Archive

ARE DRUGS COOL?

Posted 7:08pm Sunday 13th May 2012 by Staff Reporter

THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF PEOPLE AT OTAGO UNIVERSITYThe first type, often a Castle Street resident, is septum-deep in their “drug phase” – that sacred, rarefied time in most people’s lives in which drugs are the pinnacle of cool, and the user believes themselves to be equally cool by association. They Read more...

Up in Smoke

Posted 7:08pm Sunday 13th May 2012 by Sasha Borissenko

The Ministry of Health recently issued a paper calling for $100 packets of cigarettes, in an effort to make NZ smoke free by 2025. Combined with moves to plain packaging, and a massive and continuing advertising campaign to get smokers to quit, it appears smokers are under siege in the land Read more...

TRANS

Posted 12:51am Monday 7th May 2012 by Zane Pocock

Imagine you are five again. Sitting on Santa’s lap, you ask in a whisper for the one thing in the world you truly desire: A Barbie. Christmas morning rolls around; you run to the tree, sliding around the corner like a scampering dog in your excitement. And under that tree you find, with baited Read more...

The Birth of Student Loans

Posted 12:51am Monday 7th May 2012 by Katie Kenny

Happy birthday to you Born in 1992 Happy birthday Student Lo-OANS. Happy birthday to you. Alright, that’s my attempt at turning this topic into an “engaging” feature. When delegated a brief on the 20th anniversary of New Zealand’s student loan system, I was less than excited. I Read more...

Jack Rivers

Posted 12:51am Monday 7th May 2012 by Rebecca Rutherford

When you hear the phrase “giving marijuana to disabled babies” something along the lines of “child abuse” probably springs to mind. Not for Jack Rivers though. For three years Rivers has been working on his PhD here at the University of Otago, researching how marijuana-like substances could be used Read more...

The Adorable Mr Hughes

Posted 12:51am Monday 7th May 2012 by Staff Reporter

Last week Critic caught up with Green MP Gareth Hughes, who was travelling the country holding huis with fellow MP Catherine Delahunty to discuss the impact of drilling, mining, fracking and coal extraction in the hopes of rallying an urban Greenie force. Drilling, mining and coal are Read more...

Eighteen and Pregnant

Posted 4:56pm Sunday 29th April 2012 by Anonymous

Like most of my friends, I’m not a total stranger to the pregnancy scare. The sudden realisation that my period is late reminds me of the sudden realisation that I might have overdone it on the stimulants. Beads of sweat form on the brow, the heart starts ricocheting around the torso like a pinball Read more...

A Failing System

Posted 4:56pm Sunday 29th April 2012 by Charlotte Greenfield

WARNING: The following article contains graphic discussion of rape and sexual violence.It’s the legal system’s worst-kept secret: When it comes to prosecuting rape and sexual offending, justice is eluding us. Research and statistics – a lot of them – prove this. For example, it is estimated that Read more...

This one’s for the Boys

Posted 4:56pm Sunday 29th April 2012 by Joe Stockman

Ladies, you can probably skip reading this article: it’s about preventing rape and sexual violence, so it really doesn’t concern you. This is something that the guys need to talk about. Before hordes of angry feminists knock down my door and emolliate me on the Union Lawn, I have a point Read more...

Learning From The Dead

Posted 5:04pm Sunday 22nd April 2012 by Katie Kenny

It isn’t pleasant to dwell upon the consequences of our own mortality. Death is shaded with uncertainty, sadness, and loss. Amongst all that remains at the end of a life – memories, possessions, family, friends – the deceased’s body is the last physical link for loved ones. Despite its lifelessness, Read more...

Think Global, Act Local: And Save The World!

Posted 5:04pm Sunday 22nd April 2012 by Staff Reporter

Excuse me, you there. Yes you. I know you’re busy, with assignments and exams and whatnot. And then of course there are part time jobs, and sports teams, and girlfriends, best mates, red cards; it just goes on and on doesn’t it? But just one more thing, it won’t take long. Could you just Read more...

The Nothing Generation

Posted 5:04pm Sunday 22nd April 2012 by Claudia Herron

Modern-day society is gripped by talk about climate change and an impending apocalypse. Generation Zero is a refreshingly different youth movement which aims to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Starting out a mere nine months ago, their fundamental focus is on ensuring that the Read more...

Animals are people too

Posted 3:53pm Sunday 15th April 2012 by Katie Kenny

During the recent summer break, I spent many working hours standing at corners of supermarket aisles, trying to sell various superfluous food products. I eventually developed a knack for identifying potential purchasers; my buyers’ trolleys often had one item in common: Free-range eggs. Free-range Read more...

The Rise of Slackivism

Posted 3:53pm Sunday 15th April 2012 by Anonymous

KONY 2012. If you don’t recognize the name, you are probably either A) A deaf-blind-mute, B) that Amish girl from my old FREN141 class, or B) living in a wifi-less hovel out at Aramoana with a sinister, scrawny man in horn-rimmed glasses named David. The 30-minute video, produced by American charity Read more...

World Cinema Showcase

Posted 3:53pm Sunday 15th April 2012 by Staff Reporter

Paradise Lost 3: PurgatoryCalling all law buffs and Bain Jumper fiends! Look no longer! Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky’s Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory follows the trial and aftermath of the murders of three 12-year-old boys in 1990s Bible Belt America and those supposedly responsible – the West Read more...

Deep within the Clocktower, the Council meets

Posted 3:53pm Sunday 15th April 2012 by Staff Reporter

It’s voting time. Again. Who do you want as your two student representatives on the University Council, sticking up for your interests against those University fat-cats? The University Council is the big dog of University decision-making, voting on such issues as fee increases, the Service Read more...

Kava and Politics

Posted 7:07pm Sunday 1st April 2012 by Michael Neilson

I’m sure for most of you, Fiji inspires romantic images of pure white sand beaches laden with coconut trees. Crystal clear waters leading out to mesmerizing sunsets glistening over the Pacific. Ah, Fiji: The pinnacle of tranquility – slightly different to your average Castle Street flat. But Read more...

New Zealand’s Dis-organ-isation

Posted 7:07pm Sunday 1st April 2012 by Callum Fredric

Need a kidney? How about a new heart? Better settle in for a long spell on the waiting list – New Zealand has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the Western world. Critic’s Callum Fredric investigates the reasons behind the organ shortage, the potential solutions, and the ethical dilemmas Read more...

Dunedin's Fashionistas

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 25th March 2012 by Anonymous

Ah, Fashion Week. That sacred week in which the beautiful people come together to drink champagne, nibble at canapés, snort rockstar rails of coke and snark about other beautiful people. Decadent. Rarefied. Hectic. Fabulous. Or, you know, not, if you are lucky enough to live in Dunedin. Here, Read more...

Ding Ding Valiantly Resists Dream Team Whitewash

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 25th March 2012 by Callum Fredric

Not since The Beatles visited our sunny shores has Critic been so excited. The OUSA by-election results were announced at 4:30pm on Wednesday March 21, to the joy of the “Dream Team” and the dismay of No Confidence’s loyal fans. Jono Rowe strolled into the Administrative Vice President role Read more...

The Critic 2012 Bar Safety Review

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 25th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

Each year Critic takes it upon itself to review the bars and night spots of North Dunedin to make sure that they are taking proper care of you. We didn’t want to of course, we’d rather just stay in and watch Mad Men episodes on endless repeat, but we stoically headed off to some of Dunedin’s Read more...

The State of Style

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 25th March 2012 by Zane Pocock

It’s a sunny Sunday arvo at the Ironic Kronic flat on Castle Street. You and your fellow scarfies are sitting on the last remaining, slightly-charred couch on the porch. The mate to your left grunts about his new Lower jeans. You look at him slowly, with your head cocked ironically to one side, and Read more...

Bibliophilia

Posted 4:27pm Sunday 18th March 2012 by Katie Kenny

Beneath its scarfie reputation, Dunedin is a Mecca of literary-mindedness. The Octagon surrounds a statue of Burns the Bard, Dunedin was the birthplace of our national anthem, and a disproportion number of New Zealand’s best writers have strong links to Otago. The difficulty as a Dunedin Read more...

Death of Occupy

Posted 4:27pm Sunday 18th March 2012 by Zane Pocock

When I set out to write this piece, it was under the assumption that the Occupy movement was dead. Plans to interview people by moonlight at cemeteries were going ahead brilliantly until the scream of “Occupy hasn’t died!” echoed loudly from the mouth of anthropologist David Graeber, a key founder Read more...

Its Not An Election. ITS A BY-ELECTION!

Posted 12:08pm Saturday 17th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

The Otago University Students’ Association is holding a very exciting by-election to fill up the four empty spots on the Executive. From Admin Vice President through to Colleges Officer, spots are up for grabs. Critic sat down en masse with the 11 nominees to discuss their backgrounds, their plans, Read more...

Food Bill

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

The vans arrive next to the railway station early; before dawn farmers are already setting up the tables in their usual spots. They chat to their neighbours before the first customers arrive. A variety of products can be found across the stalls, from Vegetables, cakes, and Grandma’s jam, to homemade Read more...

The Now-Annual Critic Icecream Review

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Ines Shennan

The 24Supplier: Streets The Ambrosia was a let-down, despite its abundant marshmallows. Only nine flavours were on show, and the icecream held a consistency a little too icy. The Caramel Ripple, despite lacking that coveted creaminess, still shone through flavour-wise. Customer service: After Read more...

The Annual Crutik Fush'N'Chup Review

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

WillowbankChips $3.60 | Fish $3.30 Upon reaching Willowbank we were so eager to sink our teeth into plentifull greasy fish and chips that it seemed possible we had set our standards too high. A warmer housed stacks of chips and fried chicken with a deep brown, cracked batter, beneath a lurid Read more...

Privacy For Sale

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Katie Kenny

Not at all, claim many satirical publications and conspiracy theorists. Zuckerberg’s $50 billion operation is often associated with modern-day “Big Brother-is-watching-you” anxieties, yet many students are too humble (or perhaps too naïve) to consider the potential repercussions of their online Read more...

Holly Walker

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Callum Fredric

Holly Walker, the second-youngest MP in Parliament, is widely regarded as one of the Green Party’s future stars. Political Reporter Callum Fredric met up with her for an organic lemonade and a chat about her experiences as Critic Editor, Rhodes Scholar, and first-term MP. Your early life Read more...

An Evening with Mr Walker

Posted 6:37pm Sunday 11th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

When a man is able to make a feature-length film for $150, you know that there is a serious amount of enthusiasm involved. Critic sat down with now-Dunedin-based digital filmmaker Campbell Walker to get a quick lesson in passion. Campbell Walker, whose first film Uncomfortable Comfortable Read more...

The Hetero Agenda

Posted 4:53pm Sunday 4th March 2012 by Zane Pocock

I’m one of the lucky ones. No matter what my sexual orientation turned out to be, my parents said they would always accept me. I don’t really have any desire to know whether I received this reassurance because of my interest in fashion or complete disinterest in Barbie-like bimbos, but it was Read more...

Welcome to The Ride

Posted 4:53pm Sunday 4th March 2012 by Staff Reporter

After hours of arguing amongst the Critic staff over who would sacrifice a week of their life to go along to every single O-Week event, Critic decided that it made more sense to recruit a fresher. Easily overawed by the trappings of the Critic office (we have a cat), we enrolled a first year tourism Read more...

Fuck me Baby

Posted 4:53pm Sunday 4th March 2012 by Anonymous

Let me say first, that I am not a ‘sexpert’. I find most portmanteaus (‘guesstimate’, ‘Brangelina’, ‘vajazzling’) irritating in the extreme. Literally in the case of vajazzling, it turns out my vagina is allergic to diamantes. And if having had a lot of so-awful-it’s-funny sex makes me a ‘sexpert’, Read more...

Dr Clark & Mr Woodhouse Interview Transcript

Posted 3:10pm Monday 27th February 2012 by Callum Fredric

22 February 2012 C = Critic | D = David Clark | M = Michael Woodhouse Callum: Can we start off with both of you having a bit of a chat about your time at Otago? What you studied, where you flatted, did you go to halls, etc. David: I came here at the start of the nineties, Read more...

Dr Clark & Mr Woodhouse

Posted 3:03pm Saturday 25th February 2012 by Callum Fredric

Critic invited Dunedin based MPs Dr David Clark, and Michael Woodhouse to Eureka for a cheeky pint, and a chat about their student days, their politics, and their new roles in parliament. (Full Interview Transcript available at critic.co.nz/1574) Critic What was your time as Otago Read more...

Eat Pray Hate

Posted 4:26pm Friday 24th February 2012 by Anonymous

The late, great Christopher Hitchens said that the most overrated things in life are champagne, anal sex and lobster. The man was right about most things (the absence of a god for one), but on these points I cannot agree. I enjoy a nice glass of Veuve, and I am quite happy to be fucked in the arse Read more...

Oh Harlene,

Posted 4:04pm Friday 24th February 2012 by Staff Reporter

You know the Vice Chancellor right? That lady in the big fancy office by the Leith? She basically runs the entire University, and well, let’s face it, is far too busy and important to sit down for an interview with a little old student magazine. Or so you would have thought. Without a second Read more...

Business Time

Posted 3:46pm Friday 24th February 2012 by Callum Fredric

The University and OUSA have forged a new relationship to counteract the threat of the VSM legislation. From now on, the University is going to take your money, and then give it to OUSA for you. Critic’s Callum Fredric investigates the ins and outs of this budding romance. For as long as Read more...

MMP, ARE YOU FOR ME? - Confused as fuck? You're not alone.

Posted 3:09am Monday 17th October 2011 by Critic

Hey you there! Under that rock. There’s a general election this year on November 26. The government is holding a referendum at the same time and it’s about our electoral system. All this stuff can get pretty confusing so Critic has decided to tackle the acronyms head on so you can go into that Read more...

INDECISIONZ 2011

Posted 3:06am Monday 17th October 2011 by Critic

The 2012 Election is fast approaching, but with all the scandal, backstabbing and rugby-talk, it's hard to know what the parties actually stand for. Luckily Critic talked to the main contenders to discover their thoughts on what you really need to know. NEW ZEALAND FIRST First up, why, in Read more...

Lovin' Summer

Posted 2:49am Monday 17th October 2011 by Critic

Yeah, that’s right. Danny and Sandy knew what they were talking about. We love summer. And it’s creeping up on us like the pair of ill-fitting stubby shorts some of you Castle Street jocks will inevitably be donning during this splendid season. The tantalising stenches of fake tan and warm Sogos are Read more...

New Zealander of the Year

Posted 2:46am Monday 17th October 2011 by Critic

It’s been a year of drama, a year which saw the rise of the goon and the fall of news coverage not related to rugby. Amongst it all, there have been characters who have stood out a foot (or flipper, as the case may be) ahead of the rest. NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR Happy Feet Occupation: Read more...

The Ring Master

Posted 4:44am Monday 10th October 2011 by Critic

Before sitting down with Joe Stockman, Winston Peters stole a cheeky smoke. It had been a busy morning of interviews and public appearances - probably nothing by his old standards - but he nonetheless seemed to enjoy taking a moment, offering quiet hellos to students whose eyes revealed their Read more...

The Opposite of Apathy

Posted 4:42am Monday 10th October 2011 by Critic

The world of politics is as foreign a land to the puffer-wearing, dubstep-blaring, STD-sharing scarfie as the Close Reserve section in the library. More than one in four under-25s aren't enrolled to vote, and the electoral turnout is undoubtedly lower. The numbers at recent student protests Read more...

Tea Time at the Milton Hilton

Posted 4:38am Monday 10th October 2011 by Phoebe Harrop

The Otago Corrections Facility at Milburn, otherwise known as the Milton Hilton (so named for its underfloor heating, en suites, flashy gymnasium, basketball court and full-size rugby field), is the closest prison to Dunedin city, housing up to 485 low to medium security men. There’s Read more...

The Graduate

Posted 3:42am Monday 3rd October 2011 by Critic

Ah student life, you lazy, sexy, poorly planned beast of thing. Part of the beauty of the uni experience is that its time limited. The glory days of Sogos and nights at the Monkey Bar will all eventually come to an end, and you will take on that oh-so-sought-after mantle of graduate. You may be Read more...

Celebrate Hidden Dunedin

Posted 3:39am Monday 3rd October 2011 by Critic

Believe it or not, there’s actually quite a lot to see in the mystical, mythological land that stretches beyond the Octagon. Crazy though it may seem, North Dunedin isn’t in fact the centre of the universe, and occasionally it’s worth venturing outside our cosy campus bubble for a bit of an explore. Read more...

OUSA Election Special. Their Two Cents

Posted 3:36am Monday 3rd October 2011 by Critic

Critic sent the Creme-de-la-Creme of OUSA political pundits along to the Presidential forum. James Meager Internet Conspiracist 2010 OUSA Finance and Services Officer Last Wednesday, Parliament passed Heather Roy’s voluntary student membership legislation, which some are saying Read more...

OUSA Election Special. More OUSA politics than you're wildest nightmares

Posted 3:33am Monday 3rd October 2011 by Critic

In the spirit of informed decision making, Critic asked all ten of our candidates (who are vying for eight of the ten exec positions on offer) to tell us why we should give them our vote. There are two uncontested positions, which means that there will be some empty seats in next year’s boardroom. Read more...