Archive
Eugene Yeo: The Man Underground with a Camera
Posted 4:59pm Sunday 6th March 2022 by Keegan Wells
Eugene Yeo likes to spend his free time in cold, damp underground spaces. No, not Dunedin basements, but rather the intricate cave systems that lie beneath Aotearoa. He’s also a keen photographer, shining a light on places that sometimes exist in utter blackness. Eugene, who just graduated Read more...
Weird and wonderful ideas for when you’re stuck on your next hosting sesh
Posted 4:57pm Sunday 6th March 2022 by Ruby Werry
Throwing parties is hard. It requires lots of planning, and induces plenty of anxiety. You find yourself thinking: Will people come? Will they have fun? Will people think my idea is cool and original? Or will it be boring and will I be socially outcast forever? Never fear, Critic is here! Read more...
Dunedin Dating Red Flags:
Posted 4:54pm Sunday 6th March 2022 by Annabelle Vaughan
The start of every semester is always the start of a new beginning. New papers, new friends, new flats and new parties. It is also always the beginning of new romances. Perhaps you have a cute neighbour in your hall, or there’s someone you’ve got your eye on in a lecture (or Zoom call). Read more...
How did you get Covid?
Posted 4:42pm Sunday 6th March 2022 by Elliot Weir
Everyone knows that your current outfit and legal name can predict your susceptibility to viruses, so here’s a quick and easy way to forecast the future of your immune system. Colour of Your Top + Star sign + Third letter of first name = How you got Covid Colour of the top Read more...
Local Produce: Hazmat Monkey
Posted 3:57pm Sunday 27th February 2022 by Zak Rudin
Dunedin’s newest up and coming eclectic musical duo “Hazmat Monkey” have just released their self-titled double album. The album is the first to feature their all-original music, and is truly a force to be reckoned with. Hazmat Monkey first emerged in 2020, when two jazz Read more...
Luude’s remix of Down Under changed my opinion of Drum and Bass
Posted 3:54pm Sunday 27th February 2022 by Annabelle Vaughan
Last year I published a scathing opinion piece about how we need to stop playing so much drum and bass music and why the genre is inherently shit. The article copped a lot of hate and elicited an angry response from Dunedin’s breatha population, but it went on to win an award, so suck on that. Read more...
Becoming the Alpha Flatmate
Posted 3:52pm Sunday 27th February 2022 by Sophie Hursthouse
There’s always an Alpha Flatmate. From the get go, it’s always about them, their schedule and their drama while the rest of the flat is demoted to peasantry. Never mind the fact that being the Alpha Flatmate is a sure sign of a manipulative, sadistic, and egomaniacal personality. Anyway, Read more...
Cafe Study Spots
Posted 3:46pm Sunday 27th February 2022 by Annabelle Vaughan
Often, the university libraries can somehow make you feel both agoraphobic and claustrophobic, bored and overwhelmed. More times than not, you’ll find yourself staring at the dull ceilings of Central hating every moment that passes by. With the announcement of online classes, as well as the Read more...
Red Light Ragers
Posted 3:40pm Sunday 27th February 2022 by Annabelle Vaughan
If you’re anything like me, chances are you spent all summer yearning and lusting after Flo and O. Those dreams came crashing down for all of us on January 28th when Red Light was announced, putting limits on gatherings and restrictions in place. Look, I get it. This shit’s Read more...
Student Makes the Big Screen
Posted 12:52pm Friday 28th January 2022 by Fox Meyer
At least one student has made it into the cast (but not the credits) of The Royal Treatment, the Netflix movie filmed in Dunedin last year. It was dark in the room where Critic met with Reid. He sat at a laptop, watching and re-watching an eight second clip of The Royal Treatment. In Read more...
Fuck, I Can’t Cook!
Posted 3:14pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Alice Taylor
Nachos Nachos are one of those typical flat meals that can be dreadfully boring or terribly exciting. I think this recipe falls under the latter category. Nachos are already fantastic, but when you cover the whole thing in cheese sauce, it is made even better. I also recommend purchasing some Read more...
Local Produce: Elliot Gray
Posted 3:12pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Sean Gourley
Elliot Gray is an ex-Otago student who creates planters in the shape of various genitalia as a side hustle. His business has been a huge success, with a penis-themed post reaching millions on Facebook. Elliot 3D prints the pots. His interest in 3D printing started while he was studying IT at Read more...
Fijian Language Week
Posted 2:58pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Susana Jones
Bula brass! Fijian language week was from Sunday 3 October to Saturday 9 October, my personal favourite because Fiji is my homeland. I talked to some of my Fijian matavuvale (family) down here in Dunners to learn some more about my own culture, and to learn about their experiences being stunning Read more...
Tuvalu Language Week
Posted 2:54pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Susana Jones
Talofa! It was Tuvalu language week from Sunday 26 September to Saturday 2 October. To learn a bit more about Tuvalu and its language, I talked to Nancy, Fagasele, and Riiti, three beautiful Tuvaluan students here in Dunedin. How would you describe Tuvalu for people who don’t know Read more...
An Interview with @dunedinsoftbois
Posted 2:50pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Asia Martusia King
Meet the admin of @dunedinsoftbois, an Instagram account showcasing Ōtepoti’s finest bachelors. Their mission is to expose the ghastly Tinder messages from the vintage-sweater-wearing, Marlboro-smoking, e-girl yearning fuckboys who understand David Lynch more than you ever will. They Read more...
What's your NewstalkZB headline?
Posted 2:41pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Critic
Favourite colour + star sign + second letter of first name + fashion decade = headline Your Favourite Colour Red - ‘Outrageous’: Orange - BREAKING: Yellow - Kate Hawkesby: Blue - Opinion: Green - ‘About time’: Purple - Heather du Read more...
The Best and Worst Flats in Dunedin
Posted 2:34pm Sunday 10th October 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Last week, Critic Te Arohi and OUSA ran a competition to find the best and worst flats within Dunedin. Thanks to our sponsors, the almighty Delivereasy, the winners netted themselves some sweet $200 vouchers, while the runners-up received $100 vouchers. Our judges were local Labour MP Rachel Read more...
Local Produce: Dale Kerrigan
Posted 12:19am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Sean Gourley
Dale Kerrigan are a local noise rock band that has been playing gigs all over NZ this year. Shlee’s vocals over a crashing backdrop gives Dale Kerrigan a distinctive sound. They recently released their first album on Spotify. Their sonic tonic consists of Shlee on guitar, her brother Josh on Read more...
Opinion: Stop Playing so Much DnB at Parties
Posted 12:17am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
It’s a Saturday night. The breathas and beezys are out in North Dunedin. The only thing accompanying them is a box of piss, their trusty vape, and promises to themselves that they are going to break. The notorious party streets are full of people and the rumbling, shaking sound of drum and Read more...
MASKS, MASKS, MASKS!
Posted 12:15am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Aiman Amerul Muner
If there is one thing that everyone can agree on about masks is that: THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. Since the first reported case Covid-19 arrived in Aotearoa in early 2020, we have been told that the best way to protect ourselves is to wear a face mask. People shopped for masks to a point where in some Read more...
L Hotel: Dunedin’s triple threat trio
Posted 12:14am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Ōtepoti band L Hotel are known for many things. Pint Night gigs, being objectively cool blokes, playing covers, and releasing all round good tunes. The trio, which consists of former reality TV star and bassist Dave Borrie (Taurus sun), drummer Fred Richardson (Leo sun), and guitarist Jono Read more...
A Slam Poem Curated from Your Studentville Wifi Names
Posted 12:11am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Asia Martusia King
Hey there. Nice Cock. You looking for a New Flat with cheap rent? Head down to LoserVille: location, Gang land. Somewhere in the Alley on DundASS street, we have all the Beer Necessities you need. You want entertainment? We got you. Fuck Gamers Read more...
Power Ranking Night ‘n Day’s Tuesday Deals
Posted 12:10am Saturday 2nd October 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
As poor students, there is nothing we love more than cheap food. Luckily, Night ‘n Day provides such a service with their monthly Tuesday deals. A few years ago, they used to only be $2, but thanks to capitalism, prices have since been on the increase and now sit more around the $3 to $4 Read more...
Local Produce: Isaac Chadwick
Posted 3:41pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Isaac Chadwick is a new creative who has recently launched onto the Dunedin scene. He is an aspiring filmmaker, session musician and surfer who is successfully moulding all of his interests into artistic projects. Critic sat down to chat with him on his new projects and what it’s like being a Read more...
PRINS: what it’s like being a solo female artist in Aotearoa’s music industry
Posted 3:39pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Alannah Prins, known by her stage name PRINS, is one of Aotearoa’s latest musical sensations. An electro-pop artist based in Christchurch, she is set to embark on a nationwide tour in the coming months. Critic sat down to chat with her on the tour, her new music, and what it’s like Read more...
I CLAIM: This is an interview with Dunedin Affirmations
Posted 3:36pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Sean Gourley
Dunedin Affirmations (@dunedinaffirmations) is an Ōtepoti Instagram page on the rise. We checked in with them to see what goes into posting daily inspirational content, and also to get clues as to their identity because that is our favourite project right now. Can you explain what Read more...
Live Music In The Age of Covid-19
Posted 3:32pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Denzel Chung
Covid restrictions have been putting Dunedin’s live musicians under pressure, needing to adjust to a new normal of small gigs, even tighter finances, and lots more time spent online. Critic Te Arohi spoke to local musicians Boaz Anema and Zi Shaw, as well as sound engineer and music scene Read more...
Outdoor Study Spots: How to make the most of Spring in the exam season
Posted 3:22pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Susana Jones
Spring has well and truly sprung, bringing more sunlight and life to campus. With most of us completing the semester online, libraries and flats can become claustrophobic and uncomfortable study spots. Instead of slaving away inside, now is the perfect time of year to grab an outside study spot, and Read more...
How to Improve Your Tinder
Posted 3:18pm Sunday 26th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Whether you’re on it for a joke, or to find love, a quick root, or a dealer, we’ve all downloaded Tinder at some stage or another in our lives. However, sometimes matches and messages lead to nothing. But for the breathas who are wanting a Saturday beezy, or the lonely folks just wanting Read more...
Te Roopū Māori 2022
Posted 3:46pm Monday 20th September 2021 by Critic
Tumuaki: Jade Mills E rere kau mai te awa nui, mai i te kāhui maunga ki Tangaroa ko au te awa ko te awa ko au. Kia ora koutou, my name is Jade and I come from the beautiful Whanganui awa. This year I am fortunate enough to be Āpiha hauora (Recreation and Welfare officer) for Te Read more...
Local Produce: Joseph Jakicevich
Posted 3:41pm Monday 20th September 2021 by Sean Gourley
Joseph Jakicevich is an artist currently based in Wellington who popped down to Ōtepoti at the start of the year. His unique artwork often features eye-catching distorted subjects. Critic checked in with him to see what it was like collaborating with artists from all over Aotearoa. Joseph Read more...
Oops, Newshub Reported on My Fake Landlord Post
Posted 3:40pm Monday 20th September 2021 by Asia Martusia King
It all began when my flatmate didn’t do the dishes. I wondered what would happen if she died under mysterious circumstances. Would the rest of us get free rent, or would we have to cover our deceased flatmate’s share while mourning? It’s a deeply upsetting scenario. When Read more...
Which form of home-made coffee is the best?
Posted 2:08pm Monday 20th September 2021 by Sean Gourley
Coffee is the peak of caffeinated beverages. Tea is too weak and British; energy drinks are for incels and children. Coffee is a gateway drug to becoming a functional member of society. Most students wouldn’t be able to take their exams or morning shits without it. But which method of brewing Read more...
Holding Out For a Hero
Posted 2:03pm Monday 20th September 2021 by Susana Jones
Essential workers are out there grinding despite the drama of lockdown, providing us with food, healthcare, petrol, and all the essentials. As I sit up in my room doing my daily tasks, eating my daily food, going on my daily walks, watching my daily updates, I wonder what it might be like to live a Read more...
Local Produce: Adelaide Cara
Posted 4:04pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Sean Gourley
Adelaide Cara is an Ōtepoti musician who recently recorded their debut album ‘How Does This Sound?’ The album is nostalgic and dreamy, perfect to listen to while you drive around at night, with haunting vocals. Thankfully they released it on cassette tape, so even my very old car Read more...
When Worlds Collide: Overcoming Technological Hurdles to Te Reo
Posted 3:57pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Elliot Weir
The digital world can provide a place for te reo Māori to thrive, but a number of technological hurdles stand in the way. One of the largest problems is with autocorrect and spell check. Students found it annoying when te reo words autocorrected to English words. Other times, kupu have Read more...
“What percentage are you?”
Posted 3:47pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Why the colonial concept of blood quantum doesn’t define indigenous people By Annabelle Vaughan People sometimes ask weird questions, that’s how life is. However, for many Māori here in Aotearoa, or any indigenous person, a common question we often receive is “so Read more...
Iwi Dialects: Because Te Reo Isn’t the Same Everywhere
Posted 3:34pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Students of Te Roopū Māori
Growing up in Aotearoa, chances are you’ve learned a bit of te reo here and there. While you might think there is a one-size-fits all approach, that’s not the case. All across Aotearoa, different iwi in different regions each have their own individual dialects of te reo. Listed below are Read more...
A Brief History of Ngāi Tahu: Things you should probably know about the land you’re on
Posted 3:21pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
If you’ve come to study at Otago University from up North, picked fruit in the sweltering heat of Central Otago, gone skiing on the slopes in Wānaka, or gone stargazing at Lake Tekapo, it’s important for you to know about Ngāi Tahu. Ngāi Tahu, also known as Kāi Tahu, Read more...
How Pākehā can better honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Posted 3:10pm Sunday 12th September 2021 by Tessa Dalgety-Evans
CW: Racism, colonisation, discussion of Pākehā dominance Definitions Pākehā: English, foreign, European. Despite the claims of some non-Māori speakers, the term does not normally have negative connotations. Tauiwi: foreigner, European, non-Māori, Read more...
Local Produce: Black-Sale House
Posted 3:37pm Sunday 5th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Best known for their funky, genre-spanning sound and playing plenty of pint nights, Dunedin band Black Sale House are leaving a major mark on the Dunedin music scene. The group of five, made up of Masin on vocals, Samuel on keyboards, Finn on guitar, Joshua on drums, and Sol on bass, sat Read more...
The Politics of Flat Mugs
Posted 3:30pm Sunday 5th September 2021 by Keegan Wells
Unless you’re a soulless robot, you have a favourite mug. So do all your flatmates, and they are different mugs. The politics of flat mugs are an underlying, unspoken rule amongst flatties in Dunedin. Conflict begins to brew when someone steals another person’s mug, or said cup is Read more...
OPINION: Please Don't Get Pets in Lockdown
Posted 3:29pm Sunday 5th September 2021 by Asia Martusia King
Mamma mia, here we go again. Some people thrive in lockdown. If you are anything like me (condolences) you get lonely and sad instead. You begin to think, wouldn’t it be nice to adopt a gorgeous fuzzy son/daughter? You’d have the benefits of pet therapy. You’d be giving an animal a Read more...
K9MD: The Clever Canines That Can Help Combat Cancer
Posted 3:25pm Sunday 5th September 2021 by Asia Martusia King
Levi von Heisenberg’s work day is as follows. He wakes up, carpools to work in rural Mosgiel, and smells jars of piss. Levi is a German Shepherd and member of K9MD, a team of darling medical detection dogs who are learning to sniff out cancer in human urine. Could a dog save your life? Read more...
The Guy with the Suit and the Synagogue: Peter Grace
Posted 3:23pm Sunday 5th September 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Peter Grace is known to most as a lecturer of New Zealand foreign policy at the Department of Politics, or the mysterious 100-level International politics tutor. Grace is best known for his kind and soft spoken demeanor, his dedication to his students, and a penchant for Savile Rowe Read more...
Local Produce: Teddy Penrose, aka Logan Burrell
Posted 4:06pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Image credit: Rosa Nevison Otago student Logan Burrell is well accustomed with the Dunedin music scene. After playing in several local bands, he has since branched out on his own solo project, releasing music under the pseudonym Teddy Penrose. Critic sat down with Logan to chat about his creative Read more...
Bruce Mahalski’s Amazing Animal Mural-skis
Posted 4:05pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Asia Martusia King
Living in Dunedin, chances are you've seen a variety of street art — a couple of hoiho beside Market Kitchen, or the rooster outside of CJ’s supermarket. Bruce Mahalski is the artist behind these creations, performing necromancy on the Animal Attic’s ailing taxidermy, bringing Read more...
You’ve been hired to write a news article for Critic Te Arohi’s next issue.
Posted 4:03pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Elliot Weir
Your Birth Month January - Breatha February - Grange Street Flat March - MFCO lecturer April - Renowned stoner May - Nerd June - Wholesome grandma July - OUSA Exec August - Broke Castle Street resident September - Student journalist October - Environmental activist Read more...
Māori Hour Wholesomeness
Posted 3:22pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Susana Jones
Māori hour is an incredibly wholesome phenomenon. I am not Māori and am not speaking on behalf of Māori and never will. I am just here to comment on a cultural phenomenon I’ve observed, one which is interesting, special, and unique to Aotearoa. Imagine this. You’re at a Read more...
Mixer Review
Posted 3:20pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Chug Norris
Mixers are the unsung heroes of alcohol, the pleasure to balance the pain of spirits. Anything can be a mixer if you’re brave enough, but I really did have to narrow down the selection to only the most practical options. Rather than going through every type of soft drink and fruit juice, I Read more...
Ain’t No Party Like a Meatloaf Party
Posted 3:17pm Sunday 22nd August 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan, Fox Meyer, and Keegan Wells
Much like Regina George’s hair, Otago University is full of secrets. Tucked away in the streets of North Dunedin, there exist all kinds of weird and wonderful traditions. One of them is the Meatloaf Party. Critic Te Arohi attended the 30th anniversary of the event, which means that meatloaf Read more...
Local Produce: Jacob Koopman | @Koops_Art
Posted 2:25pm Monday 16th August 2021 by Keegan Wells
Jacob Koopman is one of the newest creatives emerging onto our local art scene. Jacob is currently blessing the eyes of many with his work, which blends realism and surrealism. Jacob is an artistic powerhouse who enjoys painting, usually while lying on the floor of his “poor-lit and mostly Read more...
Which Famous Artist Are You?
Posted 2:18pm Monday 16th August 2021 by Otago Art Club
What do you study? Muscles Numbers Green things (includes shrek) 2D shapes Society How much do you like to get naked? If it were legal, I would not wear clothes My birthday suit is the only suit I own I wear clothes in the shower Towel runs give me a rush of Read more...
Daniel Vernon: Artist, musician, bird conspiracy theorist
Posted 2:15pm Monday 16th August 2021 by Elliot Weir
Pōneke-based Daniel Vernon is a man of many talents. He’s an artist, a podcaster, and is in a band. He writes and plays music in Dartz, makes political satire comics as yeehawtheboys, and talks about sex, love, and relationships on the Just The Tips podcast. Daniel took some time out of Read more...
Local Produce: Tom Sharp - Going Solo as beatvandal
Posted 2:14am Monday 9th August 2021 by Sean Gourley
Tom Sharp is a musician well-acquainted with the Dunedin scene. For his latest project he has decided to go solo and give Dunedin a taste of his own unique style. He has released two singles and an EP under the name beatvandal. Tom started taking law at Otago after a gap-year in 2018, but Read more...
Which Study Spot Are You?
Posted 2:12am Monday 9th August 2021 by Critic
1. It’s a Thursday night. What are you doing? a. Getting wasted and heading to a gig b. Read more...
Mako Road: On their upcoming tour, the makings of ‘Stranger Days,’ and post-show rituals
Posted 2:06am Monday 9th August 2021 by Annabelle Vaughan
Four-piece indie rock band Mako Road have been making festival headlines and blasting through radio airwaves across New Zealand for a couple of years now. Their debut album, ‘Stranger Days’, has just been released and the group is set to tour around New Zealand this month. Critic Te Read more...
Cook Islands Language Week: Time to Learn About the Cook Islands
Posted 2:04am Monday 9th August 2021 by Susana Jones
Kia orāna all! Last week, from Sunday 1 August to Monday 7 August, was Cook Islands language week. To celebrate, we bring you this piece about one of the few places you might be able to travel to within the next year or so (thanks Miss Rona). To learn more about the Cook Islands, I Read more...
DSC Voted Best Bar
Posted 2:00am Monday 9th August 2021 by Fox Meyer
Well, here we are. DSC won Critic’s inaugural Bar Bracket. We started this bracket because we thought DSC’s third-place ranking by our staff was too high, and now it has come out on top. Democracy doesn’t always lead to the results you want. The bracket system and bar selection Read more...
What’s Hiding On Top Of University Buildings?
Posted 1:45am Monday 9th August 2021 by Asia Martusia King
When you’re a teenager, you hide your questionable content beneath the bed. When you’re a university, you hide them on the roof. Here are some of the things lurking above you right now. Microbiology — Covid Do you love scrumptious diseases? Wish you could Read more...
Local Produce: Emerik Wallace - The Fade Master
Posted 5:33pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Sean Gourley
Emerik Wallace is a very chill guy, who loves cutting hair. He runs @fat_emz_cuts cutting hair on weekends for customers and a few mates. Alongside this, he studies physio right here at Otago. Emerik started out cutting his own hair, he says. “I used to try to do short sides and fades Read more...
Huzur Kebab: Why have abs when you can have kebabs?
Posted 5:30pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Sean Gourley
Huzur Kebab is the newest kebab place in town. They opened on June 12. Owned and run by Mustafa Boztas, Huzur is located just north of fatty lane. It has provided much-needed, late-night Turkish food north of the Octagon, and brings something to the table that fatty lane has always been lacking: Read more...
Mother I’d Like to Fathom: The MILF Conundrum
Posted 5:28pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Asia Martusia King
May 19 2003 should be a national holiday. Stacy’s Mom by Fountains of Wayne was released and the MILF was born. But, what defines a MILF? The dictionary definition, if Merriam-Webster had the balls, would be “mother I’d like to fuck”. A hot woman with kids. A yummy mummy. Oh, Read more...
Dunedin Bar Bracket
Posted 5:25pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Fox Meyer
I love numbers, and I love beer. Here’s a bit of both. Behold: The Bar Bracket. We realized that allowing one reporter to rank the bars of Dunedin was a terrible idea, so we gave the power to you, the people, to decide which bar ranked supreme. As you may have noticed, not every Read more...
Water Into Wine: The Tasting Notes of Otago's Water Fountains
Posted 5:22pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Susana Jones
Water fountains are a staple all around campus. They are one of our most reliable and vital resources. There’s just one problem: They all seem to taste different, despite being on the same campus, and presumably being attached to the same pipes. I put my scientific skills to the test, and Read more...
Secret Ingredients to Spice Up Your Flat Cooking
Posted 5:19pm Sunday 1st August 2021 by Elliot Weir
Stuck in the same dull routine of pesto pasta, nachos, KFC and Domino’s? Looking to take your flat cooking up a notch and go outside your comfort zone? This list is for you. Critic has compiled a few secret ingredients that you can use in everyday recipes to give them some extra flavour, all Read more...
Local Produce: Rezzy Crooks
Posted 5:44pm Sunday 25th July 2021 by Sean Gourley
Image credit: Rosa Nevison Rezzy Crooks are now one of the OG bands on the Dunedin scene well established by many a pint night. There are four members Sam, Jamie, Toby and Josh in a classic two guitar, bass, and drums set-up. We checked in with them to see what it takes to make it to the Read more...
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...
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