Nexus '22 | Issue 01 | Mental Health

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CONTENTS 05

EDITORIAL

06

MENTAL HEALTH

08

KĀORE TE BRICKS

10

NEWS

12

PITO PITO KŌRERO

13

CLUBS

14

ENTERTAINMENT

16

PASS THE AUX

18

WHELMED

19

SOAPBOX

22

COLUMNS

26

BURGER KING CRACK

27

CAMPUS FASHION

30

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

34

COVID MOURNINGS.

36

HOROSCOPES

37

PUZZLES

DISCLAIMER Nexus is a magazine made by students, for students.

As such it’s sometimes controversial views don’t actually represent those of the WSU, Nexus staff, the publishers, or the sponsors.

PRINTING Nexus only makes it to the stands thanks to the incredible team at Urban Print. We are proud that we are printed on 90gsm Sapphire Offset stock that is PEFC certified, biodegradable, recyclable and audited to ensure unsustainable sources are excluded.

LOCATION The Nexus offices are located down the hall at the WSU, usually with Alexa playing terribly dated music.

You can send correspondence to us at: Nexus C/O Waikato Students’ Union, University of Waikato, Ground Floor SUB Gate 1 Knighton Road Hillcrest 3216 @nexusmag facebook.com/nexusnz

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Nexus Media Experience

社论 / NĀ TE ĒTITA

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Self-care time biddies I promise I won’t mention the dreaded C word this week, but honestly? Considering I’m writing this from the discomfort of my bedroom desk – my opinions are pretty damn clear. All the more reason for you to take note of this mag and its importance. Taking time for you was never more important, so don’t be taringa kōhatu and listen up.

As we move into what’s considered a ‘new reality’, it’s pertinent (NCEA words, fuck you) to take a step back, recognise that you’re okay, and just bloody relax. Building tension headaches from anxious thoughts, spinning out of control, never actually helped anyone.

It’s just generally a bad idea to let your mind race into what could have been, rather than focus on what is. Stop catastrophizing and start romanticising, believe me.

Obviously, the idea of online study isn’t that appealing to anyone, but we have to recognize the little things that can be done to make spending time in your hovel of a flat more enjoyable. Little things, like not leaving dishes littered throughout your bedroom floor, or collecting cups, can do you a world of good.

Though, on the flipside of that, it’s okay if today isn’t your day. I couldn’t care less, I’m not your fucking dad.

Let me give you some perspective, aye? I’m a very social person, a shock to anyone who

knows me pre-2019, but I love to talk. And I’m not meaning small kōrero, but hours of deep internal debates about who and where we are in life. It’s kind of a drag. But now, I’m sat in my home as I await being able to return onto campus with the urge to just call anyone in my contacts, honestly just to hear their voices.

Why am I telling you this? Because it’s chill as to be lonely in your absence from real life.

Without going into a lecture about taking time to treat yourself with respect, I’ll be blunt.

Be fucking nice to yourself.

No one is expecting you to adapt to this new way of living with ease. But you’re here, and you’re doing something, whatever that something may be. The realisation that waking up is the biggest accomplishment will come to you over the next year. Trust me on this.

One thing I will say is that I can be as hypocritical as anyone. Remember what I said about being an unreliable narrator? Well here it rears its ugly head. I’m so hard on myself and I criticise everything I do, so why am I telling you not to? Because I’ve seen how great life can be when you take care of yourself first.

It’s kinda nice bro, so jump to it aye.

TEAM Ētita Jak Rāta etita@nexusmag.co.nz Deputy Editor Features Tehana De Klerk tehana@nexusmag.co.nz Deputy Editor News Jared Ipsen jared@nexusmag.co.nz Designer Wenyue Ruan wenyue@nexusmag.co.nz Stien Huizenga stien@nexusmag.co.nz Advertising & Communication James Raffan comms@wsu.org.nz Contributors Anahera Harris Ani Gemmell Caitlin Walters-Freke Dave Snell Eilidh Huggan Hannah Petuha Josh Hart-Vrijkotte Katrina Jones Maringi Kete Nicola Paul Oliver Dunn Sven Seddon Zian Volkov CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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KUPU WHAKAATU / 特辑

Mental Health: Don’t be a dick

by Tehana De Klerk

Mental health is generally an uncomfortable topic of conversation for many people. That’s usually because they don’t know how to express themselves, or the person they’re talking to is pathetically dim-witted.

And somehow, that’s brought you here. Buckle up folks, because shit’s about to get interesting. It’s disturbing to realise just how much smack I’ve personally seen and heard spoken about mental health. It’s as if people really don’t realise just how important it is. Too many times have I witnessed the words “men shouldn’t cry,” or “she was asking for it”.

Simple words have the most tragic effects. So, that’s where I come in, to unpack at least some of the truth and teach the ignorant a lesson; if their words can cut deep into someone’s mind, why can’t mine?

Before this really starts, I’m gonna be completely honest and tell you that while I was writing some of this piece, I was sitting alone in my room with the blinds closed, with tears running down my face. I couldn’t tell you how or why I found myself in this situation, because I don’t even know myself. I’m saying this as a heads up; the people closest to you could be suffering in the space of their own minds. They could smile all the time, or be the person who seems like they have their whole life together, and yet still be slowly breaking down inside. I’ve never been this open before, but if I’m going to write a piece that grasps at the hearts and minds of readers, then I can’t be selfish and expect a few arguments to win you over. So do yourself and your loved ones a favour, talk to them. If they are uncomfortable, wait. It’s always nice knowing you have someone in your corner when you feel like the whole world is fighting against you.

I suppose we should get into this then, huh? Well, I would personally love to talk about the one thing that is progressively corrupting the world’s view on the mental health conversation: social media and entertainment. Now don’t get me wrong, many shows and movies, as well as people across media platforms, are brave enough to show the real impacts that the mind has on a person. In many cases we are able to gauge an authentic perspective on the topic, which hopefully

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特辑 / KUPU WHAKAATU

gives us insight into dealing with our own problems and not being a dickhead to those who are struggling psychologically. However, there’s a certain line that should never be crossed. So why the fuck are people romaticising mental illness? It is not “tragically beautiful”, nor is it trendy or some kind of heavenly aesthetic. It’s real, and it hurts, and it’s not something that people take pride in. This twisted representation creates a distorted image of mental health, which makes it so much harder for people that are actually suffering. These problems don’t just disappear when you fall madly in love, nor do they make people feel special and unique. It’s a disgrace to suggest that mental illness is idealistic, or that it isn’t as much of a burden as it really is (YOU are not a burden, remember that). I can only imagine how people must feel to see something that they internally struggle with used as a cliche plot device. So the next time you try to find the light in mental illness, turn it into some praised trait that you long for, or comment with an insensitive joke, remember that you’re part of the problem.

I hope you’ve realised by now that this is a serious topic. If you haven’t, keep reading. If you have, well then, you’ve read this far, so why stop now? Another major problem we face when understanding the depths of mental health are how different generations and society in general has recognised it. Today, we are more educated on the subject, but sometimes that isn’t enough. There may be times when people with distorted views try to undermine the way you’re feeling, either by saying mental illness simply doesn’t exist, or by invalidating your feelings. The truth is, whether or not you deem another person’s situation worse than yours, your own feelings are still, and always will be, valid. Whilst it’s slowly becoming more apparent, we have to continue to dissociate ourselves with the social stereotypes surrounding the mental health discussion. Whether that’s the idea that it is a weakness, or the predetermined gender roles within mental health, we have to work together to change that. We have to be brave enough to stand up to the people who look down on the matter. They could be your parents, your friends, or your partner, but that doesn’t change the fact that you

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can try to do something to educate them. Do your part to make your environment a safer space for yourself and others. And if you just so happen to be one of those people who don’t fully understand (or can’t be bothered to), I hope I’ve been able to change your perspective in even the smallest of ways.

I want to finish this off talking about mental health as a student. There might come a time when you feel stuck. You might be passing your classes, maybe scored a hot date, or even gotten a really cool job.

However, there might be this lingering thought constantly swirling around that makes you feel inadequate despite what you have achieved or are aiming to achieve. You may feel lost, stuck in your own body with nowhere to run. You are not alone. Even if you can’t put into words exactly how you’re feeling, or you can’t determine why it is that you’re feeling this way, don’t ever feel like you aren’t enough. Perhaps these words won’t help, but if I can give any sort of encouragement or comfort then that’s exactly what I’m here to do. I wholeheartedly urge you to not compare your situation to those around you; we’re all different. We don’t share the same experiences and thoughts with those around us (we’re not androids, despite how much Elon Musk wants to destr- uh sorry, change the world). Your feelings are always valid. The University offers services to guide you through these times.

If you aren’t particularly fond of talking to a stranger, try to confide in someone or something you trust until you find yourself ready to take the next step into leading a healthier life. And do me a favour, will you?

The next time someone tries to talk down to you about mental health, put them in their place. If you’re the antagonist in this story, I suggest you think long and hard about why you’re in that position; maybe you too just need someone who’ll listen…

But if you’re genuinely just a piece of shit, get ready to catch some hands.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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KUPU WHAKAATU / 特辑

Kāore te throwing bricks

by Jak Rāta

Pōneke is infected. But not in the way you think.

Māori land march 1975

The streets of parliament are strewn with rubbish, masks, and the once hopeless want for voices to be heard. At what point though, do we just call it a night? When do we just realise that perhaps it went too far?

Te Rōpū Matakite, led by Dame Whina Cooper, marched from Te Hāpua to the steps of parliament. Before going into the specifics, can you please comprehend the distance they covered in protest against further loss of Māori land.

Now let’s back-track to a few weeks ago – when we weren’t privy to the outcome of these ‘peaceful protests’. Our kōrero began as it always does, “Far, they’re being annoying as. Can’t believe it’s been going on for 2 days”, and this was the extent. Frustration for Pōneke locals and those wanting to just walk their merry way to kura or mahi. So then tell me why, three weeks later, this protest is being compared to the likes of Ihumātao, Bastion Point, or even (forgive me nana and whaea’s everywhere) Tame Iti/Whina Cooper.Let’s take a step back and reassess.

If you’re angry about the mandates, good. It means you’re passionate about something. But tīma, the anger, the outbursts, and the blatant disrespect for the tauira, rangitahi and tangata of that land isn’t the tahi.

You can’t put a claim on that space. And you sure as shit can’t claim it to be tapu grounds. Where do you get off figuring you have the right to just refuse entry? Don’t think I’m saying these things to stand with journalists. I’m Māori first and always, but those statements and claims that the Wāhine Māori was making on the livestream. Someone come get your aunty.

We are watching violence from our devices. Safely planted in our homes as central Pōneke erupts. Don’t misquote me in comparisons though, I don’t want us to deter from actual war zones, but here lies the point of this piece. I want the tone deaf behaviour to come to a close. Do I think I can solve hundreds of years worth of racism and classism societal structures? Obviously not in 1500 words, but I want to bring awareness to why this system is wrecked and allow you, humble reader, to understand the importance of protest in relation to Māori whakapapa and how they’ve been peaceful in the past. It is possible, so why aren’t we fucking doing it?

Let me preface this by saying I wasn’t there, I can’t give you a first eye glance into how Māori’s were feeling. I’m basically using this space to show you when and how Tangata Māori have effectively used their voices to evoke change in the past. With that said, let me give you a brief rundown on land back occupancies and human rights protests.

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Here’s a number for you, 1000km~.

That makes your 5km morning run start to look a little sad. My tangata whenua, Ngāpuhi & co. marched against a system that was oppressing them into nothing. Watching as they felt hopeless, those few with some sense of drive decided to make a change. They took charge and faced the situation head on. They didn’t need to occupy the land, placing claim and ownership, they got the support and fought with their wairua.

You fullas taking note?

Takaparawhau / Bastion Point Occupation - 1977-78 for 506 days they sat and occupied the land. 506 days my tupuna decided was sufficient to create some semblance of change. My tangata sat on that whenua and decided enough was enough. Merata Mita created a documentary and showed the occupancy at it’s best, and the people that occupied that space knew what they were doing.

Contrary to popular belief, Takaparawhau was peaceful. Much like those at Ihumātao, tupuna occupying the land were faced with police forces.

Arguably more forceful than recent years, the purpose of the police force was to protect, but with power comes abuse of power. Then it became a larger, more expanded kōrero thanks to those shit few who became power hungry. We now realise the lack of trust that comes with it.

Ihumātao - 2019 Here’s one I’m sure all of you are familiar with, the occupation that is Ihumātao in 2019. Obviously pre-COVID. And what a time it was.

This was one of the first big brushes with protest that I had the

特辑 / KUPU WHAKAATU

opportunity to be a part of. Taking note of the tikanga and wairua oozing from the tents. The sense of togetherness, hope, and mana we had.

This land was taken from Māori tangata, land they held for 800 years, from British armies. There’s kind of a fuzzy timeline that is argued but the facts remain that the ownership shouldn’t have been taken in the first place. I know there’ll be a stickler who will argue that it probably would’ve been sold anyways, but that’s a moot point. Find a better argument.

These are only a handful of some occupations that are important to Māori people and my argument behind this bullshit protest that hasn’t got the legs to support itself as it attempts to run. But more important than the peaceful protests that have passed, are the people that made it happen. The tupuna that have fought for our place at the table. Those with mana, tikanga, and kawa that deserve their place among rā. If you’ll allow it, I’d like to once again recognise some important figureheads that completely changed the course of history for Māori.

Dame Whina Cooper Wāhine Māori who is responsible for changes that have reshaped Māori and who we are today. She’s the reason that we can have systems that allow landback and claim over whenua that once held the whare, marae, and urupā.

Aunty Whina was a matriarch for Māori people, a wāhine that fought for those who needed it. As we went through the 70’s, protests needed a leader to help win a fight that felt endless and stale. Whina Cooper became the voice and reason that my tupuna required. She’s helped endless Māori become comfortable in their ability to reason with Pākehā, to allow their voices to be heard amongst the chaos.

Ngā Tamatoa Ngā Tamatoa, The Young Warriors, were an iconic group of young Māori that were responsible for a myriad of projects and events that evoked major change within the governing of Tauira Māori and Māori alike. The Language Protest of 1972 was the fundamental change we required to assess how education allowed Māori to be taught in schools.

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the Māori language in a western system that abolished it for no reason.

I also implore you, humble reader, to understand the sheer severity that is the lost generation. The brutality, anger and arrogance involved in a system that strips someone of their ability to speak a language of their people and represent themselves as proud POC and indigenous persons of a land that belonged to them less than 100 years prior. Try to comprehend that.

Tame Wairere Iti A man as powerful as his name, as strong as those loyal enough to stand beside him. A man who inspired generations of Tane Māori to proudly wear their mataora with the mana required to carry one. Tame Iti is a man who wanted to see change, but couldn’t wait to see it happen.

He made it happen. He was a huge part of Ngā Tamatoa, being part occupation.

When asked about his opinions regarding the current protests, Tame Iti wanted to make something clear, “I’ve been completely vaccinated, but I am being cautious about that. Everyone is allowed to have their opinions. But I’m steering clear of this one” (RNZ. 2022).

Obviously I’m limited to word counts and what I’m wanting to say regarding this entire situation in Pōneke. But let me just say this. I am torn. I understand the frustrations and why the Tinorangatiratanga is being flown. But this kōrero has moved past the peaceful protest and into the “angry brown people” territory. I don’t think that’s a problem, but I think we can fight this battle better.

The thing I want you all to take away from this piece is simply that this protest has gotten out of hand. I know I’ve made this about Māori race relations, but I don’t think I’m inherently wrong either. Sure it began as a mandate protest, with mask wearers being cast as the devil but it’s so much larger than that. Māori people are afraid of trust and putting trust into a system that is ultimately there to fail them as tangata. And I’m there with them. But turning to violence, freedom camping and straight anger has lost my respect. Pack it up whānau and head back home. It’s time to leave the paru grounds and take note of your life.

If not for me, at least for the tamariki. Tino pai.

That’s right, they’re responsible for the changes needed to recognise

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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WIHIRI NIUHI / 新闻

Sure, everyone enjoys White Girl Sundays™️ in Hamilton East. Oat milk lattes, popping in to Recycle Boutique, getting a vegan scoop from Duck Island - sounds like #bliss, right? But what you may not realise is that the street you’re standing on is deeply cursed, and it’s not because you forgot your Keep Cup- it’s because the street itself is named after a giant sack of human shit.

Grey Street’s namesake, The Right Honourable Sir George Grey, isn’t the kind of person you’d expect a street to be named after. In the 1800s, he scammed his way into getting elected, ruined his ex-wife’s entire life, invaded the Waikato after falsely claiming that Māori were about to invade Auckland, committed the most horrific war crime against Māori in Aotearoa’s history, and then ran away back to London where he died with piss and shit in his pants. You may be wondering how he was able to clean up his rep enough to be honoured with a street name: scholars claim that his stellar reputation was “gained by systematic misrepresentation of the facts and denigration of other men.”

Kinda fucked, right? But Grey Street isn’t the worst of it. Bryce Street, von Tempsky Street, and the Captain Hamilton statue (that definitely isn’t being kept in storage at the Transport Centre) are all relics from a simpler time where honouring war criminals was totally Cool and Normal. Over the last few years, hundreds of submissions have been made to Council to change our street names to more accurately reflect who we are as a city.

“Regarding the street names - it’s such a hard, painful, traumatic topic,” says Jahvaya Wheki, who recently presented Council with a petition to update the Hamilton City emblem. “It’s painful for our people, for tangata whenua. We need restorative justice, honouring the mana of the land, Kirikiriroa.”

How is the Council responding? “I’m aware of the historic offence caused by a number of street names, and I’m also aware of conflicting views on this issue,” Hamilton’s mayor, Paula Southgate, told Nexus.

“Council has already committed to a process through the development of He Pou Manawa Ora to address cultural offence. This will involve working with Iwi and the community to develop a much better understanding and consider a way forward.”

Simply changing the street names isn’t as easy as it sounds, either.

According to information provided from Council, an application that meets 12 pages (!!) of criteria needs to be made to be submitted. Then, all of the owner/occupiers on that street and the local mana whenua will need to be consulted with. Even after all that, Councillors still get another shot to veto the proposed change, but if they fuck with it, an even more complex process begins to update the official Land Information NZ records, and notify services that rely on correct address data (police, ambulances, Uber drivers). And sure, the argument can be made that we have bigger fish to fry, and we can’t just sweep our history under the rug and pretend it never happened. Simply changing the name of a street probably won’t do much to address the historical abuses of Māori from the Crown. But at least it’s something, right?

Why Is Grey Street Named After Such A Fuckwit?

Nexus Investigates

by Jared Ipsen 10 N.01 / V. 55

“From doing my campaign about updating the Hamilton city crest, I had to come to a point of somewhat accepting that even though [our history] is so painful, that it is what happened,” says Jahvaya. “It is a part of our history. And it’s up to us to co-create and co-design how we would like to move forward together as a city.”

“I have always said we need some bold and brave conversations about this,” says Paula Southgate. “And I am committed to that.”

You can sign the petition to update the Hamilton City emblem at https:// our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/change-the-hamilton-city-emblem

新闻 / WIHIRI NIUHI

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Small Town Short News

by Jared Ipsen

With the urban sprawl of Kirikiriroa threatening to swallow Cambridge and tickle the taint of South Auckland, we thought we’d take a look at the vibrant cultures and hidden treasures of our home: the mighty Waikato. Just don’t try to move to any of these places, cos you’ll never be able to afford a house - even in Ōtorohanga. Unless your life is on easy mode and you have rich parents.

01. Tokanui Psychiatric Hospital demolition Waikato's creepiest abandoned place to explore (which you definitely can’t access through the metal gate on Te Mawhai Road) is finally set to be torn down and replaced with another Sleepyhead Town, or something. Operating since 1912, the psychiatric hospital near Te Awamutu saw thousands of patients receive ‘treatment,’ and hundreds more buried in unmarked mass graves on the site. Definitely don’t go exploring there at night. And definitely don’t bring a torch, or an asbestos mask.

02. Koi Carp for sale at Pak’n’save For this week’s tasty dinner treat, you can thank none other than the late Joseph Stewart Smith, who almost single-handedly introduced pest fish into our waterways over the 20th century. You can knock the profound damage done to our waterways, but you can’t knock a delicious protein source from a fish who makes its living by sucking literal shit off the ocean floor like some sort of demented vacuum.

03. Balloons Over Waikato (home edition) Waikato’s favourite event to put on a postcard and use as banner images on their website has been scaled all the way back this year. You aren’t even going to be able to see a wonky rendition of ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’

while you eat a $13 glizzy and watch hot air balloons catch on fire. You will, however, be able to see them from home.. Maybe. Depends on where you live, I guess.

04. Waikato Bat Alliance Like the most boring Avengers team ever assembled, a bunch of Council and community groups have come together to protect the reigning Bird of the Year - the Pekapeka-tou-roa, or the New Zealand long-tailed bat.

We aren’t sure how exactly the newly formed Waikato Bat Alliance will protect the bats, but we’re hoping it involves a 24/7 security detail, and

Planting guide As the searing hot evenings start to turn to all day fog, it’s time to start planting your Autumn shit!

Plant your ass some broccoli in a nice sunny spot, at least 50cm apart, and in about four months, you’ll have yourself some nasty ass broccoli to do something with. Great time to get some beetroot, basil and beans in the ground too.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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PITO PITO KŌRERO / 文化

Whakatauki of the Week E iti noa ana, nā te aroha.

A small ordinary thing, begotten by love.

Ask a whaea Tēnā koe Whaea. So I got a bit of food patai, but I can’t help but have flat frybread. I’ve tried everything but just can I have some advice? - Flatbready03 Āe e kare, cheers for the patai. Honestly, frybread has always been a difficult one to master, but here’s a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years that I’m happy to share.

My aunties always said the dough should be wet. If you think it’s TOO wet, then it’s not wet enough. Personally, I hate the feeling of the dough between my fingers, but it does help a lot.

Add a teaspoon more sugar with the yeast, and the water should be a little warm. If you put your finger in and it feels like nothing, you got it.

Use heaps of oil. Enough that ¾ of the dough is covered. Don’t drown them.

Trial and error, e hoa. Take your time and don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s honestly just bread at the end of the day. Make sure you clean as you go, that dough will stick to absolutely everything.

Want a question answered by our Whaea?

Email whaea@nexusmag.co.nz

Marae Feud

by Hoata Rāta

Can we talk about something, koutou? This marae in Australia.

What the fuck?

Before immediately jumping into this with anger and frustration, let’s have a look at the timeline and facts. The Sydney Marae Alliance (SMA) is a group of tangata who’ve spent the past 30 odd years proposing a plan for there to be a marae placed into the hallowed grounds of First Nations People. With an estimated 150,000 Māori within Australia, there seems to be a desire for a place for them to go. Their argument is “well, we’ve never had a place to call home.”

While I can’t pretend that I have any idea what that feels like, I would like to pose this statement: if we build on land that isn’t ours, aren’t we doing what we’re fighting against?

I genuinely think that the intent is pure, and I’m certain that they think what they’re doing is right. But before we go through with any of this, can we recognise the genocide of First Nations People?

Once a proud people, they were stripped of their land, accolades, and any respect that the Crown ever recognised. They are fighting tooth and nail to be recognised as people - to be allowed more space than the ashy ground and sad camps set up to house them. We, as Māori people, understand the desire to have our land back just as viciously as they do - but yet, here we are, taking more land then they’ve got.

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Where’s the tikanga, where's the mana? I want to know why we think we have the right to go to this place and build upon what isn’t ours.

Do the SMA not see the irony in the decision they’re made?

Let’s expand a bit further. This build is intended to cost a whopping $4m, and will take up 15 hectares. This is an huge amount of land, and a fuck load of money. As I sit here reading more about the intent and Māori living in Australia arguing for the need, I feel anger. Not anger at them, mind you - anger at a system that has pushed so many from their homes for better opportunities. It’s idealistic to think that we can live in a non-capitalist society, but it’s depressing as to watch Aotearoa allow her people to leave in search of jobs and lives that take them from the poverty line and streets that should support the tangata whenua.

Obviously, much like all race relations, this is a larger kōrero that needs to be had, but the base stays the same. Why are we taking land that isn’t ours? We’ve been here, doing the mahi in Aotearoa to reclaim what was taken from us so long ago. That’s our privilege, being able to fight back and try to take back what was ours. We have the capacity and numbers to do so. First Nations people do not; so let’s fucking stop with claim and ownership.

Pull back and stop being dickheads. It’s not our land, and it never will be.

学生体验 / WHEAKO TAUIRA

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Club upcoming Events 1. 13th March Orokawa Scenic Reserve – Waihi Beach to Homunga Bay

2. 19th March Special Scavenger Hunt Event from Parana Park to Hamilton Gardens

3. 2nd-3rd March Easy overnighter for beginners (Track TBC)

Waikato Uni Tramping Club

4. 18th-23rd March Te Paki Coastal Track

The current Waikato Uni Tramping Club was formed in Trimester B of 2020 following the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, as siblings Sinead and Brendan realised their desire to meet new people while exploring more of the great outdoors. We gathered a group of keen trampers together to form a committee, and began planning hikes around the Waikato and beyond.

committee members help us host fortnightly trips, catering to a range of fitness levels.

No matter what your previous tramping experience may be, we will have a trip for everyone! Throughout the year, we plan regular day trips or varying length and difficulty. Over long weekends and semester breaks, we also organise longer overnight and multi-day trips.

Since then, the club has grown substantially, amassing over 300 members on our Facebook group over the past year and a half. In 2021, we ran 20 successful tramps through the NZ bush. Highlights included our trip to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Coromandel camping trip at Fletcher Bay, and our first ever costume tramp up the Ruapane Track.

In 2022, our club has some exciting plans that we hope to bring to fruition, including a trip to Te Paki Coastal Track (which was cancelled multiple times last year due to feral dogs and lockdown restrictions), a South Island excursion, and improvements to the social aspects of the club (which will likely take the form of more pub visits and ice cream stops!).

We were also awarded the WSU Hobbie/ Interest Club of the Year for 2021!

If you’re interested in joining our club, check out our Facebook, @WaikatoUniTrampingClub, where you can find out more about our club, as well as information about upcoming trips. Whether you’re new to hiking, or an experienced tramper – we hope to see you out there!

As a club, we aim to give members the opportunity to experience and hike through the wonderful nature that NZ has to offer, while having the chance to meet other like minded, nature-loving individuals. Occasionally, you’ll also be treated to delicious home-baked treats and one (or more) of Josh’s famous mini geology lectures!

Contact us @wutrampingclub

@WaikatoUniTrampingClub

We are very lucky to have a committee full of experienced trampers who love getting out into nature and enjoy having the chance to share these outings with others. Our CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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NEXUS

WHAKANGAHAU / 娱乐

TOP 10 REASONS NOT TO INVADE UKRAINE 10.

DON’T QUOTE ME “BLACK BEAUTY QUEENS. WE LOVE YOU. WE SEE YOU. AND YOU DESERVE TO BE PROTECTED.” - Lizzo on her recent TV show announcement.

Donald Trump thinks it is a good idea. When was that guy ever right?

9.

The school year is starting, and if you miss one Zoom tutorial while being an

“the universe was determined to embarrass me yesterday lmao” - Lil Nas X saying what everyone was thinking about themselves

occupying force, you will be

8.

behind all year.

“That’s hot”

It would drag you away from

- Paris Hilton discussing the temperatures of those with COVID

your other passion: freedom camping at Parliament.

7.

6.

Because... QAnon?

You read a book on

“Bang bang into the room” - The last words from Javon Walton’s character on Euphoria.

Colonisation, and like most people, you didn't think it was a great idea.

5.

Because if you keep fighting,

CRUSH OF THE WEEK

then your dad will turn Eastern Europe around and go home.

4.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott / Gender-Swapped Frozone

There are plenty of streets

ABOUT ME

named after mass murders

Pisces. 20. First gold medalist for New Zealand at the Winter Olympics. I religiously listen to either Olivia Rodrigo’s debut album or Commander Erwin’s final speech in an attempt to feel something. I genuinely can’t tell the difference between a turtle and a tortoise. In snowboarding, I specialise in slopestyle and big air competitions.

and rapists in Kirikiriroa, do you really need more?

3.

MIQ.

2.

You are not a sociopath.

1.

Unlike some global dictators,

Likes:

you are not compensating for having a micro-penis.

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Dislikes:

A good sesh playlist. Snowboarding.

Skateboarding. Sunflowers. Mountain biking. The letter S. Prior. Plants. Christy Global warming and climate change.

Birds. Jake Gyllenhaal. Taking care of plants. A bad sesh playlist.

娱乐 / WHAKANGAHAU

HOT OR NOT

NEXUS

COVERED

HOT

NOT

Kanye West

Kanye West

Course related costs

Crypto

Everyone's Fever

Putin

Ashley Bloomfield

WW3

Britney’s IG feed

Britney’s IG feed

OWEN RIVAL

(love you babes)

TREADING ON TWITTER

This week's cover and centrefold are supplied by the effervescent Owen Rival, a talented as heck painter from Toronto. We’re still astonished by his attention to details - just take a second to look at the fine details in the cover and the centrefold.

Without seeming like we’re copping out, here’s some information about Owen and his work from his website: “from flashpoints between adolescence and adulthood, decisions between social conventions and morality, and moments that capture the experience of existence, Owen Rival’s work examines points of no return.”

“Rival was born in Toronto, Canada and earned his BFA in Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design in 2021. Rival is a recipient of the Dumfries House Residency and the New York Academy of Art Summer Residency and is a member of the Society of Illustrators.”

If you want to see more from Owen Rival, check out his Instagram or website. We want to say a big ngā mihi nui to this talented artist for his toa and allowing us to use it. Thanks so much bro.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

15

NEXUS

PUORO / 音乐

Scotty doesn’t know (what the frick is going on)

by Anahera Harris

Ria Hall - Owner

One thing you should know about me is that I was raised on R&B music and it’s shaped who I am today. A bad bitch with a fuck-you attitude to the patriachy. What better way of starting the year than a playlist that emphasises the power of some brown goddesses. All these woman are the reason I question heterosexuality.

Where Maisey Rika is our amazing Māori queen, does that mean Ria Hall is our heroine? Who knows, but she sings this song like her life depends on it; which it might. This song takes you on a journey and tells such an intense story of struggle and growth. If you’re wanting to feel inspired, this is the one.

Aaradhna - Down Time If you ever spent any time in Tāmaki in the early 2000’s, miss Aaradhna was the title track to your life. Honestly, I miss walking around with a flip phone hooked onto the waistband of my trackies, blasting music out loud that was recorded from the radio through the voice recorder. The tinny sound is that of legend, and Aaradhna is the reason I’m so free spirited and proud of being

Ari Lennox - Shea Butter Baby Toni Braxton - Unbreak my Heart There’s no way you can have any playlist with melanated sistahs without mentioning the better of the Braxton girls, sorry Tamar. Toni has been the reason for my love of soul and R&B. Obviously most brown girls can relate to the jams of Toni Braxton, feeling pride in her soothing vocals. But I love her more than you, promise.

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Maisey Rika - Letting Go The Tangaroa Whakamautai singer is worth more than her weight in gold.

A wāhine proud of her wairua and so damn talented, why aren’t we hyping Maisey more? Her voice is like soft butter melting, and her beauty isn’t far from a deity. If you ever want to hear a bit of what inner city living in Aotearoa is like, Maisey Rika is the easiest way of feeling it from a kaupapa perspective.

Okay, while not the intended black girl audience for this, Ari Lennox sings straight into your soul. Shea Butter Baby was a song I stumbled upon by accident when I was roped into a casual concert in 2020 at the Powerstation. Oh my god.

So if you’re ever in just a feels kind of mood, wanting to cry to yourself, let this jam come on. This is an emotion that everyone needs to feel at some stage.

Do yourself a favour, just listen to Ari Lennox.

NEXUS

MARAMARA KŌRERO / 专栏

Whelmed

by Dave Snell

HEADS UP: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN DEALS WITH UNALIVE-ING, AND CONVERSATIONS AROUND MENTAL STRESS. PROCEED WITH CAUTION, OR NOT AT ALL.

than the other way around.

This one is definitely for any men who are reading, but ladies, I’d greatly appreciate your input too in case I’ve got this wrong. Guys, our gender is in trouble. As a group, we’re assholes. More specifically, we’re assholes towards women. And before any of you do the whole “bUT Not aLL MeN dAve”, I’m not talking about every individual man - I’m talking about our gender.

- Your dick hurts. You go to a dick specialist who is a woman. She holds your dick in a set of tongs for a while, tight enough to hurt. Then she looks up and says “It’s probably hormones.

You need to lose weight, and try some yoga.”

Throughout history, our gender has done some horrible things to women. Any attempt to address this ends up with some dude with a fedora explaining why “men’s rights are important too, how women do messed up things to men, dwelling on things isn’t going to result in true equality, our rights are important, women do shit too…” But it’s the last one that’s the most annoying. We have literally beaten women so badly physically, emotionally, and mentally that we need to work on getting out of their way so that they can do their thing.

This is why we need to focus on women’s rights and the things men do to women, more

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I’m going to write a couple of examples. Try to picture what this would be like if it happened to you:

- You post a comment on a Facebook movie page about how you don’t think the new Batman movie will be good. A woman messages you privately and threatens to rape you if you don’t think Robert Pattinson is the greatest Batman of all time.

“bUT Not aLL MeN dAve”, I’m not talking about every individual man - I’m talking about our gender” How ridiculous and upsetting would this be for you? If you told this story to your guy mates,

they’d probably laugh and say it’s ridiculous, right? But women go through this sort of thing on a daily basis. I haven’t even gotten to the high levels of domestic violence, how most women going on blind dates have a fear of not coming home alive, and how most women have experienced some form of sexual assault usually at an early age.

So remember this the next time you think to yourself “oh maybe after a few drinks she might have sex with me,”or “she was wearing hardly anything, of course she got assaulted,” or “why are women so grumpy all the time”.

If any men out there want to complain about this column, feel free. But first, have a chat with your daughters, wives, sisters, partners, or friends who are women. You may learn something.

We need to do better, we can do better, let’s do better.

If you need help, do please still try Lifeline as they can still help you - 0800 543 354 or try the University Health and Counselling Service via 07 838 4037.

专栏 / MARAMARA KŌRERO

NEXUS

DANGER! DANGER! HIGH VOLTAGE!

by Dave Snell

With the launch of the Frank Power Company ads, I felt optimistic. Here was an advertising campaign that appealed to my working-class sensibilities and no-nonsense approach.

The ad has my favourite NZ comedian Cori Gonzales-Macuer in it, and is actually funny.

There’s a dude in a funny asterisk costume leading it.

“By putting the responsibility back on you, making it look like you’re wasteful, they can keep putting their prices up. Yet we don’t see any benefit or upgrade in quality of service from these increases.”

Finally, a power company that understands me!

Then my wife pointed out that actually Frank i s just part of Genesis. The sad trombone played in the background. See, it turns out that I should have read Frank’s own little asterisk

pointing to the fine print. They’re just a side business of Genesis, rebranded for people like me who think they’re smart but are just suckers for advertising.

With this realisation, I’d like to get back on a Soapbox that I used to stand on quite viscerally and put on my best New Orleans accent a la the movie Waterboy. Power companies is da devil heemself! (Apologies to people who are actually from New Orleans). While everyone is focusing on COVID, rent prices, and vaccines, power companies continue to drain our money with constant price rises and intentionally confusing bills. You may look at all their different plans – look I can get one tailored just for me, so that I pay cheaper rates here and I can use more power at that time!

Genius! Nope. Once again, they are appealing to smugness – just like casinos, power companies always win. I hate to sound like a Wellington anti-mandate festival-goer here, but the media adds to this situation. If you still watch free-to-air television, think – how many times have you seen a segment on “how to save money on your power bill?” complete with a whole bunch of tricks and tips? Probably featuring a South Auckland family who saved over $100. Then they’ll have someone from a power company saying yes these are all great tips. If you’re older like me, they show those

a lot. But have you ever thought, why would this person from a power company want us to spend less money?

They don’t want you to spend less. It’s a PR exercise. The house always wins. Not your house, the power companies. By putting the responsibility back on you, making it look like you’re wasteful, they can keep putting their prices up. Yet we don’t see any benefit or upgrade in quality of service from these increases.

Power companies and telecommunication companies (e.g., Spark) still have regular failures of infrastructure, rolling power cuts, and brownouts (not poop flinging, don’t worry I was disappointed too). They put the bare minimum into infrastructure so shareholders and executive staff can swim in their money like Scrooge McDuck. Meanwhile, Joe Bloggs in Te Kuiti has to make sacrifices just so that he can keep his milk cold.

In my lay person opinion, power companies should be heavily regulated or owned by we-the-people (via government). Power companies have no incentive to maintain stable prices or to provide a decent service (other than a loss of customers). Until we reign them in, we will continue to be shafted.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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MARAMARA KŌRERO / 专栏

Te Rito

by Maringi kete

“I can see cities emerging from the ground, its smoke and shadow inked into the grooves. I can see wins and losses playing out. The board game has begun.”

181 Rounds.

The game Monopoly is a well-known and popular choice of entertainment during my whānau’s Games Night.

In recent times, this game has been used as a depiction for inequity caused by colonial systems. Personally, I can see it. I can visualise Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti as the players, the Crown as the Bank, and Parliament as the biassed wordsmith. As this new board game was being placed down, I can visualise it flattening Aotearoa’s indigenous landscape, and shortly after man-made roads and property sections are etched into Te Ika-a-Māui. I can see cities emerging from the ground, its smoke and shadow inked into the grooves. I can see wins and losses playing out. The board game has begun.

A board game which has been continuing on for 181 years. A board game that has stripped one player of all they have whilst embellishing the other with the properties, chance cards, and wealth. When you visualise the turmoil that 181 rounds has had on the ill favoured group, I hope you see the alienation of their land, the poverty rates, the health inequalities, the education disparities, the high incarceration rates, the totality of their deprivation, the frustration, the exhaustion, and the sadness.

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Justice Joe Williams once said “the Law is a tool of colonisation, and it most certainly was and is, then it is also the tool of decolonisation.

And that really is the phase we are in, not just as Māori but as a whole country.” So if Rule Books are the place to begin to pull at, to begin to tug at, to untie us from this oppressive knot, then I encourage all tauira to begin. You don’t need a Law Degree to know the Law. There are a plethora of books and resources that can assist as footholds. Learn how this game is being played, so that we can all be advantageous. So that we can all be dismantlers. Be our own Bank. Be our own wordsmiths.

We have the Māori Land Court as our sherpa. We have the Waitangi Tribunal as our Champion. We have ourselves, descendants of the greatest voyagers this world has ever seen, as the navigators.

My words of encouragement to you are, if the place of tikanga in the Law was unimaginable a decade ago, but is now recognised by the Supreme Court of New Zealand, then the unimaginable now has every possibility of being the new reality. For us all, I hope it is a whole new board game.

Hear the words of Princess Te Puea, Mahia te mahi hei painga mō te iwi.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

专栏 / MARAMARA KŌRERO

NEXUS

Green fingers

by Keira McGregor

It’s hard to not feel worried, angry, and helpless with everything going on in the world right now. The pandemic, protests, Putin, the planet.

Here are 22 pieces of positive news to save you from Climate Doom as we start 2022.

1. Solar Powered Bikes are stopping poachers in South Africa 2. A Dutch company has designed an AI robot that can pick up beach rubbish

10. 30,000 types of enzymes have been found to break down plastic 11. UK has banned trophy hunting imports 12. Paraguay uses 100% renewable energy 13. Beijing met their 6 air quality targets for 2021 14. California is starting to roll out a state-wide composting mandate

3. Kenya is turning invasive plants into biogas for cooking

15. Seed-firing drones are fighting deforestation in Australia

4. Sri Lanka is sinking decommissioned boats and buses to create artificial reefs for fish breeding sites

16. Bleached coral can still provide nutrition to fish and then us

5. Online conferences (like Zoom) could help extend the 1.5 degrees global warming limit by 1.5 years

17. A large coral reef off Tahiti found unaffected by humans 18. The Mexican Tequila Fish has been saved from extinction

6. EPA ruled to phase out HFCs found in refrigerators and air-conditioners.

19. Detroit is planning a road that can charge electric cars

7. Estonia’s capital, Talliin, has a 10km meadow Highway for bees and butterflies so they can make their way around the city

20. Research shows blasting bananas with a powerful light can produce renewable energy

8. Researchers have found a way to make jet fuel from mustard plants, reducing airline emissions by 68%

21. The White House has organized a meeting to address climate denial

9. In California, Old Nissan electric vehicle batteries are being used for energy storage

22. Iceland will ban whale hunting by 2024

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

23

NEXUS

MARAMARA KŌRERO / 专栏

Weekly Fax

by Nicola Paul

“-who can call employers out on their bullshit with no fear of having their hours cut or being given the shitty jobs, as they aren’t an employee.”

As our ētita team mentioned in last week’s issue, the Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) isn’t really a union. So what the hell is a union, then?

A union is a bunch of people from the same workplace or industry who get together to talk to their bosses about work related issues. Members are normally represented by a union organiser, who can call employers out on their bullshit with no fear of having their hours cut or being given the shitty jobs, as they aren’t an employee.

Unions have been alive and kicking in Aotearoa since 1860, and can be thanked for our weekends, sick leave, and breaks. Prior to the The New Zealand Labour Party (a political party created by unions) being elected in 1935, concepts like ‘sick leave’ didn't exist. Today, we have unions for almost every industry you can think of. The biggest union in Aotearoa is the Public Service Association (PSA), which is the union for those who work in parliament and state-owned enterprises such as NZ Post, local councils, District Health Boards (DHBs) and Work and Income (WINZ).

The most relevant unions for working students are FIRST union, UNITE, E Tū, and the Tertiary Education Union (TEU).

The union for staff here on campus is the TEU. And yes, I mean for ALL staff, even the jobs that students hold here at the Uni. If you are

24 N.01 / V. 55

a sessional assistant (or sometimes called lab demonstrator, tutor, etc), student centre receptionist, residential assistant (RA), student ambassador, Māori mentor, etc., then the TEU is YOUR union. The TEU are about to start negotiating with the Uni for better working rights for all of these roles, so if you work at the Uni and want to help, please sign up to the TEU! Membership to the TEU is free for anyone who earns under 15k a year (let’s be real, that’s all students), and all you need to do is fill out a form on the TEU website to sign up.

There is also the Student Employees Association (SEA) that anyone can join for free! The SEA is focused on improving working conditions for those who are staff and students of the Uni. We also run social events and update our membership on employment opportunities at the Uni. For more information or to sign up, email us at sea.waikato@gmail.com, find us on Facebook at Student Employees Waikato, or onInstagram at @sea.waikato.

“United we stand, divided we fall. In union there is strength” - Aesop

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专栏 / MARAMARA KŌRERO

Dear Mature Student

by Jared Ipsen

Is it normal to feel like dropping out already? Because fuck I’m over it.

My lecturer is already on my dick about assignments, should I complain?

Honestly, if you really do feel like dropping out already, just drop out bruv. I’ve cried in the shower enough mornings to know that enduring a shitty situation isn’t always the hero’s journey you think it is. Sometimes giving up really is the best option.

In life, you’re going to come across people that believe the things they are doing are the most important things in the world. They are probably doing it without realising, so don’t get too shitty at them about it.

Life is short, and it isn’t worth spending it doing shit that you hate that’ll kill you faster than all of those nangs you’ve been doing. Before you actually do drop out though, make sure you have a plan. What are you going to do instead? Do you have a job you’re going to? Do you have somewhere to stay once the student dole starts to dry up?

And are you just over Uni, or are you over everything? Cos if it’s the latter, I’m sorry to tell you, but shit is still going to suck if you drop out.

The grass isn’t always greener if you don’t actually like grass. I can sense some anger in the tone of your question. Are you okay? Maybe talk to someone close to you. C. S. Lewis’ sermon Learning in Wartime was super helpful for me when I was going through it- maybe check that out.

Much to ponder, anyway. Godspeed, bro. Good luck.

What this is going to mean for you is that sometimes people are gonna ride your dick about things that you don’t think are important - random assignments, the way you put the toilet roll on the holder.. Just ignore them. Spend the most time with the things that are the most important to you, and do your best at the rest.

“

AND DON’T EVER, EVER, EVER, PUT ST IVES APRICOT SCRUB ON YOUR FACE.

”

If I applied for my student loan exactly 1 wk b4 study starts, am I fucked?!

Whoops.

- If you can only afford one thing, get some daily sunscreen.

Mm, yeah, kinda. Studylink is specifically designed to be as difficult and dehumanising as possible for students - even more so if you don’t have rich parents, and even even more so if you aren’t white. It kind of doesn’t even matter how early or late you applied for government help, they’re still gonna fuck you over for forgetting some random form they never asked you for. Sometimes, they even cut your allowance off with no warning, for no reason. It’s honestly laughable that the Crown thinks $300~ a week is enough to live on. Even if you get a job on top of your allowance to try and make ends meet, they’re still gonna cap it so you can’t make more than a certain amount, because… Reasons. If you’re having problems with Studylink, just get some rich parents, or drop out of Uni. Problem solved.

And don’t ever, ever, ever, put St Ives Apricot Scrub on your face. You owe it to yourself mate.

Any questions you may have for our mature student, send an email to news@ nexusmag.co.nz or flick us a dm on Instagram/Facebook: @Nexusmag

Skincare tips?

- Drink more water and get enough sleep.

- Try to relax more.

- Wash your pillowcase as often as you can.

- Don’t spend more than $30 on skincare products, luxury brands suck.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

25

NEXUS

WHEAKO TAUIRA / 学生体验

Burger King Crack

by Hannah Petuha

I am writing poetry in a Burger King.

Who is she?

Edgy indie girl who struggles with spitting out her toothpaste Just kidding (maybe).

Cute boy in Burger King, he has face tattoos. I like tattoos.

Eye contact is made. Nice face.

What do I look like to others?

My posture is probably bad.

I don’t want to know what I look like to others. It’s like when you see yourself in a photo and you don’t even recognise yourself.

Is that me? My face? It’s my face but it’s also my not face and I hate it. Not all the time. Sometimes I like my face. I like staring at myself in the mirror, like that Ancient Greek person who drowns looking at their own reflection.

Vanity scum!

Tattoo face boy leaves.

The table I write on is sticky. I want to use ‘sticky’ in a metaphor but I don’t know what to compare it to.

Something in my pants?

I love synonymous. I flick through them in my mind.

Burger King? More like Burger Queen, amirite?

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专栏 / MARAMARA KŌRERO

NEXUS

Trend of the Week

Campus Fashion

by Zian Volkov

One word: Angel.

Two words: Goddess Energy.

Three words: I AM IN LOVE (yes, that’s four words, but it’s about the flow).

Everything about this look is *chefs kiss*. The fit is completely DIY’d and I am absolutely obsessed. The studded docs. The pinstriped two-piece suit. The safety pin. The leather beret. The fishnet stockings. THE PAINTED TOP. Hello, 0800 Grunge Queen over here!

This look is not worthy of Hamilton. We do not deserve this look. This look deserves to be in New York.

While I head to Pak’n’Save in sweats and someone else’s hoodie, she’s out here looking hotter than Megan fox.

I rate this 100,000/10.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

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NEXUS

MARAMARA KŌRERO / 专栏

Jak Rata

Katrina Jones

Don’t get me twisted, my love for Aotearoa and some of the Māori artists that come out of this joint is so strong. Like, kauri roots to Papatūānuku strong. But honestly nothing gets me going more than some hazy, stoned Hot 100 vibes.

The New Zealand music industry has brought us some big household names and most of us kiwis grew up listening to Dave Dobyns ‘Slice of Heaven’ or Tiki Taanes ‘Always On My Mind.’ It’s safe to say that the New Zealand music industry is still bringing us bangers and new local talent constantly, with relatable lyrics and vibey tunes that are hard not to add to your playlist.

Let’s get this going. Anika Moa, Bic Runga, Rob Ruha and even cousin Stan are all royalty in our music scene. And I would never argue that, but my opinion lies in the vibe. As someone who prides himself in a diverse music selection (wanky much), I’m a little slut when it comes to easy-listening indie beats with an acoustic backing. Nothing gets me going like some King Stingray, Spacey Jane, Teenage Dads or even the more problematic Sticky Fingers (I’m aware of their issues). The idea of romanticising my life has always been in close relation to the music I listen to. And currently I picture myself skating the coast, in the sunset, listening to Lime Cordiale or Haim (not Australian, I know). It all sounds so fucking cool, right?

Well, even if you disagree, I’m chill with that. That’s something that Aussie brings in multitudes, chill vibes only. So just go listen to Triple J already fuckers.

Now, I would be amiss without elaborating further on the absolute banger of a band that is King Stingray. Indigenous representation is severely lacking, so seeing first nations being allowed into the white saturated space is definitely one I welcome. The likes of Baker Boy, Emily Wurramara, bro fucking MIIESHA?! These artists aren’t to be messed with or judged with the knowledge of their power in culture. As a fellow indigenous of Aotearoa, it’s difficult seeing the success of pākēha people but knowing strong First Nations peoples are celebrated in an industry that’s been dominated in the past is so refreshing.

If you haven’t already, I want you to go and stream King Stingray, Miiesha, Baker boy and Emily Wurramara. The excuse of not knowing indigenous artists isn’t viable anymore. You have fucking Google mate. Australians know how to have a good time, and with a good time comes banger music. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Aotearoa’s finest (Troy Kingi, hit my line) but Aussie music just gets me man shiiiit. X

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I mean, how relatable was Lorde’s ‘Royals,’ with the “I’m not proud of my address” (how could you be when you’re living in Hamilton).

Local music in New Zealand is significantly better in comparison to our Down Under Neighbours, with artists like Six60, Lorde and BENEE taking the world by storm. Six60’s empowering song ‘Don’t Forget your Roots’ having over 26 million Spotify plays and spreading the important message of not forgetting where you came from, your family, or your latest root’s name.

Our Indie and Reggae bands are what us locals love best with Katchafire, Kora, L.A.B, Mako Road and The Butlers making the best mellow tunes for any good day. Not only has our local music scene provided us with some great bands, it's also provided us with some great bangers such as ‘Fish and Chips’ by Westwood Primary, ‘Individuality’ by Kath Bee and ‘Poi E’ by Pātea Maori Club.

Our local artists have managed to avoid scrutiny and scandals and are all around choice people, unlike our Australian neighbours who continue to allow proven misogynistic bands such as Sticky Fingers and Rancid Eddie to have the spotlight. Why anyone would like to listen five Australian accents screaming “SEX DON’T FEEL VERY NICE NO MORE” is beyond me.

Local Aus band The Chats has risen to fame for their song ‘Smoko’ which consists of them chanting on repeat “I’m on smoko, so leave me alone”. Australian music respectfully I have taste, so leave ME alone.

LISTEN NOW ON

NEXUS

AROTAKENGA / 点评

+2

+2

House on Hood

Peacemaker

Katrina Jones

Caitlin Walters-Freke

House on Hood is a Hamilton classic and apparently the place to be on a Saturday night. However, it’s pretty alright if you’re there the other six nights of the week too.

The DC Extended Universe has had a chequered past. We are all doing our best to forget movies like Batman vs Superman and Suicide Squad. But recently, they have started to release some pretty good content; Birds of Prey, Shazam, and even the Snyder Cut rectified the Justice League disaster from 2017. Now they’re entering the world of TV with Peacemaker, a TV spinoff from The Suicide Squad (which is different to Suicide Squad by adding ‘The’ in the title) from the weird and wonderful James Gunn.

I went on a Sunday night for dinner with their ‘Sunday Sessions’ deal on. Sucked in by their $6.50 drinks, I calculated how much of a bargain I was getting by saving myself a dollar fifty Vodka & Cokes (RRP $9). They also had their $6.50 burgers and pizza deal on too, so I was set. I stepped out of my comfort zone of Dominos five-dollar ham and cheese pizza, and got the BBQ Beef Brisket pizza, and it was 11/10.

My taste buds may have been swayed by all the cheap drinks, but they let you take the leftovers home in a doggy bag, and it somehow tasted better.

We sat outside because it's vape friendly, or if it’s not they didn’t say anything. Once their deal on cheap drinks ran out, we got a fishbowl, just for Instagram shots really. Those stupid fishbowls suck me in every time, and they’re $20 for what is probably 2 shots of alcohol, half a bottle of juice, a few lollies and food colouring. They are sickly sweet, and I never want to get one to share but can never finish a whole one either. Overall, House on Hood is a good feed and good vibe.

A solid 8.6/10 (could be a 10/10 if it wasn’t for the fishbowls).

Without spoiling anything, the story follows the “villain” Chris Smith aka Peacemaker fighting what’s only known as butterflies with the help of a black-ops team and his psychotic friend Vigilante.

First thing I have to say about this show is the opening credits are iconic, the song is catchy, and the dance is so bizarre, it’s pretty brilliant. As for the show itself, it does take a bit to get into the interesting stuff. The first episode is the standard “introduce all the characters.” When I first watched it, I’ll admit that I got bored and put off watching the next one. I stuck with it though, and episode two is when the action start and things get interesting. Standout performance would go to John Cena, who’s great in the role of Peacemaker and adds depth to a character that was a little one-note in The Suicide Squad.

Overall, it’s pretty good and if you’re keen to watch it, stream it on Neon.

30 N.01 / V. 55

点评 / AROTAKENGA

NEXUS

+3

0

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Convenience Store Woman

Tehana De Klerk

by Sayaka Murata and translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori.

Hayley James

A Spider-Man sequel like no other, No Way Home expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe to unthinkable thresholds as the franchise’s twenty-seventh instalment. It is arguably one of the greatest superhero movies ever, so why was it snubbed by the Academy Awards?

At 163 pages, Convenience Store Woman is a perfect, “I want to do nothing but read this weekend” novel (especially if that weekend is raining heavily and there is lots of coffee nearby because ya know, vibes).

I think this film was great from start to finish. Tom Holland once again proved himself to be a perfect casting of Spider-Man. However, we can all agree that the performance of Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin really stole the show. He was sinister, cruel, and overall bloody brilliant. Seeing Tom Holland’s Spider-Man face Osborn with nothing but vengeful intent makes me wonder what might happen if he gets his hands on the venom symbiote.

Keiko has always been a strange child, and her parents have always worried about how she was going to fare in the real world. She has had her job at the convenience store for 18 years, and loves the predictable and monotonous world of the store.

Despite all the good, it was disappointing to see how the other villains were handled. It seems that Marvel used them as comedic relief more than anything, save for the Green Goblin. There was a lot more potential to unpack from these characters, but I suppose that would’ve been too long of a film.

Nevertheless, the appearances of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield had me bruising my mate’s arm in aggressive excitement.

And Andrew’s redemption arc? Aunt May might have died this time, but at least another one of Spidey’s lovers didn’t break her back.

The nostalgia of this film definitely touched the hearts of three generations of Spider-Man lovers. Let's just hope that Sony and Disney get their shit together and give Andrew Garfield The Amazing Spider-Man 3.

It’s never explicitly stated, but Keiko could be seen as neurodivergent.

She loves the convenience store, because “it allows her to copy her co-worker's style and speech patterns so she can play the part of a normal human.” This adds an extra layer to the novel, as we can see as outsiders what her family can’t and why she is acting the way she does.

This novel digs into some deep themes and insights into Japanese culture, which were interesting from a Western perspective. It has been translated from Japanese, which makes the language rather flowy and lyrical.

There was an interesting commentary on our capitalist growth mindset and always wanting bigger and better things, as our main character is genuinely happy doing the exact same thing every day and doesn't actually want to grow despite being pushed by her family and society.

Overall, I wish it was a little longer so it could’ve delved into the quite heavy themes a little bit more and didn't end so abruptly. It’s the kind of book I would like to read a couple more times so I can pull every loose thread the novel offers up.

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

31

NEXUS

KAI / 食谱

Pizza Baguettes Bitches You fullas ever looked at those cheap baguettes in the weird cane bins at countdown and thought, “bro, I’m suddenly Italian as”.

Wait, baguettes aren’t Italian right? Bro I don’t even know anymore.

But here’s a simple recipe to turn bread into pizza. And if you can’t use those sticky cunts, just use rolled up white bread, shit is FIRE.

Ingredients

Instructions

- Baguette (or really any kind of phallic bread will work)

1. Take the baguette and cut them open. No judgement on how you

- Cheese - Tomato Paste (or tomato sauce, I don’t care) - Some kind of vege (at this point you’re a psycho if you haven’t copped a bag of spinach) - That’s it right?

do it but if it’s not lengthways, you’re a fucking unit.

2. If you’re feeding yourself, use one half but if you’re feeding your whānau then turn it into 4. Or 8, I’ve seen it done my bros.

3. That tomato sauce of some description has it’s time to shine; slather it on. Be generous, no want wants dry ‘za.

4. Cheese it up biddies.

5. Those veges I mentioned, get them on now. If you’re using proteins, please don’t be a cock and cook it first.

6. If you’re not like me, then you can use more cheese here. For my lactose free friends, vegan cheese is like a Justin Bieber album. One good one; and the rest leave a chalky taste.

7. Cook under the grill on the highest setting until the bread is crispy and cheese has melted – should only take 5-10 minutes.

8. Voila… is that Italian or French?

32 N.01 / V. 55

Straight-up premium burgers in your neighbourhood ~ simple & fast.

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NEXUS

KUPU WHAKAATU / 特辑

Covid Mournings.

A Timeline 26.02.2022 Me and a flatmate test positive for COVID-19

28.02.2022 Day 2 of isolation

27.02.2022 Day 1 of isolation

01.03.2022 Day 3 of isolation Flatmate b tests positive for COVID-19

34 N.01 / V. 55

特辑 / KUPU WHAKAATU

NEXUS

Covid Mournings Sweating. Shivering, Taking a nap.

Sunshine and SARS. 10 days and counting.

Morale is high.

19,566 Daily cases

by Eilidh Purewa Huggan

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO

35

NEXUS

PANGA / 益智游戏

HOROscopes AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22

Remember, small acts of bravery like asking out someone in your lecture may lead to a reward, large acts of stupidity often lead to tear gas and setting alight a kids slide.

Doing something today that scares you a little is how you know you are alive. Doing something today that scares others is how you know you are a freedom camper.

PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Love unrestricted this week, but check with healthline if a one night stand makes you a household contact, because that is a long ten days to fake remembering someone's name.

Trust takes time. Yes your new roommate is probably using your toothbrush, but it could be worse, a girl in Bryant’s new roommate is a bioscience student who is using her toothbrush to clone her.

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 19

LIBRA SEP 23 - OCT 22

Remember to take time to laugh this week. Not only does it remind you that there is still joy in the world but it is a great oxygen check in between your RAT tests every three days.

Don’t lose your compassion, but don’t default to it either. Saying “kindness always wins” is a great gift card, but it’s like saying scissors always wins.

Sometimes you have to use paper and rock.

TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20

SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21

Anyone can dance like nobody's watching; masturbating like no one is watching is much tricker and will get you kicked out of Pita Pit.

NEXUS NEEDS A NEW PUZZLE MASTER. Your horoscope demands you consider it! Etita@ nexusmag.co.nz

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 20

Money and ambition lead you down a dark path this week, but lack of money and ambition could lead you to be a Poli-Sci major, so take your chances in the darkness.

36 N.01 / V. 55

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 22

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21 The answer lies in you. Trust your intuition. After all, you made it to the 5th best University in the entire country with barely anyone's help.

CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22

CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19

Normalcy starts its creep back in the room. It won’t be long before Coyote is open and you will be secretly begging for the mandate days of comfortable slippers and 9pm pyjamas.

Jupiter is aligned with Mars this week bringing some tension into your life, but if they get you and the 1080 guys on board they are going to try and take over parliament.

益智游戏 / PANGA

TEXT REBUILD

NEXUS

Puzzlemaker is a puzzle generation tool for teachers, students and parents. Create Puzzlemaker is a puzzleword generation for teachers, Create and print customized search,tool criss-cross, mathstudents puzzles,and andparents. more-using your and print customized word search, criss-cross, math puzzles, and more-using your own word lists. own word lists.

YEAH, NAH. COVID AIN'T IT.

Yeah, nah. Covid ain't it.

Yeah, nah. Covid ain't it.

Try to rebuild the message The letters from each cell are below the puzzle. Try to rebuild the original message by choosing the letters for each cell.

Try to rebuild the message.

Try to rebuild the message.

The letters from each cell are below the puzzle.

CROSSWORD The letters from each cell are below the puzzle.

SUDOKU

Try to rebuild the original message by choosing the letters for each cell.

Try to rebuild the original message by choosing the letters for each cell.

5 5 5 4 4 4

When tHe FLaT gEtS COVid-19 *shit ain't fun

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Copyright © 2022 Discovery Education. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 92022 Discovery Education. All rights reserved.

8

10 11

3 3 3 6 6 6 9 9 6 8 9 6 8 5 6 3 8 3 5 2 3 5 2 2 6 6 EASY 6

1sudoku.com

1sudoku.com

12

16

9 9 6 9 6 6 8 8 1 8 1 1 7 7 7

7 7 8 7 7 9 8 7 9 4 2 5 8 2 7 9 4 5 1 9 8 4 2 5 1 9 8 5 8 3 1 9 8 5 8 3 1 5 8 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 7 1 4 2 7 4 7 4

15

17

1sudoku.com

ACROSS 1 Variant first reported November 2020 5 Variant first reported 24 November 2021 8 The literal scum of Aotearoa.

9 08003585453 10 This will hit you like a brick.

11 The OG. 12 Our best form of protection.

13 Shared a vape or a kiss with a positive case.

14 What the government is leaving is to do ourselves.

16 the flem build up in the chest is real. get that shit out.

17 our isolation period from the positive case.

1sudoku.com

MEDIUM

1sudoku.com

2 2 9 2 9 3 9 8 3 8 4 3 8 4 4 5 2 5 2 5 2 2 3 2 3 2 3

DOWN 2 symptoms that continue or develop after the initial COVID-19 symptoms. This is usually longer than 4 weeks after a person is first infected.

3 shares a house or flat with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (a case) on a permanent or part time basis 4 The test we used when we found we were positive.

6 the piss poor amount the government is supposedly "supporting" us with.

7 Variant first reported in India, late 2020 15 The mates dropping off ice cream, coffee, and chocolate.

4 7 4 7 4 7 5 5 5 3 3 3

1sudoku.com

7 7 8 7 8 1 8 1 1 6 6 6 9 9 9

8 8 8 3 3 3

4 4 4 6 6 6 7 7 7 3 3 3

n° 118383 - Level Easy n° 118383 - Level Easy

1sudoku.com

13

14

6 6 6 1 1 2 1 2 5 2 5 2 8 5 2 8 1 2 4 8 1 4 1 4

n° 118383 - Level Easy

3 3 3

1 1 1 8 8 8 5 5 5

6 6 3 6 3 9 3 9 5 9 5 5

4 4 4 7 7 6 7 6 6

n° 221860 - Level Medium n° 221860 - Level Medium n° 221860 - Level Medium

6 5 6 5 6 5 9 8 1 3 9 8 1 3 9 8 1 3 4 1 6 4 1 6 2 4 1 9 6 9 2 7 9 7 2 1 5 3 7 1 5 3 1 5 3

n° 319358 - Level Hard

1sudoku.com

n° 319358 - Level Hard

1sudoku.com

n° 319358 - Level Hard

HARD

Play these sudoku puzzles on your mobile and find their solutions by flashing the co n° 118383 Play these n° 118383

n° 129504 n° 221860 n° 229217 sudoku puzzles on your mobile and find their solutions by flashing the c

n° 129504 n° 221860 n° 229217 Play these sudoku puzzles on your mobile and find their solutions by flashing the c n° 118383

CLEAN UP YOUR ACT BRO n° 129504

n° 221860

37

n° 229217

Jamie Strange MP for Hamilton East Electorate & Community Office Level 1 - 475 Grey Street, Hamilton East 07 839 6803 jamie.strangemp@parliament.govt.nz

Dr Gaurav Sharma MP for Hamilton West

43 Pembroke St, Hamilton Lake (07) 8 37 38 29 gaurav.sharma@parliament.govt.nz /gmsharmanz @gmsharmanz /gmsharmanz

Freepost PO Box 18 888 Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 jamiestrangemp jamie_strange jamiestrange_mp

Authorised by Jamie Strange MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Authorised by Dr Gaurav Sharma MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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