Te Aka Tauira, Issue 4, June 2023

Te Aka tauira

Conspiracy theories, Volunteering dogs and a Feminist a cappella group

Contents

4 Student volunteers are combatting sexual violence

The statistics back up the critical need for the services the University’s sexual violence support and prevention centre, Te Whare Tāwharau, provides.

8 EXAM TIPS AND TRICKS (WE’VE GOT U)

You’ve got this folks.

10 why do people think the earth is flat?

Uncertainty, social divides, and fear are often driving factors behind conspiracy theory belief, says Dr Galbraith.

12 feminist acapella group

When you think about six-person acapella groups who perform at The Capping Show – progressive and inclusive might not be the first words that come to mind, nor songs about menstruation and the male gaze. That’s where the Sexytet comes in.

14 photo competition winners

This month’s cover photo was taken by senior Administrator Simon Roberts, who caught these puffins in action at Lunga, one of the Treshnish Isles in Scotland, it came second in the bulletin photo competition. Turn to page fourteen for Elsa the Samoyed, beautiful native birds and Mount Taranaki.

15 May graduATION PHOTOS

18 A message from your ousa president

WWW.OTAGO.AC.NZ/OTAGOBULLETIN/UNDERGRADUATE/

The Slow Food Youth Otago team at Disco Soup Day 2023, making and serving soup from veges which were going to be thrown away.

On-campus support/ prevention services combatting sexual violence

The statistics back up the critical need for the services the University’s sexual violence support and prevention centre, Te Whare Tāwharau, provides.

A 2019 PhD thesis written by Otago PhD graduate Dr Kayla Stewart suggests that one in three university students in New Zealand have experienced sexual assault.

A widely quoted study suggests similar results in the United States, with one in five university students reporting that they had experienced sexual violence. Sexual violence is a blanket term that encompasses harassment, digital harm, stalking, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and rape. Manager Tarn Felton says these statistics mean that a service like Otago’s Te Whare Tāwharau – which is open to both tauira and kaimahi – is critical on campus.

The unique structure of the support service uses a holistic approach, blending academic research and expertise with best practise, offering support and prevention services for

those impacted by sexual violence, she says.

Associate Professor Melanie Beres, the Academic Director, has been both the lead in research for the different prevention programmes and is invested in researching ‘A whole campus approach to sexual violence: the University of Otago Model’. Felton says the service not only supports survivors with referrals to University and community resources; but also works really hard on prevention.

“This means providing resources like our HYBRID workshop for student leaders and Disclosure training for staff alongside consent, relationship and community workshops for first year tauira which have a focus on making our student communities safer.”

We also have an incredible group of peer support volunteers, and our workshops are run by peer facilitators, so there is always someone to speak to who is also a student, she says.

Second year Otago tauira Lucy*, who is studying a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Pharmacology, has been volunteering as a peer supporter at Te Whare Tāwharau for just over a year.

“The service doesn’t just support those directly impacted by sexual violence,

Peer supporters remain anonymous so as not to ‘out’ students they are supporting.

but also their friends and whānau, who can often need guidance as to how best to help their loved one,” she says. For the peer support volunteers, the mahi is hard but rewarding.

Lucy explains that the work environment is incredibly supportive, and that manager Felton works very hard to make sure everyone is safe and looking after themselves.

“I love working with people, and working to helping causes that I think are important.

“I have volunteered in nursing homes and with UNICEF prior to this, but I find that this peer support work intersects with my studies in a way that makes me understand the real-world implications of the topics we look at in text-books.

“It’s certainly confronting to be hearing about awful things happening to people, but it feels amazing to know that in some small way I am able to help them through such an awful time.”

And there is someone else at the centre helping people through.

Blue, the Australian cattle dog comes in to work every day and snoozes quietly in her basket until she is needed.

Lucy says Blue provides much needed comfort to their visitors, often putting a paw on their leg or resting her head on them if they seem upset.

“She is a really empathic dog, and she helps to provide the comfortable and safe space we try so hard to foster.

“Sometimes she can act as a really useful entry point to a conversation. Someone might come in to stroke the dog, and then slowly feel comfortable enough to talk.”

Blue belongs to Tarn Felton, and they are both passionate about providing support and care to those in need.

Something else that Felton and Lucy emphasise is the work that Te Whare Tāwharau is doing to be as inclusive as possible.

Felton says the centre is open to people of all genders and cultural backgrounds and highlights the mahi the team are putting in to make the space as welcoming and understanding as possible for anyone who might need it.

“We have had two Pacific student navigators, who helped to develop sexual violence prevention programmes through a pacific lens, and we are currently recruiting for the role.

“Their mahi has helped us to work with people for whom cultural taboos and silence might make talking about these topics much harder.”

Lucy also says their volunteers and staff are all allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and are able to provide advice and support to anyone who may need it, regardless of gender or sexuality.

(*name changed for anonymity)

“Our commitment is to provide a safe and warm environment where you can discuss what has happened, how it’s impacting you and your studies, and what kind of support you want. We also offer support for friends, family, partners and whānau of survivors, because we know that sexual violence impacts communities as well as individuals.”

Mon tues weds thurs

The best way to prepare for exams is to stay calm, and plan your revision. As each exam moves closer, you should prioritise your time by deciding how much time to allocate to subjects or topics.

Factors you might take into account when planning your priorities include:

• The relative weight of the exam in the overall assessment of the paper

• The level of difficulty of the content for you

• The timing of the exam

Make a note of your exam dates and times – set reminders on your phone calender.

For some, studying with friends can limit their productivity. But for others, studying in groups can help to increase motivation and avoid procrastination. Figure out what is best for you.

7 21

First day of exams (you’ve got this).

Last day of exams

(Woo!)

Allocate study the basis of how exam is worth. need to spend studying for an is worth 60% of grade than you exam worth 20% final grade.

thurs fri sat sun

If possible, get hold of some past papers and work through them to get an idea of the kinds of questions asked and what is expected of you.

time on how much the worth. You will more time an exam that of your final you will for an 20% of your

Avoid procrastination! Think about the different places you can study – where are you the most focused? Where are you most distracted? Remember, what works for one person might not necessarily work for you.

Remember your plan needs to be flexible as your priorities might change. For example, you may find you need to spend more time studying for a specific paper than you originally thought.

Rest is important too! Make time to be outside, to sleep and to connect with your friends and whānau.

Take a deep breath- it’s going to be okay.

If you need a bit more help... click here.

Credit: Photo (left) by DJ Paine on Unsplash

“This paper is allowing me to pick out elements of conspiracy theories which are prevalent in New Zealand media or international social media and draw links between them. These theories all seem to play on themes which people are already worrying about.”

Students are asking: Why do people think the earth is flat?

“Religious Studies wouldn’t necessarily be the first place you’d think to look for a paper which covers zeitgeisty topics like the January 6 insurrection and the possibility of an all-powerful race of lizard people, but that’s where you’ll find them,” says third year BA Philosophy major Heather.

There has been a significant uptick in media coverage surrounding conspiracy theories, and conspiracy theorists, since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, explains head of the paper, Dr Deane Galbraith.

“Conspiracy theories aren’t necessarily becoming more prevalent, but since 2020 believers are much deeper down the proverbial rabbit hole.

“It’s not all tin-foil hats . . . studies show that the majority of the American public believe at least one conspiracy theory, and figures are similar for New Zealand.

“These popular conspiracy theories range from flateartherism, to climate-change scepticism, anti-vax rhetoric, 5G fears and the notion that we are all secretly governed by shape-shifting lizard-people.”

Dr Galbraith explains that not all conspiracy theories are spurious, in fact, as conspiracy theories are broadly defined as a theory that there has been a conspiracy, some do end up being factual. The examples he gives are the Iran-Contra affair or the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment, both of which were theories of a government conspiracy, which ended up being proven to be true.

Considering the current zeitgeist, the RELS241/341 paper ‘Religion, Conflict and Conspiracy theory’ provides an insight into what drives people to believe in specific conspiracy theories, and how these theories come about.

Heather explains that she is finding that the paper provides her with context for the beliefs of some of her family members.

“I have different beliefs to my family. Some of them believe in conspiracy theories, and on a broader scale, it’s been so interesting to see how many people believe in these things, and why they might believe them.

“That is what has captivated me, the comparisons I have been able to make with real life.”

Dr Galbraith articulates the notion that after 2020 most people, if not everyone, will have a friend, acquaintance or family member who has begun to publicly believe in at least one conspiracy theory.

“It has been really fascinating to see how students from a range of backgrounds have flocked to this course, and how global and local responses to the pandemic have influenced their perspectives on conspiracy theory belief. “When we wrote the course in 2018, we couldn’t have predicted how the climate and atmosphere would shift in the time it took to finalise and launch the paper in 2021.”

Hannah, is a third year BASc double majoring in Ecology and Religious Studies who is finding it fascinating learning about the history and context behind different conspiracy theories.

It is a common misconception that Religious Studies is just the study of the bible or of one particular religion, she says.

“In reality it’s a combination of social history, anthropology and even some elements of psychologyjust all focused on the topic of religion.”

Uncertainty, social divides, and fear are often driving factors behind conspiracy theory belief, says Dr Galbraith.

“These factors mixed with the social isolation and boredom many people experienced during the pandemic, created for some, a perfect storm.”

“In addition to this, conspiracy theories just tend to be interesting and exciting. The stories are told in a highly charged way that garners attention.”

Heather says that can be difficult for her as she can be quite ingenuous, and often finds herself being swept up in an idea.

“In one of the first lectures I was nodding along thinking, that kind of makes sense, or I can see how they got to that conclusion. Suddenly the tone of the lecture shifted, and Dr Galbraith put up a collage of pictures of the victims of the Christchurch massacre. It was the anniversary of the shooting.

“He reminded us that conspiracy theories have significant real-world consequences. It really brought me back down to earth.

“It’s easy to get caught up in things when they don’t impact you directly… that’s something that really stayed with me.”

A little commotion for the sexytet ]

All-girl A cappella group?

Pitch Perfect eat your heart out.

When you think about six-person a cappella groups who perform at The Capping Show – progressive and inclusive might not be the first words that come to mind, nor songs about menstruation and the male gaze.

That’s where the Sexytet comes in.

Convenor Mary Holden, a fourth year Law student, explains that while most capping show aficionados will have heard of the Sextet, its female counterpart, the Sexytet, is far less well known, despite being around since 2001.

“We haven’t been around for anywhere near as long! The Sextet first performed in 1912, when women were a tiny minority of students at the University.

“I suppose the notion of any of those female students singing at a risqué comedy performance was just a bit too much,” says Mary.

A 1966 article written by Ali Clarke describes a performance at that year’s capping show by a sixpart all-female acapella group which appears to have been the first iteration of today’s Sexytet.

The 1966 group were called the ‘Sextette’, but it seems society wasn’t ready - reviews in the ODT were poor, and it proved to be a one-off.

This year’s Sexytet members are Mary, Samantha Elliott, Isa de Vries, Sarah Grondona, Oli Morphew and Bethany Cook, and they’re a combination of undergraduates, postgraduate students and

graduates from the University.

Co-convenor Samantha, who graduated with a MusB and a BCom in December, explain that they love to make our audience laugh, by addressing topics which are just as shocking as the Sextet, but with an alternative perspective.

“In recent years we have worked to be more progressive and inclusive, and while our songs are pretty rude, they’re not all about sex and drugs.”

Singing teacher and Otago graduate Beth, in her second year performing with the Sexytet, outlines some of the themes of their songs.

“This year we have songs about the menstrual cycle, constipation, being called crazy, the male gaze and pick-me girls.”

Second year PPE tauira Oli thinks there can be a kind of ‘pink tax’ applied to women in music.

“It feels like we have to work harder to toe the line between funny and overtly explicit, and that as women we are judged far more for our singing, our arrangements, our outfits and the topics we cover than the boys are.

“That’s why it’s so good to have them on our side. We don’t want to be girls vs boys, and we don’t want to be ‘the girl version’ of the sextet, we want to be our own thing.

“The Sextet are great, it’s the patriarchy that is the problem.”

Sextet convenor Finn Shaw, a second-year law student, was the person who made sure that the Sexytet were interviewed this year.

“We work very closely with the girls, and they’re thrilled to have this opportunity as well. Due to the Sexytet’s shorter lifespan when compared with Sextet, they can often be overlooked, and that is a real shame.

“Because the boy’s group has such a long history –they’ve been around forever – they get a lot more publicity, they perform at reunions, and they’re interviewed a lot.

“The Sexytet are working really hard to earn the same level of recognition, and they really deserve it.”

Photo competition

“I became photography I started account for our Dr Teodora

“I’m still photography stantly have a great always in return treat,

HONOURABLE MENTION

Gabriel William

Laurence Jonson, Bachelor of Law, went on a trip towards the end of winter last year with two friends. This picture of Mt Taranaki was captured on the Pouakai Circuit. It was a fantastic sight, and worth the effort.

FIRST PLACE

became interested in photography because started an Instagram account (@floofyfriday) our dog Elsa,” says Teodora Georgescu. still quite new to photography and constantly learning, but I great model that’s always happy to pose, return for a stick or treat, of course.”

THIRD PLACE

Captured by Senior Professional Practice Fellow Jo Prince, who calls herself “an opportunistic photographer still improving her craft”. “Keen to get a good feed, the tūī didn’t often pause long, but I was delighted to capture the beautiful feathers, the pollen, and the contrast with the deep red harakeke.”

May Graduations

Graduations

Hats off to you folks

We have a tiktok (follow us pls)

Your idea here?

Have you got a story you want us to feature here or on our socials?

Maybe you have a friend doing amazing things on or off campus?

Some great ideas for Tiktoks... or a real hankering to feature in one of our Tiktoks.

Feedback newsletter’s new look or ideas about what would be helpful for us to include next month?

We want to hear from you...

Housekeeping w/ Quintin Jane

Talofa Lava!

Welcome to winter in Ōtepoti, it’s starting to get cold and exams are looming. Now is the time to take a moment to take care of yourselves and your friends, because life’s starting to feel a bit real. If you need support at the moment, do head to our wonderful support team on Ethel Benjamin Place, they’re here for whatever you need.

OUSA has got a petition going to get the winter energy payment for students, this would see you receiving around $20 per week from the start of May to the end of September to put towards heating costs, and the best part is it wouldn’t be added to your student loan.

If you haven’t already signed, head to bit.ly/OUSAWinterEnergyPayment

If you’re in Dunedin over the semester break try and get out of North Dunedin for a bit and enjoy some of the things Dunedin has to offer. Head to Larnach Castle with your Radio One card for buy-one-get-one free entry, get out to St Clair for a pizza or head to Aramoana and spot the sea lions. There’s a lot more to Dunedin than State Highway One!

Theres a lot going on at uni and in the world at the moment, if you ever need to vent or ask questions about anything student related, my office door and email are always open.

Ngā mihi, Quintin