Campus wasn't the same without you

Kia ora koutou e hoa mā! 

Happy start of Trimester One to you all. Whether you’re amped for the start of a new chapter or dreading classes before they’ve begun, there’s no doubt 2022 will be a hell of a year. 

A big welcome back to all of our returning students, I hope summer was kind to you. And if you’re a fresher who’s picked up their very first Salient, then congratulations on discovering us! 

Salient Magazine has had a strong hold on over our student culture since 1938. We are your go-to magazine for student news, investigative articles, podcasts, horoscopes, reviews, and puzzles. 

Our purpose is to hold the University and VUWSA to account, while keeping you entertained and informed. We ask difficult questions, deliver hot takes, and strive to make the student voice heard. There is a new issue of Salient out every week, and it's distributed all around our three campuses. It's also available online through our website, so you can stay in the loop no matter where you are. 

Campus wasn’t the same without you. During Trimester Three, it felt like a ghost town. I swear I saw tumbleweed roll past me in The Hub. But in the past week, I’ve loved watching new students navigate their way around the city with their lanyards firmly around their necks. You’re all bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready for your next great adventure. 

However, recently another distinct group of people moved to Wellington: anti-vaccine mandate protestors. 

On my morning commute into Kelburn, my bus rolls past Pipitea campus. Protestors have taken our campus hostage, and they hold up signs saying “You’re Beautiful” and “Have A Blessed Day”. I check the news when I get into the office, only to see reports of violence, harassment, and the slinging of fecal matter within this “Freedom Convoy”. 

I wonder if this makes you feel welcomed. You, who left your families, your home towns, for the capital of politics and culture. You were supposed to get toga nights and live concerts, but instead you’ve had public transport diversion and halls that already have Covid-19 outbreaks. 

We may have started off shaky, but here’s what I can tell you. 

I can tell you that university is a place you’ll be academically and ideologically challenged. I can promise you this city has hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. I can assure you the coffee is as good as it’s rumoured to be.

And Salient will be there for you, every week like clockwork. If you’re keen on contributing to us, turn the page to find details on how you can get involved. We would love to hear from you! 

Ngā manaakitanga, 

Janhavi Gosavi