Archive

How Otago students got it on in the 19th century

Posted 5:41pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Runze Liu

The lads and lasses of Dunedin have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to dating and hookups. But how did students do it back in the day, before the technological lubrication of Tinder and Snapchat? Critic did a deep dive into old school dating, circa the 1800s, and here’s what we Read more...

Where were you conceived?

Posted 5:38pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Critic

You can tell a lot about a person based on where they cum from. Go through these questions and select as many answers as you feel apply to you, and then total the score. For example, if answers 1, 2, and 4 applied to you, you’d score 7 for that question. Get out your calculator, and Read more...

A pai mai ki te mārama, Bring it into the light: Approaching the taboo of sex in Pasifika cultures

Posted 5:34pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Susana Jones

“Kissy kissy, huggy huggy, but no fucky fucky.” My strong, brown mum’s words echo through the empty depths of my brain as she sends me off to Dunedin from Auckland at the prime age of 17. For all I can remember, this is the complete extent of my at-home education about sex, Read more...

I Tried Retro Cosmopolitan Sex Tips So You Don’t Have To

Posted 5:31pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

If there is one thing that all students can universally agree on, it’s that sex is one of life’s greatest pleasures and priorities. Sex can be fun and exciting, or icky and underwhelming. One source of information which has always offered a wide range of sex advice is the sex tips column Read more...

Wrapping Up the History of Condoms

Posted 5:22pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Sean Gourley

Condoms could be a lot worse. The colourful history of humans trying to find a way to have sex without consequences highlights how appreciative we should be of current advances in technology, which have allowed us to have sex without dipping our penises in tar. It really makes you Read more...

Local Produce: Alex Dykes

Posted 4:28pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

Singer-songwriter Alex Dykes is loud, full of life, and new to the Dunedin music scene. His upcoming album, The Dunedin Study, is set to be released this summer. Critic sat down to chat with Alex on his upcoming projects, his time at Otago, and his creative process.  Alex started playing Read more...

Recycle A Device: Otago students are running one of New Zealand’s raddest social enterprises

Posted 4:23pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

If there is one thing every student has, it’s an old laptop or phone collecting dust in a drawer. Maybe you just don’t know what to do with it, or the thought of recycling it seems like too much admin, or maybe you’re hoping one day your old device will suddenly come back to life. Read more...

OPINION: Middle Aged Drunks Are the Problem, Not Students

Posted 4:21pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Asia Martusia King

There’s a rugby match tonight. Shona’s left Xavier with a babysitter, and she’s going fucking rogue. For one night and one night only, her pent-up midlife chaos will be free. Her husband, Murray, is also gearing up for the game. Murray and his corporate buddies will indulge in too Read more...

Hot Chicken & Spicy Bants with Ocean Alley’s Mitch Galbraith

Posted 4:19pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Elliot Weir

Aussie psychedelic rock band Ocean Alley have jammed their way into our playlists, festivals, and hearts in recent years with hit singles like ‘Confidence’ and ‘The Comedown’. In light of their upcoming tour across Aotearoa, guitarist Mitch Galbraith sat down with Critic Te Read more...

Kiribati Language Week

Posted 4:17pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Susana Jones

Mauri everyone! Kiribati language week was from Sunday 11 July to Saturday 17 July, and is a time to celebrate and engage with the language of our Pacific neighbours. (We’re a week late, but still committed to bringing you this celebration of Kiribati language).  Kiribati is a three Read more...

The Great Annual Critic Bar Review: Part 2

Posted 4:15pm Sunday 18th July 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

We’ve established that it is impossible to agree on the best bar. But here a washed-up fourth year with an alcohol problem continues to assess the general vibes of our most iconic drinking spots. This is Part Two of the controversial Great Annual Critic Bar Review. (If you think everything Read more...

The Great Annual Critic Bar Review: Part 1

Posted 1:27pm Tuesday 13th July 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan

In this issue, we begin a review of all the bars in Dunedin assessing the general vibes with some first-hand experiences. Until we put together a scientific ranking, who better to review our bars than myself, a washed up fourth-year with a mild drinking problem? Dunedin Social Club  Going Read more...

The Cultural Phenomenon That Is Dunedin Shitposting

Posted 1:23pm Tuesday 13th July 2021 by Daniel Fitzpatrick

Ah, shitposting. Nothing compares to opening Facebook and seeing a low quality attempt at humour brightening up your newsfeed. Dunedin is fortunate to be home to a number of shitposting pages, each varying in size, audience, genre, and quality.  Some of Dunedin’s most iconic Read more...

Reading Croak: A Book of Fun for Frog Lovers and Remembering Phil Bishop

Posted 1:21pm Tuesday 13th July 2021 by Asia Martusia King

Croak is a “book of fun for frog lovers”, compiled by Phil Bishop and published by Exisle. Phil was a beloved Zoology Professor at Otago, the Co-Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission Amphibian Specialist Group, and the Chief Read more...

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...