Archive

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...

Debatable: Is it socially acceptable to drink glasses of milk?

Posted 11:35am Monday 14th July 2025 by Hunter Jolly

For It was a bit of a shock to learn that drinking the occasional glass of milk was a controversial act. I’m an adamant milk slurper, so you’d better believe that after a hard day of mahi, I like to come home and guzzle down a pint or two of it. What’s not to love? It’s Read more...

Recession Indicators: Otago Edition

Posted 11:26am Monday 14th July 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

Aotearoa technically isn’t in a recession anymore, but this is what I have seen and things I expect to see in the near future as signs of economic backsliding. Full buses  Home hair cuts and choppy bangs U-Bar pintflation (alongside the death) The rise of platonic Read more...

Booze Review: Speight’s Hazy Pale Ale

Posted 11:14am Monday 14th July 2025 by Joan of Rark

This article does not start with a sip, but with a journey. Of course, by journey I mean driving from my boozeless flat in the North East Valley to Rattray Street to pick up a rarer drop than most conjured up by those mad bastards under the Triple Star: Speight’s Hazy Pale Read more...

Booze Review: Kristov Orange Label

Posted 5:49pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Joan of Rark

We’ve gone DI-why the fuck would you do that this week: Kristov Red Label and Raro. Born from a post in the ‘Throwback 4s & Rotary of NZ’ facebook group, surrounded by mentions of monster-ports, premix, and Purple Goannas, this shit should have made like dreads and tribal Read more...

Debatable: Is the gaydar real?

Posted 5:45pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Stella Weston

For:  We naturally put other people in boxes immediately upon meeting them based on preconceptions and perceived signals, real or imagined. We are brought up to understand that subtle indicators are reflective of deeper identities. The subliminal messages that we send with our choices in Read more...

Critical Tribune: OUSA Dyes Leith River Green In Celebration Of 135th Birthday

Posted 5:41pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Anna Marrs

Students may have noticed that the Leith is running more green than usual this week. The Otago University’s Student Association has poured gallons of green commercial dye into our very own Leith River in celebration of their 135th birthday, a move that some ecology experts are calling Read more...

OUSA Exec: The Referendum (Again)

Posted 5:31pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Liam White

We know what you’re thinking—“surely the Exec aren’t still going on about the referendum?”  Yes. Yes, we are. Because now the message is louder and clearer: voting opens today! If you’re reading this on a study break, why not procrastinate just a little Read more...

Local Produce: ‘Bussy Galore’ by Dirty Talk

Posted 5:18pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

If you've found yourself chain smoking outside Woof! or neck deep in an americano at Yours, you may have spotted a slim, lipstick-red booklet amongst the anarchist clutter. No, it's not Mao’s Little Red Book, but it has just as much revolutionary energy. It’s Bussy Galore: Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 13 2025

Posted 5:14pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Critic

Pisces Assignment grind has been getting you down, but now is the time to treat yourself to a big present. Who cares if it will put you into financial ruin in the very near future, put that purchase on Afterpay and never look back. Your Queer awakening: Glee Libra PLEASE GO TO THE TOILET AFTER Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Noodle Wrap

Posted 5:12pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Gordon Ramthisdownyourgullet

Strap yourselves in folks, cause we are about to get freaky. Have you ever been hungry/hungover as fuck only to discover you have close to no real food? Well then this recipe is for you financially struggling legends. This feed has been built solely on the random scraps you have in the cupboard or Read more...

Editorial: Representation Matters, Now More Than Ever

Posted 5:01pm Sunday 25th May 2025 by Nina Brown

Let me get this out of the way: I’m a very straight, stereotypical cis-woman. If you look at me, there’s little doubt in your mind that my favourite colour as a young girl was pink, that my first crush was Dan Carter, and that Azealia Banks Twitter lore draws a blank (had to consult the Read more...

OUSA Exec: The Referendum

Posted 10:47pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Amy Martin

Look, I get it. You’re all sick and tired of hearing about the referendum. Frankly, I’m sick of talking about it! But, here we are still referendum-ing. I promise we are coming to the end of it soon, but don’t get too excited. Odds are that we are going to be doing it all again in Read more...

Local Produce: Women in Business Otago

Posted 10:30pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

If you think business clubs are just suited-up LinkedIn influencers moonlighting a degree double majoring in Finance and Accounting, you clearly haven't met Women in Business (WIB). This isn't your average stock-trading, hustle-culture club. WIB is a women-led club built on the belief that Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 12 2025

Posted 10:27pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Critic

Pisces Start a business! There's no time like the present to pile another thing onto your plate and at least you will be motivated by your bank account's potential for exponential growth. Get creative with it and be sure to invest in Instagram ads. Old media to revive: Print TV Read more...

Editorial: Behind the Scenes EXCLUSIVE of Tabloid

Posted 10:22pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Nina Brown

Like most campus-bound creatures in May, Critic Te Ārohi has been crawling towards the pointy end of the semester, and Tabloid Issue has been the light at the end of the tunnel. Only so much of the antics can make it onto the page, so strap yourself in for an EXCLUSIVE cut of the behind the Read more...

Debatable: Should politicians have social media?

Posted 10:18pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Gryffin Blockley

For From flat-out cringe to just plain confusing, seeing your democratically-elected Gen-X or Boomer politicians on your FYP can be jarring at first. But even if it’s a tough watch seeing some MP try and be ‘down with the kids’, at least they’re trying right? Political Read more...

Critical Tribune: LEAKED! OIA Reveals Otago is Legally Obligated to Hire Unelected Politicians

Posted 9:59pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Anderson Coomer

Emails released under the Official Information Act (OIA) have revealed that the University of Otago has entered into a legally binding agreement with the Labour Party to hire politicians that don’t get elected.  The official document stated that the University was required to Read more...

Booze Reviews: Ormond Rich Rouge

Posted 9:57pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Griselda Pinot

Move over pinot gris, here come the rich aromas of the lady herself – Ruby Rouge. Aptly named, considering the colour of my cheeks after a glass. She presents with a deep crimson body, casting a siren call for an immediate sip.  Is it cherry, strawberry or blackberry that offends the Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Bento Bowls

Posted 9:51pm Sunday 18th May 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Not to be that guy… but I am currently in Japan, sitting on a train eating a bento box. For this week's recipe I thought I’d bring you along with me, and share a homemade take on a bento bowl. This recipe is pretty quick and easy to make, and could be modified to use tofu, beef or Read more...

Activist Rodent Learns What Neoliberalism Means

Posted 4:45pm Tuesday 13th May 2025 by Anderson Coomer

Thousands of people in the Southern Region were left without internet access on Wednesday 16 April following an incident of a rodent chewing through a fibre cable after being radicalised into an anarcho-primitivist agenda through a mix of “hot Leninist goths” and “Into the Wild Read more...

Local Produce: Te Kahui

Posted 3:57pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

Kahui is an Ōtepoti Hip-Hop and R&B band that has been reinventing the solo work of their frontman's Spotify tunes for a live audience. Opening up for Kiwi legend Mā at Pearl Diver on the 12th of April has been the band's most recent accolade. The group is made up of rapper Te Read more...

In The Cage: Can I enjoy movies anymore?

Posted 3:41pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Jordan Irvine

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is probably only notable for the fact that it is another period piece so the Cage has an Italian accent that is more Mario than Chris Pratt was. It is devastatingly long and watching it after Sinners – one of the best films to come out this year, by the way Read more...

Booze Review: Toblerone

Posted 3:13pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Critic went homemade this week. After last week’s adventure tackling a box of Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon and some questionable decisions to attend an uneventful but expensive night in the Octagon, Critic’s alcohol budget was blown on unnecessary Ubers, vodka sodas, and a guilty attempt Read more...

OUSA Exec: Flatting Quality Survey

Posted 3:09pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Callum Hadlow

We all know flatting in Dunedin can be a wild ride; from absolutely abusing free hours of power to keep the place warm, to seeing more fungi on your wall than at a bush doof. It has become a right of passage to wear three layers indoors and have that one window that doesn't close. But it Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 11 2025

Posted 2:57pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Critic

Pisces Invest in fruit during this week's grocery shop. Your memory and mind is stronger than ever and you will definitely not forget about the fruit and let it rot in the back of your fridge for three weeks. Now is also a good time to pick up a new hobby – maybe crosswords. Instrument Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Toblerone Cocktail

Posted 2:56pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Tossing up between an alcoholic tipple and a decadent dessert to follow your flat dinner? Why not have both with the Toblerone. Inspired by the titular chocolate bar, the Toblerone tied together caffeinated, nutty, and velvety sweetness from a homemade honey syrup is (the star of the show). With a Read more...

Editorial: I Don’t Need to Defend My Music Taste

Posted 2:40pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Nina Brown

The debatable topic this week asks whether or not music taste can be a dealbreaker in a relationship. The topic was put forth as a light-hearted suggestion, tapping into the vein of Gen Z culture where relationship “icks” are as trivial as how he ties his shoes or whether he calls urine Read more...

Debatable: Is differing music taste a relationship deal breaker?

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 11th May 2025 by Ellie Bennett

Yes It’s all about compatibility, baby!  POV: you love late ‘60s psychedelic rock, while your partner froths Ed Sheeran. No hate to Ed, but those two genres have nothing in common, and chances are neither do you and the person you’re in a relationship with. Sure, a Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Shakshuka

Posted 10:10pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Shakshuka did the rounds a couple years ago on social media and I have been making it ever since. Tasty, cheap and fast to prepare, it is a great option to make on a weeknight when you’ve got other shit to do! If you aren’t cooking for a crowd, feel free to save a container of the tomato Read more...

In The Cage: “Let’s Ride”

Posted 9:55pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Jordan Irvine

In the late ‘90s, the vibrant colour of the ‘80s faded away, as films – particularly actions and dramas – favoured colour tones of greys, greens, and blues. This is shown in 1999’s 8MM, As the name of the website I watched it on suggested (effedupmovies.com) the Read more...

Booze Reviews: Hard Rated Booze Review

Posted 9:53pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Gin Swigmore

For the second week in a row, we’re reviewing Aussie booze. While Australia hasn’t given us much in terms of worthy exports – apart from Milo, Vegemite, and a bang average rugby team – there’s something that may just take the throne: Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon. The Read more...

OUSA Exec: Why One Week Off?

Posted 9:40pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Stella Lynch

For reasons unknown (slow news week), Critic Te Ārohi has decided that semester lengths are such a hot topic that they deserve two weeks of coverage. Naturally, they handed me a full page and said, “500 words, please.” Because apparently I’m the only student who knows how any Read more...

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...