Archive

Aquanauts: Diving has never looked so good

Posted 2:31pm Friday 11th June 2021 by Erin Gourley

From 11 June to 20 June, the Screaming Rooster will play host to something a bit different. Aquanauts, a pop-up art exhibition about the history of diving, has been set up by eight Communication Design students from Otago Polytech.  Rosa Nevison, Hanna Anstiss, Emily Bell, Emily Montgomery, Read more...

Samoan Language Week: Time to Learn About Samoa

Posted 7:55pm Sunday 30th May 2021 by Susana Jones

Talofa lava you beautiful things. This week, from Sunday 30 May to Saturday 5 June, it’s Samoan language week. To learn more about Samoan culture and the importance of our Pacific neighbours, I caught up with Fa’ataumamatemalesoatau, a Samoan student at the Polytech and a cultural rep on Read more...

Music Venues of Dunedin: Reviewed

Posted 7:52pm Sunday 30th May 2021 by Barney Connolly

Dunedin venues have slowly been disappearing thanks to the boomer-fearing bureaucrats who run this city. There is current controversy surrounding these venues and noise control and it’s now more important than ever to support our local venues and musicians. So here you have it, a definitive Read more...

TRAMP STAMPS: TRASHY OR ICONIC?

Posted 7:43pm Sunday 30th May 2021 by Molly Willis

Love them or hate them, lower back tattoos are back. But is there a justified reason for the ink’s bad reputation, or is it just good old-fashioned sexism? Worn by the biggest and best icons of the 2000s – Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Kate Moss to name a few Read more...

No Redemption for Sunk Pong Star

Posted 7:33pm Sunday 30th May 2021 by Fox Meyer

Once on top of the world, beer pong star Barry BonGlover has had quite the fall from grace. Ever since a manicure-gone-wrong rendered both of his hands useless, Barry has gone through alcoholism, jail, and divorce. And we were there for all of it! Let’s take a look back at some of his greatest Read more...

Goop on a Budget

Posted 6:47pm Sunday 30th May 2021 by Erin Gourley

Disclaimer: Do not follow any of these recommendations. Please.  Accredited health guru Gwyneth Paltrow has realised that Goop, her alternative lifestyle brand, isn’t accessible to people on a budget. What a shock! She advertises things like gold-plated vibrators for the low, low price Read more...

Local Produce: Man Ray

Posted 12:45am Monday 24th May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

Named after the famous surrealist photographer and the Spongebob villain, Man Ray is one of Dunedin’s newest live bands. Man Ray sat down with Critic to talk about what it’s like gigging around Dunedin, the process of creating music, and their goal to create safe spaces for everyone Read more...

Period Pain: The best drugs for combatting that time of the month

Posted 12:42am Monday 24th May 2021 by Runze Liu

Period pains, medically referred to as dysmenorrhoea, are annoyingly painful and are an all too real struggle for people who menstruate. Here is a guide to combatting those cramps. But remember, always read the label, not all products work and if you’re concerned, consult your health care Read more...

I Miss The Fun Facts on Libra Pads

Posted 12:38am Monday 24th May 2021 by Asia Martusia King

If you’ve ever menstruated before the year 2021, you might remember sharting bloody chunks into the toilet while learning that oysters are ambisexual. Libra pads used to have fun facts on the inner packaging called Odd Spots. I recently decided to buy them for the first time in yonks, Read more...

Tag yourself: Menstrual Brands

Posted 12:36am Monday 24th May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

Libra The popular one in the group Spends all their money at Glassons  Only drinks vodka RTDs  Wears Nike Air Force Ones everywhere  U by Kotex Will help you out with an assignment last minute  Outfit repeater  Is everybody’s friend Only Read more...

Mad Lib: How Does Menstruation Work?

Posted 12:33am Monday 24th May 2021 by Fox Meyer

Ask a friend for words to fill in the blanks. No matter how much you fuck it up, you’ll still receive a better menstrual education than anyone born before 1970.   Menstruation is the regular discharge of (LIQUID) and (NOUN) from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. It Read more...

What do MEN know about MENstruation?

Posted 12:01am Monday 24th May 2021 by Fox Meyer

Men don’t talk much about periods. Some think women wear tampons all the time “just in case”. Most think the pad sticks to the inside of your thighs. The idea of talking about periods seems to make men instantly flustered. We took to the streets and designed a little competition. Read more...

Mythbustin’ Menstruation Myths

Posted 11:51pm Sunday 23rd May 2021 by Susana Jones

Menstruation myths have been around for yonks. The term menstruation originates from the Greek words men and menus, with men meaning month and menus meaning moon and power. Menstruation has always been symbolically tied to power, both good and bad. It’s not surprising then, that many a myth Read more...

Local Produce: Sam Charlesworth: A Bedroom Is All You Need

Posted 4:58pm Sunday 16th May 2021 by Sean Gourley

Sam Charlesworth is a fresher studying Studio Production, Marine Science, and Te Reo Māori here at Otago. With just “a few mics and an interface,” he has recorded a huge amount of music and has recently started playing gigs around Dunedin. Sam records all of his songs without Read more...

“You feel that instant connection”

Posted 4:30pm Sunday 16th May 2021 by Elliot Weir

Kiwi artist Mark Perkins, known by his stage name ‘Merk’, has made a name for himself in recent years releasing two successful albums to critical acclaim. Critic Te Arohi spoke to Merk about his most recent album, Infinite Youth, which came out in February of this year. Merk has been Read more...

What’s the Deal With Dunedin, Florida?

Posted 4:28pm Sunday 16th May 2021 by Alex Leckie-Zaharic

If you’re on Facebook or part of Dunedin News, chances are you’ve come across Dunedin, Florida. Every now and again on Dunedin News, boomers will post things like “I don’t know how I ended up in this group, I’m looking for Dunedin, Florida.” It is then accompanied Read more...

What RTD Are You?

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 16th May 2021 by Alex Leckie-Zaharic

Question One: Best place to buy booze? Liquorland SuperLiquor New World Centre City Henry’s Big Barrel    Question Two: What’s the best budget pizza? Pepperoni Hawaiian Beef and Onion Vege trio  Cheesy Garlic   Question Read more...

Behind the Scenes: The cast and crew of Capping Show tell all

Posted 4:24pm Sunday 16th May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

The annual Otago Capping Show is back for its 127th year, with shows running from May 13 to May 21. Critic sat down to chat with some of the cast and crew to talk about what went into creating this year's performance and everything in between.  Actor Lucy, Video Director Alex and Stage Read more...

Behind the Scenes: The cast and crew of Capping Show tell all

Posted 2:54pm Thursday 13th May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

The annual Otago Capping Show is back for its 127th year, with shows running from May 13 to May 21. Critic sat down to chat with some of the cast and crew to talk about what went into creating this year's performance and everything in between.  Actor Lucy, video director Alex and stage Read more...

University Conspiracy Theories: Fact or Fiction?

Posted 4:07pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Critic

1.Bill and Bill are holograms  2.There is a specialist Ghostbusters division of Campus Watch, which is why there have been no ghosts on campus since 2007 3.Archway looks fucked because it’s a UFO that crashed into campus, and the government covered it up by inventing brutalist Read more...

Local Produce: Jess Clarke and Just Friends Jewellery

Posted 4:05pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

Jess Clarke is a history and performing arts student who produces all kinds of weird and wonderful earrings. Finding success at the Radio One Market days, she has managed to turn her summer holiday hobby into one of Otago’s newest trends.  Jess’s work features all kinds of Read more...

Rotuman Language Week: Time To Learn About Rotuma

Posted 3:59pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Susana Jones

Noa’ia (hello), baddies! This week, from Sunday 9 May to Saturday 15 May, is Rotuman language week. Some of y’all might be thinking, “what the heck and where the heck is Rotuma?” Read on rockstars. Rotuma is a group of volcanic islands, made up of Rotuma Island and nearby Read more...

The Titanic Never Sunk

Posted 3:53pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Fox Meyer

I don't know about you, but I've never met anyone who was on the Titanic when it sunk. Strike one. Do they really expect us to believe that “the unsinkable ship”, effectively a spaceship, really sank on its maiden voyage? The whole thing smells fishy, and I’m about to Read more...

What Conspiracy Theory Are You?

Posted 3:51pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Elliot Weir

1 - What is your favourite Wii Sports sport? a.             Bowling b.             Read more...

WARNING: In 20 Years, There Will Be Crime

Posted 3:47pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Asia Martusia King

The 1960s were a beautiful time. They gave us tie-dye, ketamine, hippies, the Manson Family, and the beginning of an unusually violent global crime pandemic. I don’t mean to alarm you, but it could happen again. And it’s going to happen in Waikouaiti and Karitane.  Let me Read more...

NZ CRYPTIDS: Which would be the best to live with?

Posted 3:42pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Asia Martusia King

Flatting is expensive, and finding a good flatmate can be tricky. With environmental destruction plowing through the nation, many elusive figures of the wilderness have decided to hang up the spooky hat and make tracks into town. Some want degrees, some just want the ladies, but all are moving to Read more...

Aotearoa’s Conspiracy Pages Are a Cesspit

Posted 3:38pm Sunday 9th May 2021 by Erin Gourley

I went into this expecting to find some wild and quirky conspiracy theories. I found some. But it took a lot of trawling through the same racist shit to get there. New Zealand’s conspiracy scene is warped, hateful, and absurdly ignorant.  1080 eyewitness. This group is fucking huge Read more...

The Mums of Dunedin Help Me Define Mumcore

Posted 8:51pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Asia Martusia King

You’re eight years old in the back seat of mum’s station wagon. She’s taking you to touch rugby practice and lovingly chain smoking in the front because it’s still legal in the early 2000s. “BUSTER, BUSTER, BUSTER,” you yell at your Nintendog. Buster can’t Read more...

Horoscope

Posted 7:55pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Critic

Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 People might not always be there for you, but gear will be.  Dunedin band to listen to: Straightjacket Fits Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 Time to put your head into your books instead of giving it.  Dunedin band to listen to: Juno Read more...

Local Produce: André Theis, Putting the Stud in Studio

Posted 7:50pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Sean Gourley

André Theis is a local producer, working from a studio in his North Dunedin basement. He spends his days recording, mixing and mastering full-time with an ever expanding list of local artists. André started the studio as a Uni student, first making music out of his flat bedroom. Read more...

What MicroGenre Are You?

Posted 7:43pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Sophia Carter Peters

1 - What Radio station do you most identify with? a.              I’m more of a podcast person b.             ZM or The Read more...

Every Eurovision Entry, Ranked

Posted 7:36pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Fox Meyer

39 countries submitted a music video. Critic has never paid attention to Eurovision, but now that Australia is involved for some fucking reason, we had to. We ranked all the videos ahead of the 22 May finale across three categories: Head-boppiness, performance on-screen, and general vibe. Then we Read more...

Mosh Etiquette 101

Posted 6:47pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Rutene Rickard

While moshes can seem like animalistic anarchy, there is a crucial code of conduct that keeps all participants safe in their gnarly sonic and sweaty adventures. Moshing, which started up during the ‘80s with the rise of punk and hardcore, is now a widespread concert activity. The original Read more...

The History of the Dunedin Sound: A nostalgic look back on the birth of the Dunedin music scene

Posted 6:42pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

The Dunedin Sound is one of New Zealand’s best known music scenes. The cold, dreary and quirky city that we call home has produced some of New Zealand's most notable songwriters and musicians. Much of their work still influences Dunedin musicians today, and is responsible for our unique Read more...

The Rise of Dunedin’s Drum and Bass

Posted 6:36pm Sunday 2nd May 2021 by Runze Liu

Drum and Bass music is a major part of Dunedin life. It is the soundtrack to the Otago experience. But what will its future be? Critic sat down with some of Dunedin’s very own DJs to uncover the evolution of DnB. Bando is a bedroom DJ, a hobbyist who practises at home but doesn’t Read more...

How to Avoid Killing Your Herbs: When, Where, How, and What to Grow

Posted 9:06pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Elliot Weir

If you expected another article about growing weed, you will be sorely disappointed. This is all about literal herbs. When? Herbs don’t benefit from space heaters and alcohol blankets, so planting at the right time is the key to making sure your herbs survive the winter. Right now is Read more...

What Dunedin Street Litter Are You?

Posted 6:34pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Fox Meyer

A single sock. Ciggie butts. The natural landscape of Dunedin is rich with treasures. They say “you are what you eat,” but also “you are what you throw away.” Bins overflowing with torn black rubbish bags. Noodles, spilled like entrails from a corpse. Bits of rubber and Read more...

Pussy Galore: A Conversation with Cat Rescue Dunedin

Posted 6:00pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Erin Gourley

You might think you love pussy, but Cat Rescue Dunedin love pussy more than you. Critic sat down with Amber Coste, President of CatS (Cat Rescue Dunedin Student Association) and committee member of Cat Rescue Dunedin Charitable Trust, to talk about cats and how students can get involved with the new Read more...

University Courses If They Were Animal Crossing Villagers

Posted 5:45pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Oscar Paul

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing the perfect escape tool from the cruel reality of Covid, Uni stress, depression, the housing market and the loss of Harlene. It’s also a genuinely fun game to play. Each game hosts cute wee villagers, which are anthropomorphic animals. For you commerce students Read more...

A Critical Analysis: Why I Hate Barbie in My Scene Barbie Jammin’ In Jamaica (2004)

Posted 5:32pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Asia Martusia King

Barbie’s a feminist icon. She’s an astrophysicist. A business executive. A police officer. George Washington, somehow.  A paratrooper (“United States Marine Corps Sergeant Barbie”, 1991). She’s also a toxic backstabbing manipulator with a victim Read more...

The Guide to being the Ultimate Fresher: the tips and tricks for getting through uni

Posted 3:52pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

This guide here goes out to all my freshers who have just begun their journey at the University of Otago. I get it, you’re probably feeling nervous, excited, and slightly panicked about the prospect of spending the next few years of your life in this freezing cold, chlamydia infested hole at Read more...

Local Produce: Night Lunch

Posted 3:45pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Sean Gourley

Night Lunch are a Dunedin duo of Liams made famous by the smash hit music video for their song House Full of Shit. The band features the uniquely minimalist combo of Liam Hoffman on drums and Liam Clune on a home-made instrument called a diddly bow. Hoffman has finished Uni but Clune has come back Read more...

Renters United: Fighting for a Fair Deal for Renters

Posted 3:26pm Monday 26th April 2021 by Elliot Weir

Abusive landlords, privacy breaches, and runaway rent prices are the bread to the butter that is Renters United. The only thing worse than landlords are the structural conditions that created them. Look, I get it, not everyone wants to own their own house  at whatever point they’re at in Read more...

Local Produce: Scott Tisdall Is Making Potatoes Instafamous

Posted 1:20am Monday 19th April 2021 by Sean Gourley

Scott Tisdall is an Otago student who moonlights growing moonlight potatoes on his family farm. Using Instagram as a platform, he is gradually expanding his operation to bring locally grown potatoes to the tables of starving students. Last season, he gave 33% of his profits to the cancer society. We Read more...

The Breatha Diet: a vape a day keeps the doctor away

Posted 12:59am Monday 19th April 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

There is quite possibly no creature as great, and as wild, as the Otago breatha. They can often be seen vaping, drinking, and sending pesky “you up x” texts at ungodly hours.  How do breathas maintain such a lifestyle? What on earth could they possibly be fuelling their bodies Read more...

OPINION: Make Dunedin More Walkable

Posted 12:51am Monday 19th April 2021 by Elliot Weir

Dunedin was largely planned out by settlers that were probably way too deep on Scotch and Irn-Bru. In that state, they thought that a street with a 35% incline would be a funny meme. They literally tried to superimpose Edinburgh onto the Otago landscape, stubbornly ignoring all of the hills that Read more...

A Review of Lee Vandervis’s Book

Posted 12:38am Monday 19th April 2021 by Sophia Carter Peters

DCC Councillor Lee Vandervis has recently released a “book” (his words). The full title is The Hitch-hikers Guide to the Mayoralty Part 1: Invaluable for understanding the DCC and reading between the lines of local print-media monopoly. The title is only a fraction of this truly bizarre Read more...

Community Law: Where Otago law students do something useful for once

Posted 12:27am Monday 19th April 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

Sometimes as students we find ourselves in sticky, stressful situations. Whether it's tenancy troubles, uncertainty about contracts, or a dispute with an employer, we can sometimes feel out of our depth and unsure about where to go.  Luckily, Community Law Otago can assist with all of Read more...

Some Astrology Bullshit About Chlöe Swarbrick

Posted 12:18am Monday 19th April 2021 by Asia Martusia King

Jacinda Arden wouldn’t give me her birth time. But I figured that if any other politician had a CoStar it would be Chlöe Swarbrick, because she’s queer and vegan. I was wrong. Thankfully she’s a gem, and texted her mum for me. Chlöe schlorped into this world on 26th Read more...

Power Ranking the Dunedin News Splinter Groups

Posted 11:57pm Sunday 18th April 2021 by Erin Gourley

Dunedin News, the original news group for Dunedinites, is infamous for its (il)liberal “you will be kicked out if the admin does not like you” policy. There is a strict list of offences that will get you kicked out, all of which are broadly interpreted by Daryl Taylor, the page’s Read more...