Columns

I had a bit of writer’s block this week so opened up the floor for suggestions. I got a few and couldn’t decide so here’s a bit of all of them:

Exec Restructure – don’t worry. It’s all going to be Okay. OUSA <3s minorities and wants to represent them all. We’ll make sure it happens. We’d love your feedback on the specifics and policies as we are about to ratify all the committees, job descriptions, etc.
   Interest on Student Loans – John Key did a speech to Victoria students about interest going back on student loans. Students nationwide gasped and pulled frowny faces (some even used the ‘F’ word). Sure, we have a lot of student debt. And we agree with you John – $11 billion is huge. But that’s going to skyrocket if we have to pay interest as well. Interest-free loans ensure graduates stay in New Zealand and their skills and education are applied here. In fact, investment in tertiary education brings a real rate of return of about 14-16 percent to the economy. It seems to me this is John Key softening the blow on getting rid of interest-free loans. I really hope everyone watches this space, and gets ready to make a real fuss if this comes in. This is something we should all stop being apathetic about.
   Flatting – it’s that time again. OUSA has launched its flat sign campaign – we have a bunch of ‘flat taken’ signs that took to flats. Until your flat is taken, on the reverse you can use them to show how many rooms are in your flat, the rent, how to contact the landlord (to discourage knocking on doors and interrupting) and its STARS rating. Check out www.housingstars.co.nz to find out what your flat’s rating is. If it isn’t listed, encourage your landlord to do so and help lift the quality of our housing conditions. If you didn’t get a sign, pop in to the main office and grab one. In the background, we are lobbying to make this scheme mandatory. It is also about the time of the year where things get tense. Be it with your landlord or your flatmates, issues in flats are really common. If you have a problem come chat to OUSA and we can help sort it out. We also have the Flatting Mag (available online), which is full of really helpful advice. SOULS also runs a tenancy advice program with regular advice sessions. Email Georgina Leslie (soulstenancyprogramme@gmail.com) for more information. 
   A request for my favourite Scarfie recipe – Spaghetti bolognaise is my favourite! It is a family classic so it doubles as a homesickness cure. Brown mince, an onion, crushed garlic, and a dash of oil in a fry pan. Turn the heat down and add canned tomatoes and mixed herbs, simmer for as long as you can wait, serve with pasta (and cheese if you can afford it). Yum!