Archive
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
