Issue 02: Unbeatable on Any Given Day
So you’ve made your way to Pōneke and onto the campuses of VUW.
Wellington has not had the best coverage in the news lately. A litmus test of recent headlines reveals a pH level of 1, the acidic red zone. There’s the Council in disarray, the ticking time bomb of poo pipes, and the housing crisis. We’re covering some of these things because they matter. In ‘The Shit Box Society’ on page 14, Johnny continues investigations into the state of the rental market. Vape Naiche rants about the selling off of the library on page 25.
It’s the negative news that floats to the top. *Bad* news is necessary to spread awareness and create change. Headlines that get people rarked are good for clicks. It’s also just straight-up harder to write about joy.
Wellington is still unbeatable on any given day. We’re part of an 18,217 strong student body, mincing around in a city alongside artists, politicians, like-minded learners, and famous cats. Lola, the black and white Aro Valley feline, has three legs and deserves every ounce of fame. We also have the only free ambulance in the country, which has saved too many students from the gutters of Courtenay Place.
The news about the University has also been failing the litmus test, with staff cuts and wasteful spending floating around. It sucks. But there’s joy, too.
At VUW, you have the privilege of learning from teachers who are dedicated to, and passionate about, their fields. Many have roles outside of academia, working on government bills (Dr Geoff McLay on the Trusts Act 2019), advocating for reform (Dr Fiona Hutton is a very active campaigner for drug law reform), and seeking better outcomes for staff and students (Dougal McNiell on the VUW Tertiary Education Union). You will hear your lecturers talking on the radio, see their words published in the media, and on bookshelves.
Professors put hours into researching and delivering their knowledge, and this year, are doing so under a changed academic landscape. It’s a privilege to have them.
In this issue, Kane Basset profiles the work of Dr Carwyn Jones (Ngāti Kahungnunu). You can read all about his work on page 06. Dr Jones is taking the infamous LAWS 121 paper, which is the second most popular course this year. The course has been restructured to put Indigenous law before the introduction of the English legal system. When Sally started her LLB a *few* years ago, there was little representation of the Māori legal system in the introductory course. It brings hope to see change in the way our legal system is taught, and a step to centre Te Ao Māori.
There’s also work beginning on The Living Pā, which is set to be built on Kelburn parade. Hon. Justice Sir Joe Williams (Ngāti Pūkenga, Waitaha and Tapuika), is an ambassador for the project and is quoted on the VUW website. He says, “it will be a game changer not just for Māori and the University but for the very idea of higher education.”
These are things to feel proud of in the place we find ourselves.
You’re in Pōneke with the opportunity to learn from experts who care. When not studying or pretending to study, there’s plenty else to be in awe of. Lachlan Ewing has put together a ‘travel guide’ for Wellington on page 18. We’ve also got our weekly column, ‘$10 Jugs’, helping you to find better ways to spend your limited beer allowance on page 27.
Kia ora,
Sally Ward (she/her) and Matthew Casey (he/him)
Co-Editors