Archive

Sycamore-Smith Coasts to Victory Despite Video Gaffe | Opinion

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 6th October 2013 by Sam McChesney

With the Zac Gawn ticket victorious in two out of three contested positions, the outcome of the OUSA Presidential election can largely be seen as a personal endorsement of Ruby Sycamore-Smith. The election also saw the rise of iPredict and the resurgence of feminism, and cemented the importance of Read more...

Fran Makes $300 on iPredict

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 6th October 2013 by Zane Pocock

Ruby Sycamore-Smith has won the election for OUSA President in 2014 with 49.86 per cent of the vote. Her closest rival, Zac Gawn, won 34.35 per cent, with Jordan Watts a distant third on 10.42 per cent. The election saw OUSA’s largest voter turnout “in a generation.” 5,193 votes were cast, Read more...

Interview: Francisco Hernandez

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 6th October 2013 by Sam McChesney

OUSA President Francisco Hernandez will soon leave the association after three years on the Executive. In that time he has revolutionised student politics, producing groundbreaking campaign videos (“Frangnam Style”), conducting “ironically terrible” interviews on national television (TV3’s Read more...

Too Much Pussy in North Dunedin

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 6th October 2013 by Bella Macdonald

Pussy swapping is the next big thing to hit North Dunedin. An initiative is underway to deal with the rising number of stray cats in the student quarters. SPCA Executive Officer Sophie McSkimming said the Society “hopes to have a Facebook page for Cat Swapping by the end of the week.” Read more...

Tall, White Male Selected as 2014 Critic Editor in Shocking Upset

Posted 4:26pm Sunday 6th October 2013 by Irrelevant Irvine

It’s third time lucky for Critic’s resident ladder-climber Zane Pocock, who has been named Critic editor for 2014. “Fuck that took a while,” Pocock sighed when told the news. He has since been spotted standing at the OUSA balcony for hours on end, staring longingly and with just a hint of Read more...

Masters by Coursework on the Rise

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Brittany Mann

The University of Otago has seen an increase in the number of coursework Masters programmes on offer, and recent changes to admissions criteria have made some postgraduate qualifications more accessible than ever before. There are now five coursework Masters programmes on offer in the Read more...

The Third Quarterly Executive Reports

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Staff Reporter

The end of the third quarter has rolled around, and the OUSA Executive all have to submit reports on what they’ve been up to or else they don’t get paid. With the OUSA elections now happening, and several of the current Exec standing again, this is a good opportunity to assess who’s been doing their Read more...

Dorian Joins Larry in Animal Heaven

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Jamie Breen

Two weeks ago, Dunedin was once again the scene of brutal animal violence. This time the victim was Dorian the rabbit. CCTV footage showed a man dressed all in black and wearing a beanie and gloves walking back and forth past the rabbit’s residence, a student flat on Arthur Street. Finally the Read more...

OUSA Election Forums

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Bella Macdonald

Last week saw the OUSA 2014 Executive Candidate Forums take place in the Main Common Room. With more candidates standing than usual, Bella Macdonald went along to suss out who prioritises what. Presidential CandidatesRuby Sycamore-Smith Ruby’s confidence in her achievements as Welfare Read more...

Government Picks on Old People For Once

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

Student Allowances are being restricted once again, with mature students now being targeted by cuts to the scheme. As of next year, the Allowance’s 200-week limit will be reduced to 120 weeks (approximately three full years of study) for students aged 40 years or over on the date their studies Read more...

Hayne Joins the One Per Cent

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Thomas Raethel

The Tertiary Education Union (TEU) has condemned the recent trend of pay rises among Vice-Chancellors in universities nationwide. An annual report by the State Services Commission has revealed that at least six Vice-Chancellors across New Zealand received pay rises between 2012 and 2013. The Read more...

SOULS Buys Penance for Their Sins

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Sam McChesney

The Society of Otago University Law Students (SOULS) has made a donation to Women’s Refuge, and in future will run Law Revue scripts past Dean of Law Professor Mark Henaghan, after this year’s Revue was slammed as offensive to women and minorities. Prof Henaghan told Critic that “there were Read more...

Ten Plus Two Equals Twelve, Says Fran

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Zane Pocock

OUSA has announced plans for a one-month trial of a $12 airport shuttle service for students. Although exact dates are yet to be confirmed, the trial period will coincide with the upcoming exam period. As such, it will only be an outgoing service at this stage, but may operate both ways next year Read more...

Uni to Open Responsible, Supervised Bar on Campus

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 29th September 2013 by Claudia Herron

More details have emerged regarding the University’s plans to build a bar on campus, possibly with the involvement of OUSA. Critic reported on 16 September that the University was “looking into” the possibility of owning or co-owning a bar on campus. On 23 September, the news made its way to Read more...

Te Roopu Maori 2014 Executive Nominations

Posted 8:54pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Staff Reporter

Tumuaki (President)Arleen McLaren Kia ora whānau Ko Arleen McLaren ahau, he uri tēnei no Ngāti Maniapoto me Ngāti Maru. I am currently a 4th Year Phedder finalist. I am also current tumuaki of PEMA (Physical Education Māori Association). Tumuaki Read more...

Catholic Centre for Life to Provide “Non-Judgemental” Service

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

Family Life International has opened the doors to a new John Paul II Catholic Centre for Life on Filleul Street, Dunedin. This is the third Centre for Life to be opened in New Zealand, following those already running in Auckland and Wellington. Dame Colleen Bayer, National Director of Family Read more...

2014 Election Nominations

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Staff Reporter

The nominations for the 2014 OUSA Executive have closed, and an array of good-looking candidates have put their names forward to represent you next year. Voting will take place on the OUSA website from 9am Monday 30 September to 4pm Thursday 3 October, with the winners announced that evening. Read more...

Minor Change Called “Attack On Democracy”

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Claudia Herron

The University of Otago is looking to abandon a 120-year-old tradition in which Otago Graduates are able to vote fellow alumni onto the University Council. Established in 1891, the Court of Convocation has the sole purpose of electing three of its members from among the ranks of its Read more...

Governance Review Shockingly Fails to Deliver

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Zane Pocock

OUSA’s Governance and Representation Review is now “not necessarily” expected to be complete by the end of the year, says OUSA President Francisco Hernandez. Hernandez told Critic that since recommendations made by the Governance and Representation Review Working Party (the Fun Party) “would Read more...

NZUSA Finally Runs a Campagin

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Thomas Raethel

The New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA) has joined a Coalition for Fair Internet Pricing in an attempt to stop a nationwide tax on copper-based ADSL broadband services. The move comes after Telecom spinoff Chorus successfully lobbied for taxes on copper-based services to Read more...

“Herod” Chapman Culls the Innocents at EXMSS

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Bella Macdonald

A group of Massey University extramural students have submitted a request for a Student General Meeting, at which they could move a motion of no confidence in Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS) President Jeannette “JV” Chapman. Last month, MASSIVE magazine revealed that Chapman was Read more...

Constitution in Tatters

Posted 1:47pm Sunday 22nd September 2013 by Sam McChesney

Both of OUSA President Francisco Hernandez’s referendum questions may prove invalid, after one was ambiguous and the other improperly presented. Hernandez’s question “Should the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA) adopt a Single Transferrable Voting (STV) system for its elections?” Read more...

Interview: Stevie Jepson

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Elsie Jacobson

Now, we all know about Texan abortion laws after Wendy Davis’s famous filibuster, but what’s the situation here in NZ? Well it’s definitely not as bad as states like Texas or Ohio, but the laws are still pretty backwards and [are] hurting women in a different way to the American laws. We have Read more...

TEU Fears Minister’s Uni Council Changes

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

A lecturers’ union says it is afraid that Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce might shrink University Councils and stack them with ministerial appointees. The Tertiary Education Union’s (TEU) National Secretary Sharn Riggs says any changes replacing staff and student representatives with Read more...

Frances Hodgkins Fellowship Announced

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Zane Pocock

Auckland artist Patrick Lundberg was announced last week as the 2014 recipient of the University of Otago’s Frances Hodgkins Fellowship, one of New Zealand’s most prestigious art fellowships. Beginning on 1 February, he will receive a stipend for a year and a studio on campus to pursue his art. Read more...

Execrable | Issue 23

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Sam McChesney

No scandalous revelations this week, folks. This week, all you get is the collapse of drawn-out, politically contentious OUSA project; Budget 2014; a referendum we’ve been waiting for years to hold; a proposal to change OUSA’s voting system at elections; and a laughable attempt by Fran to Read more...

Feral Cats to Be Sent to Heaviside Layer

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

Dunedin City Councillor Kate Wilson has created a ‘‘cat committee’’ to discuss solutions to the city’s growing feral cat problem. The committee was set up in response to ongoing concerns about the “pest problem” represented by such cats. Residents argue that if there is a system in place for Read more...

Council of Smaug Hoards Treasure

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Claudia Herron

A number of major forthcoming projects have seen the University pump up its cash reserves and produce an operating surplus significantly above budget, according to monthly financial statements presented at last week’s University Council meeting. The statements revealed that as of the end of July, Read more...

Jones: Racist, Fascist Wanker?

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

Labour leadership candidate and self-described “kingmaker” Shane Jones has suggested that migration to Christchurch from other countries be restricted, and that beneficiaries be forcibly relocated and put to work in the city’s reconstruction. The list MP and former immigration minister told Read more...

God Throws Roofs at Cars

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Bella Macdonald

In the wake of the storm that bolted through Dunedin last week, the Dunedin City Council has deemed the large amounts of damage caused to nearby cars by parts of its buildings flying off “an act of God.” One victim, reported in the Otago Daily Times, was Uil Ludemann, whose car was damaged Read more...

Otago's Stock Does a Fannie Mae

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Thomas Raethel

The University of Otago has been declared the 155th best university in the world, tailing 61 places behind the University of Auckland. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings are published annually in the United Kingdom, and according to the official website, feature “over 800 Read more...

Hernandez: “I Am Not A Bitch”

Posted 2:39pm Sunday 15th September 2013 by Sam McChesney

OUSA has firmly denied that the University of Otago attempted to strong-arm the association out of purchasing the Cook or any other North Dunedin pub, after concerns to that effect were raised in an OUSA Executive meeting on 3 September. OUSA currently receives around three-quarters of its Read more...

University Bullies OUSA Over Bar

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Sam McChesney

The revelation in last Tuesday’s Executive meeting that the University is directing how OUSA spends its reserves is significant, but unsurprising. OUSA is known to have large reserves, which it could in theory use to purchase a bar with or without the University’s approval. However, given Read more...

Captain Cook Staggering Back to Life

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

The Captain Cook Tavern will be open again within a year, according to a New Zealand architectural firm. Edwin Elliot of Elliot Architects confirmed that the company has been hired to draw up plans to convert the pub, which shut its doors in July after 153 years of operation, into a Read more...

Grinch Continues to Ruin EXMSS

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Bella Macdonald

Following revelations about the Massey University Extramural Students’ Society (EXMSS) President’s salary, EXMSS is once again under scrutiny after one of its staff was suspended without explanation and a member of the Executive unexpectedly resigned on the eve of an Annual General Meeting. Read more...

Execrable | Issue 22

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Sam McChesney

The agenda for last week’s Exec meeting totalled 70 pages, with 27 different items listed. The room had been booked for five hours, but thankfully the meeting “only” lasted three. So, what happened? 1. Serious financial discussions devolved into sugar-fuelled gigglings. Fran kept losing his Read more...

Bus Trial to Cost Far Less Than Actual Bus

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Zane Pocock

The trial for tertiary student discount bus fares set up by OUSA, OPSA and the Otago Regional Council (ORC) is expected to cost the ORC up to $15,000. Ratepayers have been assured, however, that they will not be hit in the pocket. ORC Chairman Stephen Woodhead put the trial “in perspective” Read more...

Arrest And Relaxation

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Anna Bradley-Smith

Students heading away on their OE may soon face a nasty surprise, with new legislation poised to stop the worst loan-defaulters at the border. The Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 3), which would allow for the arrest of those who have defaulted on student-loan repayments, passed its Read more...

Students Learn to Appear Good and Fuck the World Discreetly

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Zane Pocock

Disciplinary figures released to the Otago Daily Times last week under the Official Information Act show that student behaviour for the first half of 2013 has significantly improved when compared to the same period last year. Only five students were referred to Vice-Chancellor Prof Harlene Read more...

Words Superimposed Onto Ad

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Jamie Breen

This Saturday will host an event designed to bridge the gap between Dunedin’s “town and gown” student population and the general public. The Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival, to be held on 14 September, is described by the event organisers as “an evolving platform upon which craft brewers can Read more...

Interview: Steve Drain of The Westboro Baptist Church

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Tristan Keillor

Westboro Baptist Church has become infamous over the past twenty years for its stridently anti-gay messages and picketing of soldiers’ funerals. Steve Drain is a former documentarian who joined the Church in 2001. Drain featured heavily in Louis Theroux’s documentaries The Most Hated Family in Read more...

OUSA to Pad Eleven More CVs

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Staff Reporter

Nominations for positions on the 2014 OUSA Executive are now open until 4pm on 19 September, with voting to take place from 31 September to 4pm on 3 October. There are 11 positions on the Executive. In addition to the full-time position of President, there are four 20-hour positions Read more...

Switched On Museum to Bring Prostitution, Gambling

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

The Marijuana Museum of Dunedin, founded by Abe Gray of Otago Norml and Julian Crawford of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP), opens its doors this week to educate locals and tourists on the world of cannabis. Crawford is also a candidate for the Otago District Health Board (DHB) and the Read more...

Council to Railroad Cars Into Cycle Lanes

Posted 1:51pm Sunday 8th September 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

The Dunedin City Council looks set to implement a transport strategy focusing on cycling, walking and public transport in the downtown area. However, a group representing local businesses has accused the strategy of neglecting its needs, prompting a sharp online response from the Mayor. The Read more...

Interview: Grant Robertson

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Zane Pocock

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Grant Robertson has recently declared his candidacy for the leadership of the Labour Party. Zane Pocock spoke to the former OUSA President about the leadership contest and his plans for the Party. Why should a university student Labour member vote for you? Read more...

NZUSA in the Toilet

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Sam McChesney

Student presidents around the country are calling for sweeping reforms to the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA), after the Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) notified its withdrawal from the organisation. In a press release circulated on 22 August, the Presidents of OUSA, VUWSA Read more...

Seven Visors Deemed Super

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Bella Macdonald

The OUSA 2013 Supervisor of the Year Awards were held on 26 August, with awards given to seven University of Otago supervisors. The role of the supervisor is to oversee and support postgraduate students in the writing of their theses. Finalists for the awards were selected based on student Read more...

Acklin Calls It Quits After Nine Illustrious Years

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

Recidivist drink driver, Elvis impersonator and Dunedin City Councillor Bill Acklin has announced that he will not seek re-election when the city votes for its council in November. Cr. Acklin, whose business dealings have previously left him owing $190,000 to the Inland Revenue Department, told the Read more...

Mosgiel Chainsaw Canister

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Thomas Raethel

A six-hour standoff took place in Mosgiel between police and a man who had locked himself in his garage with a running chainsaw. Critic is astounded at how long it took for the chainsaw to run out of fuel. After being called to a domestic incident on Murray St at 8pm on 22 August, police were Read more...

Money Thrown at Peace And Conflict Centre

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

An anonymous $500,000 donation has been made to the University of Otago’s National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies. Centre Director Professor Kevin Clements said that the donor, an Auckland businessman, does not want personal recognition. “He believes very strongly in the importance of Read more...

Otago Sciences Less Valuable Than Waikato’s, says MBIE

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Zane Pocock

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce last Wednesday announced the 51 research projects from around New Zealand that will be funded in this year’s $278 million Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) science investment round. The University of Otago is “disappointed” to Read more...

Rather Nice Automobile Discovered

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Josie Cochrane

A 1922 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost has been discovered inside a container at Port Otago’s Dunedin container yard. The Rolls-Royce, found earlier this month, has never been registered in New Zealand, and it is yet to be confirmed whether the original body remains in place. Even in its current state, the Read more...

Alt Pub Just A Bit Too Breezy Ankles

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Jamie Breen

Last week was difficult for the bar Mou Very. The local watering hole for sweaty hipsters faced a public hearing last Wednesday after failing to meet the liquor licensing requirements. Mou Very was originally granted a temporary licence in February in order to allow the bar to operate while Read more...

Forsyth Barr Stadium May Be Sinking

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Irrelevant Irvine

Critic has been informed by “people in the know” that Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium is sinking on its foundations. Built on reclaimed land, which requires buildings to have floating foundations, it is believed that when steel was added to the monstrous construction it immediately began to Read more...

Late Crate Debate Suffocates After Eight Great Speight’s-Fuelled Dates With Mates

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Claudia Herron

Acknowledging the “harmful drinking culture in New Zealand,” the Otago University Debating Society (OUDS) will “no longer sanction” the infamous Crate Debate. The decision, which has been kept under wraps, first came to Critic’s attention after moderators deleted a comment attacking the decision on Read more...

Shit System to Be Made Less Shit

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Thomas Raethel

The Performance-Based Research Fund is set to undergo changes in an effort to save time and reduce compliance costs for researchers. In a 26 August press release, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce, confirmed that a review is underway. The Government plans to Read more...

DCC Shafts Students Despite Withdrawing Poll

Posted 3:48pm Sunday 1st September 2013 by Sam McChesney

The Dunedin City Council has scrapped plans to introduce a polling booth on campus during the upcoming local body elections. The returning officer, Pam Jordan, made the decision after concerns were raised that the booth could give the appearance of favouritism toward OUSA President Francisco Read more...

NZUSA to Face Do-Or-Die Reforms

Posted 7:41pm Friday 23rd August 2013 by Sam McChesney

Student presidents around the country are calling for sweeping reforms to the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations (NZUSA), after the Waikato Students’ Union (WSU) notified its withdrawal from the organisation. In a press release circulated on 22 August, the Presidents of OUSA, VUWSA Read more...

Christchurch Rebuild a Safety Shocker, Says Worker

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

A temporary worker in the Christchurch rebuild has alleged shocking health and safety lapses during his time there earlier this year. Ferdinand Schuster, a 20-year-old German student on his gap year, told Critic that he had been put at risk and injured due to unsafe practices on a number of Read more...

New School to Research How to Research

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Josie Cochrane

The University of Otago now has a Graduate Research School, which aims to provide more academic support, more services to graduate research candidates and a focus on leading research on how to research. The School replaces the research services department and now welcomes a Dean, Professor Rachel Read more...

University Council Meeting

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

The University Council unanimously endorsed a strategic document as well as a flatting standards bill, and engaged in light-hearted banter at its meeting last Tuesday. Council Member Michael Sidey clapped when Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne told the meeting that her two-year Read more...

SOGOS Go Sci-Fi

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Lindsey Horne

It turns out SoGoS fund more than just keg parties. The International Centre for Society, Governance & Science (SoGoS) funded a roundtable discussion on Genomics in Queenstown earlier this month. The Director of SoGoS (and no doubt the mastermind behind the title) is none other than University of Read more...

Fran Keeping Bus-y

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

OUSA, in partnership with the Dunedin City Council (DCC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC), has announced they are working towards an improved Dunedin bus service for students. This will involve simplifying routes and timetables, and addressing student pricing. The ORC has committed to a Read more...

Shearribly Dull

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Claudia Herron

A contingent of Labour MPs consigned to forever working as the Opposition – including party leader David Shearer – held a public lecture on Monday 12 August at Knox Church Hall to tell us that “we are being ripped off.” Apparently, this problem can be solved by their NZ Power policy, which claims to Read more...

No Confidence Distraught as Tenci Wins By-Election

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

OUSA has a new Finance Officer after Nick Tenci trounced loveable sock puppet No Confidence at the close of voting in last Thursday’s by-election. In the final count, the third-year Finance and Biochemistry student received 470 votes (81.31 per cent). “No confidence in these candidates” received 108 Read more...

“Sit Back Down,” Says Joyce

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Thomas Raethel

In response to the Otago Daily Times’ call to “Stand Up Otago,” Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce provided a rebuttal that was published by the newspaper on 10 August. In the rebuttal, entitled “Government Assisting Otago in Multiple Ways,” Joyce cited a $15 million contribution to Read more...

Xmas Present for EXMSS Pres

Posted 4:47pm Sunday 18th August 2013 by Bella Macdonald

Massey University’s Extramural Student Society’s (EXMSS) President is firing off scandalous allegations after MASSIVE magazine revealed how much she receives for her part-time position. In a MASSIVE article published online on Friday 9 August, it was revealed that EXMSS President Jeanette Read more...

The GCSB Bill

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Bella Macdonald

What is the GCSB?The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) is, amongst other things, New Zealand’s external spy service. The intelligence agency was set up by then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon in 1977. It was tasked with keeping government communications and computers secure, and spying Read more...

Internet Totally Shithouse

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

Students and staff alike have been frustrated at the University of Otago’s slow Internet service over the past few weeks, coming at a crucial time for most students who are facing mid-semester assignment deadlines. The University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) never responded to Read more...

“Lack of Jobs Gives Students Chance to Study More, Eat Less.” – OUSA

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

Total Student Job Search (SJS) earnings in Otago have dropped by 12 per cent, equating to a loss of income of more than $450,000 over the course of the past year. Total weeks worked was also down 12 per cent, from 8,094 in the corresponding period last year to 7,145 this year. The Read more...

OUSA Tries to Keep Q-Jitsu Secret

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Jamie Breen

Last week was OUSA Diversity Week, devoted to celebrating the diversity of Otago students and raising awareness and understanding of those who are queer or questioning. Different events, each focusing on queer support, were held every day of the week. The OUSA Queer Support group ran the Read more...

Sammy's to Be Someone Else's

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Josie Cochrane

After 35 years of owning Crawford Street venue Sammy’s, the Chin family wants “younger people with new, fresh ideas” to step in. Sam Chin, the owner of Sammy’s, says he wants “new energy” and is “open to any new ideas” in terms of the venue’s Read more...

Provincials Reach For Their Pitchforks

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Thomas Raethel

A former presenter of New Zealand’s Funniest Home Videos has called for the formation of a political party devoted to the South of New Zealand. Dunedin businessman Ian Taylor formulated the idea in conjunction with the Otago Daily Times’ “Stand Up, Otago” front-page editorial of 3 August. The Read more...

Audit Ordered by Orders

Posted 2:29pm Sunday 11th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

A pre-election report from the Dunedin City Council (DCC) has confirmed that council workers have been tasked with calculating a new, higher figure for the construction of the Forsyth Barr stadium, believed to be at least $260 million. The DCC’s CEO Paul Orders included the announcement in his Read more...

Councillor Fran to Pay the Iron Price

Posted 2:21pm Saturday 10th August 2013 by Sam McChesney

After weeks of speculation, OUSA President Francisco Hernandez has declared his candidacy for the upcoming Dunedin City Council elections. Hernandez made the decision to run after deciding the Council needed more student voices. So far, Hernandez and Co-President of Students for Read more...

The Fun Party

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Sam McChesney

Last Monday, Critic was witness to a slightly bizarre spectacle, as the OUSA Governance and Representation Review Working Party held its second meeting. Although several members of the working party were absent, this was of little consequence; most of those present took on the role of slightly Read more...

Uni Tries to Steal Fran’s Thunder

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

In an excited Facebook status posted last Wednesday evening, OUSA President Francisco Hernandez announced the early drafting of a bill that would enable the Dunedin City Council (DCC) to create and enforce a housing warrant of fitness. He aptly called it “GREAT NEWS!!!” “We’ll be engaging key Read more...

Students Are Students Again

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

After hiding for most of the year, the traditional Scarfie again raised its hideous head last Saturday 27 July with nine Castle Street arrests and a group of international students wanting to go home after an early-morning break in. The Castle Street arrests were made after occupants called Read more...

Pope Cums Out in Support of Gays

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

In case you missed it, Pope Francis came out in support of homosexuality last Monday and is fast becoming the Catholic Church’s first popular leader. “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” Francis asked reporters on the Papal Aircraft heading Read more...

Debaters Flare N'Australs

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Zane Pocock

The Otago University Debating Society (OUDS) has put in a bid to host the so-called “Australs” tournament next year. Australs are the second-largest debating tournament in the world and bring together a minimum of 80 three-person teams from Asia-Pacific universities. The last New Zealand university Read more...

Woe Men Week

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Bella Macdonald

OUSA Women’s Week was held from 29 July-2 August to promote gender equality and raise awareness regarding an extensive range issues, including feminism, sexism, abuse, discrimination and the inclusion of abortion in the Crimes Act. The week was organised by OUSA’s Women’s Representative Sam Read more...

Otago’s Hip Hop Diversity on Display

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

Monday 29 July saw the annual International Cultural Night (in aid of the Otago Community Hospice) take place at the Teachers’ College Auditorium. The night, which was organised by OUSA and the International Cultural Council, began with a kapa haka performance by Te Roopu Maori. The audience was Read more...

Waterway Revamp Minimises Leithal Floods

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Thomas Raethel

Otago University has agreed to commit $204,000 towards the development of a beautified Water of Leith, adjacent to the Clocktower. This sum is only a fraction of the $5.4 million that the Otago Regional Council expects to spend on the project over the summer. The funds have been sourced from Read more...

Dunedin Gets Cable in Confused Quest to Catch Up With Rest of World

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Claudia Herron

A $21 million initiative to reintroduce a Cable Car link from the Exchange to Mornington is gaining support internationally and could see it become an “icon” for Dunedin. Over the course of two information sessions held at the Otago Museum, the Dunedin Cable Car Trust revealed that the Read more...

Two Guys One Sock (Puppet)

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Staff Reporter

OUSA is going to the polls yet again, this time to find a new Finance Officer following Lucy Gaudin’s departure to the greener pastures of OUSA’s Accounts department. Critic thanks Lucy sincerely, as we have always loved covering fortnightly elections. Voting will commence on 13 August at Read more...

Protestors Fight The Pows

Posted 3:50pm Sunday 4th August 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

Hundreds of protestors gathered in the Octagon on Saturday 27 July to demonstrate against proposed new legislation that would allow the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to collect private data from New Zealanders. The demonstration was held in conjunction with other protests Read more...

Dunedin Could Be Larried at Any Moment

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Bella Macdonald

Following the recent earthquakes that rocked Seddon and Wellington, experts have warned that Dunedin, or anywhere else in the South Island, could be next. The most recent major earthquake in Dunedin occurred when the Akatore fault moved in 1974. However, the Akatore, along with two other Read more...

Little Girl Counts Dead Sheep

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Jamie Breen

Although police once thought burning couches was a serious crime, a new form of vandalism has caught their attention. A pet sheep was stolen, bashed, set on fire, and the dead body dumped back at its original Clermiston Ave residence in Dunedin last week. Police were called to the scene when Read more...

Otago Tops Ranking for Most Rankings Topped

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Zane Pocock

The University of Otago has been ranked New Zealand’s top university in all four measures of the Educational Performance Indicators (EPIs) released by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) last Wednesday. It is the first time any university has been the top in all four measures, although the EPI Read more...

Exec Has Erection Over New By-Election

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Staff Reporter

OUSA is set to have ANOTHER by-election, after Finance Officer Lucy Gaudin announced that she would step down from 1 August. Gaudin resigned in order to take up a new, full time role as OUSA Accounts Administrator. Other members of the Executive were quick to pay tribute to Gaudin. President Read more...

Patriarchal Scooter Explodes in an Effort to Keep Woman at Home

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Claudia Herron

A late night explosion in Mosgiel has left a woman “housebound” after her mobility scooter burst into flames whilst charging at her home on Green Street. The Otago Daily Times reported that Eleanor Moore (68) awoke at 11pm on the evening of Friday 19 July to find her “only means of Read more...

Fucking Hikes for Fucking Hacks

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Sam McChesney

OUSA President Francisco Hernandez has tabled a memorandum proposing changes to the Executive’s honoraria. The memorandum, which was tabled on 19 July, proposes slight reductions in base pay but with the addition of large performance-based bonuses. These would result in potential pay Read more...

OUSA Survey Results Released

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Zane Pocock

OUSA’s 2013 student survey has found positive attitudes towards all services provided by OUSA. The services surveyed were the Student Support Centre, the Recreation Centre, OUSA Events, Student Job Search, Critic, Radio One, and Campaigns Representation by the Executive. 79.85 per cent of Read more...

Invisible Hand to Be Slapped on the Wrist

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Claudia Herron

The need to raise the standard of student housing in Dunedin has seen OUSA, Generation Zero and the DCC team up to get a local bill before Parliament. The deteriorating state of housing in the student precinct has seen many students put up with sub-par rental properties for too long, but the Read more...

Interview: Hilary Calvert

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

Local businesswoman, landlord and former ACT MP Hilary Calvert recently confirmed her candidacy for the Dunedin mayoralty and City Council. She spoke to Critic’s Jack Montgomerie about student flats, obelisks, and her plans to rein in council spending. Critic: You are running for mayor. Read more...

Foreign Workers Flock to Christchurch Rebuild

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Jack Montgomerie

As the Christchurch rebuild draws workers from around the world, the city’s demographics as well as its buildings look set to change. Since the February 2011 earthquake brought destruction to Christchurch and subsequent demolitions further denuded the city of buildings, construction companies Read more...

“Action” Fran Acquires 200 Legless Chairs to Sell for Charity

Posted 4:45pm Sunday 28th July 2013 by Zane Pocock

OUSA were donated 200 seats from the deceased Carisbrook stadium last Wednesday, none of which have legs. They are to be sold to students for a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to Rotary to help organisations such as the Neonatal Trust of Otago and the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust. Read more...

A Sneak Peek at OUSA’s 2014 Budget

Posted 3:59pm Sunday 21st July 2013 by Sam McChesney

The details of OUSA’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) negotiations with the University have been leaked to Critic. The following is a breakdown of how OUSA intends to spend your money in 2014. $13,760 on a corrugated iron shed for the NORML protestors. This will protect regular (i.e. non-NORML) Read more...

The 2012 Audit: How OUSA Spent Your Money

Posted 3:59pm Sunday 21st July 2013 by Zane Pocock

An audit of OUSA’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) budgeted spending in 2012 was tabled at last Tuesday’s Executive meeting. The SLA is the mechanism by which the University of Otago funds OUSA. The audit, carried out by nominated accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), shows that OUSA had a Read more...

Wakachangi Beer Launch

Posted 3:59pm Sunday 21st July 2013 by Thomas Raethel

Comedian Leigh Hart visited Leith Street Liquorland on 13 July to promote his new beer’s launch in Dunedin. Wakachangi Lager is to be primarily marketed toward New Zealand students. Hart told Critic that he considers the lager to be an alternative to brands like Speight’s. He admitted that the Read more...