Archive

Local Produce: Pages Layn

Posted 10:06pm Sunday 24th August 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Quickly rising the ranks, Pages Layn is getting around Dunedin like a juicy piece of gossip, popping up all over the place, opening just about any gig they can. Having debuted at the first Pint Night of the year, this pack of punters have now managed to score themselves a spot on Rhythm & Alps Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 20 2025

Posted 3:24pm Sunday 24th August 2025 by The Orb

Pisces Your flatmate dishes are starting to look like a biohazard. Channel your fiery rage into either cleaning them or weaponising them to tear the flat dynamic apart in the group chat. Either way, it's a good way to get some of those pent up emotions out. This week's crime: Catfish your Read more...

Editorial: I Want Essential Workers on My Zombie Apocalypse Team

Posted 3:21pm Sunday 24th August 2025 by Nina Brown

To cope with long distance, my undergrad friend group has subscribed to a monthly newsletter called Letterloop. Each month brings a fresh set of questions for everyone to answer. They range from the mundane (“how’s work going?”), to the serious (“what’s your biggest Read more...

Debatable: Is pulling an all-nighter more effective than studying in advance?

Posted 3:19pm Sunday 24th August 2025 by Molly Liddell

For There is something almost heroic about pulling an all-nighter: 2am with an energy drink in one hand, wondering if your flatmates will ever know the sacrifice you made for this essay. You're not just a student, you're an academic weapon sharp enough to cut through half a semester's Read more...

Booze Review: Thunderdonk Salted Caramel Whisky

Posted 12:00am Monday 18th August 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Whisky is stoic as fuck. Four fingering a whisky glass makes you feel like a wise and mysterious cowboy – a cowboy that has just silenced a saloon with their presence after spending all day contemplating and riding off into the sunset. Drinking Thunderdonk makes you a mysterious and curious Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Kūmara Fritters

Posted 11:58pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 1 hr  Serves: 6  Fritters are the perfect way to use up those bits of vegetable you haven’t got round to, and always make a tasty lunch. This recipe makes the BEST crispy crunchy kūmara fritters that are perfect on their own or as a side dish! Depending on the size Read more...

Debatable: Is Ed Sheeran copying Jackson Pollock?

Posted 11:55pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Liberty Murray

Yes After successfully defeating the plagiarism allegations on his music, Ed Sheeran may not be so successful when it comes to his paintings. The singer doesn’t claim to be a fine artist, but still sells his work? His chaotic, paint-splattered pieces clearly mimic Jackson Pollock’s Read more...

OUSA Exec: Getting Through the Final Weeks of Winter

Posted 11:35pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Daniel Leamy

Alright, legends. We’ve finally hit the last stretch of the cold Dunedin winter. By now your flat probably feels like an igloo, the stench of wet laundry won’t go away, and the mould on your bedroom ceiling is growing faster than your will to study and your tolerance for flatmates’ Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: Electric Feel

Posted 11:14pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Dirty Talk

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. — How about your hands? — Fuck yeah! If someone suggests tying you up, you'd assume they have a bit of experience with bondage. So you can imagine my Read more...

Local Produce: Let’s Craft

Posted 11:11pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

In a world where single use items are the norm and purchasing sustainable products can set you back an arm and a leg, it is the Dunedin students who have learnt to get crafty. Critic Te Ārohi spoke to two students who have successfully channeled their artistic side alongside their Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 19 2025

Posted 11:08pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by The Orb

Pisces There is much work to be done to create good habits with your finances. Don’t fall into the 3pm trap of cheap rice balls, let yourself just ‘pop into’ Chemist warehouse, or journey to PAK’nSAVE without a grocery list. Be mindful and you'll be rich by the end of Read more...

Editorial: Praying at the Altar of Art

Posted 11:06pm Sunday 17th August 2025 by Nina Brown

I’m sick of talking about art in the context of how dire the current artistic landscape is. We get it; there’s no funding, AI is taking over the world, Bachelor of Arts graduates are somewhat screwed (I can say that, I am one), and Act’s arts spokesman took 20 minutes to think of a Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Roast Pumpkin Salad

Posted 10:12pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 6 Time: 1 hr  I hate to admit that I am not the biggest fan of hot vegetables. This causes some anguish in winter when I crave something fresh and salady but can’t fathom spending $5.99 on a cucumber. As a cure when winter provides pumpkins galore, I make roast pumpkin Read more...

Booze Review: Saints & Sinners

Posted 9:44pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Joan of Rark

What is good! This week's booze review was kindly brought to you by me wanting to intentionally get another mockable beverage so you lot don’t think I’m an alcoholic.  Saints & Sinners are a rather funky duo of vodka soda and guarana extract. They’re available in Read more...

OUSA Exec: Lecture Recording Policy Rally

Posted 9:42pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Stella Lynch

Good morning, good afternoon & good evening Academic Weapons I have some FAQs regarding the Recording of Lectures Policy that OUSA co-sponsors. TLDR: OUSA is hosting a chalking event at 4:30pm on Monday 11th August at 640 Cumberland St where we will cover the campus with reasons as to why Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: The Groom Who Couldn’t Commit

Posted 9:20pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Lady Jane Grey

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. I never see guys writing in here, which feels a bit weak considering how many of us are out here making decisions worth confessing. So, here's mine. My girlfriend Read more...

Local Produce: Bespoke Ōtepoti

Posted 9:19pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

If there’s a will, there's a way. When George Street doesn't provide it, this pack of student fashionistas certainly will. Critic Te Ārohi has reached out to three local entrepreneurs to see what they get up to in between lectures. From beauticians to lending out curated Read more...

Horoscopes: 2025 Issue 18

Posted 9:11pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by The Orb

Pisces Pisces, you have been having a little trouble understanding what people are asking of you in your relationships. Try applying some of your active listening skills to make those around you feel both heard and seen. This may also help you to understand what is expected of you in certain Read more...

Editorial: It’s All Political

Posted 9:09pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Nina Brown

“It’s all political.” That’s what Chlöe Swarbrick told me when I said to her that we’d focus on the ‘Politics’ section of the Critic census in our interview. Two weeks later, the words were ringing in my ears as I edited the fashion issue. Fashion is Read more...

Debatable: Is it appropriate to wear pajamas to campus?

Posted 9:02pm Sunday 10th August 2025 by Molly Liddell

For There’s something deeply liberating about the idea of rolling out of bed, chucking on your Oodie and stumbling into a brisk 9am lecture. The cosy feel of your soft cotton PJs brushing against your skin, the faint scent of last night's Mi Goreng noodles still lingering, and the Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Sexy Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding

Posted 8:46pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 6 Time: 45 mins For the people with someone to cook for and for those who self sauce xx Ingredients  Cake Batter 1 cup plain flour  2 tsp baking powder  ½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed) 3 Tbsp cocoa powder  ½ cup milk  1 Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: The Long Arm of the Law

Posted 8:42pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Dirty Talk

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous.   Last summer, I started seeing a girl with a thing for urban exploration. Our shared interest was part risk, part sensual – there’s a rush to making out on a Read more...

OUSA Exec: Winter Well-being

Posted 8:32pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Amy Whyman

Winter is here. Now is the time where you have to guess whether Castle and Leith St are shimmering because of broken glass or frost. It’s the time of slipping down the hill to your lectures and spending long nights at the library because of its heating system. Long story short, it’s Read more...

Local Produce: Flipper Fest

Posted 8:06pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Saving the penguins has never looked sexier. Hoiho advocate and local musician Mario Girardet of Dibs! and Caribou is putting his money where his beak is. Over a series of seven gigs, each with an equally stacked lineup, Flipper Fest is raising money for the Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust (Te Tautiaki Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 17 2025

Posted 8:03pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by The Orb

Pisces You feel like AskOtago this week. Everyone in your life seems to have a problem and apparently you are the only one they can talk to about it. Don't let other people's mental loads weigh on you, but that’s easier said than done. Be sure to take time for yourself. Extra bits Read more...

Editorial: Let’s Humanise Sex Again

Posted 8:02pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Nina Brown

The contemporary modern dating scene gets a look in the mirror in this year’s sex issue. I spent the past week carrying a vintage Playboy in my bag, which was kindly loaned to me as part of my research. With plenty of full-frontal bush, tips for pleasing your wife, and ads for gentlemanly Read more...

Debatable: Bush or no bush?

Posted 7:59pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

Bush I am sick and tired of razors, of ingrown hairs, of the unspoken expectation that our genitals should resemble a Christmas ham. I, for one, don’t give a fuck if you have pubes. Frankly, we have them for a reason and they deserve a comeback. Not as a quirky thing or as a feminist Read more...

Booze Reviews: Coast Road Creamery Chocolate Cream Liqueur

Posted 7:38pm Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Joan of Rark

And with that, the streak has ended. We have finally found a boozy number I would never like to see again, much like high school calculus (good riddance).  This dirty fuck of a drink is supposedly wine based. Judging by the taste it's a red – not in a ‘nicely locked in Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Roast Pumpkin Soup

Posted 6:10pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 8  Time: 1 hr roasting + 30 mins cooking Cost: $ Eating seasonal produce is good for the planet, your health, and your budget. At this time of year pumpkin is one of the most affordable things we can find that fits the bill. This recipe is pretty low effort, just taking a bit Read more...

Moaningful Confession: Play It Cool

Posted 6:06pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Critic

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. Two weeks ago, I met the hottest guy I’ve ever seen. Our chance encounter outside the Clubs & Societies building led to two weeks of flirting more skillful than Read more...

Booze Review: Orchard Storm Crush’d Cider

Posted 5:56pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Joan of Rark

Dropping sometime around the end of last year, newcomer Orchard Storm Crush’d Ciders are another solid bev proving my theory that they’re making alcohol taste even better to keep everyone drunk and stop societal progress, à la the Kraggle from The Lego Movie or like half the Read more...

OUSA Exec: Madam Acting President

Posted 5:54pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Amy Martin

With Liam out of the office for the day, it was time for me to finally shine. That’s right, your favourite Administrative Vice-President (me) stepped up to the presidential plate to take on the hefty responsibilities of OUSA’s top job.  Honestly not too much was different on my Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 16 2025

Posted 5:30pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by The Orb

Pisces Do something this week that will leave a lasting impact for others to remember you by. The moon is drawing you away from others, but you're a social creature so whether you start a new club or graffiti half the flats on Castle St, you need to make an impact so big you'll be Read more...

Editorial: It Happened, I Went to a Split-Screened Rave

Posted 5:29pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Nina Brown

I went to a split-screened rave last week. Picture this: a boiler room on the top floor of The Grand in Wellington. Frothing crowd of mid-20s, sunglasses on (despite the dark) and exposed skin slick with sweat, surrounding the DJ. And above it all, Minecraft and Subway Surfers projected onto an Read more...

Debatable: Is “breaking the seal” real?

Posted 5:26pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Adam Stitely

No So, you’re racing like a pisshorse. Is it a) because you drank five 330ml cans (1.65L) in thirty minutes, or b) because you took a piss after drinking five 330ml cans in thirty minutes.  Ones who answered A would argue that getting on the piss has a science behind it. It’s Read more...

Local Produce: Saints: The Card Game

Posted 5:10pm Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Following his tenure at Critic Te Ārohi as 2019 Editor, one marked by “that” Knox College investigation and a war on shady landlords, Charlie O’Mannin has managed to keep himself busy. The Dunedin local turned indie board game creator hopes that his most recent venture helps Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Pesto Pasta

Posted 5:18pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 45 mins  Serves: 5  Price: $$ At this time of year it’s always handy to have a really quick meal to whip up mid week that’ll get you tucked up and cosy asap! This pesto pasta is a speedy, versatile and delicious option that everyone will enjoy, and maybe even Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: Acquaintance with Disadvantages

Posted 5:08pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Critic

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. When I was 19, I started sleeping with a 29-year-old man who thought he was incredibly charming in a sort of post-ironic, tortured-intellectual kind of way. I mostly just Read more...

Booze Review: Monsuta Lemon Chu-Hai

Posted 5:02pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Joan of Rark

WSG (What’s good) my pimps, playaz, and operators! It is I, Joan of the Rark, presenting to you what I would like to call “Japanese Codys” (JCs). This is for two reasons: 1) I cannot remember what they are actually called (chur to my editor for fixing the title), and 2) I believe Read more...

OUSA Exec: Lecture Recordings Policy Update

Posted 4:57pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Stella Lynch

Good mythical morning wee Critic readers. I am ever so happy that you flicked to the back of the mag and laid your eyes upon our humble Exec column. If you’ve stopped reading already, you suck. It’s that time of year where we all get a fresh gust of wind to tide us through the Read more...

Local Produce: Jess Lord

Posted 4:43pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

‘Breaking your face’ would probably deter anyone from a sport they love, but not Jess Lord. Jess did exactly that – nose and cheekbone broken after going face first into a ledge. Now a second-year physio student, she's basically doing her own post-injury rehab in the form of a Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 15 2025

Posted 4:41pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by The Orb

Pisces You're a little ‘in your feels’ this week and the weather is pushing you closer and closer to seasonal depression. Push yourself to get out of bed a little earlier every day and by the end of the week you will have a smile back on that dial!  What dinosaur are you: Read more...

Editorial: Surviving North D With Your Crew

Posted 4:30pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Nina Brown

Like many University of Otago students, when I moved into my first flat in second-year, I went in blind. All I knew going into flat hunting was my sister telling me to chase sunshine, my mum’s tip to test the shower pressure at viewings, and that if you don’t sign by August you’ll Read more...

Debatable: Should you date international students?

Posted 4:28pm Saturday 19th July 2025 by Ella Grayson

For Who doesn’t love an accent?  Winter is the best time of year to smell out the fresh batch of sexy internationals away for a semester to play in the snow of Central Otago, or enjoy the black mould of Dunners. For many of us the fantasy of finding the love of our lives at Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Spaghetti Bolognese

Posted 1:14pm Monday 14th July 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Welcome to Semester Two! I hope you had a great break and are braced for a wintery start to the second half of the year. We have an absolute classic this week: the humble spaghetti bolognese. I know what you’re thinking: “Pfft please! I know how to make spag bowl.” But when I tell Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: “Caught, Clawed, and Chlorinated”

Posted 1:12pm Monday 14th July 2025 by Critic

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. There’s something about Mediterranean air that turns you into the kind of girl who says yes to Jägermeister and public fingering. I was on a family holiday – Read more...

OUSA Exec: The Glorious and Half-Serious Revolution

Posted 1:09pm Monday 14th July 2025 by Liam White

The last couple of months have been rough. Not “there’s no seats in the link” rough. More like “I tried to rebuild the student movement with a whiteboard and a lack of sleep” rough. Please don’t misinterpret this, I love my job. There’s no greater Read more...

Local Produce: Powder Chutes

Posted 1:02pm Monday 14th July 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

From fans to friends. A local rock band from Wanaka ended 2024 on Spark Arena’s stage playing with Grammy-nominated act Highly Suspect. 2025 saw the band interrupt their usual rotation of gigs with a nationwide tour promoting their self-titled album, Powder Chutes. Shredding through chords and Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 14 2025

Posted 12:48pm Monday 14th July 2025 by Critic

Pisces This week you’ll find the thing you so desperately need to fill that hole in your heart. You’ve felt a little ‘out of sorts’ lately and crave stability; this will come from the most unexpected of places. Mistake to Avoid: Getting addicted to vaping… Read more...

Editorial: Census Was a Trip

Posted 11:37am Monday 14th July 2025 by Nina Brown

Welcome back to campus! While many of you had a well-deserved rest and shroom-induced epiphanies, I tripped in a labyrinth of census data, was sent down corridors of correlations and came out the other end both enlightened and far too familiar with your lives.  The Critic census was birthed Read more...