RAM 2020 | Issue Seven

Your Student Magazine Your New Exec

Meet the newly elected 2021 LUSA Exec

Issue Seven September/Hepetema

Psychology Tricks Try out Kate's top seven psychology tricks

gardenparty.org.nz

General Election Get to know the Selwyn Party candidates

RAM Magazine Lincoln University Students’ Association Email: media@lusa.org.nz lusa.org.nz/RAM

RAM | Issue Seven

Contents.

Words from the President

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2020 LUSA Exec 05

Meet the 2021 LUSA Exec

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Meet the 2021 Te Awhioraki Exec

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WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

Pester the Prez 08

LOL with Beaver 12 Identity in a Chaotic World

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Kate's Top Seven Psychology Tricks

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Barriers of Language 17 Crow Hut Experience 18 Sunrise Surprise 20 Meet the Selwyn Party Candidates

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Account running on empty and been stung with a niggly bill?

The Financial Assistance Fund (formally the Hardship Fund) is here to support your unexpected financial woes like the dentist bill you just received or your cars blown out tire.

For more info or to apply lusa.org.nz 3

Sam Blackmore

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

President

Blimey, I’m not sure about you but it seems that this year is starting to race by!

a bit beside the point though right? And in my opinion the COVID stuff was a bit too little, too late…

With all the COVID disruptions and now the delay to the General Election I thought I’d give y’all a breakdown on what each of the big five parties (the ones currently in parliament) want to provide for tertiary students. As, know, that’s you lot! All the information below has been retrieved from as close to the original policy document as possible. However, as you’ll see, not all parties have released real policies… Who would have thought that Politicians are avoiding being held to account huh?

Have a look for yourself here: www.labour.org.nz/ education

Act? They want to have a bank account for every kid in New Zealand containing 250k for all education. That’s from early childhood up to Uni. If you go over this amount then you’ll have to pay interest on this loan though.

Removal of allowances is also a priority for Act. Hmm, this doesn’t really do much towards supporting students through study though right? Right?

Read more here: www.act.org.nz/education-policy Greens?

Well, they want to ensure that the student allowance is universal, they want the postgrad student allowance back and ensure the retention of interest free student loans. Over time they would like to first cap, and then reduce the fees for tertiary education.

This is probably on the more progressive end of all of the policies here, and will have an impact on the taxpayer. BUT to be fair that’s not hard when the other left-wing party in this list hasn’t even said what their policy is…

Follow up here: education_policy

www.greens.org.nz/tertiary_

Labour?

In true political fashion Labour haven’t actually announced much if they get back in because they included their big announcements in their 2020 Budget “Rebuilding Together”. That included investment into Diploma and other quick upskill trainings, not much else though in all honesty. They do talk a lot about what they’ve done during COVID and earlier…

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National?

Sounding like the business party they are stereotyped to be — their education policy is called “Re-Starting International Education”. There is some good thought behind this, International Students are a huge asset to our country, and they bring in a TON of money. The question is, what do the NATs plan to do long term to support our domestic tertiary students? No word yet.

Perhaps they are just waiting to see what Cindy pulls out next? Perhaps they’ll build a new road to all unis.

Cast your eyes over their info here: www.national. org.nz/restarting-international-education New Zealand First?

This lot are hard to pin down. Much like Labour there is nothing on their website or anything that actually promotes their tertiary education policy. I’ve been able to learn from a source that they are just using the same policy as their 2017 election… However the interesting thing is that is a very similar policy to what the Greens had. Highlights of the 2017 policy were a Universal Student Allowance, and a change from a financial debt (aka student loan) to a skill debt (you have to stay in NZ and use your skill). Suppose this is actually pretty progressive, however I’m not going to trust anything until I see it in writing. You’re not pulling the wool over my eyes Winnie!

Keep your eyes peeled here if they decide to actually announce something: www.nzfirst.nz So, something I’d strongly encourage you do is to go to the source. Read the policy for yourself. Make your mind up for what is going to help you to succeed.

Elections come around every 3 years and there is nothing wrong with changing your mind if you are making an informed decision.

The worst thing would be to not even vote at all. 18 to 24yr olds are the worst at being enrolled and voting.

So do your bit and make your voice count!

RAM | Issue Seven

Max Lichtenstein

Gregory Flemming

Kia ora te whānau! Ke te pehea kotou?

Term 4 has arrived! I hope you are all well rested from holidays and managed to catch up on some work. At this time of the year, I often find everything seems to speed up! It gets pretty hectic with final assessments, exams, finding a new flat for next year, getting a work placement, and of course making plans for the holidays! Make sure you pace yourself and plan out your workload so you don’t get a bottleneck of due dates (advice that I should probably take on!)

Vice-President

I hope all is going well with your studies and that you had a restful break. I just wanted to start by saying a big thanks to everyone for your cooperation with the difficulties of going back to online learning. Much like everyone right now, I’m hopeful that things will be more settled for the last half of this semester.

Those that know me well know that I often don’t seem to get too stressed, which has its benefits but also its limitations – as it means I am an extreme procrastinator! The next six weeks are the last of my time at Lincoln and it’s a sombre thought, knowing that the four years I have spent here are coming to a close as fast as they began. I have no idea what the immediate future will hold for me, but in keeping with my character—I’m not too stressed about that either!

All I can say is that I have loved my LU experience, not least of which due to the opportunities with which it has provided me. Key experiences include advocating for students and building relevant industry networks.

Now the next opportunity awaits and although I am currently taking it easy, I know I’ll have to make the most of what comes my way when it does (seriously though… if you know of anyone looking for a planner please get in touch).

To close out the year, we can’t wait for Garden Party!

And I’ll also be working alongside Sam and the rest of the team to guide the freshly elected exec into their positions to set them up for a (hopefully) lockdownfree 2021! As always, if you have any questions or qualms please reach out and get in touch!

Secretary

It also feels like a strange time for me personally, as this is my final year of study. Along with all the other students who are part of the class of 2020, it feels a little weird that this chapter in our lives is closing. We will be (attempting) to work out what to do next as we enter into the real world! I wish all the best to all who are graduating this year and that you tick off the last couple of things on your “uni bucket list” (for me that will be having a drink at The Grouse… yes it is true that I have never been!

Don’t judge me. Although my study here at Lincoln is ending, I’m not actually leaving.

I am very excited and honoured to have been elected on to LUSA next year as President. I look forward to hanging around for another and striving to create an even better university experience with the new LUSA exec.

Ngā mihi nui, Your secretary, Gregory Fleming

Ngā mihi manaakitanga Max

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Barbera Forster General Rep

Well that start to the semester was a shock to the system, it’s good to have the reassurance that all classes are recorded when everything gets flipped back to online learning. Hopefully, we get back on track to enjoy the rest of the year as stressed but carefree students….

Speaking of enjoying the year the famous SEX QUIZ will be on the 24th of September so it’s important that everyone gets a team of four or five together to participate. There will be awesome prizes, free food and the bar will be open to have a Speights or two. This quiz is always a huge turnout so make sure you get a table, or if you don’t have a team show up anyway as we can always make one.

There are also many events to be on the lookout for in September providing we are able to run them safely but make sure you take the opportunity to enjoy activities that don’t just involve free food.

Peace out, Barb.

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Sarah Visser

Kate Lambarth

General Rep

General Rep

Heeeeeey guys! Spring is finally here! Get out of that seat away from your technology and walk... outside! Looking out the window is lovely, but the grass is greener on the other side of it. Although there may not be wifi outside, I hope you find a better connection with the blessing of fresh air, an uplifted mindset, peace from the birds, reduced fatigue, and increased motivation from your break.

Last term of the year is here! Take this time to reflect on how you are feeling and if you think you have prepared yourself enough.

I surely have learnt a lot and I’m completely shitting myself that this could be my last term EVER. That is until, I can’t find a job and become a pinky raising post grad, because my attachment to this university is like those magnet things (clearly I’ve never studied science) actually on that note, I’ve only really just discovered what photosynthesis means!

Something about leaves eating the sun or some shit yeah?

“We do not want merely to see beauty, though, God knows, even that is bounty enough. We want something else which can hardly be put into words—to be united with the beauty we see, to pass into it, to receive it into ourselves, to bathe in it, to become part of it.”

—C. S. Lewis Noho ora mai! Look after yourself and stay well :)

Anyway, classically I went off topic, study…. Yes. Study stuff and don’t fail. That’s what I’m going to do. I’ve failed 5 papers so its safe to say I know what NOT to do yeah? Jesus, so much reassurance in this article right now.

No, but seriously, get yourselves organised, eat some fresh fruit, chug a few vegan, dairy free, fun free smoothies and take yourself for a walk to freshen up your brain every now and again. This is some pretty professional, helpful advice I’m giving you right now so take it on board and go and ACE those last assignments and exams so you can celebrate properly on crate day. WOOOOOOOO (is that soon? I feel like its soon, I want it to be soon).

RAM | Issue Seven

Zoe Arts

Postgrad Rep Firstly I would like to say congrats to Findal for being elected postgrad rep for 2021, be sure to keep an eye out for him around campus, he’s always up for a chat.

The next few weeks are starting to look pretty exciting for postgrads!

Things to look forward to include the free postgrad lunches on the first Wednesday of every month as well as the occasional free lunch hosted by postgrad society.

Postgrad society will be hosting their first free lunch of nachos on the 9th of September at 1pm in the new postgrad space. Also every second Friday or so in the early evening as advertised on the Lincoln University Postgrad Society 2020 Facebook page we will be socialising in our new space.

Feel free to bring along a couple bevvies and get to know your fellow postgrads!

And remember we still haven’t found the coffee machine, if you have any info please let us know!

International Rep Kia ora!

My name is Balaji Leksshman, I’m your International representative for LUSA and I'm doing my Postgraduate diploma in applied science. The LUSA is excited to welcome you to our peaceful and diverse University.

The world is running out of control with covid-19 and here in New Zealand we are pretty good which is a best thing for the students to have a safe environment. The LU and LUSA is doing the best for students to have a better learning experience during this critical situation.

The LUSA is here to help you, whether it is through our representation of students, our advocacy and wellbeing services and all the student events at LU. Throughout this semester I will have a strong focus on the international students community and their experience at LU. If you have any questions or need any help, get in contact with the LUSA Team! I would love to hear from you too, so send me an email on balaji. poobalamuruganleksshman@ lincolnuni.ac.nz

Happy September! How good is it to see some spring weather and some actual sun. It feels like just yesterday and also forever ago that it was summer.

Anyway, welcome back to the last term of 2020. Garden Party is a matter of weeks away followed by exams. Unreal. I still can't properly get my head around how quickly this year has flown by. It's been a wild, unsettled and stressful ride, but you've almost made it.

You've still got a few weeks left to buy your Garden Party tickets and trust us, it'll be the perfect opportunity to let your hair down after this hectic year. If you're on the fence, remember that in the case Garden Party isn't able to go ahead (due to COVID), you will receive a full refund of your ticket, so you've literally got nothing to loose...

GET YOUR TICKETS! There's only one more issue of RAM due out this year, so make sure to get your contributions in before 1 October. You can send your contributions to media@lusa.org.nz or visit lusa.org.nz/ram.

Let's kick ass this term and end the year on a high

All the best with your studies and enjoy your time at LU with LUSA.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Kia ora,

Balaji Poobalamurugan Leksshman

I’m wondering about the student service levy.

How much of that goes to the Rec Centre, and how is that justified when not all students use the Rec Centre, for a variety of reasons?

Additionally, during timed when the Rec Centre has had to close because of COVID, students are still paying. Theoretically, community members are able to suspend their membership and save the money, which isn’t an option for student members.

Submitted by an anonymous student.

Always happy to be pestered!!

This was something that LUSA pushed really hard for in 2018 due to a strong response by students through consultation undertaken that year about the use of the student levy. The change was implemented for the 2019 calendar year along with the change to the student service levy. Before this Lincoln University was one of the only unis to not have a free gym membership. The cost that the students pay within the fee doesn’t actually cover all of the costs associated with membership, hence the need for community memberships to balance out the books.

There has been a huge uptake in the service since being made free, the number of visits by students

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increased by 9749 from 2018 to 2019. There were 1974 student members at the Recreation Centre in 2019.

The memberships have also been linked with the health centre to implement an exercise as medicine programme, 58 students used this service in 2019.

To your question about what happened over lockdown - the allocation of the fee that would have gone to the rec centre was redirected to the hardship fund that LUSA administers for supporting students enrolled at Lincoln University. This amount has been totally exhausted over the last few months through supporting our students directly (not through our other initiatives such as the free food or goodie bags which has come out of another pool of money).

Students have 50% of the seats on the council that sets and allocates the split of the fee and also the LUSA President is the chair of the meetings. A good way to look at the student levy is that it ensures the services available for students are what students have asked for and need. Not every student actually uses those services, however the benefit to the entire student population through having them available is massive. LUSA are always happy to have feedback on the way the student service levy is used—so please get in touch with me at president@lusa.org.nz with any comments or thoughts on this!

RAM | Issue Seven

Meet the 2021 LUSA Executive.

Gregory Flemming PRESIDENT

Lincoln Roper VICE-PRESIDENT

Johanna Cao SECRETARY

Laura Muckle GENERAL REP

Jay Mckendry GENERAL REP

Rob Earl GENERAL REP

Erin Cheng INTERNATIONAL REP

Findal Probest POSTGRAD REP

Maui Duley TUMUAKI TE AWHIORAKI 9

Meet the 2021 Te Awhioraki Exec

Maui Duley TUMUAKI

Cheyenne Wilson KAITUHITUHI

Charlotte Parry TUMUAKI TUARUA

Zee Hammond-Walker KAITIAKI PŪTEA

Hunter Henson KAIMAHI

Mishael Coulter KAIMAHI

teawhioraki 10

Bless Perese KAIMAHI

RAM | Issue Seven

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BEAVER’S BANTER

Hello my Beaver Babies!

This month I feel I can relate to students, as I have the unforgivable and unfathomable writers block. I swear to god, my brain is more blocked than Howard Wollowitz bowels after 3kg of brisket. So, in this special case, I thought I’d do what I do best and talk an absolute load of shit and also share with you some of my most favourite jokes. I am trying harder than a fat kid doing a marathon to not produce my most inappropriate jokes.

OH, how I wish I could share them with you!

But you know what would happen, Karen and her crew would come baring down my walls with fiery pitchforks and I would never get hired as an employee after uni.

LOL with Beaver. [by Beavers Banter]

So, I hear there is a new ‘law’ about face masks being compulsory on public transport…

I cannot wait for the drunken fuckers in town to realize they have no ride home because they have no face cover. I Don’t even know if this thing includes taxi’s, but I shall keep imagining it for my own entertainment.

Thank you. Speaking of face masks, is anyone else finding it a real struggle to wear them for a long time? Yes, this is a total third world problem, because the bigger picture is we don’t want to spread the CORONA, but I think I finally know what its like to have a sweaty gooch sack, and while that may not be the first time I’ve had a gooch on my face, I’m now relishing in the fact my face now feels like one when I wear a mask. Fucking lovely.

Ok, time for some laughter you sad faced freaks.

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RAM | Issue Seven

Originally told by my father: Q. What do you call a man with no feet?

I just pissed out a bullet!” The mum explains the story and she is fine.

A. Neil.

The next boy triplet then runs up to the mum and yells “Mum! Mum! I just pissed out a bullet!” The mum explains the story to him, and he’s cool with it.

Told by anonymous 7 year old: Q. What kind of bees produce the most milk?

A. Boobees!

Told by myself during inappropriate times: Q. How do you get a nun pregnant?

The last boy triplet then runs up to his mum crying in horror and screams, “Mum! Mum! I was wanking and I shot the cat”.

A. Get an alter boy to fart in her fanny.

Last joke. I’m going to use the name Sam to piss of our current president:

Told by an annoying 12 year old: Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?

Sam walks into a clock shop and whips out his dick and balls. The lady behind the counter says, “Excuuussseee me, this is a clock shop, not a COCK shop”. To which Sam replies, well, why don’t you stick two hands and a face on it then.

A. To get to the idiots house.

Q. Knock Knock. Who’s there?

A. The chicken.

Told to me in Year 7 while waiting for school My work here is done. Thanks for reading my fabulous friends! I’m just gonna leave you photos: There was this woman, and she was with this beaver motto to keep you going…. pregnant with triplets and walking “If you don’t cover your face, Cindy will be on through the mall. ALL OF A SUDDEN, these your case”. mall robbers shot her in the stomach three Regards, times.

Beaver She was rushed to the hospital to be told that she was going to be ok to which she responded with “WHAT ABOUT MY BABIES?” The doctor said, “they’ll be fine too, but when they turn 15, they will each shit out a bullet.

Fast forward 15 years and the young girl runs up to the mum and says “Mum! Mum! 13

YOUR YARNS

“Know thyself”, a common phrase we hear once or twice in our lifetime. But to us millennials and Gen-Z, what does this really mean?

The expectation and interminable potentials given to us is unceasing in this day and age, which means we face a predicamental life choice, “what do you want to be when you’re older?”. This question is laughable for some, but many of us find this condescending, ESPECIALLY when the words come from a baby boomer’s mouth. Maybe we dread this question so much because it always feels forced on us. But hear me out... it’s okay to not know!

To answer the former question for you. It’s your job to find that out for yourself. But there is a phrase I always like to remember which I think can help you out, and that is “everyone is on a different level of their own journey”. Meaning that some may be ahead of others while some are further behind.

Which is why you don’t have to compare yourself to others, because you will eventually reach the same goal to “know thyself”.

Identity in a Chaotic World. [by Maui Duley]

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The phase of uncertainty is a precious time for most, because it means we’re still revealing parts of ourselves we’ve not discovered yet. So don’t stress it, and remember this when you’re still sitting on the fence pondering about who you are: A world where the sun sets and rises before the clock can strike a second ahead, forces us to live a life without truly living… So take your time, take a breath, listen, and wait. “Time is of the essence”, yet it takes your entire existence for personal growth and self-discovery.

The next time someone ask you what you want to do when you finish Uni or ask you what you like, be absolutely confident (if it applies to you) to say “I don’t know”. In this way, we are not pressuring ourselves, and living up to anyone else’s expectation.

Take it easy .

S U B M IT YO U R YA R N TO R A M AT LU SA .O RG.NZ / R A M

RAM | Issue Seven

YOUR YARNS

[by Kate Lambarth]

Hey guys! This month I'm here to give you some sweet tricks that have come to my attention recently, and while they may not be 100% effective, they have still been proven to be a 'thing' you could say. I always forget these tricks exist during times they would actually be handy, so, as not to waste them, hopefully you guys will find more use out of them than me!

Two Ways to Find Out Who Feels Close to You. When you are sitting next to someone and having some good old banter, start slowly moving how you position your body, if they mimic what you are doing, this means they feel close to you.

The second one, and my favourite…. When you are with a group of people or colleagues and everyone is having a laugh, take note of who people look at when they are laughing, people will naturally look at who they feel closest to within the group, or who they have a crush on. This one makes me so nervous that I just end up looking at everyone like a total psycho.

Handshakes.

When meeting someone for the first time, especially if it’s a person of higher authority, make sure your hands are warm! This is more likely to make the other person trust you. If your hands are cold, this can sometimes make you come across as a cold person and not as friendly.

Eye Contact.

We all know what its like to meet someone new and be in that awkward position of how much to look at them. This is where this handy trick comes in!

when meeting someone for the first time, take note of their eye colour, this will help you in retaining the perfect amount of eye contact while speaking.

Remembering Someone’s Name.

I am the WORST at this. When you first meet someone, use their name a couple of times when speaking to them. This will not only help you to not forget their name, but it will also make them feel more important, and what a good deed that is.

Noticing Feet.

This one is important if you’re not the type of person to ‘get the hint’ if you know what I mean… when joining in on a group of people, look at the way their feet are facing, if they face towards you then you are welcome. If the feet are turned away, it means you are not welcome, and you may have interrupted a private conversation.

Stay Silent.

This is a good one to pull on your other half if you need more of an explanation! If you have asked a question and the answer is brief, stay silent and they will feel awkward which puts pressure on them to speak more or answer the question in more detail.

S U B M IT YO U R YA R N TO R A M AT LU SA .O RG.NZ / R A M

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RAM | Issue Seven

YOUR YARNS

[by Basil Saju]

Coming to New Zealand from a country that is does not generally speak English the first thing you struggle with is communicating with your mates.

In a system that is so obsessed with development language has become the blood that flows through our lives. It is the one that connects everything together. If we fail to circulate it properly, it’s like you just become stuck in your box of ideas. That is why learning a language is not just learning new words it’s a way to define things in another way. So that everyone can understand.

best example of effects of language barriers. It is fetal if two people are working in the same environment and face the problem of language barriers. Use of technical jargon and slang could lead to language barrier. You can then work on resolving the problem together or try and learn the other person. You should however never let language barriers influence your relationship with others.

Many think learning a new language may be hectic and stressing and often requires one to invest a lot of time in it. But for me, it’s just about understanding the emotions. In my mother tongue, I might have a different word for it but if you get the idea it’s just about learning the words. Misunderstanding is the

no seasoning. So let’s add some spices make it more colorful with the world around you. So that everyone understands that we are all not that different, the words that we learned to speak with our mother tongue just makes feel we are.

If you realize that you are faced with the problem of language barrier, then you should as soon as possible find a way to go about the problem. This is important Most will agree with me that there can never be no if it is with people that you spend a lot of time with. development if there is no effective communication One story that comes to my mind is the story of between two people. It is important that people Hellen Keller, the secret to her success lies with her understand each other for any teacher Anne Sullivan. Being deaf communication to be termed and blind she found it difficult to as effective. I think by now you relate to things, so Anne just placed “If you talk to a understand that language is an Helen’s hand over running water man in a language important factor. Unless you can to make her understand what is it will go to his speak one language, then you can water. This same story applies to never communicate effectively. every language, forget the tense head, but if you This is what has led people like me the grammar it’s just learning how talk to him in his to learn more than one language to convert what is in your heart language it will go so as to bridge the gap and make into words. Each and every one of to his heart.” sure that you can communicate you who are reading this could be with others outside my mother a teacher, an inspiration to many language. It helps us to better foreigner’s to experience your lives understand the cultural essence and rich tradition through your words. No language is hard when you of the native people of this land. It helps us to can relate it to the things around you. blend into the mix share our stories with them and Something that we experience around this country is learn theirs. Language is not just for the education that each society is introvert to each other. They say purpose, it has its own tunes, its own rhythm and its that the first step is always hard, so it is important own feel. I think that is why every accent is different for everyone to interact chat enjoy. Language should as it conveys the language of a unique culture. So not be used to discriminate between each other learning a new language is often considered as the it’s a gift to connect with each other. The boring first step to the lives of someone new. lectures make English a dish served on a plate with

S U B M IT YO U R YA R N TO R A M AT LU SA .O RG.NZ / R A M

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YOUR YARNS

Crow Hut Experience [by Tushar Phatak]

Hello Guys!

I want to share my experience with my tramp along the Arthur ,s Pass National Park. I believe that most of you guys must be still reeling with the lockdown 2, so I just thought sharing my experience will alleviate some of your “stuck in the rut” situations.

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So, this tramp was organized by the amazing “ Lincoln University Tramping Club” led by Myles Macintosh on 29th July 2020.

We were 7 guys all excited to get our feet moving, more eager since it was the first tramp for most guys post lockdown 1.

We started our journey from the start point of Lincoln University at about 7:30 am. The journey to Arthur’s pass parking spot is about 2 hrs. drive from Lincoln University. Along the way, we did stop for a nice pie break at the Sheffield Pie Shop. After spending good 10min, we restarted our journey towards the Arthur’s pass national park. We reached there about 9:30 am at the park. After sorting out camping gear ,we set out on a 10.3 km journey towards Crow Hut. The Journey is about 6 – 7 hrs. walk one way, as we glanced upon a Waimakariri river which was dry on the outside, however there were under streams beneath the rocks.

For most part, the journey is a straight walk along the loose river rocks however as we proceed towards crow river, one would have to cross some scree slopes, bush edges, grassy Waimakariri flats and some Beech Forests along with several river streams crossing, which is an unique experience. Then after walking 3hrs, we stopped besides the river stream to have a

RAM | Issue Seven

quick lunch to boost our energy, After taking several scenic shots and some candid photos, we started walking again this, time navigating our way through the crow river. We were welcomed by some gradual graded hills, further towards the end of the journey up to the crow hut. There are several scree slopes along the way, which makes the journey even more exciting with the natural slide. As we were ascending towards the Hut, we were looking towards the avalanche peaks at a far distance, views are something to die for. Along the way we also had fun setting up traps for possums and stoats, surprisingly the dead animals were not smelly nor bug infested, which made our job bit easier! We reached Crow Hut about 4:30 pm.

Once we reached the Hut, we relaxed and had some amazing banter with other fellow travellers over dinner and played some cool card games and called it a night. Crow Hut is relatively large hut which can easily sleep 10 people on bunk bed. Some of us slept with a mat and sleeping bag, while few adventurous ones slept tented outside with sandflies giving them company and cold weather!!

Next morning, we were all charged up after good night sleep. The plan was to get up a bit early at

around 8:30 AM and look out for some more possum traps nearby and find them. Nice treasure hunt! I must say :).

So, we started walking towards the Avalanche Peak, which is about 15min walk from the Hut. There we were greeted by chirpy “ Kea who were posing for our shots. After spending good 1 hr. over the scree slopes, we started our journey back from Crow Hut at about 10 AM. We reached the base point at about 4:00 pm and having accomplished the trek successfully, we rested for a bit, after unloading our packs into car, we started our journey back home!!

It was an amazing journey, and quite challenging but met some really cool people. It is a must trek for people who want to explore Alpine at its best.

Recommended to visit during July, to have amazing experience with the snow peaks!

P.S. For more experienced climbers and adventurous type, Climbing avalanche peak through Arthur’s Pass Village route, will test your physical and mental ability as there are unmarked poles. More information is available on Doc Website.

S U B M IT YO U R YA R N TO R A M AT LU SA .O RG.NZ / R A M 19

YOUR YARNS

[by Angela Robb]

It was dark when we arrived last night for our Christian Fellowship camp and we have plans.

Plans for any early risers to explore the beach at 7:30am. Not that I’m expecting that many up early at a student camp, but some might be keen.

And I have plans of my own. Plans to get up at 6am and enjoy some quiet time before the day begins.

But as the roosters crow outside, I’m not sure how early it is...maybe 5am? From my cabin bunk, the security lights outside interrupt the darkness so no clues are there, either. I’m awake, but should I get up already?

I decide to get dressed and head to the main hall where I can check the clock and wait until the others get up. But when I arrive there, the doors are locked. Well, I’m not about to go back to bed now that I’m ready for the day. And it’s too cold to sit still outside. I adjust my plans and decide to take a risk.

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Following the sound of the surf, I strike out in the dark to find the beach alone. I climb over the gate and wander down the lamp lit road. A few lights from neighbouring houses show signs of human life. In the distance, a red glow suggests dawn is stirring. I trudge towards it, uncertain but curious.

Solid pavement under gumboots softens to sand as I mount the dunes. At the crest I pause. The cold wind smells of salty sea. The darkness stretches wide ahead. Invisible waves surge in a steady roar.

Crimson colour deep as blood splits ocean and sky.

The faint thread traces the horizon, reaching long.

I can’t help smiling at the glory, this breathtaking beauty here on the edge of the earth. The splendour of His majesty spills through and I drink it in. Does He who paints the sky do it just for fun? There’s hardly any audience to watch the heavens wordlessly announce His greatness. And I am only here to see because He interrupted my plans with locked doors.

RAM | Issue Seven

Here on the edge of finishing my degree, I wonder what other plans He might interrupt. I have plans of my own—to take certain steps, head in a particular direction. Where might He block the way, redirect my path, and lead me on a less familiar route in days to come? Where might He invite me to venture into unknown darkness and there astound me with more glory than I imagined finding anywhere else, breathtaking beauty so worth the change in plans?

Remember this moment for later, Angela.

Remember this when your plans are frustrated and the alternative feels risky. Anticipate that the glory ahead is worth the sacrifice and get ready for the reward.

the dawn.” I pause to ponder the significance in this moment. Could my life shine like this, God’s glory pouring through for all to see?

Reluctantly I head back to camp. 7:30am can’t be too far away, and I’ve got friends waiting for the beach walk we planned last night. They might want a peak at glory, too.

Angela Robb is a 3rd year B. Agriculture student and an active member of the Lincoln Uni Christian Fellowship. You can find them on facebook or on Wednesdays at 1pm for lunch in Te Whare. This reflection came from their recent camp, hosted at Hibburt Park.

A familiar phrase comes to mind... “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like S U B M IT YO U R YA R N TO R A M AT LU SA .O RG.NZ / R A M

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Get to Know the Selwyn Party Candidates

Labour Reuben Davidson

Kia ora. My name is Reuben Davidson and I am the Labour candidate for Selwyn.

I care deeply about people. Born and bred in Canterbury surrounded by a large loving family, I received an excellent education enabling me to work in a job I love.

I’ve worked my way up the ranks of television production in New Zealand, starting with making coffee, I’ve production managed lifestyle and magazine shows for Television New Zealand and worked as a Creator and Series Producer for New Zealand’s largest children’s production company.

Always with an eye to increasing opportunities for business and jobs in Canterbury.

I know first-hand how hard it can be to balance study and work commitments to get by. That’s one of the reasons I’m so proud of the fees free policy Labour rolled out in our first term. There is more to do.

As an elected Community Board member for Banks Peninsula which until recently overlapped Selwyn, I have seen and value how much our local rural communities contribute to the national economy and how they can be best served and supported.

Students are the future of our workforce, and Lincoln is a world centre of excellence for study across our key primary industries. I look forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with you to hear your issues and how we can help as we recover and rebuild together. Please get in touch anytime.

National Nicola Grigg

I’ve been asked a lot lately why I want to be the MP for Selwyn—it’s simple—I love this region. I was born and raised on our family farm in Mt Somers—I grew up here and am proud to call it home.

My whole family still farm in this district - from the Rakaia Gorge, down to the foothills, and out across the Canterbury plains.

My first job was in a shearing shed – but since then I’ve worked in the private sector as a journalist, a communications manager in big tourism businesses and also as a Parliamentary press secretary to Simon Bridges and Sir Bill English for almost four years under the last National-led government.

In my most recent role as a trade specialist at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise I’ve been given some real insights into how business owners in this electorate are coping in the current economic environment.

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I work with small to medium exporters every day and I’m constantly amazed at how innovative and ambitious we Cantabrians are – I see our local business owners putting everything on the line to take products and services to the world – even now, in such uncertain times.

That is why I so firmly believe we absolutely must return to National’s proven formula of economic management to recover from the economic devastation caused by the Covid- 19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to deliver a message of hope and ambition to New Zealanders by offering practical, solutions-driven policy and ideas - as only the New Zealand National Party can.

ACT Stuart Armstrong

Hi, I’m the ACT Party’s Selwyn candidate Stuart Armstrong. I’m a New Zealand table tennis representative (Jnr, Snr, & Veteran) and until cancer forced a career change, a healthcare sales manager.

I believe in the importance of free speech and the inherent dignity of the individual.

In the last 2 years I’ve campaigned relentlessly for David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Act. This was underpinned by an in-depth interview with Newstalk ZB’s Chris Lynch which I’m proud to say created an explosion of interest in this important issue. Chris picked up 55,000+ Facebook views in the three days after the show aired.

I have two adult children and live near Lincoln with my wife Rebecca and our 7 horses, dog, 2 cats and a couple of Kune Kune pigs.

I’m campaigning for the “party vote” for ACT because ACT offers a constructive and principled voice in New Zealand.

Parliament needs voices that can be calm, intelligent, and fearless when it comes to tackling the big issues of public health, the economy, and jobs. I’ve had strong and consistent support for fair firearm arms laws after the govt’s rushed, undemocratic and ultimately failed gun buy back scheme. ACT’s selection of COLFO spokesperson Nicole McKee at number 3 on our party list will ensure a strong and knowledgeable advocate for new laws that don’t penalise lawful and responsible firearms licence holders.

Students at Lincoln University can look to ACT for a practical solution to the costs of tertiary education. ACT’s 5-point economic plan (act.org.nz) will reduce the high burden of debt facing today’s students.

Party vote ACT to give yourself the chance to let us change your future.

ENROL BY 13TH SEPTEMBER. To enrol, visit vote.nz/enrol-or-update-online 23

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Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Put your heart into whatever you take on this month. There’s an energy coming in that’s going to help you achieve what you set your mind to. Use your determination to manifest the fuck out of your own destiny.

Love is in the air for you this month. However, you’re not going to find it where you think you are. It's time to give Tinder the middle finger and begin the quest for real love.

It’s super important you stay focused on the important tasks this month. The last thing you want is have to repeat 2020...

March 21 – April 19

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April 20 – May 20

May 21 – June 20

Get your shit done.

RAM | Issue Seven

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

You’ve been neglecting your inner child lately. This month try to get back in touch with your youth.

Go swing at the park, build a sandcastle, or play a game of Twister. Anything that connects you with your younger self and is purely fucking fun.

Take everything in this month.

Be like Sherlock Holmes and try to solve the mystery of what could be better about your life.

Internalise these observations and use them to shape the life you dream of #goals.

Your season has just begun so your powers are peaking this month.

You’re going to feel a lot more carefree with your words and actions (hell yeah!). But be careful not to say anything that you might regret...

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Turn your eyes to your finances this month. Something is going to help you make great financial decisions. Ka-fucking-ching! The choices you make this month could really lay the groundwork for your cash flow later on. Get in tune with what you’re spending and what you could do to set yourself up for success.

This month is going to be fucking great for you. Enjoy that feeling of everything running smoothly. Your life is going to cut like butter, so take more chances because even your “mistakes” could work out in your favour.

Take extra time to check in on your loved ones this month. They may have been holding back telling you things because they’re worried how you might react. That secrecy is going to create a shitty divide in your relationship. Be open to listening and remind them that whatever it is they have to say, you'll love them anyway.

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

This month is a time when things will seem to snap into place for you. But you need to be putting a lot of energy into visualising your goals and thinking about what you want. Take this month to focus on your own plans. Make a fucking vision board, whatever it takes to get the job done.

Your life is about to hit the damn refresh button. New opportunities will be popping up for you at uni and in your relationships. Be sure to embrace this newness with an open mind.

Lately you’ve been focusing on one scene of the movie instead of the entire thing. This month is going to give you clarity about the future. You’re going to see the next few months, or even years, of your life rolled out in front of you. Be open to considering this bigger picture and putting plans in place to make it a reality.

June 21 – July 22

September 23 – October 22

December 22 – January 19

July 23 – August 22

October 23 – November 21

January 20 – February 18

August 23 – September 22

November 22 – December 21

February 19 – March 20

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RAM | Issue Seven

Wellness lunches served between 12.30pm–1.30pm daily

Mon 21st.

Tue 22nd.

Burgers Soup

Wed 23rd.

American Hotdogs Sausage Sizzle

Thu 24th.

with Bread

with Potato Salad

Fri 25th.

Pulled Pork Sliders Veggie options available

Forbes Lawn, Tuesday 22nd, 11.00am–2.00pm

LUSA Office, Wednesday 23rd, 9.00am–3.00pm

We care about you, so we are giving away care packages filled with goodies to give you the warm fuzzies.

Limited Number Available First In, First Served

MASSAGES

Grounded Games Room, Mon, Tue, Thurs, 9.00am–12.00pm

Plus More Yoga, Outdoor games, breast check, campus walk.

Tune into LUSA's Facebook for updates.

Forbes Student Space, Thursday 24th, 7pm

Presented by Thursdays In Black

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Show your appreciation for your favourite little friend by helping keep him safe from HPV-related cancers and genital warts.

HPV immunisation is free* from the Student Health Clinic, so get yourself down there right now or visit bestshot.co.nz to find out more.

* GARDASIL® 9 is a prescription medicine, for females aged 9–45 years and males 9–26 years of age. It is a nine-valent recombinant human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. GARDASIL® 9 is indicated for 9–45 year-old females and 9–26 year-old males, for prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancer, precancerous or dysplastic lesions, genital warts or lesions, and infection caused by the HPV types in the vaccine. Each 0.5 mL dose contains the following HPV L1 Proteins by type: 6 (30 µg), 11 (40 µg), 16 (60 µg), 18 (40 µg), 31 (20 µg), 33 (20 µg), 45 (20 µg), 52 (20 µg), and 58 (20 µg). GARDASIL® 9 has risks and benefits, and should be used strictly as directed. Ask your doctor if GARDASIL® 9 is right for you. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine or to any of the listed ingredients for GARDASIL® 9, or if you or your child has a serious illness, blood disease, bleeding disorder, a high fever, or a weakened immune system (e.g. due to medicines, a genetic condition, or human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection). Common reactions are headache, fever, and injection-site pain, swelling, and redness. Fainting can occur. Allergic reactions are rare but serious. If you are worried by any side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. Go to the nearest hospital if you experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing; or pinkish, itchy swellings and rash, especially on the face. Immunisation does not replace the need for regular cervical cancer screening. Additional product information and Consumer Medicine Information is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz (October 2019), and from Seqirus (NZ) Ltd, Auckland, on 0800 502 757. GARDASIL® 9 is funded for both males and females aged 9–26 years – normal charges will apply for other patients. Copyright © 2019 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA. All Rights Reserved. NZ/GAR9/0120/0073a TAPS NA12097 INSIGHT 10219A.