Te Aka Tauira
THISISSUE:
All about Art Week, a deep dive into Otago’s Mental Health and Wellbeing service, cats and colleges, & more!
This month:
The cat’s pyjamas: Otago student SPCA’s top volunteer
College culture: What it takes to be a sub-warden
School’s in: Teaching tradition going strong
Plus:
- A deep dive into the Mental Health and Well-Being service - A roundup of Otago news
- A look at what’s coming up in August
One of the highlights of Re-Ori week was Sachi performing in the Union Hall alongside Ella Monnery. August brings more music with the Bring the Noise competition and the Future DJ Comp, which are just some of the events planned for OUSA’s Art Week (Aug 12-16).
Time to get your art on
Just when you’ve recovered from Re-Ori, here comes OUSA’s Art Week (Aug 12-16).
Art Week celebrates all kinds of art, including painting, sculpture, digital art, music and poetry, OUSA Senior Event Coordinator Rae Walker says.
“It encourages students to get involved at every skill level, sell their work, test the waters or just have fun.”
Don’t miss...
*Market Day (Aug 14 @ Union Hall).
*Future DJ Comp (Aug 14 @ U-Bar) with epic prizes to be won.
*Local Produce (Aug 15 @ Te Korokoro O Te Tūī Studio) is an intimate, live-in-studio experience with Ōtepoti Dunedin’s top emerging artists.
*Bring The Noise finals (Aug 16 @ U-Bar).
*Photography, poetry and more.
Check out when and where all OUSA’s upcoming events are happening here
Living the dream
Kōrero by Laura Hewson
For Davontae Bristowe (Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa), an overnight stay in Studholme College in Year 11 was all it took to forge his connection to Otago.
Davontae visited in 2019 as part of a week-long trip with I Have a Dream (IHAD), an organisation that provides long-term support for children in New Zealand.
“I’ve been involved with IHAD since they first became established in the Whangārei community in 2016,” Davontae says.
“I was one of the first tauira to enrol in their programme and they’ve been there almost every step of the way since, supporting me in all aspects of life.”
The trip in Year 11 was a chance to explore a new part of the country and discover what the
University had to offer.
“Along with my cohort, we cycled the Otago Rail Trail starting in Clyde and finishing in Middlemarch, which ended with us travelling to Dunedin to take a tour of the Uni and what it provides.
“We stayed at Studholme College, which was the college I ended up living in for my first year in 2022. I loved the homey atmosphere that it had and how close everything was.”
Davontae, who received a Māori Entrance Scholarship and a Jack Swindell Estate Scholarship, is now in his third year studying toward a Bachelor of Performing Arts. He could graduate with a double degree in Indigenous Studies and Performing Arts if he stays at university another year, he says.
Conscious of the support he’s
received from IHAD and Te Rōpū Māori (Māori Students Association of the University of Otago), Davontae is keen to give back in any way he can.
He’s the communications officer for Te Rōpū Māori and is a mātāmua (a whānau leader) for Ka Rikarika o Tane, which is a mentorship programme run by Te Huka Mātauraka (the Māori Centre). In this role, Davontae oversees a “whānau” of students by making sure that they’re connected and by offering academic, emotional and social support.
“Te Rōpū Māori was one of the main factors that helped me transition into tertiary study by not only offering support but by making me feel welcome in this environment and helping me find where it is that I fit in.” Full story
Third-year performing arts student Davontae Bristowe decided to study at Otago after visiting campus with the I Have a Dream (IHAD) organisation in year 11. He’s now serving as the Rangatahi Trustee for IHAD and is also the communications officer for Te Rōpū Māori at Otago.
No cat too cranky for
volunteer of the year
Kōrero by Claire Finlayson
Give Kytti (Catherine) Kane the choice between a demure kitten and a stroppy moggy and she’ll likely choose the latter.
This keenness to take on a good feline challenge is one of the reasons the 23-year-old Bachelor of Entrepreneurship student was recently crowned 2024 SPCA Young Volunteer of the Year.
When fur starts flying at the SPCA’s Dunedin Centre, the first responder for claw-facing duties is the wrath-ready Kytti.
“Every time there’s a mad, howling hiss coming from one of the rooms, my workmates say, ‘This one’s got your name on it, Kytti.’ I foster the hissy, spitty, spicy ones. I adore them. They’ll be growling with their ears back, but you just give them all your love. Then, when you pass them to a new owner as a happy, purring cat, you get to see the hard work pay off.”
Though she’s only been working at the SPCA for three years, Kytti’s been a self-appointed animal welfare officer since her primary school days. She was the kid who’d arrive home from school in Rangiora with lost kittens or injured birds. Her favourite charge was a raucous one-eyed duck named after Beatrix Potter’s book character, Jemima Puddle-Duck.
a full-time Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr). She chose the programme with an eye to creating a business that will allow her to combine the things she cares most deeply about.
“ Every time there’s a mad, howling hiss coming from one of the rooms, my workmates say, ‘This one’s got your name on it, Kytti.’ ”
“She was blind, she was losing her feathers, but she just refused to die. When I moved away from home, Dad had to look after her. He referred to her as ‘Jemima the disappointingly immortal duck’.”
These days, Kytti fits her animal care in around
“I decided to go into entrepreneurship because I wanted to become an advocate for disabilities. My special interest is animal care, so I was keen to make a business around that.
“I want people who have disabilities to be able to walk into a pet shop and see what they need and not have to order them from overseas.”
Full story
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship student Kytti Kane has been named the 2024 SPCA Young Volunteer of the Year. Kytti especially loves caring for the centre’s “hissy, spitty, spicy” cats.
Fun and flamingos all part of job
Sub-wardens are an essential part of life at Otago’s residential colleges, but what does it take to be one? Laura Hewson finds out.
For Jonty Robertson, donning a cowboy hat and inflatable flamingo is pretty much just another day at the office.
Jonty, who’s in his second year of a Bachelor of Science in psychology, is a kaiāwhina whare (sub-warden) at Caroline Freeman College. Planning and hosting events is all part of the job description, he says.
“We have college events quite frequently, which could be like a college quiz, a gaming tournament, a sporting event and many other things. These are usually fully co-ordinated by the sub-wardens, with help from senior management where required. These activities are super fun to do.”
For Grace Manihera (Ngaati-Wairere, Ngaati-Mahuta) organising events is one of her favourite parts of the job at Te Rangihīroa College.
“I’ve organised a range of events from cultural performances, Matariki celebrations and cooking cultural food through to organising table tennis and basketball.
“The first and foremost highlight for me though is the inter-college cultural performance – hands down. This is where we see our kids thrive, where they feel a little more at home, where they get to showcase their culture and get to find some more grounding.”
Grace completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in physiology with a minor in Māori health in 2022 and is now in her third year of a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This is her second year as a sub-warden/ kaiāwhina – she was an Arana College sub-warden last year and enjoys that the role gives her the flexibility to work while still meeting the contact hours in dentistry.
“Most importantly, it’s to be a familiar brown face and wairua for tauira Māori to feel comfortable in the transition to university life and being so far away from home.
“Literally, everything we do as kaiāwhina is to make sure all our tauira are safe and to offer every opportunity to thrive at life. I particularly enjoy building that tuakana-teina relationship, offering support and being able to awhi all our tauira.”
Ben Sidon, who’s completing a Bachelor of Arts in English and theatre studies, applied to be a sub-warden at University College this year because of the positive experiences he had with sub-wardens during his first year there as a resident.
“I really enjoyed having the sub-wardens around. They were all pretty cool and people I looked up to. So, when I saw the opportunity to become one, I applied.
Caroline Freeman College sub-warden Jonty Robertson is happy to showcase the college’s official mascot, the flamingo.
“The main thing that I enjoy about the role is being able to work with the residents – whether this be having a yarn, playing some sports or even getting to play laser tag with them.”
While Jonty and Grace are “live-away” sub-wardens, Ben lives in the college, which can be challenging at times when it comes to setting boundaries.
training that comes with the role is hugely helpful in dealing with some of the more challenging parts of the job, Jonty says.
“Sometimes you hear things from residents that can be really heavy, however the support in place for the team is excellent.
“ Literally, everything we do as kaiāwhina is to make sure all our tauira are safe and to offer every opportunity to thrive at life.”
– Grace Manihera
“I find doing the things I enjoy outside of the job and study really helps, whether this be going for a run, to the gym or playing or writing some music.”
Grace lived-in at Arana last year and finding that balance is something she’s still working on
“I try to do daily activities that pour into my cup to cater to my overall hauora (wellbeing), as I know if I don’t feel 100, then I can’t give my all to others and activities.
“However, we’re equipped with the skills to support and refer our tauira when we cannot physically help and we have strong support systems, like our tautiaki, to help as well.”
This support from senior management and the
So, what makes a good sub-warden?
For Grace it’s someone open-minded and approachable, proactive, always willing to help, and someone who’s authentically themselves.
“A good work ethic and time management are also essential,” Jonty adds.
“Qualities of a good sub-warden would be being empathetic and sympathetic,” Ben says.
“Just being someone who really cares about helping people.”
Full story
*Interested in being a sub-warden in 2025? More info here
Ben Sidon, Jonty Robertson and Grace Manihera are all sub-wardens at Otago residential colleges this year and say while the role brings challenges, they are outweighed by the positives.
A commitment to serve others
Kōrero by Sandra French
At age three, Cameron Dickey (Ngāti Maniapoto) met Sam the skeleton at kindergarten, sparking an ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
It’s a dream that the first year Health Sciences (HSFY) tauira is taking concrete steps towards making a reality.
“Ever since meeting Sam, my goal has been to become a doctor. I was, and still am, absolutely fascinated with skeletons and the human body.”
Studying at Otago, right next to the hospital where he was born, feels like a “full-circle moment”.
“The practical skills and knowledge I gain here will prepare me to make a real difference in people’s lives, which is ultimately what drives me every day.”
His goal of studying at Otago was supported by the Māori Entrance Scholarship, he says.
“Beyond the crucial financial support it provides, this scholarship signifies recognition of my dedication to Māori health and my ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
“It’s bolstered my confidence and reaffirmed my commitment to contributing meaningfully to healthcare, especially in under-served communities.”
The driver behind his ambition is a passion for community service
and making a positive impact.
“Working as a healthcare assistant at the hospital and being a respite carer in my spare time gave me first-hand experience of the challenges in healthcare.
“It further shaped my ambition to address healthcare disparities, particularly for rural and Māori communities.”
This interest started at a young age, with his involvement in St John Youth and the Student Volunteer Army (SVA).
“I have represented the South Island in the St John Youth competitions for three years and was the national champion in 2021.”
Between school, extracurriculars and volunteering, Cameron found the time to start his own business selling apparel online.
The business, which started as a “funny idea between friends”
soon turned into a full-blown side hustle, Cameron says.
“It taught me a lot about time management and running a small business, while also adding a bit of fun and creativity to my life.”
This year has brought a change in focus and Cameron has decided to put his education first.
“While I miss being super active in my community and working on my side hustle, I know this is the right move for now. It’s all about finding the right balance and knowing when to take a step back to move forward.”
Full story
Coming to Otago?
Applications are now open for a range of entry scholarships. Find out more
Cameron Dickey’s fascination with the human body started at a young age, prompting his kindy teachers to bring in a model skeleton.
Teaching tradition
Kōrero by Laura Hewson
While many students can’t wait to leave school behind, Otago tauira Tia Pavihi can’t wait to get back.
Growing up with a teacher for a mother, Tia’s spent more than her fair share of time at school, whether it was hanging around after her own classes ended or helping out with sports teams and productions.
It clearly didn’t put her off though – she’s now in her first year of a Bachelor of Teaching, Primary, and hopes to return to the classroom to teach Years 5 to 8 when she graduates.
Coming to Otago to study teaching is a bit of a family tradition. Tia’s mother, nana and aunt all attended the Otago College of Education.
“It means a lot to me that my grandparents both live here. I’m now able to learn more of my Samoan and Niuean heritage from them.”
Tia’s Samoan villages include Fasitootai, Leauva’a and Toamua and her Niuean village is Avatele.
“Through everything I do at University, I have my culture at the back of my mind.”
“My mother has been teaching for 28 years and she’s had a major impact on my life.
“Also, in Year 13, I was head prefect of Queen Margaret College in Wellington. Through this I was able to connect more with other year groups, which really set in stone my passion for teaching and my passion for people.”
Last year she was awarded one of Otago’s Pacific People’s Scholarships for the passion and commitment she’s shown to her cultural activities and groups.
“Being awarded a Pacific People’s Scholarship was, and still is, an extremely proud achievement. It’s not only supported me in my studies but also connects my success and journey to my Samoan and Niuean heritage.
“Through everything I do at University, I have my culture at the back of my mind.”
Full story
First-year student Tia Pavihi is following a family tradition by coming to Otago to complete a Bachelor of Teaching.
Are you well?
If it’s feeling like life’s getting on top of you, just know you don’t have to handle it alone. Laura Hewson looks closer at Student Health’s Mental Health and Well-Being service.
Coming to university is an exciting time but it also brings significant change, growth and adjustment for many students, Mental Health and Well-Being Clinical Group Leader Richard Mooney says.
“This can include increased academic pressures and a change in learning style to more independent study. There’s also change when it comes to living arrangements, often with a shift away from home and familiar support networks.”
There can also be increased financial stressors and the pressure to make new connections.
“In addition, adolescence in itself is a time of significant growth and change and is often the time when mental illnesses emerge.”
These challenges can have a big impact on students, which makes it vital that the University has a high quality and responsive mental health service, he says.
any student can refer themselves to the MHWB team if they think some additional support is needed for any mental health concern they may have.”
Students can call to book an initial appointment with an experienced clinician, which typically takes place either on the same day or within the week.
“The initial appointment is primarily an assessment appointment to determine what the person requires in support of their mental health, to explore what strategies might be helpful in addressing the presenting issues, to assess any risk issues and to formulate a collaborative treatment plan where appropriate,” Richard says.
“ Remember, help is available. We’d encourage students to reach out and access support from our service, if they feel that they need it.”
– Clinical Group Leader Richard Mooney
MHWB comes under the umbrella of Student Health Services (SHS), which is a “one-stop shop” for students, whatever their health issues may be.
“Student Health Services is an extremely well-resourced integrated primary health care service that has teams of GPs, nurses and mental-health clinicians all working collaboratively in support of our students’ health and wellbeing.”
The MHWB service, which employs about 16 mental-health clinicians, is designed to be accessible and low cost.
“Our service does not have any entry criteria, so
MHWB works to a brief-intervention model, which is widely used in primary mental health services both within New Zealand and internationally.
“Our experience indicates this model is the most effective approach to meet the majority of our students’ needs, while minimising wait times to access our services.
“Brief intervention can be very effective for managing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression low mood, relationship issues and other mental health or substance use concerns that students commonly present with.”
The team typically offers up to six sessions of talking therapy depending on the presenting issues and level of need or complexity.
If students have more serious mental-health issues, or require longer term intervention, the team will work with them to access an appropriate service that is best equipped to meet their needs.
Students access the service for a range of reasons, and no issue is too small.
Common reasons include home sickness, challenges adjusting to university life or making new connections, family and inter-personal issues, difficulties with substance use, issues relating to anxiety or low mood, trauma and emerging unhealthy eating habits or eating disorders.
“To name but a few of our more common presenting issues.”
In recent years there has been a trend, both nationally and internationally, of increasing demand for mental health services, particularly amongst young people and adolescents and the MHWB team has significantly increased staff resourcing over the last
Contact details
few years in response to this.
The reasons for increased demand for mental-health support are complex and multi-faceted.
“However some of the reasons are a growing awareness of the importance of managing mental wellbeing, an increased willingness to talk about mental health, health-promotion campaigns and the impact of recent and current world events such as Covid and the climate crisis.
“Our main priority is to support students to thrive and achieve their academic goals.
“Remember, help is available. We’d encourage students to reach out and access support from our service, if they feel that they need it.”
You can self-refer to the Mental Health and Well-Being service by calling Student Health Services reception on 0800 479 821.
University of Otago students who are not based on the Dunedin campus can access mental health support via Puāwaitanga or by phoning 0800 782 999.
* You will be asked for your student ID number to confirm you are an enrolled student.
The Mental Health and Well-Being team (part of Student Health Services) are here to help students who feel they need extra support. Clinical Group Leader Richard Mooney, pictured third from right, encourages students to reach out early.
There’s more where that came from:
Month of events to raise funds for refuge
A group of Otago tauira are calling on people to turn up and support an excellent cause.
The Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge Fundraising Committee is holding a range of events this month beginning with a designer sample sale this Saturday, which will be followed by an auction, a quiz night, and a bake sale later in the month. There will also be a charity gig at Errick’s bar in September.
What’s on
10 August – Sample Sale at 343 George Street
14 August – Quiz Night at The Bog.
16 August – Auction at Toitu Museum.
24 August – Bake Sale at New World Gardens.
26 September – Gig at Errick’s Bar.
Full story
“A place of many firsts” theme of writing comp
The University’s annual creative writing competition is open for entries, with the theme: A place of many firsts.
Co-organiser University Publications Editor Lisa Dick says the competition always highlights the depth of writing talent within Otago’s staff, student and alumni communities.
The winning entries will be published across multiple platforms, including print and radio.
Entries close at midnight on Wednesday, 11 September and winners will be announced on Thursday, 10 October.
More information
Athlete represents at
Oceania champs
Otago tauira Josh Chisholm (Kāi Tahu) has placed fourth in para shot put at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Area Championships, recently held in Suva, Fiji.
This was Josh’s first big international competition, and he says it was an amazing experience.
“The flag ceremony was really cool, representing the NZ flag was an experience – my first time wearing the Silver Fern, and to think five years ago I never thought it would be possible to represent my country at a higher level than just participation.”
Josh is also in the second year of a three-year degree to become a primary school teacher.
Full story
“It’s good to be home” - a word from the VC
New Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson was missing you all during the break.
Grant, who was officially welcomed into the VC role in June, filmed a special tik tok last month to introduce himself.
In it he shares some stories from his own time as a student at Otago, including his stint as OUSA president and his brush with the law.
He also mentions a fondness for telling the Vice-Chancellor back then how to do his job, an activity he’s happy to have stay in the past now that he’s in the role.
Meet Grant Robertson
What’s on in August?
Changes to mail-forwarding services
Starting 2 September, NZ Post is making changes to its mail-forwarding services, which will affect mail delivery of letters to several departments, colleges and flats. University letters addressed to a physical address will not be automatically forwarded to University PO Boxes and will be returned to sender. Find out more
Thanks for reading. See you next month!