Congratulations, tauira mā. You survived another Ōtepoti winter.
The days are getting longer, the flowers are popping up, and now and then the sun stays out long enough for us to remember that Dunedin can be quite beautiful. Unfortunately, we've also reached that point in the semester where the next stops are final assignments, exams, and for some of us, graduation. So, before you disappear into your study caves for the foreseeable future, consider this your reminder to defrost.
DO: Leave North Dunedin.
I promise Ōtepoti continues beyond the uni precinct. Be a tourist in your own town. Hit the Saturday market, chase a sunset at Blackhead beach, or finally make that Peninsula mission you’ve been thinking about.
DON’T: Wait for the “perfect” Dunner Stunner.
This is Dunedin. Four seasons in one day is part of the charm. If the sun is shining right now, haere. By the time you've finished deciding what to do, a southerly could be rolling in.
DO: Find the moana.
St Clair, St Kilda, Aramoana, Brighton – pick one! Grab your mates, get some kai, walk barefoot in the sand, and watch the sun go down (or come up!). Bonus points if you're brave enough for a swim.
DON’T: Make having fun expensive.
We're students. A blanket, some snacks, good company, and somewhere pretty can carry an afternoon. Not every wholesome activity needs to become a $100 excursion.
DO: Make plans before “after this assignment” becomes “after exams.”
There will always be another deadline. Spring, however, will quietly carry on without you. Some of my favourite memories were made taking adventurous study breaks with friends.
For some of us, plenty more Dunedin springs lie ahead. For others, this might be the last one before graduation takes us somewhere new. Either way, don't spend all of it looking forward to leaving.
Go outside. Touch grass. Find the goodness out there and enjoy Ōtepoti while you're here. I promise it’s really special when you give it a proper chance.
