and engaging content, the LUCK team visited the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Wellington to consult directly with officials and received official sponsorship from the Korea Tourism Organization, which greatly enhanced the quality of the materials.
The team held late-night meetings to prepare the best possible information, and their efforts were rewarded with enthusiastic responses during the event. Many students expressed their desire to visit Korea, saying, “Now I really want to go!”—a sentiment that gave the organizing team a strong sense of accomplishment.
These activities were also featured in local Korean media, drawing greater attention to both Lincoln University and the LUCK Club. Including regular meetings, approximately 100 students took part in the events, with participants from diverse nationalities showing strong interest in K-culture and actively engaging in the programs.
To kick off the second half of the year, LUCK is preparing a cultural experience event centered around K-FOOD (Korean cuisine).
The event will showcase globally beloved Korean dishes such as kimchi, bulgogi, and tteokbokki, giving participants the opportunity to taste them and experience Korean culture with all five senses. Additionally, a joint event is being planned with UCKS, the Korean student club at the University of Canterbury (UC).
This collaboration between the two universities will help expand the Korean cultural network within the region and provide a valuable platform for students from diverse cultural backgrounds to connect and engage. Moreover, in September, a large-scale performance event is scheduled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Korea–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). LUCK members
are planning to participate as volunteers, and further details will be shared in due course.
Student Buddy Programme I Kaiwhakarite Tauira
The Student Buddy Programme has been contributing to the wellbeing of students at LU for more than 2 years. Thanks to the support and encouragement of the uni, our team won the ‘Supreme Gold Award’ for our work last year! We have decided to share some of our journey with you here.
Who we are:
Kaiwhakarite Tauira (Student Buddy Programme) are a group of voluntary students on campus, committed and trained to help guide students to the support they need. Our programme is student centred on the needs of new students as opposed to offering prescribed activities. The buddies receive training from, and are mentored by Jayne Smith, the First Year Student Advisor, to ensure they understand the boundaries associated with their roles, while being supported to grow their co-curricular skills.
What we do:
We see four important aspects of student life where we can provide support.
• Connect (Whanaukataka) students to different student clubs, services, lecturers and events around campus.
• Support (Manaaki) students with time and presence when connecting to support services or places around campus/Christchurch.
• Student Buddies share (Tohatoha) their knowledge and experience to help students in the best possible way.
• Learning (Akoraka). Either by helping with questions or directing to the right learning support services. We are here to help from where to get bus metro card to how to get help doing an assignment.
Fun activities:
You’ll see us at Orientation Days, Clubs Market Days, International Support Evenings, and other events on campus; working closely with the Student Experience Team and the Wellbeing Team. We meet each other for training and review
Events this Semester:
Washpen Falls: Take a trip with us towards the Southern Alps and experience the bush, birds and the waterfall. Watch the digital screens for more details. Adventure Park/Port HillS: Experience the views across the plains and take a ride on the chair lift. Dates and times to be confirmed.
Find us every Tuesday having lunch in Grounded, 12.30-1.30pm. For company whilst having lunch, meet others, play games and practice your conversational English!
a few times in a semester. Along with the usual reviews and discussions, we have some fun times as well!
We had a Marae Visit last year, where we learnt about Iwi culture, history, food and traditions. Did you know that in Maori culture, there is no concept of possession? Possession is a basic concept most civilizations had, like land or food. Maori believe everything belongs to everyone (including the environment around us) and nothing belongs to us. I felt it was unique, considering how much greed and associated destruction we see everywhere these days.
We held a Hagley Park visit, and City visit on the 1st March, where we organized a walk around Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens, followed by a walk around the city centre. The day was clear and warm, making it perfect for a scenic lunch by the river, underthe shade of the Margaret Mahy playground.
We took a Bike Trip on the Little River Rail Trail (LU to Little River) along with the LU Gym Team. That was a lovely day as well, and most importantly there was almost no wind! It was a nice way to see around Lake Waihora. We stopped at Motukarara and Birdlings Flat for a break, then Little River for lunch.
Besides these trips, we also organize Postgrad Mature Student Cuppa and Kōrero. These events are scattered throughout the year; come along to meet other students and learn what other fun activities you can be part of. We will be there so come and have a kōrero (chat).
Sold Out Soils Society Quiz Night Success!
The sold-out LUSS Quiz Night was a runaway success, raising funds to support the Soil Society’s upcoming trip to Armidale, Australia, for the 12th National Australian Soil Judging Competition.
The Quiz Night saw students, staff, alumni, and supporters fill The Famous Grouse Hotel to capacity, eager to show off their trivia skills across a range of categories, from general knowledge and ‘guess the celebrity’, to, of course, the soils round, where teams competed to win the Golden Spade.
The night wasn’t just about fundraising; it was a celebration of community, academic enthusiasm, and the often-underappreciated world beneath our feet.
Congratulations to the winning teams...
Soils Round:
Lattesol - taking home the golden spade!
General Quiz:
• Fifty Shades of Clay
• Deans Digs
• Young People Today
The funds raised will help cover travel and accommodation for twelve Lincoln University students as they head across the ditch to compete against others from around New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Islands and even the USA!
The competition, held annually, is an intensive hands-on event where teams examine the physical properties of soil profiles to classify the soil and determine the best land use. Soil judging allows students to develop key practical skills that cannot be taught in the classroom, helping prepare them for future careers in land-based industries.
The competition tests not only technical know-how but also teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. For some of the students, it will be their first chance to travel internationally for a competition, making the opportunity even more exciting!
The LU Soil Society would like to give a special shout-out to LUSA for funding our prize hampers, Roger McLenaghen for MC’ing on the night, and the Famous Grouse for kindly hosting us.
Thank you to all those who came to the event and helped make our quiz night a massive success, your support is greatly appreciated!
Dirty-minded and interested in attending a soil judging competition?
Email lusoilsoc@gmail.com to register your interest in attending the 2025 soil judging trip.
Lattesol - Golden Spade Winners
3rd Place - Young People Today
2nd Place - Dean Digs
1st Place - Fifty Shades of Clay
The Famous Grouse
Inaugural LU Fishing and Diving Club Trip to Kaikōura
By Krugar Griffith
Recently, the LU Fishing and Diving Club headed to Kaikōura for its first official club trip!
With new club gear to test out, keen divers, and an eagerness to get in the winter water, we departed Lincoln early afternoon, arriving in Kaikōura to a beautiful flat sea with just over an hour before dark, making the drive definitely worth it.
After selecting a dive spot previously dived by some experienced members of the club, the 10 divers suited up. With a mix of experience, each beginner diver was paired with a proficient diver to keep everyone safe and help the beginners get their first pāua, kina, crayfish, or butterfish.
Since the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, pāua are only allowed to be harvested periodically and
have a different legal size limit and bag limit. This year the pāua taking period is for 3 months beginning on May 1st and ending on the 31st of July and has a size limit of 130mm and a bag limit of 3 per person per day. This ensures the recovery of the fishery through sustainable guidelines whilst still allowing enough to be taken home.
Upon entry into the water, we were met with 3-4 meters of visibility which made things even better, and instantly displayed an abundance of pāua everywhere. The pāua were all of good size and made for great learnings for the newbie divers being able to see a plethora of them and gage size underwater. Once pāua limits were reached and the new divers were taught how to measure them in accordance with the new size limit targets, we switched to crayfish and butterfish.
Coming across a crevice containing crayfish, all the new divers were made aware and got to gain a look at it underwater. This time of year the female crayfish have eggs or ‘berry’ which are observed on the underside of their tail, and this means they are unable to be taken, so the crayfish seen by the new divers were left alone.
On the last light, another crack full of crayfish was found and one of the more experienced divers managed to grab a legal male crayfish. 3 butterfish were also speared by club members which made for some great eating later on. Getting out of the water it was clear that everyone enjoyed their dive and got to experience something new, which is what the club is all about.
After camping overnight and enjoying the fruits of our dive, we awoke the next morning for another pristine winter’s day. Getting into wet wetsuits wasn’t a great start but the cold didn’t last long thankfully. Getting into the water at a new spot we found, it was apparent there were not many paua if any, but further out, there was a cave with crayfish and we found 1 legal male which was grabbed. The decision was made to travel back to the spot we dove the day prior to get Paua and then head home.
Overall, the first trip was a definite success and we achieved what we set out to do, by getting new people into diving and passing on experience.
The club gear purchased through the Healthy Living Fund was exceptional and helped immensely by getting people in the water who wouldn’t have had the gear otherwise.
LU Sensory Room
The new Sensory Room is located on level 1 of the Forbes building. The room provides a safe and controllable environment. It has both light and temperature controls as well as a yoga light instrument that offers ambient light and sound options. There are also weighted blankets for calming and many different plushies and fidget toys.
If you have any feedback about the room, please send it to DAP@lincoln.ac.nz
The Education Hub has made a great resource that you can find by searching ‘An introduction to neurodiversity and neurodivergence’. This is a great resource to help teach yourself or if you have some people in your life who you want to help understand this.
It explains many areas such as:
• History of neurodiversity
• The different forms of neurodivergence
• Terminology
• Myths and misconceptions
• Ways to support in a learning environment
Love music? Whether you play an instrument, sing in the shower, or just enjoy a good tune, the Lincoln Uni Music Club has something for you!
We’ve got a great line-up of events this term, and everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a seasoned musician or just a fan of good vibes and great company.
Here’s what’s coming up:
• Week 1 – Clubs Market Day
Stop by our stall and say hi! Learn more about what we do, sign up, and meet fellow music lovers.
• Week 2 – Musicians Meet Musicians
Come along to meet fellow musicians, share your interests, and maybe even find bandmates for your next musical project.
• Week 4 – Music Bingo
A fun and relaxed night of bingo with a musical twist – test your ears and enjoy a great night out with the club.
• Week 6 – Music Quiz Night
Think you know your pop from punk? Prove it in our quiz packed with music trivia, iconic lyrics, and audio rounds.
• Fridays @ 6PM –Weekly Jam Sessions
Every Friday evening in the Club House, we get together to play, sing, and unwind. All instruments, genres, and skill levels are welcome. Just bring yourself and your instrument if you have one!
Join Here!
Campus Books
LU’s beloved Campus Books has been on a bit of a journey over the last 18 months, traipsing from temporary location to temporary location after being evicted from Ground Floor, Forbes due to the recent Forbes development project. For many students, finding that textbook or lab coat recently has felt more like an expedition.
Good news! It’s time to finally ditch the compass, GPS trackers and the emergency flares; the Campus Bookshop has finally found its permanent new home in Grounded, directly across from the LUSA offices.
No more venturing into the campus equivalent of the wilderness just to grab your course materials or sending out search parties for lost classmates who embarked on the quest for the bookshop and never returned. It’s now smack-bang in the middle of where you actually spend your time – a central, easy-to-find spot that makes life a whole lot simpler. We’re talking easy access, prime location, and a much more streamlined experience for everyone.
So next time you need anything for your studies or want to grab some fancy LU merch, pop into Grounded!
Lincolns Campus Books provides a range of stationery and merchandise to support you with your studying and on campus needs during your time at Lincoln Uni!
• Textbooks for Courses
• Stationery Needs
• Mobile Phone top-ups
• Greeting Cards
• Headphones
• Graduation Frames
• Lincoln Merchadise
• Lab Coats/Safety Glasses
• Dissection Kits
• Domestic Courier Service
• Postage Stamps
• Metrocards can now be found at the Lincoln Library & Service Centre, in the township.
Contact: 03 222 2468 9am – 3pm, Monday – Friday
Location: Grounded, Forbes Building
Lincoln University
We had a great turn out for the SPACE Pride Walk this year despite the rainy weather!
Thank you to everyone who came along on Wednesday 28th of May to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community here at Lincoln and show allyship to our queer community.
SPACE Club held a prizegiving once we returned to Grounded and some of you won a few prizes for your enthusiasm and involvement in the event. These winners were gifted a LUSA/LU rainbow prize pack to say thank you.
Those that took part were treated to some free goodies courtesy of Lincoln University and LUSA including stickers, pins, bags of skittles and a free sprinkle ice cream!
Lead by our SPACE Club, we danced and walked across campus from one rainbow crossing to the other and then did a loop around campus, through our brand-new Forbes Building and Student and Visitor Centre, ending in Grounded.
We also held a (rather rainy) rainbow gumboot toss competition on Forbes Lawn with the furthest throw also winning one of these prize packs.
Thank you if you came along to show your support of this event especially with the rainy weather. If you missed out on this great event for 2025, please keep your eyes peeled for next years event in 2026 as we would love to see you there!
What are you Currently Studying?
I’m currently studying for a Master of Applied Computing.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
Coming from South Korea and navigating life as both an International and Postgraduate student has shown me how important community and support are. Especially at the Postgraduate level, where students often study in isolation. That experience motivated me to
run for the Postgraduate Engagement role, because I want Postgrad students to feel supported and connected.
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
In this role, I will act as a bridge between Postgraduate students and the wider university community. I aim to organize events tailored for Postgrads, gather feedback on their academic and social experiences, and ensure their voices are heard at the Student Exec table.
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
During my term, I hope to increase engagement by making Postgrad events more accessible, both socially and academically.
What advice could yougive students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
For anyone thinking of running in 2026, I’d say: focus on caring for your community and being willing to listen. That matters more than being perfect.
KANG
LU Chinese Students Association Culture Day Recap
By Harry Feng
To help promote the essence of traditional Chinese culture to LU students, through people-to-people contact, the LU Chinese Student Association, with support from LUSA and LU Admin, held the ‘Chinese Culture Day’ on Forbes Lawn back in May.
The sun shone on the day, after some heavy rain days prior, attracting a large number of participants, including local students, staff, and members of the public, making the atmosphere lively out on Forbes Lawn.
This event featured a rich and diverse array of activities, food, and people. Highlights included live demonstrations and interactive lessons of traditional Chinese calligraphy, as well as six food stalls representing authentic Chinese regional cuisine and flavors such as Cantonese cuisine, savory pancakes, and barbecue. This provided guests with a “Taste of China” experience!
In collaboration with the Confucius Institute in Canterbury, professional calligraphy instructors were invited to offer hands-on instruction. They introduced the cultural roots of Chinese characters and the aesthetics of traditional calligraphy, guiding attendees through beginner-level brush writing.
We would like to express our gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in New
Zealand, for their generous support and funding. This allowed us to implement a “lucky draw ticket” system, offering free Chinese food and gifts to students as cultural interaction rewards. Winners commented that it was a fun way to bring Chinese culture to life. The attendees who took part were eligible to receive a lucky draw ticket and redeem a complimentary Chinese food item. A total of 350 tickets were prepared, and only 12 remained at the end of the event!
The event also gained widespread attention on social media. During the event period, the Chinese Student Association’s Instagram and Facebook accounts gained over 100 new followers. Posts and videos related to the event were shared and liked, increasing the visibility of Chinese culture within the local community.
Overall the ‘Chinese Culture Day’ built a bridge for local New Zealanders to experience Chinese culture up close.
Looking ahead, the LU Chinese Student Association will continue to serve as a vital bridge for China – New Zealand youth. We hope to organise more events shortly.
Hanmer Springs Run Club Trip
By Alex McCorkindale
On Friday, the 24th of May, the Lincoln University Run Club ventured to Hanmer Springs for a full day of trail running, walking, and recovery.
The group arrived around 10am and set off into the Hanmer Forest. The running group completed a 10km loop through the forest trails, enjoying a mix of challenging terrain and warm, sunny conditions that were ideal for a strong mid-semester run. Alongside them, a group of walkers took a more relaxed approach, enjoying the scenery and taking in the peaceful alpine surroundings at their own pace.
After the morning’s activity, both groups came together for a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. Meat platters, chips, and wedges were on the menu, the perfect fuel after a big effort outdoors.
The afternoon was spent soaking in the Hanmer Springs hot pools, giving everyone a chance to relax, recover, and catch up after the morning’s efforts.
It was a fantastic day that brought together fitness, fresh air, and community spirit, another memorable outing for the Run Club.
Young Farmers Speed Shear
By Cam Brans
The annual LYFC Speed Shear brought energy and excitement to The Famous Grouse in Lincoln on Saturday, 24th May.
Shearers from across the country gathered to compete in a thrilling display of skill across three categories: Open, Senior, and Clean.
The event wasn’t just about speed, it was a celebration of rural traditions, with a raffle, auction, and plenty of freshly shorn sheep, keeping the crowd entertained.
The competition kicked off at 3pm, with spectators cheering as blades flew and fleeces piled up. After fierce battles in each category, the winners were crowned:
• Phoenix Hawkins took out the Open section
• Jahvontay Smith claimed victory in the Senior division.
• Kees Tomlinson won the Clean Shear.
• A special shout-out went to Niamh Maxwell, who was named the best female competitor of the day.
Beyond the shearing action, the event was a major fundraising success, bringing in around $3,000 for the Lincoln Young Farmers Club (LYFC).
The lively auction, expertly run by Gary Bachelor, and the entertaining commentary from MC James Dywer kept the atmosphere buzzing.
A huge thank you to the judges, Michelle Webster, Stu Murray, and Francine Murray, for their expertise, and to all the volunteers who made the event possible.
The LYFC extends its gratitude to the incredible sponsors whose support was vital to the event’s success: The Famous Grouse Lincoln, Ellesmere Transport, Lincoln Grain and Produce, Dusty Shepherd, Wool Aid, Cocky, Stihl, FMG, Heiniger Shearing NZ, Lone Star, Jo’s Garage, Challenge Lincoln, Vetlife, By the Horns, New World Lincoln, Skellerup Red Bands, Canterbury Equestrian, Kiwi SheepSkin, Mt Nicholas Merino, Milford Cruise, Matatu Rugby, Southland Farm Machinery, RCLTD, Ray White Rolleston - Brendan Shefford, Foley Agri,
Milford Cruise, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, Alliance, and 1881 Store Clyde.
A special mention goes to the LYFC leadership team, including Vice-Chairperson Will Summerfield and Semester 1 Chairperson Amelia Ridgen, along with the entire executive and sub-committee, for their hard work in organizing the event.
The 2025 Speed Shear was another fantastic example of community spirit, skill, and rural camaraderie. With such strong support from competitors, sponsors, and volunteers, the LYFC is already looking forward to next year’s showdown.
See you in 2026 for more high-speed shearing action!
Hamish Shaw, shearing in the Clean Section.
The Auction
Artwork by Chonelle Ayson
Bus departs Calder Drive at 7am Bus departs Mt Hutt at 4pm Bus departs Calder Drive at 9am
departs Mt Hutt at 2.3Opm
MONDAY 28 JULY
Club Yarns
Treasurer
WHO ARE WE?!
If you haven’t already heard about the Handy Landys, we’re a small but 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 events, we’re always keen to get stuck in, rain or shine! Following the latest SGM, we have had a change in the executive team leading the Handy Landys club, so meet our new exec...
Chairperson
Hi, my name is Callum Stratford. I am the Chairperson for Handy Landy’s for the second part of 2025. I am from Southland and grew up on a dairy farm. I am a second year doing a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). I have been part of Handy Landy’s since I first came to university and have seen the valuable work the club does such as flood relief in Balclutha. I can’t wait to see what we will do in the second half of the year with a few events on the cards already. Keep an eye out for what is to come for the rest of the year.
Vice Chairperson
Kia ora, I’m Jess Quinlan and will be taking over the role of vice chairperson for semester 2. I am originally from northland and am in my 2nd year of studying a bachelor of agricultural science. I got involved with Handy Landys in my first year and have met so many great people and had lots of great experiences since then.
Secretary
Kia Ora, my name is Anna Stuart, and I have the privilege of being the secretary of Handy Landys for 2025. I am originally from Auckland and I’m in my third year of studying a Bachelors in Agriculture. This is my third year being part of the club, and my second year on the exec. I love being a part of Handy Landys because of its values and that we help out farmers and rural communities in need. I’ve loved being involved with the club and have had so much fun on various trips (with my favourite being the South Otago trip at the end of last year), and meeting new people. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of this year!
Kia ora, I’m Arla Kippenberger – treasurer for Semester two 2025. I’m off a farm in humble Whangārei and am currently in my second year of Agricultural Science. It’s my first year being involved in the club, I love Handy Landys as I wholeheartedly agree with the kaupapa of the club, especially love being out there actively helping rural communities. So excited to see what the coming semester brings, Nga Mihi.
First Year Representative
Hey! I’m Sophie Crawford and I was elected as the first year rep for 2025. I am from West Otago in the South Island where I grew up on a sheep farm and am a first year student taking a B Com Ag, I thoroughly enjoy farming and the outdoors. I have already been on a couple of Handy Landys trips this year and can’t wait to do some more as they were great fun and it was good to get outside. I look forward to what the year brings for the exec as well as the club in general and getting more involved in the community.
General Member
Kia ora, my name is Ella Hole and I am taking over from Callum as the general member on the Handy Landys exec. I am a first year student of a BAgSci degree and am looking forward to getting stuck in with Handy Landys during my time at Lincoln. I am from a small farm near Geraldine, South Canterbury where I have grown up knowing the value of rural communities and I look forward to being able to give back through the work of Handy Landys.
Club Yarns
RESIDENT ‘NERD CLUB’S’ PAINT N’ SIP AND MORE!
We’re the resident ‘nerd club’ on campus, catering to a wide variety of nerddom. We packed Semester 1 with weekly events, doing our best to include something for everyone! We’re best known for our fortnightly boardgame nights, where everyone brings some food to share and any boardgames they want to play but our off weeks include events that might appeal to many others.
Semester 2 is set to be just as busy with board-game nights, Jackbox games, our typical paint ‘n’ sip, and more!
Our last paint ‘n’ sip featured lots of incredible art, even with artists of every skill level! We’d like to give a huge thank you to LUSA who make it possible for us to put on all the events we do. Their assistance meant we could completely restock on canvasses and paint so we’re ready to throw another incredible paint ‘n’ sip later this term!
We cater to every level of nerd, whether you’re just dipping your toes in or count yourself as a full-fledged nerd, you’re welcome! So come along Thursday nights, for guaranteed fun or pick and choose the events that appeal to you! Whether we’re painting, playing board games, or something else, a good vibe is always guaranteed!
Did You Know that MDMA, known as MD, Pingers, Molly or Ecstasy is an illegal drug, often sold as pills, powders, or crystals.
However a lot of substances tested as ‘MDMA’ in New Zealand recently contained synthetic cathinones, and some contained no MDMA at all.
MDMA forces your brain to release chemicals that make you happy, high and horny.
MDMA affects neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep and appetite.
Taking MDMA floods the brain with serotonin from natural reserves which is then broken down. Taking more won’t help as the serotonin stores have been used up.
You might feel more energetic, confident, emotional, empathic and connected to other people
This can lead to a hangover or comedown lasting a few days, where you feel tired, irritable and low.
MDMA can also make you feel dizzy, dehydrated, anxious and agitated, and large doses can be more unpleasant
It takes time for the brain to refill the serotonin stores, so frequent MDMA use won’t have the same effect and should be avoided.
Avoid taking MDMA with other drugs, especially anxiety or depression medications, as this can lead to dangerous Serotonin Syndrome.
Your Choices. Your Future.
University is a pretty epic time. It’s where you’re building your independence, forging new connections, and pushing your boundaries. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also aperiod where the decisions you make, big or small, can set the course for your lifelong after graduation.
Using AI:
While AI may seem like a godsend with helping you to write your assignment, it can primarily undermine your own learning, bypassing the development of critical thinking and research skills essential for your degree and career. Furthermore, detection of it may see you referred to the University Proctor for academic misconduct. This can result in receiving a 0% for the assignment which may have disastrous impacts on your overall course grade as well as fines (especially if this is not your first offense!)
Racism, Discrimination, Homophobia & Harassment:
Any form of racism, discrimination, homophobia and harassment is not accepted and will not be tolerated at Lincoln University; more importantly, such behaviours breach the Code of Conduct, meaning that you can be referred to the Proctor and event the Police. Depending on the offence, possible consequences can include fines, exclusion from University and LUSA’s event and criminal records.
Having one too many:
There’s nothing wrong with having fun, but when “fun” crosses into risky or dependent behaviour, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.
• Health repercussions: Excessive drinking can lead to immediate health risks (accidents, alcohol poisoning) and significant long-term health problems for your liver, brain, and mental well-being.
• Legal trouble: Drink driving, public intoxication, or drug possession can result in hefty fines, arrests, loss of your driver’s license, and a criminal record.
• Reputation and relationships: Consistently being out of control can damage your reputation among peers, and strain relationships with friends and family.
Drugs:
• Disciplinary Action: The University’s Drug and Alcohol Policy does not permit drugs on campus; if you are found in the possession of drugs on Campus, you’ll be referred to the Proctor (and likely the Police) and face disciplinary action.
• Legal consequences: Possession or use of illegal substances can result inarrest, fines, or a criminal record that affects your future opportunities.
• Serious health and wellbeing side effects: Drug use can be detrimental to your mental health, as well as worsen current mental health disorders (such as depression and anxiety). In addition, drug consumption can lead to serious physical health problems and illness, and result in hospitalisation (or worse!)
If you are concerned about your drug and/or alcohol consumption, there are various services you can contact:
• LU Student Health (& Counsellors 03 325 3835
• Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or text: 8681
• Healthline 0800 611 116 1737
• Need to Talk? Phone/Text: 1737
Flat Parties:
While flat piss-ups can be fun, they can also lead to serious repercussions:
• Pissed off neighbours: Disrupting and being disrespectful to your neighbours breaches the student Code of Conduct and can bring the University intodisrepute. When this occurs, you can expect a follow up from the Proctor and possible fines (if the neighbours haven’t already called the Police first!)
• Confiscation of equipment: If Noise Control are notified due to excessive noise, gear (such as stereos and speakers) can be confiscated (and they aren’t easy to get back!)
• Eviction: Landlords may also decide to evict problematic tenants, leaving you with no flat to host a piss-up.
Remember that the tenants of a flat are held responsible should anything go wrong during a party at the residence! Always remember to register any flat parties via the Good One Party Register.
Getting it out in public
:
Whether taking a quick wizz behind a tree or pulling down your dax as a dare, getting it out in public can result in serious consequences:
• Bans and trespasses: Getting it out within a business’ premises? The business may contact the police and issue you with a two-year trespass.
• Fines and possible prison time:
Under the Summary Offences Act 1981, intentionally and obscenely exposing any part of your genitalia can land you afine of $2,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months
• Landing yourself on the registered child sex offenders list: If children witness you getting it out, you can find yourself on the child sex offenders register.
What You Post Stays
Posted:
Remember that anything you ‘post’ online is there forever. That wild party photo or thatedgy comment might seem harmless now, but think twice before hitting “post.”
• Personal and professional reputation and future employment: Your digital footprint contributes to your overall reputation. Recruiters and employers routinely check the internet and social media profiles as part of the hiringprocess. Anything deemed unprofessional, offensive, or indicative of poor judgment can lead to your application being binned.
• Bringing the University not disrepute:
What you post/upload onto the internet and social media can stand to bring the University into disrepute (especially if deemed offensive). When this occurs, you may be referred to the Proctor and/or Police (depending on the severity of photo/video/post).
Referral to the Proctor for any reason can result in:
• Formal warnings
• Fines (unpaid fines can also result in final marks and/or degrees being withheld
• Banning from LUSA’s events (including Garden Party)
• Exclusion from University
• Referral to Police
Police involvement can result in:
• Fines
• Formal warnings (yes, these go on your file)
• Decline/removal of Firearms License
• Removal of driver’s license (if offences are vehicle related)
• Trespasses
• Referral to the University’s Proctor
• Community service
• Jail time (pucker up, baby!)
If you receive a criminal record:
• You’ll need to declare any Police charges when applying for jobs. Additionally, they will be disclosed if a prospective employer conducts a police check (which can seriously impact your ability to get a job and be disastrous for your career!).
• You may not be able to travel overseas (goodbye OE!)
Remember, It’s Your Journey!
The choices you make now are shaping the person you’re becoming and the life you’ll lead. University is an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and have amazing experiences. Embrace it all, but do so with an awareness of the potential long-term impacts of your actions
STRATEGIC DIRECTION WORKING GROUP
LUSA is updating our Strategic Direction!
We need you to help us so that we can do what is best for the student body, and make sure we get lots of feedback from you!
• We’re looking for a diverse group of students to be part of a working group to have your say in the future of LUSA and our goals for the next 3 years!
• Meet a few times throughout Semester 2, dates to be confirmed.
• We’re looking for Undergrads & Postgrads, Domestic & International students, from all sorts of backgrounds!
Email in your interest president@lusa.org.nz or pop in to see me in the LUSA office. Ground Floor, Forbes Building!
ZARA WEISSENSTEIN PRESIDENT
Hi everyone and welcome back to Semester Two!! It’s so good to see you all back on campus, it was getting just a little too quiet here! We have so much coming up for you in ReOri including Winterball, Clubs Market Day and “See the Snow” on the 19th July, as well as lots of free food of course!
Later on in the term we also have the Postgrad and Mature Students Pub Quiz on the 29th July, International Dinner on the 6th August, and so much more! We hope to see you out at all our events so we can continue getting to know you all!
This term our LUSA board meetings are on the 24th July and 21st August. This is where we discuss how we can make your experience on campus better, and lots more. If you are considering running for any position on the LUSA exec in term 4 (see page 48 for more and keep an eye out over the next while for more information on the elections), then these meetings would be great to come along to to get a taste of what it’s like! Do also keep an eye out for more comms on the elections, and start thinking about what role you’d like to run for! What position on the exec can you picture yourself in for 2026? What changes do you think could make Lincoln University better? Please feel free to contact me at president@lusa.org.nz if you have any questions about elections or being on the LUSA exec.
On the other hand, if you’d
rather come in to see me in person, I can often be found in my very pink office in the LUSA office on the ground floor of the Forbes building, and I love to yap so feel free to come in and ask whichever questions you may have!
Please also remember that I am here to help you have the best student experience possible in your time here, so if you have any concerns or feedback about anything, please feel free to again, contact me come in to see me in the LUSA office.
change of scenery can be for (in my case) deep thinking, reading papers and writing. If you’re ever feeling stuck or in need of a reset, I highly recommend a short trip or study break (even if you check out for 2 days) – it can do wonders for your focus and creativity.
Lastly, we’re kicking off Semester 2 with ReOri. ReOri has something for everyone. Whether it’s dancing the night away at Winterball, getting a bunch of free stuff at Clubs and Market Day or heading up Mt Hutt to have a geeze at some snow. Be sure to check out the schedule and get involved. As always you can stop me for a yarn if you see me on campus or email me at vp@lusa.org.nz
CAM HOLMES VICE PRESIDENT
During the break, the Club Grants Committee met to review applications submitted in Round 3. The outcomes of these applications have been communicated to Club Execs before the start of Sem 2. Round 4 applications are due on the 27th of August, which falls during the Semester 2 Mid-Term Break. This round covers events and expenses planned to take place between 6th September and 5th December 2025.
In terms of policies, the Travel and Expenses Policy and the Advisory Panel Terms of Reference have now been reviewed, approved, and uploaded to the website.
Just before the break, I took some time away from campus to focus on my thesis work. It was incredibly productive, I was reminded of how valuable a
Kia ora everyone, I hope you have all had a good break. This semester will be a good one!
Iconic is planning to host a potluck lunch very soon, so look out for dates and bring along a dish to share.
I will be having my usual open meetings soon and hope to see you there to let me know how things are going and what I could tell the university both good and bad.
If you can’t attend one or would prefer to just email you can reach me at disability.rep@lusa.org.nz
GEORGE GIBBS DISABILITY EDI REP
TROY VOLMAN SECRETARY
Hello again,
Back at it for another Semester! For me, this will be my 6th and final semester at Lincoln Uni. What I seem to do in these blurbs is to advise on chipping away at work, staying ahead, and all the rest of it, but honestly, I tell myself that each time and it never happens.
All I will say is: enjoy your first week back, have some fun, and some dusty mornings, and then spend the rest of the time catching up on work, catching up with mates, and catching up with family.
I hope you are all stoked with your exam results, it’s some hard mahi doing those late nights sometimes, but it pays off in the end. I hope to see some of you guys around this Sem, at events (hopefully not being kicked out - I remember your faces), in class, or around campus.
Since being at Lincoln, I’ve picked up the saying ‘swings in roundabouts,’ so I challenge you all to help a mate out this coming month, and I’m sure help will come around when you need it most. secretary@lusa.org.nz
CATERINA CAMPESE INTERNATIONAL REP
We’re already past the mid-year break, when did that happen?! Time is flying, and Semester two is already in full swing. Despite the pace, LUSA is keeping up with loads of exciting events to kick off the second half of the year. You’ll see us all around campus, from free food every day to the buzzing Clubs Market Day to the much-anticipated Winterball!
On another note, I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete the Student Services Fee questionnaire. Your feedback has been strong and clear, and we’re committed to using it to push back against fee increases wherever we can. Please continue to reach out and let us know what matters to you. The more we hear from you, the better we can advocate on your behalf.
Stay tuned... there may be some important changes coming up that you’ll have a say in.
As always, if you need me, I’m just an email away.
Ngā mihi, Cata international.rep@lusa.org.nz
DIPTI ADHIKARI POSTGRAD ACADEMIC REP
Hey everyone, Winter is not coming; it is well and truly here! Well, nobody has given the memo to the ‘Kiwis’ that it is ‘supposed’ to be cold, and you are supposed to feel cold and maybe, maybe wear anything else other than shorts! That has been the number one culture shock for my stay here and the number one jacket brand must be ‘Kathmandu’, the literal name of my capital city! (and I asked, they don’t have any connection to my country). It’s a literal jolt seeing everybody’s chests plastered with the place’s name that you have known since childhood.
As much as I complain about the lack of parking space in term time, I do miss the buzz and vibe that undergrads bring to this uni. You are the literal life of this party! Your ‘still hopeful’ eyes give me hope, and your arrival also signals that Spring is lurking somewhere around the corner.
ReOri is here to welcome back old and new students. As always, you can reach me at dipti.adhikari@lincolnuni.ac.nz and PG.academic@lusa.org.nz if you need to whine, vent, complain or praise!
NATHAN CAMPBELL SUSTAINABILITY REP
The cost of public transport for tertiary students is going up with changes to our bus network. If you rely on public transport and the cost increase has an impact on you, get in touch. There are a few figures around campus, including the VC, who want to know how many students are affected. Talking to the LUSA exec (incl. lil ol’ me) is the best way to get your voice heard at LU.
Students with a Community Services Card will get a discount on bus fares with the new system (as well as doctor appointments, and more) so if you can get one. do it! You can sign up online.
Did you know we have a LUSA Club House? To the left of Gate 2 on Calder Drive entrance is a small brick house, surrounded by trees and greenery. The Club House is bookable for events for clubs and student groups via lusa.org.nz
LUSA wants to improve the Club House rooms and make it a space you want to spend time in, so if you have feedback, please send me an email.
I am particularly keen on cleaning the outdoor spaces; running biodiversity surveys, seeding wildflower meadows, and making vege gardens! You can be involved by signing up with LESS (Lincoln Environmental Sustainability Society) online or at the clubs Market Day.
Welcome back for semester 2! Hope you all had a nice and restful break and are pumped and ready to go for the second half of the year.
I’ve spent my break taking my dog on plenty of walks, while wrapped up in a million layers of clothes in order to try and keep warm outside. I’ve also spent a few good nights with friends playing Wii until early hours of the morning and sleeping the rest of the day. I knew I was going to become nocturnal in the break… I’m sure a few of you will have too, so I understand how you are feeling while we get used to the 9am classes all over again.
I’m looking forward to this week and being able to see you all at the ReOri events. All the free food LUSA has on (I’m looking forward to the waffles), Winterball and so on.
Clubs Market Day is on again on Thursday the 17th of July, make sure you come and let me know any ideas you have for RAM magazine, and you’ll go in the draw for some café vouchers!
Be sure to have a look around all the other club stalls and maybe sign up for some! First years, I recommend joining a club or two now that you have figured out how uni life works and how much spare time you have. Clubs are a great way to find new friends and new passions so, come along! engagement.rep@lusa.org.nz
SAM DRYDEN RAINBOW EDI REP
Kia ora e hoa mā! Welcome to Semester 2!
I sincerely hope you all got a well-deserved break after making it through the first half of the year. I know I appreciated getting to slow down and spend time with friends and whānau. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Tīrama Mai light diplays throughout Ōtautahi Christchurch in celebration of Matariki and Puaka this year. What a cool idea!
Speaking of cool… How good was Lincoln’s Pride Hīkoi last semester?! Seeing everyone coming together to celebrate, completely warmed my heart. There have been so many amazing people at Lincoln over the years who brought us to that moment by advocating for our community to be seen and accepted. I am beyond grateful to them and so proud that we are contributing to that legacy. I am also so grateful to everyone from Lincoln University, LUSA, SPACE, and the wider community who were part of making this year’s Pride Hīkoi happen. Here’s to many more years to come!
This semester, I am most excited for SPACE Ball, which is coming up fast! SPACE is currently in the middle of planning and can’t wait to share the details with you. Make sure to follow SPACE (@spacelincolnuni) and LUSA (@lusa.nz) on Instagram to get early bird tickets. rainbow.rep@lusa.org.nz
Scan Here to get your ticket/s
Each ticket (single and table) includes one free drink (alcoholic or non alcoholic) per person, and table nibbles. $10 Single Tickets $70 Reserved Table (Up To 8 People) Tue 29 July, 5:30pm-8pm
Paint ’n’ Sip Night (…not Paint and Spit!): The joys of being an International Student
LUSA hosted a fantastic evening at the Paint ’n’ Sip Studio in the Arts Centre, giving students the chance to unwind with a brush in one hand and a mimosa in the other. All registered attendees enjoyed guided painting, good company, tasty snacks, and lots of laughter, the perfect mix of creativity and connection. Dipti (our Postgrad Rep) and I were on duty making sure everyone scanned in and had their glasses topped up.
Between the two of us; two international PhD students, we somehow managed to get completely lost on our way to the venue… more than once. But we made it eventually!
On a personal note: I would never have signed up for this event if I didn’t have to be there. As a kid, art class was my least favourite subject. I was so bad at drawing, I used to beg my younger sister to do my homework for me. But painting? I loved it. I found out that
painting is surprisingly forgiving, a lot like life. If you mess up, you just add more paint on top and keep going!
We hope to see all Postgrad and mature Students and friends at our next event. Keep an eye out for it on the LUSA socials!
By Caterina - International Rep.
Lincoln University Students’ Association
International Student Dinner
Chinese Banquet
Join LUSA for a mid-year dinner & catch up with fellow international students
As the new semester beckons, welcome back to Lincoln for those continuing in your studies and welcome to Lincoln for all new students beginning their varsity journey. The chaplaincy office is located on the ground floor of the Forbes building next to the student experience reception area.
We are here to offer pastoral and spiritual support throughout your academic journey so feel free to stop by and have a chat. All conversations are treated confidentially and all questions are respected.
As the senior chaplain I am on campus 2-3 days a week Every Wed, & Thu and every 2nd Monday. Please email me to make a specific appointment. The chaplains team offers a Conversation English Class on Thursdays from 12.00 – 1.30pm. This semester it will be held in the NRE building. Look out for the big yellow flag at the entrance. This is a free class for anyone wanting to improve their English conversation, guaranteed to be fun and a chance to meet fellow students.
Flatting 101:
Your university flatting days will be some of the best days of your life. Flatting is part of the experience of being a student, introducing you to a wider world of independence, a lot of fun and real world learning. Despite your best efforts to avoid some of the pitfalls of sharing a living space with others, you may also experience some of the darker sides of flatting. Here are a few tips to guide you through all of your flatting decisions, from budgeting to flatmate navigation and tenancy rights.
Before you look for a flat:
FLATMATES:
Are you going to flat with friends or join a pre-existing flat? You may have a group of friends and you’ve decided to look for a place together.
If not, you could consider moving into a preexisting flat; this means you avoid the hassle of having to set up the flat, but you may be living with people you don’t know very well at first. Flatting with friends can be great, but consider whether your lifestyles are compatible.
ESTABLISHED FLAT:
Make sure you look thoroughly at the flat, meet all the flatmates and ask lots of questions about how the flat functions. If you are at all unsure, go with your initial instinct.
Some useful things to ask are:
• Why is the room vacant?
• What type of lease does the flat have?
• Who is/are the head tenant(s)?
• What is the landlord like?
• What are the flat expenses and how often are these paid?
• How does the flat organise cleaning?
• Do they share food and cooking?
• Do people prefer to socialise at home or go out?
BUDGET:
Work out what your individual and collective budgets are. Do some research on Trademe or the Tenancy Services website www.tenancy.govt.nz to get an idea of average rents for houses and flats in the area you want to live in. Remember to factor in
other one-off and regular costs e.g. bond, rent in advance, contents insurance, heating, electricity, internet, food, and transport.
LOCATION:
Being close to campus has advantages, especially in Lincoln: a shorter trip to classes, proximity to the local student community. But being closer to town can mean a break from life on campus, other students to flat with, shops and other services nearby. But you’ll need to think about transport.
THE FLAT (HOUSE):
• How many bedrooms do you need?
• How much kitchen and living space would suit your group?
• Do you need storage space for bikes? Sporting Equiptment? A garage?
• Would you like a garden to grow some of your own food?
• Do you have a pet that needs space?
• What type of heating do you want and can you afford? Log burner, heat pump, electric heaters?
• Do you want a house with whiteware and furnishings (washing machine, fridge etc…) or are you able to provide your own?
House Hunting:
Once you’ve got a group together and you’ve decided what you’re looking for in a flat, it’s helpful to start your search early.
• www.trademe.co.nz/property
• www.realestate.co.nz
• Local PropertyManagers
• LU Accommodation Services
PRESENTATION:
Present yourselves well when you go to view a flat. Treat it like a job interview; the landlord will be screening you/your group so make first impressions count!
PRE-TENANCY APPLICATION:
The landlord may ask you to complete a pre-tenancy application
– this gives them your details, your referee’s details and other information that will help them choose their tenants. Make sure you have this information with you when you go to viewings.
REFEREES AND REFERENCES:
The landlord may ask you to complete a pre-tenancy application
– this gives them your details, your referee’s details and other information that will help them choose their tenants. Make sure you have this information with you when you go to viewings.
A suitable referee is someone who knows you well but isn’t a friend or family member e.g. a principal or RA, an employer, a tutor or lecturer.
THE LANDLORD:
A flat viewing is also your chance to interview the landlord and decide whether they are someone you would like to rent from. A large number of landlords rent
their houses through property managers, so you may not be dealing with the landlord directly. The landlord or property manager needs to be someone you feel you can approach about issues to do with the house and who follows the procedures for setting up a tenancy agreement and necessary paperwork.
Things to Check about the House
TENANCY:
• Is the tenancy fixed term or periodic? Most tenancies are fixed term i.e. for 1 year.
• When is the property available?
• How much bond and rent in advance is required?
• How often will the landlord conduct property inspections?
HEALTHY HOME STANDARDS:
• How well is the house or flat insulated?
• What is the source of heating? If there is a log burner, is the chimney cleaned regularly? If there is a heat pump, is it serviced regularly?
• How much sun does the flat get? Does it get morning or afternoon sun?
• Are there curtains in all the rooms?
• Can you see any mould or does the house smell damp?
• What type of hot water heating does the flat have? How big is the hot water cylinder? What is the water pressure like?
• Is the toilet separate from the bathroom? This can be useful when negotiating the showerqueue in the morning.
• What’s the kitchen like? Is there enough space for two people to cook at once if you are cooking individually?
• Do the oven and elements work?
• Is there any damage to lights or electrical fittings?
SPACE AND NOISE:
• Are the rooms a similar size? Will the configuration of rooms work for you?
• Where are the bedrooms located in relation to the living area?
• Is there enough common space for everyone?
• Is there storage space for outdoor gear/bikes?
• How close are the neighbours? Who are the neighbours?
• Is the flat close to any main roads?
SECURITY:
• Is the property secure? Do all the windows open and shut securely? Are there security latches on some windows if you want to ventilate your flat during the day?
• Are there smoke alarms in the flat? Have they been checked recently?
LAWNS AND GARDENS:
• Who looks after these? Some landlords arrange lawn mowing, in other cases the tenants are responsible.
Once
you have the Flat:
SIGN THE TENANCY AGREEMENT:
Under New Zealand law, tenants and landlords are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). Tenancy agreements must be in writing. Keep a copy and allow time to read it before signing.
INITIAL PAYMENTS:
When you rent, there are two common payments you need to make: the bond and rent in advance.
• Bond up to 4 weeks’ rent
• Rent in advance up to 2 weeks’ rent
CHECK OVER PROPERTY:
Make sure you agree with the landlord on anything that needs to be fixed before you move in. Complete the Property Inspection Report that the property manager or landlord should provide with the tenancy agreement. Arrange with the landlord or property manager to have photos taken of the property before you move in.
CONNECT UTILITIES:
Decide on which power, phone and internet companies you’ll use, and arrange for connection.
RUBBISH AND RECYCLING:
Find out the rubbish and recycling days for the area. Christchurch has a three bin rubbish and recycling system:
• Green bin for organic waste (food, garden waste)
• Yellow bin for recycling
• Red bin for rubbish to go to landfill
For more information visit ccc.govt.nz
INSURANCE:
Getting contents and personal liability insurance is an important thing to consider and factor into your budget. Your landlord will have insurance for their property, but this does not cover your belongings.
Shop around and get quotes. You’ll need the following information to get a quote:
• How much your stuff is worth. Add up how much it would cost to replace everything you
• own. Most companies will insure from $10,000 worth of items; shop around for differ ent deals.
• The address of the property.
• Security in the flat. Is there an alarm? Are there individual locks on the bedroom doors?
CHANGES IN TENANTS:
If someone in your flat decides that they want to leave during the year, you’ll need to replace them.
• First, ask your landlord whether you can replace the departing tenant.
• If your landlord agrees that your new flatmate can take over the outgoing person’s place in the flat and their bond, then the landlord and the old and new tenant will need to complete a Change of Tenant Form and Bond Transfer Form and return them to Tenancy Services.
• Your tenancy agreement needs to be updated to reflect the changes in tenants and signed by all tenants and the landlord.
INSPECTIONS:
Landlords and property managers usually schedule regular property inspections. They are required to give you at least 48 hours’ notice of an inspection, and these can’t be more often than once every 4 weeks. You could ask your landlord for a schedule of inspection dates so that you have this in writing.
Property management companies will generally send out a letter or an email to let you know when they’ll be visiting and their expectations. If something breaks or goes wrong in your flat, contact your landlord as soon as possible; the sooner they know about it, the sooner they can fix it.
If you or your flatmates damage something in the flat e.g. you break a window etc… contact the landlord as soon as possible to let them know and to check whether they have a preferred trades person to fix it. Don’t arrange for your own trades person to come and fix things without consulting the landlord or property manager first.
Manage Your Funds:
Make sure you have your priorities sorted i.e. pay your rent before going out for that night on the town.
Set up automatic payments for your rent and expenses. Don’t use loans or credit cards unless you really need them. Find out what your bank charges for overdrafts; only use overdrafts in cases of short term cash flow issues e.g. you are being paid the day after your rent is due. Consider using a debit card rather than a credit card; you are using money that you already have and not paying interest.
Set up an emergency fund and put a bit of money aside each week; this will make it easier if you have any unplanned expenses.
Apply for a Community Services Card – 90% of students qualify for a card.
Set up a communal flat account;
everyone pays their rent and a fixed amount for expenses into this account and account administrators pay bills and rent from this account. Sit down together and work out what a reasonable amount for expenses would be – enough to cover bills with a bit extra to help cover winter power bills, any food or household items you are sharing.
Leaving the Flat:
Clean your flat. Divide the cleaning up so it’s a more manageable job and do it in stages.
Remember to include the garden and lawn as well. Tenancy law says that the property must be left “reasonably clean and tidy”. If you’re unsure, ask your landlord about expectations.
Remove all your belongings and rubbish from the property. Make sure you arrange for the recycling andrubbish bins to be emptied and cleaned before you leave.
Drop off any unwanted furniture, clothing, books or household items to an op shop or Eco Drop will take donated items and excess recycling for free. The nearest Eco Drop is at 25 Parkhouse Road, Wigram.
Fix anything that has been damaged on the property.
Take photos of the property to compare with the initial Property Inspection when you moved in.
Arrange a final inspection with the landlord. If you are concerned about cleaning or the state of the flat, you could ask for a preinspection a week or so before you move out, giving you time to fix anything that may come out of your bond.
Make sure the rent is paid up until the day you vacate the property. If this doesn’t fall into your regular rent schedule, you’ll need to make sure you have the funds to cover any extra rent. You are required to pay rent up until the end of the tenancy – you cannot use your bond in place of rent.
Arrange your final electricity reading. Make sure that there is enough money left in your flat account for this.
Sign the Bond Refund Form. This needs to be signed by everyone who was on the original tenancy agreement.
Return the keys to the landlord or property manager.
When you move out of a property, you will receive your bond back when both you and your landlord or agent have inspected the property and are happy.
You will both complete the Bond Refund Form and your bond will normally be refunded within 3 business days by Tenancy Services.
Useful Sites:
Tenancy Services www.tenancy.govt.nz
Community Law www.canlaw.org.nz
Citizens Advice Bureau www.youth.cab.org.nz
Interview with the British High Commissioner, Iona Thomas
Empowering Youth, Celebrating Community and Promoting Sustainability
By Aleesha Young, LUSA Engagement Rep.
On the 18th of June, I had the pleasure of interviewing Iona Thomas, the British High Commissioner to New Zealand. She is based in Wellington but spent some time here in Christchurch hosting the King’s Birthday Party. This event happens every year in many different places, celebrating the UK and its relationships. This year was focused on youth and many different groups from schools and universities were invited to attend, and Cashmere Highschool’s jazz band provided some lovely entertainment.
What does the High Commissioner to NZ do? As the High Commissioner to NZ, her job is to look after the UK NZ relationship and to represent the UK overseas here in NZ. It’s a very varied role which is one of the things she loves about it. She loves the variety and how it covers trade, politics, security, culture, and it enables her to meet lots of different people.
jobs. Iona has worked at a lot of conflict, and post conflict posts, and now is learning a lot about trade.
What made Iona want the role? She is a career diplomat, did a masters, travelled for a bit before joining the foreign office in 2010. Through this job she has been able to work in many different places. She wanted to work in a country that was important to the UK. They move around for the role, they have fixed terms, this keeps them rotating, which means people stay fresh, to bring new ideas and perspectives.
What is the process for getting these roles? It is a complicated HR process. They advertise jobs and you apply for what you want and rank them in order. Then HR ranks you and you hope they choose your top choice. When she applied for NZ, it was the only one she applied for because it was the only one she was interested in. She started the role in NZ in 2022.
Does the job require any qualifications or degrees? Skills are more important than qualifications. People join after studying a wide, wide range of things. But they are looking for people who communicate well, simplify complicated info, make good judgements and discissions, which you can draw from lots of people with different backgrounds. Throughout their careers they develop different expertise they can take with them in their future
Does the role include any sort of power in decision making? Iona is a civil servant who was appointed by the civil service to represent the UK Government in NZ. She does not make policies or rules but is the communication point between the UK and NZ. Her role does help shape policies as she is able to feedinformation about things like NZ’s priorities to the people who make the policies in London. She then communicates the policies That are made back to people here in NZ.
What’s next for Iona? Iona has been in this role for almost 3 years, which started in August 2022. After this she wants to spend time in London because when she finishes this post, it will have been 7 years living away from friends and family. However, she is still very keen to do another overseas posting in the future as it lets her meet lots of interesting people, live lots of different experiences.
Favourite NZ thing: NZ has a really great counter food selection. In cafés all the food is locally made, or in house baking. Ginger Crunch is her favourite counter food. Her husband is very fond of NZ pies.
What’s the most exciting part of the job? She has watched a lot of sport in this posting in NZ. She has watched more sport in NZ than in her whole diplomatic career. She went to the Women’s Rugby World Cup final of England vs silver ferns. Which had an amazing atmosphere.
What is the not so nice part of the job? Being away from family and friends due to the distance. Missing weddings, birthdays, nephew’s graduation, other people’s key life events.
Iona’s advice for young people: Use your time when you’re young, when you’re in school, when you’re in university. She didn’t have a career plan when she left university and didn’t know she wanted to be a diplomat. She travelled, volunteered, taught English, did a masters. Through those experiences she figured out what she liked. Try lots of things, don’t be in a rush to find your one thing, there’s plenty of time. The more you experience, the more you have to draw on the better.
What is Iona’s favourite cow breed? Highland cows. Since coming to NZ, she has spent a lot of time learning about cows.
What is Iona’s favourite sheep breed? She loves sheep. She got to bottle feed lambs at Massey, where they have a lamb orphanage. She thinks Romneys are very sweet.
Most famous people Iona has met: Lots of politicians, Daniel Craig (English actor), the Prince and Princess of Wales. The late queen, Iona received OBE (Order of British Empire) from her work in Libya. OBE is an award from the British Government, for people who have done work for charity, or excelled in their field or represented the UK globally. She has also met the current King.
STUD303: Study Translocation Under Dimensions
By Georgia Fitzpatrick
Welcome to STUD303: Study Translocation Under Dimensions. I will be teaching you the ins and outs, the dos and don’ts of choosing a place to study at LU. After SHIT302, I now have four strikes on my academic record and am not allowed with 50 metres of school zones), so why not write another review?!
Library - Ground Floor
This well-known space is supposed to be the most social floor. Wide tables for group study, comfy booths, even a microwave and vending machine! (Although the $2 coffee machine has never been used) To be honest, you need friends to feel comfortable on this floor (unless on one of the computers).
If you sit by yourself, taking up the space meant for six brains, you will get judgemental stares and directed thoughts of threats. “My friends will be joining me soon!” your face and posture tries to scream, but it falls on deaf ears. I have somehow now aquired friends and so you can most likely find me here; crying into a diagram of spider genitals (not by choice I swear).
5/10
Library - 1st Floor
Sometimes I call this Floor 1, sometimes I hate this grammer ruling and consider it Floor 2, and the Ground Floor as Floor 1, it’s a constant state of confusion for me and for that I mark it down one point from the get go. Floor 1 is supposed to host a whisper level of noise. This can be seen in the areas of individual tables near Room 101, and the decades untouched Young Adult Fiction books near the staircase. But at the back of the library? In the south-west corner? No, never, because my ears burn with the noise of fucking freshers parading their big night at the Grouse or their bloody NRL fantasy team. Johnty, I don’t care that ‘Patrick Carrigan popped a testicle and now can’t play for three weeks’! Your girlfriend is actually about to break up with you, because you show more romantic affection to the lock of your rugby team than her.
3/10
Library - 2nd Floor
If I see you up here, you’re either planning to take a shit, or fighting for your life in an exam/getting
ready to fight for your life in an exam. Shhh shhh, I’m here, I’m here, I can wipe your tears as they fall.
8/10 (For Support)
Library - Study Rooms
As I walk past these rooms, I look in and (more often), sense the discomfort and brewing hatred of newly formed group projects. One of you booked that room for a meeting, and that person will most likely be the one who spends four hours before the due date fixing all of your failed attempts at paragraphs so they don’t fail the class. May I also mention to the court, the few minutes of awkwardness when you have to knock on the glass door and subtly express that you have the next booking. Then they take five minutes packing their shit up and now I’m late to my Teams meeting! Honestly though, they aren’t bad and I have had some good study sessions in there. Plus the screens in there are awesome.
7/10
Forbes, GroundedCubby Spaces
In my last class I dragged the toilets in Forbes, but hear me out; if there is a heaven on this campus, and I am a deciple, I would be led to the glorious holy sanctuary that are the booths of Grounded. This space features accessible charging spots, personal lighting, space for four friends, and a perfect distance of tabletop to seating (something the ones at the library cannot comprehend).
I feel rejuvenated and forgiven of all my past sins when I place myself in its green embrace. I haven’t sat there for years, but I never felt safer staying up till 3am finishing four assignments in Second Year. Thank you for your service, cubby spaces. You’ve held me in my most vulnerable states. Every other seating space in Grounded is a place of shame though. A sign you tried for the place of solitude mentioned prior,
yet failed and was dragged back to hell by demons clawing your ankles. Some of you don’t care and just sit on the couches anyway, but I feel like that is a bigger sign of weakness – where is the fight in you? The spirit? Yes, it is embarrassing doing a loop of the cubby spaces, peeking in each one with a face-full of hope, but that feeling of ecstasy when you find one some how empty… it’s better than any random pill offered in the pits of Electric Ave (#don’t do drugs kids).
The couches are fine, the cinema area can be fun for a beanbag study session with friends, and the day beds next to the windows make me feel like a valiant Roman Emperor in the harsh sunlight, but it’s no heaven. Also, do not sit next to the table tennis, I did once and now have PTSD measuring that of a WW2 vet: You become a target for soaring ping pong balls.
7/10
Forbes Student & Service Centre
This is nice. The beautiful designs, the carvings, the bowl sometimes full of fruit bursts; count me bloody in! She’s pretty and she knows it, and the little meeting rooms and curtains are a cute touch. When I sit at these tables, I feel the closest I ever have to my exorbitant student loan being a tiny bit worth it.
9/10 (10/10 if the fruit burst bowl is full)
Waimarie Café
I feel very cool when I study here, like I’m transported to a local café in France, staring out across the cobblestoned streets to a boutique flower shop. Then I come back to my senses and wonder if I should buy a Speights from this fine establishment, even through it’s 10am. I like to people watch here, which hinders my productivity, but if you focus really hard, I swear you can hear the professors talking shit about their students. Good for them, good for them.
8/10
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
By Marduk Cheiro
Gemini (June 21 – July 19)
This will not be your month. Things will struggle to grow around you, and animals will seek shelter from your wrath. Men will find you irresistible, women will fear you and fish will turn their eyes from you as you trudge across this barren earth. Your lucky animal is Thingee.
Cancer (July 20 – Aug 09)
This month will be yours for the taking. The stars have aligned for your corporate takeover and will open a path for eventual global dominance. Beware though, a handsome blonde woman will enter your employ, don’t trust her advice. Your lucky animal is a tiger moth.
Libra (Oct 30 – Nov 22)
This month your efforts will fall on deaf ears and the wars around you will rage. You will find a steed to ride into war on. It will be your new domain as you take the mantle of famine. Take ride under a new moon to bring a new love in your ride. Your lucky animal is Karen from Finance.
Sagittarius ( Dec 17 – Jan 19)
This will be a month to leach on to your high-flying friends. Go bowling as you will find it will get you on that hunting trip. Make sure you learn how to code as this will be essential for you to escape the trap you will find yourself in. Your luck animal is a Saddleback.
Pisces (March 11 – April 17)
Take care this month. Things will be taking a turn for the best if you don’t trip up on your messes. Beware the Bear in a trench coat. Take care of your friends and they will stop being so useless. Eat that Bagel too, it’s yummy. Your lucky animal is a Porrhothele antipodiana.
Leo (Aug 10 – Sept 15)
This month you will find yourself isolated and melancholic. Things will be dour and sullen despite your efforts. There will be light found in a world not your own, dive deep into your university work and fantasy novels. Your lucky animal is a sentient dew drop.
Scorpio (Nov 23 – Nov 28)
This month will be quiet and contemplative. You will struggle to handle the lack of change but will find an interest in the drama in Science South. Things will quickly spiral out of your control through if you don’t pace yourself. Your lucky animal is a rad frog in sunnies.
Capricorn (Jan 20 - Feb 15)
This month will be a fun once. You will find yourself surrounded by many beautiful woman and things may become heated once you learn the new rules of combat. Beware the dark as the Hat man will come to claim your debts. Your lucky animal is a red frog in a coffee.
Aries (April 18 – May 12)
This month you will struggle to read. Take care of those eyeballs and maybe invest in a pair of backups. You will find those you care most about will be held back by external circumstances and you will only thrive if you use the local library. Your lucky animal is Tulip with a devious smile.
Virgo (Sept 16 – Oct 29)
This month will be one of chaos and incomplete works. Peace will reign in your life once the moon finds its last quarter and your will thrive under the Delta-Aquarid Meteor Shower. Take care of your plants and they will spare your life this month. Your lucky animal is mimic.
Ophiuchus (Of-ee-You-Cus) (Nov 29 – Dec 16)
This month will be one to use to prepare, hide in the library and use all the resources they can offer. There will be a stranger who will hunt you in your dreams, ensure you feast on their blood and speak up to that new girl. Your lucky animal is the southland moose.
Aquarius (Feb 16 – March 10)
This month will be one to remember as you may find yourself travelling through time and meeting the Grug of your dreams. Make sure to charge your phone. Think about others for once and you might not die alone. Your lucky animal is a sabretooth tiger.
Taurus (May 13 – June 20)
This month you will find yourself in a carpark at 3am while hanging out with strangers. Take care of that cat you see. Unlock your inner divine feminine and go scream at a tree. Take care of those teeth, you’ll need them. Your lucky animal is the ever consuming void.
