OSJP Rally For Palestine (Again)
Otago Students for Justice in Palestine (OSJP) held another rally for Palestine on Otago University campus on April 16th*. Speeches were given by Neave, an organiser for OSJP, and Brandon Johnstone, a member of Staff for Palestine. The group proceeded to march around the Uni, chanting for their cause: a free Palestine, and a university non-complicit in genocide. The rally was the latest in a string of similar events extending back for the...Voyagers Roll Red Carpet for Critic Alumni
Two former Critic Te Ārohi editors have been named as finalists for the 2025 Voyager Media Awards: Joel MacManus (2018) and Fox Meyer (2022-2023). Both now based in the Beehive’s Press Gallery and working for The Spinoff and Newsroom respectively, the pair credit Critic Te Ārohi for their success in journalism. Despite their nomination, they share the same Kiwi awkwardness when receiving compliments – admitting to mostly...ANIMALS?!?!?!? How to have pets as a student. Kind of.
Kiwis own more pets per household than almost anyone else in the world, so it comes as a bit of a culture shock to leave that behind for studenthood. Many of us grew up with household pets who, unfortunately, remained in the household when we moved out. Without us realising, our final year of high school would be the last time we lived with our beloved furry friends. At least, until we have a stable job and can own a house instead of flatting....Return Of The Weka
Flightless, small, curious, and feisty. You may think we’re describing your most recent Tinder date, but Critic is actually describing an endemic bird: the weka. While weka are likely not fond of a candlelit steak dinner (they prefer the most critical piece of metal you bring along camping, ruining the whole trip), they’re fond of invertebrates, fruit, and the occasional rodent. If you consider lime Tuis a fruit, it’s really no...Backyard Ecology: A Semi-Scientific Journey into the World of Moss
Bryology: The study of mosses and liverworts Did you know that camels have three testicles? Well, if you did, you’d be wrong – and anyway, this article is about moss. That green stuff that grows on trees, rocks, and those trolls from Frozen. The stuff that goes unnoticed most of the time… When you think about the natural world, it tends to be the big things: animals, forests, the ocean. In Aotearoa New Zealand,...Life Lessons from my Dead Pet Snail
This is a story about one Snegma “Sneg” Ramsay (Snegory to my parents). Once a snail fell from the sky and it taught me about love. “Fell from the sky” is a fanciful...
Editorial: Daddy David Made it Look Easy
I’ve spent a lot of time watching documentaries to get into the mindset of the National Geographic issue. It was just a good excuse to reconnect with Daddy David, really. But it made me think...
A Marathon Effort for Mental Health
Content warning: Mention of suicide Scott Casey-Woolridge (“Scoot” as he’s known by friends) is a fifth-year Otago student who’s planning an utterly insane physical feat for...
Opinion: The Mid-semester Conspiracy That The Clocktower Doesn’t Want You To Know About
It’s a tale as old as time (or 1869 at least): slumped in a chair in your first lecture post mid-semester break, you see...
Locally Produced David Attenboroughs: A Guide
Looking for your next Attenborough fix but want something local? Check out the babies of Otago Science Communication grads and alumni. With a cheeky behind-the-scenes “brought to you by”...
The True Cost of Ethical Consumption: A Trial R
Inspired by a rewatch of Food, Inc. (2009), the god-given right to shit on Nestlé, and an attempt to offset years of Fatty Lane-sponsored staff meals, Critic Te Ārohi spent five days...
Opinion: The OUSA Referendum Has Been Very Poorly Advertised
Hear ye, hear ye! OUSA referendum question submissions are open and will close on the 2nd of May. That’s really fucking soon...
Local Produce: Ammonita
Alternative rock/metal band Ammonita is sick of surf rock and ready to make Pint Night their own. The band that recently played Hyde Street is known for opening up Pokémon packs on stage and their repertoire of head-banging tunes. The lineup of...
