Archive

Moaningful: DO NOT BLOW ME LIKE A FUCKING WHISTLE, BABY!

Posted 12:09pm Sunday 22nd March 2026 by Sam Jones

From the clickbait title, I would like to preface that I am a woman and not a whistle. There was a guy I was seeing and he was a bit of a freak, unfortunately not in a good way. Like he was just straight up weird. However, I succumbed to the idea of us having D1 basketball babies as he was Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 5 2026

Posted 12:04pm Sunday 22nd March 2026 by The Orb

Taurus Your inner child is running away from you. As you sit through your unnecessarily long lecture, you will wish you were still a kid who didn't have to put up with lectures and assignments. But enjoy the phase you're in right now, because you'll graduate eventually and forget all Read more...

OUSA Exec: Happy Saint Paddy’s (belated)

Posted 12:02pm Sunday 22nd March 2026 by Daniel Leamy

Kia ora students,  Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all those who celebrated last Tuesday. Whether you were up well before the sunrise kitted out in green, or simply enjoying the sunshine between classes, the vibe around campus was unreal. The weather played ball in a rare Dunedin W, and Read more...

Editorial: I Became Friends with a Thirty-One Year Old – And You Should Too

Posted 11:59am Sunday 22nd March 2026 by Gryffin Blockley

I met David in line for a concert in Auckland a couple months back. I was faced with the feat of attending a gig alone, as someone who is a victim of a relatively insufferable music taste and introvertism. Despite not having mates by my side, it wouldn’t motivate me any further to face my Read more...

Crossword Answers - Issue 5 2026

Posted 7:45pm Saturday 21st March 2026 by The Quizzler

ACROSS 1 Metal band responsible for songs like 'Chop Suey' 8 Broadcasting 9 Book of the Bible containing hymns and such 10 Common version of Google 11 Doing nothing 12 Teased and mocked 13 Mythological warrior women 18 Transferred from parent to offspring 19 Cool, venomous Read more...

From the Pātaka

Posted 7:42pm Saturday 21st March 2026 by Brady Simeon

A few weeks into the semester, and the pace has already picked up for Te Rito. Between fresher flu outbreaks, the tamest St. Paddy’s Day of the decade, and the slow disappearance of week-one motivation, TRM has been doing its part to keep things interesting. Naturally, there are a few things Read more...

Booze Review: Miami Wine Cooler

Posted 7:39pm Saturday 21st March 2026 by Joan of Rark

Here lay the bodies of Swig60, our former and beloved Booze Reviewers… Nah. Sike, cuz! They just got a little too rowdy on Paddy’s and now can't even look at alcohol. Let alone write about it. So this task falls to me, Joan of Rark, the 2025 Booze Reviewer.  Grab your Read more...

Proctology – 29

Posted 7:36pm Saturday 21st March 2026 by Hanna Varrs

Like ships in the night, Critic Te Ārohi and the Proctor haven’t been in direct contact for a while. Our communication has mostly been through Uni Comms media statements – like toxic exes that use their child to communicate. “Well, you can tell your father that I Read more...

Critic Lite

Posted 7:59pm Saturday 14th March 2026 by Critic

Last week, Critic Lite* hit stands with a reduced page count. For 2026, the magazine is alternating between 36-page and 16-page editions every other week. This change was announced in Issue 25 of Critic Te Ārohi last year, but many people did not know about this until the first Critic Lite* was Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 4 2026

Posted 7:40pm Saturday 14th March 2026 by The Orb

Pisces You're going to get ragebaited beyond belief this week. Seeing that your dealer has a 50-inch TV, while you had to sell your soul for the $50 note in your hand, will cause you to question if your degree is worth it. It's probably not, but you have started, so may as well Read more...

Editorial: My Reflections on International Women's Day and Baby Keem

Posted 7:37pm Saturday 14th March 2026 by Hanna Varrs

International Women’s Day was around a week ago now, on March 8th. I think a decent amount about what it means to be a woman, and the majority of the time my sentiment is that I’m very happy to be one.  However, I am a special kind of woman. I’m an intimidating one. I Read more...

Crossword Answers - Issue 4 2026

Posted 7:26pm Saturday 14th March 2026 by The Quizzler

Across: 1 - Green Lantern 7 - Rodrick 8 - Burrito 9 - KO 10 - Lego 13  - Rollerblades 18 - Salamander 20 - Heroism 21 - Nuance 22 - Auctioned Down: 1 - George Lucas 2 - Eroding 3 - Napier 4 - Turbo 5 - Nebraska 6 - Depose 9 - Kneepads 11 - Or 12 - Abhorrent 14 - Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: Issue 3

Posted 12:14pm Sunday 8th March 2026 by Lady Pain Grey

Ah… Second year. The time that life feels like it is peaking – and it absolutely was. I was flatting with my best friends, I still had all my summer money and exams hadn't started yet. It was that sweet spot in the semester between St Paddy's and Hyde Street Party. Nothing felt Read more...

Letters: Issue 3 2026

Posted 12:03pm Sunday 8th March 2026 by Critic Staff

AN OPEN LETTER ABOUT THE FUTURE OF CRITIC TE ĀROHI Last year, I had the honour of judging the Aotearoa Student Press Awards, where Critic Te Ārohi capped off its 100th birthday by winning Best Publication for the 13th time in the last 20 years.  Critic Te Ārohi is not only Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 3 2026

Posted 11:53am Sunday 8th March 2026 by The Orb

Scorpio Your lecturer keeps mumbling and refuses to wear their mic right, causing that all-too-familiar antsy feeling to creep back in. So this time, rather than changing your whole degree again, try going to UniPol and get that serotonin hit that makes you feel grounded. Your perfect crime: Read more...

OUSA giving students a reason to engage

Posted 11:49am Sunday 8th March 2026 by Flynn Nisbett

OUSA is the green sign on the way into town, Clubs and Socs, and the people that run O-Week. That is what we are, but it isn’t all we are.  Some think OUSA should be just a service provider, steering clear of taking political stances in fear of alienating some. Others think it should Read more...

Editorial: Optimism isn’t dead yet

Posted 11:46am Sunday 8th March 2026 by Hanna Varrs

If you’ve been on the internet recently, you may have noticed the world feels like it’s turning to shit. While we’re not here to say whether it’s all gonna be okay or not, we are here to preach the concept of optimism.  Being Co-Editors requires thick skin and Read more...

Better Cones and Garden: A Look Through The Hole in the Wall

Posted 11:27am Sunday 8th March 2026 by Jonathan McCabe

What happens when you – or someone you invited – destroys the walls of your flat? In the first edition of this brand new column, I speak to two students who have had to deal with the fallout of a rager turned rage room. Throughout this series I, a nosy neighbour on a relentless Read more...

From the Pātaka

Posted 11:23am Sunday 8th March 2026 by Brady Simeon

The early weeks of the semester always feel a bit like the campus stretching its legs again. And once things get moving, they move quickly. A lot’s happened over the past few weeks – so first things first, we’re clearing out the pātaka. Something Spicy There hasn’t Read more...

Booze Review: Tui Vodka Red

Posted 11:18am Sunday 8th March 2026 by Swig60

Salutations suckas and suckettes. It was our mission this week to provide an Electric Ave Booze Review, but at $14.50 a drink – and the fact some beloved members got turned away at the bar – Swig60 says “fuck that”. Here’s a Tui Vodka Reds review instead.  First Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 2 2026

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 1st March 2026 by The Orb

Pisces It's time to go for another round of groceries, because that fuzzy mush in the back of your fridge will not sustain you. Break open your piggy bank and have a cry in New World when you see how much eggs cost this week. If you were a drug you'd be: Ritalin Capricorn Your Read more...

Crossword Answers - Issue 2 2026

Posted 1:53pm Sunday 1st March 2026 by The Quizzler

Across 1. Jumanji 4. Gorilla 7. Goo 9. Tuatara 10. Brainiac 12. Taxidermy 13. Asian 14. Trickles 16. Moa 17. Hot 19. MCs 22. Negative 23. Cheetah 24. Enigma 26. Edward Norton 27. Pi   Down 1. Jabba the Hutt 2. Activist 3. IG 4. Read more...

Editorial: Where did all the pages go?

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 1st March 2026 by Hanna Varrs

Last year, Gryffin and I were faced with one of the first tough decisions we’d need to make as Co-Editors. Critic is funded by OUSA, and due to the increasing cost pressures they face, Critic changing to a fortnightly publication was pretty much all but confirmed. We fought hard to make sure Read more...

Editorial: An Obituary to $4 Lunch (2021-2025)

Posted 3:12pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 by Hanna Varrs

It was the first day of Ori last week, and underneath the (short-lived) sun of a packed-tent city, our shit was rocked. After innocently opening an Instagram story from our friends OUSA Clubs & Socs, $4 Lunch had been unceremonially rebirthed as $5 Lunch. What seemed like the last bastion of Read more...

Crossword Answers - Issue 1 2026

Posted 2:36pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 by The Quizzler

ACROSS: 1. Lex Luthor 5. Skrillex 10. GG 11. Androids 12. Narcotic 14. Ellie 16. IT 17. Drank 20. Slasher 21. EN 22. Act 23. Settings 27. Yellowstone 29. Ghoulish 31. Bog 32. Ringtone 34. Horse 37. Up 38. Kiwi 39. Moe 40. Splinter 42. DS 43. FBI 46. Raisins 47. EA 48. Read more...

Te Rōpū Māori – Māori Students Association

Posted 2:26pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 by Te Rōpū Māori

Te Rito is the Student Executive team for Te Rōpū Māori and is made up of Tumuaki Takirua (Co-Presidents), Kaihāpai (Treasurer), Kaipāpāho Matua (Communications Officer), Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa (Social and Events Officer), Ngā Āpiha Hauora (Co-Recreation and Read more...

OUSA Exec: Welcome Message

Posted 2:16pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 by Daniel Leamy

Kia ora students,  I hope everyone has recovered from the recent lashing of rain and enjoyed O-week. It’s always chaotic, exciting, and at times overwhelming, but it’s also one of the things that makes being an Otago student so special.  You’re part of an incredibly Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Greek Traybake

Posted 4:25pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Ruby Hudson

We have arrived at the final recipe of the year! Greek traybake is my all time favourite dinner so it felt like an apt way to finish up my column at the fabulous Critic Te Ārohi. This recipe is totally hands off to cook, uses seasonal ingredients, and is utterly delicious. In my opinion you Read more...

Booze Review: Jam Shed Shiraz

Posted 4:18pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Joan of Rark

Hello team, Joan here. I would just like to take a moment to point out (not that it hasn't been mentioned by every other bastard in the twenty something pages you went through to get here) it is the last issue for 2025. With that comes some sad goodbyes, particularly Miss Boss Lady, Nina Read more...

Local Produce: Kesi.ink

Posted 4:12pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

For the final edition of the year, one brave soul got our logo tattooed onto her tricep. Tevya Faed, one of Critic Te Ārohi’s finest illustrators added to her collection of tattoo’s booking in for an appointment with her go-to tattoo artist, Kesi. In a post-match interview with Read more...

Editorial: Long Live Critic

Posted 2:54pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Nina Brown

There have been many versions of this editorial – my last. First was the list of evidence I’d compiled for the eventual case to be made that I’ve aged out of studenthood. It started at the first Critic drinks in O-Week when, rather than opting for Scrumpy (the best value for Read more...

OUSA Exec: Kia Kaha, Otago

Posted 2:33pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Liam White

As this year draws to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on the year we’ve had, the people I’ve worked alongside, and what this university really stands for. When I first stepped into this role, I promised that our Executive would do things differently. We didn’t always Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: The Ghosts of Beds Past

Posted 2:22pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Lady Jane Grey

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymousIf you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had a few memorable moments between the sheets of whatever bed you currently call home. But after a recent revelation that Read more...

Debatable: Is it reasonable to leave your stuff in the library during a lunch break in exam season?

Posted 2:07pm Monday 13th October 2025 by Zoe Eckhoff

For: Whatever happened to the childhood sacrality of dibs? If your stuff is there, that spot is yours and yours only. You snooze, you lose suckers. But let's not forget the trade off here, because in leaving your belongings behind you are putting yourself at risk of some devious Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 26 2025

Posted 2:05pm Monday 13th October 2025 by The Orb

Pisces You have been drinking way too much alcohol and having too much fun considering how close to the end of the semester we are. Time to take a break from staying up until 3am every night of the weekend and time to lock yourself in the library to get shit done. Your tattoo style: Read more...

Local Produce: Subpar Analogue Music

Posted 10:55pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Via Hooks

Subpar Analogue Music is the latest brainchild of Mario Girardet (of Caribou) and Jeremy Kinley (of The Audio Visual Drop Kicks). The music collective encompasses music recording, events managing, and flat gigs – tied together by a shared ethos of community. Mario and Jeremy outlined a new Read more...

Booze Review: Franky’s Lemon Crush & Cola Lime

Posted 10:32pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Joan of Rark

At this point in the year I’m struggling to think of booze I haven’t yet reviewed, so I’ve taken to perusing the aisles of Leith Liquor and squinting at the shelves to see if anything’s unfamiliar. And well well well, what do we have here? New-to-the-scene Franky’s, yet Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Kofta Kebabs

Posted 10:29pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Serves: 5 Time: 30 mins  Picture yourself sitting on a beach in Euro summer, sunkissed with an aperol spritz in hand. A mental image that can only be improved by an epicly tasty mediterranean meal… cue Kofta Kebabs! These are super easy to make and quite frankly, delicious. You can Read more...

OUSA Exec: President-Elect’s Piece

Posted 10:24pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Daniel Leamy

Kia ora peeps,  It’s your 2026 President here. Thanks to everyone who voted in the OUSA elections. We had our best voter turnout in five years, so a huge thank you to all that turned out.  Congratulations to all the candidates that ran for the Executive. The campaigns were Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: Always Have a Plan B

Posted 9:58pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Critic

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. So I was all set to fly up to Christchurch – flights booked, outfits planned – all to see this guy I’d been chatting with. Two days before I’m meant Read more...

Horoscopes Issue 25 2025

Posted 9:56pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by The Orb

Pisces Your daydreams have been full of love, art, and a future where you don't live in your shithole flat. It is awesome to have hopes and dreams, but remember that the bed you dream in needs its sheets changed at least every month. And lately that has not been the case. Task to tick off the Read more...

Editorial: Get Behind the Rental Warrant of Fitness

Posted 9:54pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Nina Brown

Cars can be dangerous to your wellbeing. If they have a dodgy wheel bearing, thin tyres, a cracked windscreen or a dying battery, they don’t pass their warrant of fitness. It’s too dangerous to drive. Before you’re allowed to have your car on the road, you have to fix the Read more...

Debatable: Should Athletes Be Allowed to Compete Openly on Performance-Enhancing Drugs?

Posted 9:53pm Saturday 4th October 2025 by Molly Smith-Soppet

Pro Enter the Enhanced Games. Essentially the Olympics on steroids (literally), this event is funded by three big time venture capitalists and has a huge team of doctors, professors, and lawyers involved. They will do state-of-the-art medical profiling, blood, urine, brain imaging, and genomic Read more...

Booze Review: Gin Tasting

Posted 12:40am Monday 29th September 2025 by Gin Swigmore

Everyone has one type of alcohol that induces an experience so vile they simply cannot look at the drink again. Mine is gin. Whenever I think of it, I think of that time I drank enough pink gin to put me gently to sleep on a friend’s bathroom floor. But regardless, it was Saturday and I wanted Read more...

Mi Goreng Graduate: Okonomiyaki

Posted 12:22am Monday 29th September 2025 by Ruby Hudson

Time: 40 mins  Serves: 4 Okonomiyaki is a Japanese street food that fits the taste and budget of student life! A savoury pancake chock full of cabbage, noodles, and other goodies, this recipe is easy to whip up on a weeknight. If you don’t need to cook for a crowd, the mixture is Read more...

OUSA Exec: Let’s talk about clubs, baby

Posted 12:18am Monday 29th September 2025 by Deborah Huang

As the end of the year rapidly approaches (probably sooner than most of us with exams and assignment deadlines would like), club activity has begun to die down. What with last-minute events, eleventh-hour constitutional amendments, and AGMs that take way too long, no doubt that handover can’t Read more...

Moaningful Confessions: Blocked and Cocked

Posted 10:59pm Sunday 28th September 2025 by Critic

Have something juicy to tell us? Send your salacious stories to moaningful@critic.co.nz. Submissions remain anonymous. Last year, I made out with a guy in town I’d never met before. I thought it was a random, throwaway moment – until he tried to follow me home. Romantic? Creepy? Read more...

Local Produce: IVY Revisited

Posted 10:58pm Sunday 28th September 2025 by Jonathan McCabe

In case you haven’t heard, Ōtepoti alt-rock band IVY is boasting the release of their first album, Hush. The group formed in 2020 while still at school in Dunners, but quickly rose up the ranks of Dunedin’s music scene. The lads broke into the student music scene in 2023 performing Read more...

Horoscopes: Issue 24 2025

Posted 10:55pm Sunday 28th September 2025 by The Orb

Pisces This month you have felt like ‘a plastic bag, drifting through the wind’ and that is more than okay. Sometimes people just don't feel grounded, and that little voice in your head telling you “we live on a floating rock, nothing matters” really does not help. Your Read more...

Editorial: I Love Fat Bear Week

Posted 10:53pm Sunday 28th September 2025 by Nina Brown

It was Fat Bear Week last week. As the newly elected Exec for 2026 cheersed to a successful campaign period and the marvel that is Canva premium, I was reading the profiles of 11 chunky bears from bed with a tear in my eye – of gunk from the conjunctivitis I’d contracted, but you know. Read more...