Archive

Local Produce: EKM Virtual Studios

Posted 9:29pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

You may recognise her work from what was supposed to be the centre-fold of last week's Critic (sorry about that one team) or have been blown away by the immaculate Instagram feed that she has cultivated. Emma Millburn is the genius behind EKM Virtual Studios. Her most recent artistic venture has Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 10 2025

Posted 9:26pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Critic

Pisces Pisces, time to go out and purchase some craft supplies. Everything is falling apart this week and your Duct Tape stockpile is dwindling.  Study Fuel: Three red kiwifruit and a Zombie Chew Libra Your condoms have holes in them, and you have been having a whole lot of sex. Read more...

Editorial: Winston Peters is in the Naughty Corner

Posted 9:25pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Nina Brown

I put Winston Peters in the naughty corner last week for his behaviour. I wish I was talking about the real man, but I’m actually referring to the photo of him that we had on the wall in the office – you might have spotted it if you’ve visited the Critic exhibition that has a Read more...

Debatable: Is it okay to pee in the shower?

Posted 9:23pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Nina Brown

Yay If you gotta go, you gotta go – and why not when you’re conveniently in a location with a drain and soap? Before my opponent suggests this: no, it is not a slippery slope into pissing in the sink. Frankly, I don’t see why it’s an issue. If I’m busting to pee Read more...

Booze Review: Victoria Bitter

Posted 10:39pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Sabrina Barpunter

Ah, Victoria Bitter, VB, Very Best, Vitamin B. This isn't just a beer, it's the unofficial IV drip of Aussie tradies and cricket players alike. Personally, I had never indulged in a VB before this experience so I had my fears. Would I grow a mullet? Would I have Vegemite toast for breakfast? Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Scroggin Slice

Posted 10:35pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Ruby Hudson

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the classic scroggin mix. A fuel-packed, lightweight, outdoor Kiwi staple. I find myself in a love-hate relationship with scroggin. Half the time it’s the perfect pick-me-up mid tramp; the other half it’s a depressing mix of sad raisins and Read more...

In The Cage: All Caught Up

Posted 10:26pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Jordan Irvine

It is now 1997 and the latter half of the decade has a clear emphasis on action films. Most of the films Cage has starred in have been action-packed blockbusters. Perhaps the improvement of CGI and other visual effects had something to do with it. Toy Story, the first film made entirely on Read more...

OUSA Exec: Send Us Your Questions

Posted 9:56pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Liam White

Kia ora team, Every now and then, students get the rare chance to call the shots – and the OUSA Referendum is exactly that moment. It’s more than just a vote. It’s your chance to set the agenda, shake things up, or bring back something you miss (yes, even those iconic Read more...

Local Produce: Ammonita

Posted 9:39pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

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 second-year students is lead singer and rhythm Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 9 2025

Posted 9:36pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Critic

Pisces You had as relaxing of a break as someone with three assignments due the first week back can have. Try not to take your lack of break out on those around you, they don't deserve to feel your wrath just because you're averaging five hours of sleep a night. Susty activity rec: Bike to Read more...

Editorial: Daddy David Made it Look Easy

Posted 9:34pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Nina Brown

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 about the people behind the documentaries, and how sad it is that the University no longer offers a Read more...

Debatable: Do rats make good pets?

Posted 9:31pm Sunday 27th April 2025 by Hunter Jolly

No: When rats are in a flat it’s called an “infestation” not an “invitation”. Are students really so desperate for animal interaction that you’d be willing to befriend the nasty little critters that your landlord has set traps for?  I’m sorry, I Read more...

Editorial: It's Called Transparency, Babes

Posted 12:03am Monday 14th April 2025 by Nina Brown

I had been looking forward to writing a silly little editorial this week about something inconsequential and fun. Daylight savings brings it out in me – you don’t need to be bogged down by a hot take when you’re shuttling back and forth from campus in the dark. I wanted to Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Shepherds Pie

Posted 12:00am Monday 14th April 2025 by Ruby Hudson

It's that time of year again… winter is coming! This week we have a hearty staple that everyone will enjoy. Full of vegetables and a tasty mince, this recipe is a great weeknight dinner, and is awesome leftovers for lunch the next day. If you are vegetarian try subbing the mince out for Read more...

In The Cage: The Passion Lingers

Posted 11:46pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Jordan Irvine

At the stage this column was written, the Cage had truly become a part of my life again after a short break. Evie changed her picture of me on her phone to Nic. So here we go.  In Kiss of Death, the Cage is reunited with both Stanley Tucci and Samuel L. Jackson. In one scene Nic bench Read more...

Booze Review: Hey Hey

Posted 11:25pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Bye-bye distasteful, cheap RTDs and Hey Hey to the latest pathway to getting shitfaced. Hey Hey is a refreshing new take on the RTD phenomenon dominating the alcohol industry, and has now introduced us to a cool, fruity cocktail twist. Reduced daylight hours and drinking in a cold flat where you can Read more...

OUSA Exec: Postgrad Society is Back

Posted 11:07pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Josh Stewart

Kia ora everyone, especially postgrad students (sorry freshers) My name is Josh Stewart, and I am the 2025 Postgrad Representative. This job entails a lot of committees, being the port of call for postgraduate issues to be brought to, and the chair of the Society for Postgraduate Students Read more...

Local Produce: Te Oraka – The Good Space

Posted 10:51pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Run by the University’s Sustainability Office, Te Oraka is so much more than a thrift shop. Their kaupapa is to make sustainability accessible to everyone through a series of events and initiatives. Jesikah Triscott, their Kaitakawaenga (Engagement Team Lead) told Critic Te Ārohi about Te Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 8 2025

Posted 10:46pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Critic

Pisces You have assignments due this week that you have forgotten about. Time to reread the course outline and fill in that calendar your aunt gave you for Christmas.  What flat archetype are you: Doesn't do dishes Libra Libra, this week you are going to be pushed to the edge. Your Read more...

Debatable: Have Aliens Visited Earth?

Posted 10:44pm Sunday 13th April 2025 by Hunter Jolly

No: Let’s not be silly here, team. I love Star Wars and Aliens in the Attic as much as the next guy, but you know what else I love? Rational thinking.  Let’s consider, for one, the sheer vastness of the universe. It’s probably infinite in scale, and even if it’s Read more...

Debatable: Is Singing Happy Birthday a Form of Public Humiliation

Posted 10:47pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Gryffin Blockley

Yes In case being death-stared by sober adults at a BYO isn’t humbling enough, we’ve all had to experience your drunk mates breaking into a screeching chorus of Happy Birthday in public. Crack up if it’s not your birthday, but when it’s finally your turn, you remember the Read more...

In The Cage: You can’t escape the Cage

Posted 10:22pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Jordan Irvine

After three months out of the Cage, I was back in. I have not mentioned it so far but there are a lot of boobs in his films. One of the first things you see in Zandalee is a naked woman and it makes me think it had to be in his contract or something. To be honest, most of the film is about naked Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: David vs. Cake-lioth

Posted 10:15pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Ruby Hudson

This week I was asked to partake in a battle akin to that of David and Goliath: Connor’s Critic Cake vs. the Tart Tin Celebration Cake.  The clear Goliath of this pairing is the Tart Tin. The Tart Tin is a boutique bakehouse that overlooks Queens Gardens, revered for their use of fresh Read more...

Critical Tribune: Many upset after Critic says, “Well, you’re not invited to my birthday party”

Posted 9:54pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Billary Harry

Within the past months many readers, staff, University affiliates, and OUSA, have been excited about Critic turning 100 years old, as well as the party that would come along with it.  Editor Nina had been overheard saying there would be “super cute party games” like pass the Read more...

OUSA Exec: The Thorn in OUSA’s Side

Posted 9:46pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Liam White

For over 100 years, Critic has been a persistent, unrelenting, and entirely necessary thorn in everyone’s side. Like a bad tattoo, a bad post on Mum’s Facebook or a drunk fresher with a mullet, it’s always there – loud, proud, and ready to remind you that your job could be Read more...

Booze Review: Speight’s Gold Medal

Posted 9:43pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Speight’s is culture. It was the first beer I ever had. Being underage, it was acquired through messaging unemployed 25-year-olds on the Dunedin Sober Driver’s Facebook page, where I and two other borderline prepubescent teens climbed into a random’s clapped-out Subaru Impreza to Read more...

Local Produce: The Crown Hotel

Posted 9:24pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

The legendary Crown Hotel is still shaping Ōtepoti’s live music scene. The bar and music venue hosts local, student, and international musicians. A quick nosey around the pub gives you a sense of its history. The jukebox displays the owner’s extensive music collection, meanwhile Read more...

Editorial: Critic, the Collective

Posted 6:40pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Nina Brown

The Crown has refused to admit it, but Critic turned 100 last Wednesday. As promised, we’ve done our best to be as annoying about celebrating and commemorating ourselves as possible. We’ve bothered countless alumni repeatedly for favours – contributions and direction for the Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 7 2025

Posted 6:29pm Sunday 6th April 2025 by Critic

Pisces Now is the time to start picking up a bit more responsibility. You have coasted along as a ‘teenager’ for long enough, your resume is looking a little light and applications for summer internships open soon. You as party food: Lamingtons Libra A little birdy told me that you Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 6 2025

Posted 10:56pm Sunday 30th March 2025 by Critic

Pisces Don't eat that yogurt that has been sitting in your fridge since the start of uni. You have created a new kind of bacteria that will either make dicks double in length or kill someone. While fun and awesome, it's kind of gross.  Your joint to crack: Neck Libra Libra, Read more...

Editorial: History in Your Hands

Posted 11:11pm Saturday 29th March 2025 by Nina Brown

Happy 100th, y’all. The official birthday of Critic Te Ārohi is this week, April 2nd, the date of the debut issue’s publication – the very same you now hold in your hands. This relic was dug up from the Hocken Library archives. Don’t worry, the spray paint is Read more...

In the Cage: “Reasonably Concerned”

Posted 10:20pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Jordan Irvine

Even though Nicolas Cage’s voice was odd in Peggy Sue, it is nothing compared to Vampire’s Kiss. A film that uses the vampire as a metaphor for lust and greed, the Cage is unhinged. Not only is the voice weird but so is his hair, his mannerisms, his cadence – his everything. He Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 5 2025

Posted 10:18pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Critic

Pisces This week's weather will be your downfall. Make sure that the first thing you do in the morning is check the MetService app – no one wants to be the person who gets caught in the rain in a t-shirt or forgets to put a top under their hoodie on what feels like the hottest day Read more...

Booze Review: Gonster

Posted 10:16pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Gin Swigmore

A Gonster in its ideal state (ideal is used loosely here) looks like a slightly disturbing black and green traffic light drink, with the two substances separating like oil and water. Critic’s first attempt at making one didn’t go quite to plan; we weren’t able to get our grubby Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Black Bean Enchiladas

Posted 10:05pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 1hr Serves: 5 Price: $$ This week we have a tasty dinner dish sure to please the whole flat: black bean enchiladas! We have probably all had a nacho night or two in the flat already, so this is a great way to spice things up that echoes a flatting classic. I will preface this recipe Read more...

OUSA Exec: On Prez’s Radar

Posted 9:59pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Liam White

Top of the morning to you students! I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick’s day filled with responsible alcohol consumption. I know you didn’t but there’s nothing I can really do about that.   I just wanted to put a couple of things on your radar that’s coming Read more...

Local Produce: Fun Bucket

Posted 9:49pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Fun Bucket exclusively plays every Thursday for Pequeño's Jazz Nights. After paying the $20 entry fee, you'll be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail and, squeezed into the chandelier-lit corner, you'll find the band. The intimate group of spectators are found eagerly Read more...

Editorial: Celeb Apology Video: Drugs Issue Edition

Posted 9:44pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Nina Brown

If you had beef with last week’s issue, chances are you weren’t the only one. While the editorial team were preoccupied making sure the drugs content of the Drugs Issue was spic and span and we didn’t accidentally nark on a dealer or out someone for a drug habit – well, Read more...

Debatable: Cans vs Bottles

Posted 9:43pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Gryffin Blockley

Cans  Otago student culture is founded upon the footsteps of dusty students trampling bits of broken glass. But it doesn’t have to be like this anymore.  Sure, maybe as a fresher at Whiteout it's funny standing in a sea of broken glass. But your car tires don’t say Read more...

Third-year Wellness Influencer Insists Her Bag is Ethically Sourced

Posted 9:19pm Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Anderson Coomer

Local third-year Food Science and Nutrition Student student Molly Edwards, a self-proclaimed fitness and wellness influencer, who preaches the benefits of clean-eating, early morning runs and therapeutic properties of Saunas on her Instagram account (@MolsHolistic) put a pause on her ‘daily Read more...

Local Produce: Southern Events

Posted 6:11pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

DJ decks, lighting rigs, and sound systems are now expected to be at every Castle Street host. Southern Events’ model has become the new normal for open hosts. Their TikTok and Instagram Reels presence has made the brand a household name across North D. The three stakeholders, Morgan Sarge, Read more...

In The Cage: Hey, he’s in these movies!

Posted 6:07pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Jordan Irvine

Now onto Cage’s first leading role, portraying Randy in Valley Girl. It is the 1983 version of Romeo and Juliet and, honestly, the Cage isn’t the weirdest part of this film. There are the classic Cage-isms that he will hone in on for future works but there is also a very horny mum, Read more...

Booze Review: Protein Beer

Posted 6:01pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Gin Swigmore

“Bro, my business creating 0 calorie lemon-flavoured RTDs has gone under, who knew the market was so flooded?”   “Bro, my DJing career has failed and my dad has cut me out of the trust fund because of my crippling weed dependency. How are we going to fuel this Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Afghan Biscuits

Posted 5:55pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Makes: 12 Time: 45 mins Price: $  Ahhh the good ol’ critic drugs special <3 I’m sure this week when you flicked to the recipes you were expecting brownies, but I love to keep you all on your toes. With this recipe you’re baking ;) you get that hit of chocolatey Read more...

OUSA Exec: Residential Hall Visits

Posted 5:40pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Callum Hadlow

We all know the state of housing in Dunedin, and far too many of us have undergone a baptism of cold, mould, and being told that's how it is and not to expect better. But with the illusion of a Dunedin summer fading we need to face the fact that an “indoor outdoor flow” shouldn't Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 4 2025

Posted 5:30pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Critic

Pisces It's time to revamp your Spotify playlists. You have been listening to the same 20 songs on repeat and are missing out on some really amazing new releases. New songs will also give you a new lease on life and as the sun disappears, lord knows you need something to keep you Read more...

Editorial: But First, A Disclaimer

Posted 5:11pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Nina Brown

The cover of this issue couldn’t have more explicitly announced the theme of this issue: drugs! If the overwhelming hype behind the mysterious Boba Ket’s drug review last year was anything to go by, it’s been one of Critic’s most popular themed issues. They printed double the Read more...

Debatable: Bongs or Joints?

Posted 5:04pm Sunday 16th March 2025 by Zoe Eckhoff

Pro-Bong You’ll remember your first bong-rip like your first kiss. It’s sensual, sparks are flying and lips are touching. What’s not to fall in love with? Just like kissing, you might need a YouTube tutorial or two to get it right, but it's easy to pick up and from then on Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Muesli Bars

Posted 12:17am Monday 10th March 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 30 mins Price: $ Do you deserve a sweet little treat to get your energy up? Are you sick of spending your hard earned cash on teeny tiny muesli bars? Look no further because this week we have a banger, created by nutritionist Harriet Lidgard (for more recipes, check out her Read more...

Local Produce: The Early Risers Crew

Posted 12:13am Monday 10th March 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

The water is never as cold as you think it is. But the only way to find out is to jump on in. This is a philosophy that the Early Risers Crew embraces headfirst. The group, run by Keira Hill alongside her friend Jess Flemming, meet up at St. Kilda Beach every Thursday morning for a sunrise swim Read more...

Debatable: Flash mobs, yay or nay?

Posted 11:58pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Hunter Jolly

Nay: Grow up, you’re not in a musical. Nobody wants to have their peace abruptly ripped from them like a vulture peeling the skin off a rodent’s carcass. If I’m ever strolling through the mall, minding my own business, and a flash mob suddenly breaks out, I fully intend to sue. Read more...

Booze Review: Bay & Barnes Chardonnay

Posted 11:39pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Gin Swigmore

A wise man once said to never start your wine drinking journey with expensive wines, because then the cheap shit will taste even worse.  Upon ignoring this advice, I quickly learned that the only thing better than an expensive bottle was a free one, especially when it’s stolen from Read more...

OUSA Exec: BDS Explained

Posted 11:36pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Jett Groshinski

BDS is a global movement launched in 2005 by Palestinian civil society, inspired by South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. It is a non-violent campaign applying economic and political pressure to encourage compliance with international human rights law through: Boycott – Avoiding Read more...

In the Cage: Throwing away the key

Posted 11:12pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Jordan Irvine

Reader’s note: This column has been in the works since the 30th of July 2024. Welcome to the Cage. As Critic’s designated pop culture expert, I have been a fan of films for a very long time. This often manifested as becoming obsessed with one particular actor's work in a given Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 3 2025

Posted 11:08pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Critic

Pisces Your delulu optimism will be the only thing keeping you going this week. The whole world will be trying to drag you down but thank GOD for your rose tinted glasses. Just keep your head up and live like that motto on your mum's tea towels: keep on keeping on.  Your Body Mod: Brow Read more...

Editorial: That Scarfie Stereotype

Posted 11:04pm Sunday 9th March 2025 by Nina Brown

After recent interactions with national media, I’ve grown a little tired of the way Dunedin students are stereotyped.  Bless them, they’re genuinely intrigued by the spectacle of students burning couches in the street, stealing cones by the thousands, and squatting in our mouldy Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Red Lentil Dhal

Posted 8:19pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 6 Time: 30 mins  Price: $ This week we have a tasty meal that will satiate vegetarians, vegans, meat-eaters and everything in-between. You can’t go past a good red lentil dhal when craving something comforting, cheap and speedy. Using mostly pantry staples, this recipe Read more...

Local Produce: Nic Sick

Posted 7:57pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Nic Sick broke into Ōtepoti’s live music scene just as 2024 was drawing to a close. Having formed in halls, the new year has brought a bit of uncertainty, with fewer members and fewer practice spaces. However, the excitement of the unknown has kept the momentum going.   James Read more...

Letters: Issue 2 2025

Posted 6:54pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Critic

LETTERS POLICY Letters should be 150 words or fewer. The deadline is Thursday at 5pm. Get them into Critic by emailing us at critic@critic.co.nz. Letters of a serious nature directly addressing a specific group or individual will not be published under a pseudonym, except in extraordinary Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 2 2025

Posted 6:46pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Critic

Aries Energies are high at the start of the week, with lots of aesthetic sunrises, Instagram stories, and study seshes. But that doesn't last long. When the burnout hits mid-Wednesday, remember that it's not even a month into uni and that try-hard shit can wait till after mid-sem Read more...

From the Archives: 1981 Critic Editor Chris Trotter reflects on covering the Springbok Tour

Posted 6:42pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Chris Trotter

Chris Trotter, political commentator and 1981 Critic Te Ārohi editor, reflects on his experience reporting on the contreversial Springbok tour and the role of student media. The 56 days of the 1981 Springbok Tour weren’t the whole story – the before and after were just as Read more...

Editorial: From the Archives

Posted 4:38pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Nina Brown

Critic Te Ārohi turns 100 this year – and we need your help to celebrate.  Over summer, Iris (Features Editor) got cracking on research for the centenary book we’ve proposed. The idea is that she would take a year off her studies to work full-time on digging through the Read more...

Debatable: Chasers: Yay or Nay?

Posted 4:31pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Gryffin Blockley

Chasers: Yay First of all, just because you want to have a chaser doesn’t mean that you can’t handle a shot at all. Let’s dispel that common myth. Pres are meant to be a wholesome experience; if there’s a way to decrease the grossness, why not go for it?  Nights Read more...

Booze Review: Woodstock Whiskey Lemonade

Posted 4:19pm Sunday 2nd March 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Woodstock have officially hopped on the ‘soft drinks made alcoholic’ bandwagon with the release of their Ginger Ale and Whiskey Lemonade. This move seems to follow on from the trend of brands making ‘healthy’ RTDs, which just taste like water that’s been left in your Read more...

Local Produce: The Dumpling Lady

Posted 6:56pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

The art of building a community through dumplings often gets lost in the fold. If you’re fiending a feed on campus, the best place to head is 'The Dumpling Lady'. Here, perched in the shade of Union Hall across from the OUSA arches, you'll find Catherine Page and her trusty Read more...

Booze Review: Emerson’s Dirty Bird IPA

Posted 6:49pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Welcome back to another year of booze. We’re kicking things off with a bang thanks to the new Emerson’s Dirty Bird, the latest member of the Bird Dog family for all you IPA nerds. Though new on the scene, Dirty Bird is sure to become a household name with its captivating taste, one Read more...

Debatable: Should we throw eggs at freshers?

Posted 6:46pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Hanna Varrs

Against Yeah, you’re a first-year student. A fresher. But isn’t the whole ‘egg the fresher’ trope overdone? Come up with something funnier, @therestofthestudentbody. Pick on someone your own size instead of a bunch of vulnerable 17 and 18-year-olds (weird when you put it Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Burger Bowls

Posted 6:36pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Hello and welcome to another year of Critic Te Ārohi recipes! We are kicking off the year with something fresh, tasty and customisable that the whole flat will love. This is a take on a classic burger, just with the fun twist of deconstruction and bowl-ifying to make it feel fancy. Feel free to Read more...

OUSA Exec: OUSA's Five Big Issues

Posted 6:29pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Liam White

Nau mai, haere ma – whether you’re stepping onto campus for the first time or back for another year, welcome to Otago! I hope you’ve had a chance to recharge over the break, because what’s ahead is everything that makes student life special – long nights, great Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 1 2025

Posted 5:57pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Critic

Aquarius The new year's goals crumbled pretty early, but that doesn't mean you need to wait until next year to quit those naughty habits. Try giving up the vape, hitting the books and giving your vibrator a deep clean. Fav moment of Ori: Monday in U-Bar! Pisces It’s your season, Read more...

Editorial: The City of Spokes

Posted 5:44pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Nina Brown

Welcome back, suckers! Welcome back to a new year of living it large at the cosiest wee campus-based university that Aotearoa has to offer. Now that I once again have you all by the balls of editorial control, here’s my pitch: make North Dunedin a City of Spokes.  In a move almost as Read more...

Girl Power, Girl ... Pilsner?: Critic's rejected booze reviewers

Posted 3:44pm Sunday 23rd February 2025 by Lotto Ramsay

Critic Te Ārohi just found out about all this "feminism" stuff, and we think it's pretty neat. To show what great allies we are, for our hundredth year of publication Critic has our first ever female booze review moniker! Sometimes the reviewer behind the pseudonym is female, too. Read more...

Opinion: You Suck at Instant Noodles

Posted 11:18pm Monday 17th February 2025 by Lotto Ramsay

There are but three things in this miserable world that are able to give me any semblance of something akin to joy: soup, frugality, and the quiet bliss of an instruction manual. Basically, the way everyone makes their instant noodles in this goddamn city is ensuring I will be first in line at Read more...

Te Rōpū Māori: Te Rito 2025

Posted 10:54pm Monday 17th February 2025 by Te Rōpū Māori

Te Rōpū Māori is the Māori Student’s Association at the Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. TRM strive to represent the interests of tauira Māori at the University, with the ultimate aim of creating a kāinga rua: a home away from home on campus. They run many events Read more...

Your OUSA Executive 2025

Posted 10:44pm Monday 17th February 2025 by OUSA Exec

President Liam White Tēnā koutou katoa, and welcome (or welcome back) to Otago! I hope you’ve had a restful break and are ready to dive into another year of cramming study between parties and club events. I’m Liam, your OUSA President for 2025! If you’ve got any Read more...

Editorial: Welcome to Dirty Dunners

Posted 10:28pm Monday 17th February 2025 by Nina Brown

Well here we go again. To many reading this: welcome back, suckers. To the freshers who’ve dug through your hallpack of noodles, vouchers and condoms to find this glorious sample-sized Critic: kia ora, I’m glad you made it. Here’s an introduction to the gig. For those not in the Read more...

Booze Review: Monster

Posted 8:44pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Chunny Bill Swilliams

Critic Te Ārohi originally set out to review every energy drink available in the campus vending machines. But upon parking up at the library (Robertson, because it's obviously the best one), it became evident that the only energy drinks you can really get are Monsters. Thus, while Read more...

Debatable: Should you drop out and marry rich?

Posted 8:31pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Ollie Thorns

Debatable is a column written by the Otago University Debating Society. The Debating Society welcomes new members and meets at the Business School every Tuesday at 6pm. For:  There are endless reasons why you should drop out, marry rich, and start a failing pottery business. First and Read more...

Local Produce: The hypoCRITICals

Posted 7:53pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Jordan Irvine

The hypoCRITICals are the finest band in all of Ōtepoti – coincidentally consisting of Critic’s own staff. The band is news editor Hugh on rhythm guitar, design intern Connor on lead guitar, video editor Hunter on drums, horoscope columnist Molly on bass and Bachelor columnist Hanna Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Dumplings

Posted 7:49pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Ruby Hudson

Makes: 30 - 40 dumplings Time: 2 hours (less if you have some mates willing to help) Price: $$ The time has come for the final recipe of the year! We all love a good dumpling so for a final end of the year treat have a go at making your own. This recipe is delicious, and makes a huge bunch Read more...

The TL;DR: Your Weekly Bullshitin Roundup | Week 26

Posted 7:32pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Critic

The DCC is due to update its Local Alcohol Policy, and is seeking feedback on its draft replacement which proposed a ban on new liquor stores “in an area between the Octagon and Gardens shopping centre” Coroner Heather McKenzie released new findings from the May inquest into Sophia Read more...

Takeaways: Week 26

Posted 7:28pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Critic

SOMETHING TO WATCH The Critic Bachelor Finale Video Critic slipped and produced a reality TV series this semester: Critic Bachelor. It wasn’t until the ten singles who’d signed up showed up to the office for the first group date that we realised what we’d signed everyone up Read more...

Horoscopes: Week 26

Posted 6:32pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Critic

Aquarius Group assignments are making you want to run away to Cuba and start a new life, but if you take the reins you can turn around the vibes and steer your group to at least a B+. Don't be fooled by that person who created the doc on the first day, they never do anything. Inedible Read more...

Editorial: Critic Takes a Village

Posted 6:30pm Sunday 13th October 2024 by Nina Brown

In honour of this being the last issue of 2024, here’s a supercut of Critic’s year. As you’ll see, Critic Te Ārohi is many things.  Critic is the magazine. It’s every Monday being like Christmas Day, rushing to the stands and holding tangible proof of your hard Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: French Toast

Posted 9:21am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 4  Time: 45 mins  Price: $ Difficulty: 1/5 Make your friends, family, or special someone say “ooo la la” with a plate of lovingly prepared french toast. This recipe is easy peasy to make and provides a fab vessel for everyone's preferred topping taste. Read more...

Local Produce: emmie

Posted 9:17am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Jordan Irvine

emmie (she/her) is very new to the DJ scene but has already made a considerable impact. After being inspired by Nörty Club and its members, emmie decided to get on the decks – to great success. In the recent OUSA Future DJ competition, she placed second. While the competition was full of Read more...

OUSA Exec: Tēnā Koutou My Subjects!

Posted 9:15am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Liam White

Tēnā koutou my subjects! Congratulations on electing your second dictator in two years. Here’s to a hundred years of Liam’s rule – well, maybe not, but you get the idea! Long live the President! Elections don’t happen in isolation and the success of this election Read more...

Debatable: Would you still love me if I was a worm?

Posted 9:11am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Izzi Anderson

Debatable is a column written by the Otago University Debating Society. The Debating Society welcomes new members and meets at the Business School every Tuesday at 6pm. For Yes, of course I would. Is that even a question? I’d even build you a little worm house with lots of dirt and food Read more...

Booze Review: Battle of the Brewers Tasting Tray

Posted 8:45am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Chunny Bill Swilliams

Oktoberfest is truly a beautiful thing. Like all pagan holidays, it’s about getting fucked up. The British have Guy Fawkes, Kiwis have Crate Day, and Germans have a month-long combination of the two in Oktoberfest. In honour of global hermitage to your local, Emerson’s has launched the Read more...

Critic Bachelor Finale

Posted 8:40am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Hanna Varrs

The final night of the Bachelor is upon us. Critic Te Ārohi has arranged for the final ceremony to take place right where it all began: the Critic office (honestly, we never leave). We’ve sent out invites to basically everyone we know, including the singles who are welcome to bring along Read more...

Horoscopes: Week 25

Posted 7:24am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Critic

Aquarius It's time for a new hairstyle. Try a reverse mohawk or going smurf blue. A change of appearance will bring a new lust for life that you have truly been lacking lately. Your friends have been comparing you to sadness from Inside Out and that is just not good enough. Chance of finding Read more...

Editorial: Thank U, Next

Posted 7:21am Sunday 6th October 2024 by Nina Brown

Ellie and I have both taken great inspiration from Dolly Alderton for the love issue. For those who don’t know, Dolly is an award-winning author best known (at least to us) for her memoir Everything I Know About Love, a book written so honestly about a young woman’s experience of love Read more...

OUSA Exec: Vote in the OUSA election!

Posted 5:52pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Emily Williams

“What’s that?” I hear you say. Well folks, this is the time of year again where you get to elect students who give a shit about making sure your life doesn’t suck and that you’re properly represented. Sure, you might not care about student politics, but the student Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Thai Meatball Curry

Posted 5:49pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 1 hr  Serves: 4  Difficulty: 2.5/5 Alternate Option: Use dumplings instead of meatballs for an equally banging meal Recipes like this have been popping up all over my Instagram recently, so I thought it was time to satisfy the craving and make a homemade version. This Read more...

Local Produce: SickBoy

Posted 5:35pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Jordan Irvine

In Dunedin, being a rapper is left of centre in a music scene dominated by Indie Rock. SickBoy, joined by his producers Will and Cameron, is one of the most promising voices in Ōtepoti hip hop with the release of his new EP ‘The Tale of Tim Branson’. Critic Te Ārohi sat down Read more...

Debatable: Should Beer Pong be an Olympic Sport?

Posted 5:32pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Otago University Debating Society

Debatable is a column written by the Otago University Debating Society. The Debating Society welcomes new members and meets at the Business School every Tuesday at 6pm. For  At a point in time where the Olympics have strayed from the traditional track and field, any argument about what it Read more...

Booze Review: Gordon’s Gin & Tonic

Posted 5:14pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Chunny Bill Swilliams

Just as the University of Otago is a place of many firsts, Gordon’s Gin & Tonics 7% are the drink of many firsts: your first time going from zero to a hundred on the so-called “mum” spirit, getting blackout in your high school mate’s garage at the age of 16 and vomiting Read more...

Critic Bachelor: Meet Brad’s ‘Flatmates’

Posted 5:12pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Hanna Varrs

Brad is one of the lucky few to escape the North D student rental market and crack into the real deal: living out at Saint Clair with your tidiest mates. His crib is stunning, sporting tasteful lighting and white walls with no weird patch-ups from drunken punch-ups. Sublime. It has the same sense of Read more...

Horoscopes: Week 24

Posted 4:43pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Critic

Aquarius You need to take a break from energy drinks for a week. If you could afford to go to the doctor they would tell you the same. Your resting heart rate is higher than a rabbit’s during sex, which is saying a lot because they fuck fast. Lucky charm: The little rat tail at the nape of Read more...

Editorial: The One Where Critic Does Sport

Posted 4:42pm Saturday 28th September 2024 by Nina Brown

If you were to play a word association game with Critic Te Ārohi, “sports” wouldn’t be the first word to come to mind. That’s besides the point, though. Our job is to represent the entire student population rather than reflecting the bits we personally relate to. Read more...