Te Aka Tauira - Issue Two 2022

Issue 2

Te Aka Tauira

Inside: Finding support at Otago Connecting Taranaki tauira Student Voice with Sean Prenter

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Finding Support at Otago

Life in a Pandemic > Where to find assistance

March News This issue: » Student Voice: Sean Prenter » Annual photo competition entries » Pics of the month » Connecting Taranaki tauira » Scholarship continues a legacy » March study tips » Climbing around the world

Moving out of home, starting off in a new city, finding your way around an unfamiliar campus, adulting – it can be overwhelming. Here at Otago we have some amazing resources, teams and staff who are here to help. To get you started on finding your way around life at Otago, here are some useful links: » COVID-19 student information » Te Aka Tauira

» Caring for students in isolation » Upcoming events Cover image: Phil the Dunedin campus duck

In other news:

» Otago University Students Association » OUSA Hub » Finding your way around » Otago Libraries » Events » Student Development » Student Academic Services » Sustainability Office » Career Development Centre

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» Global exchange to go ahead » Meet your 2022 OUSA President

» Te Whare Tawharau

» Exciting times for Radio One

» Campus Watch

» Shakespeare but make it Kiwi

» Student Health

» Gaming more than a hobby

Student Voice: Sean Prenter Sean Prenter is Co-President of the Otago Disabled Students’ Association and reflects on his experience staying safe and finding support over the past two years.

It resonates with me a lot the talk of the last two years feeling like a fever dream. However, I would far from call it a nightmare.

For me that’s because it has kept my disabled whānau, my parents and my grandparents and I safe through what could have been a more sinister affair.

As part of the Disabled Students’ Association we’ve supported our whānau’s health and wellbeing by using Zoom, online games and quiz nights through these challenging times. The disabled community has been further helped by the University creating accessible learning online and that continuing into a post-pandemic future would be the perfect ending to this dream.

Calling Ōtepoti home, I’ve found comfort in the solidarity of the student and local community who have cooked for those in need and delivered essentials. Further, through social media engagement, OUSA, the Sustainability Office and the the Social Impact Studio have made COVID-19 restrictions and support information accessible for the student population.

“The last two years feel like a fever dream, but far from a nightmare.”

Next to the Pūtea Tautoko fund being available for students enduring hardship, I think the combination of this support and unity has seen the student population endure the pandemic with resolve and resilience.

The reassurance I’ve found in my community has provided me with the stability to find a rhythm with self-care through these turbulent times.

The start of the pandemic left me feeling anxious with the uncertainty of what was to come and how I would self-care going forward. Since the lockdowns I’ve had to adapt. A taste of normalcy was created by simulating a day on campus, getting changed in the morning and studying in the living room. I’ve also found solace in daily journaling and meditation, and now I find myself in a bizarre situation to have the best mental health I’ve had in a long time. That stability has meant my friends and I have been able to support one other. For example, my flatties and I have avoided training at the gym where we can, keeping exercise fresh with different home workout challenges. Most recently, our flat had Bollywood night with Indian cuisine. We’ve planned social events like this to give us something to look forward to.

This memory and others were captured on the film camera my brother gifted me for Christmas. For me this camera has captured what’s been central to my journaling and self-care through the pandemic: the mahitahi of focusing on what we can control while celebrating the past.

Annual photo competition Entries are still open for Otago Bulletin Board’s annual photo competition.

The best photos will be selected by a panel of judges and featured on the Otago Bulletin Board and in Te Aka Tauira’s April issue. The top 12 entries will then be turned into the 2023 digital calendar and displayed in the Staff Club.

Last year’s winning image by Bachelor of Science student Eugene Yeo

The competition is open to University staff and students. Email your entry to bulletin.comp@otago.ac.nz

PICS OF THE MONTH

The University of Otago sponsored team who made it to the GODZone finish line at Brighton

The first signs of autumn on the Dunedin campus

April Fools - The new setup for outdoor classes this winter

Have an image to show off?

Care packages being shipped off by OUSA and volunteers to help students in isolation

Send it to: communications@otago.ac.nz

Te Kāhui Rangatahi o Taranaki ki Ōtepoti New Zealand may be small but moving from one end of the country

things academically, and perhaps in turn can inspire other rangatahi

to the other can be an intimidating way to start life as an independent

from Taranaki to come down and study here at Otago.”

adult. This is exactly why a group of tauira who whakapapa to Taranaki have taken action to help future generations by looking back on previous ones.

Te Kāhui Rangatahi o Taranaki ki Ōtepoti (TKRTO) is a new group focussed on Taranaki youth based in Otago. Founders Rawiri Ratahi and Nick Parata have put hours of love and consultation into preparing to welcome students in.

Rawiri explains the group’s vision statement is based on a pūrākau of significance to Taranaki.

Honours student Nick Parata shares the significance of making these connections and the special significance Otago has to Taranaki iwi.

“Rawiri has moved down from Waitara, a small town in Taranaki, to study at Otago University. TKRTO is a way for him to reconnect back home and learn more about his ancestry and upbringing.

“As for me, I was born and raised in Dunedin and have never ventured up to Taranaki. However this has not affected my outlook on TKRTO. It holds strong values for me as I want to support tauira coming through University who may have had a similar story of

“The pūrākau of Ngarue tells of a son’s desire to reconnect with

growing up away from their whakapapa and Māori culture. I want

his father, his whakapapa and his mōunga. We use this pūrākau as

them to not feel w’akamā (shame) about not growing up in a Māori

symbolism of a journey of reconnection, we see our roopū as the

rich community, rather to use these learnings to help and support

dart of Whare-matangi retracing the footsteps of our tupuna as we

others who may feel the same.”

embark on our journey of (re)connection.

The group have set up four values which they plan to focus on

Originally from Taranaki himself, the master’s student is passionate

and will help with navigating the direction their ventures go in.

about the history of Taranaki students who have passed through

Hononga: to reconnect tauira to eachother, their whakapapa

Otago’s doors.

and Ōtepoti. Kotahitanga: to unite tauira as one under mōunga

“We are also looking to continue the academic success of our people here at Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou. Our most notable academic to come through this University is the great Tā Rangi Hīroa, the first

Taranaki. Kaitiakitanga: to protect their history and stories.

Whakawhanaungatanga: to provide tauira a space to reconnect and integrate with other tauira from Taranaki.

Māori doctor to graduate from Otago’s Medical School. A man from

This year TKRTO plan to start meeting on a regular basis and are

Urenui came to Otago Medical School, graduated and went on to

already looking for students to join them.

become a revered leader in every venture he undertook.

“For Te Kāhui Rangatahi o Taranaki ki Ōtepoti to succeed we want

“This inspires us to continue to strive for success and set forth on our

to provide content that is relevant, appropriate, and pertinent to

own trailblazing path. Which then brings us to our aspirations. We

students’ employment and academic ambitions,” Rawiri says. “We

want students from Taranaki to feel comfortable and proud to come

want to aid and assist the process of (re)connection, host educational

to the University of Otago knowing we have a legacy here paved for

wānanga, social events, and commemorations.”

us by a legend of Ngāti Mutunga and Taranaki as a whole. It is our hope by continuing to honour the legacy of our esteemed tupuna of Taranaki (Ngāti Mutunga) our tauira can continue to aspire for great

You can find the team on Facebook or email Rawiri and Nick for more information on getting involved.

STUDY TIPS FOR NEWBIES Study Tips

Continuing the legacy It’s always a win when a young woman realises her dream and has the support of other women to make it a reality. For Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship recipient Atareipounamu Crown, this is how things are coming together.

The Waikato-raised student says receiving one of the 2022 scholarships was a surprise and a huge honour.

“I found out at the end of last year that I had received the scholarship. I feel special because not everyone gets it. You get all this support from the Tania Dalton Foundation. What they’ve done for so many girls is awesome and I’m really excited to be part of that. I was nominated by Waikato Rugby last year and shortlisted. We had a bunch of interviews and then 12 girls out of the country were selected.”

The Health Sciences First Year student has big plans which include studying Dermatology and eventually representing New Zealand in rugby at a national level.

Note-taking

The purpose of note-taking in lectures and tutorials is to record your understanding of the ideas and concepts discussed.

The following note-taking tips are suggestions only and you may need to vary your approach depending on your background, the lecturer, and the subject. » Effective note-taking starts before the lecture » Take notes in organised format » Be an effective listener » Use short forms when recording information » Be alert for verbal and non-verbal cues » Be selective » Review your notes regularly and cumulatively To find out more on effective note-taking check out our website.

“While I’m in Dunedin I’ll be playing for the University Rugby team. I wanted to study at Otago as it offers a real student-life and the courses I want to set myself up. I had some contacts down here for rugby as well. Our season starts in April and I’m really excited. I haven’t been on the field since October last year. I eventually want to make the Black Ferns - that is my main goal in my sport career.

Alongside her recent scholarship award, Atareipounamu has had quite the success streak in leading the way for other women in rugby and academia. She was head girl at her high school in 2021 and was selected to play in the New Zealand Under-18 Māori Ngā Māreikura team.

Atareipounamu hadn’t always planned on being a rugby player and at first didn’t even like rugby, but things changed in high school.

“I started playing three years ago in year 11 at Te Awamutu College. When I started I really didn’t like Rugby. I mean I was good at it so I thought maybe I could create a dream out of it.

I think whatever you dream about - you can do. It’s now the 6 one thing that keeps me grounded. Staying active in sports keeps me balanced out with my academics.”

Need Support?

The University COVID-19 website can answer your questions on life at University, staying safe in Red and ways to keep busy in self-isolation.

Visit us online to find out more.

A different kind of memorable The start to University life is often a memorable experience, usually for the people you meet and the events you attend. The kick-off this year was just as memorable but in a different way to what many anticipated it would be.

Isolating presents many challenges for students without family support in Dunedin and being sick with COVID-19 is a daunting experience. Surrounded by a sea of groceries, OUSA President Melissa Lama shared how hours of work have been poured into ensuring no student is left behind.

Climbing her way to victory Climbing her way around the world is Ecology and Anthropology student Phoebe Kenderdine. The Art and Science student will be representing New Zealand at the FISU World University Championship Sport Climbing later this year.

“Students were selected from New Zealand based off a pool of eligible athletes, past competition experience and achievements. There are four of us on the team from across Dunedin, Canterbury and Auckland. Climbing is a pretty close community and if you’ve done a lot of competing you kind of know everyone – so I know my team mates already.

The championships are in June in Austria. I’m excited to go to Austria.”

“I grew up climbing trees and I would often go to birthday parties at climbing gyms and think they were so cool. I was surprised when not everyone else thought climbing gyms were so cool,” Phoebe laughs.

“We’ve spent the past week sending out welfare packages to any student who is self-isolating or has tested positive for COVID-19. Our drivers deliver them directly to their flats. We are here and ready to look after them and making sure they’re not alone through this experience. For many students here in Dunedin without family, we know that it can be hard to find support in a unique time like this.”

With funding from the University and support from the OUSA Exec team, wider OUSA team and University staff, many hours have been put into keeping students fed and well while at home.

“Our parcels have been filled with staples such as cans of fruit, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, baked beans, pasta, rice and sanitary items. There’s a good variety of items in there in an attempt to cover the basics of what’s needed.

“We’ve had a really good response and in our first week delivered more than 3000 packages. Time has been one of our biggest challenges and there is a number of complexities to consider with a situation such as this.

“Another critical area we have evaluated each step of the way is how we triage priorities. We have involved some key staff who work in student service centres to develop a system recognising vulnerable situations and students who may require extra assistance.”

“I’m planning to head overseas again after the championships. I spent a while at the start of this year working on getting my studies online so I can travel and train in new places. I want to spend time in Europe and do some of the international world cups that take place later in the year.

“I would definitely encourage others to take this up. When I first moved back to Dunedin a new climbing gym opened up, it’s called Resistance Climbing. It’s at least worth trying once. A lot of people have never heard of it or tried it. It’s a relatively young sport in New Zealand so people don’t think of it, I say just try it once.”

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KEY DATES & EVENTS April | Āperira 08

Sophia Crestani North Dunedin Street Cleanup Diversion Day

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Good Friday / Mid-semester break

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Easter Monday

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Otago Anniversary Day (observed)

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ANZAC Day

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Semester 1 resumes

May | Haratua

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Graduation Ceremonies

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Graduation Ceremonies

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Graduation Ceremonies