VUW has become a hotspot for politicians heading to cast their vote, with Labour’s Grant Robertson and Ibrahim Omer voting in the Hub last Wednesday, and the Greens’ Tamatha Paul and James Shaw, alongside Wellington mayor Tory Whanau, voting here last Monday. Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni showed up in support, but didn’t cast her vote.
Read MoreDocuments released to Salient under the Official Information Act reveal the university ordered the removal of posters protesting staff cuts around campus ahead of Open Day. A staff member, whose name was withheld by the university, emailed the communications department in early August saying, “We have seen quite a few posters and fliers dropped across campus about “staff cuts” and “programme cuts” etc.”
Read MoreWhether you're a politics nerd like me, or someone who can't stand it, I think that we can all agree that this election has been one of the most dry, bland, and uninspiring contests of recent years. We’ve got a choice between Chris and Chris for PM; one with hair, and one with considerably less hair; a seasoned politician and a seasoned businessman. The same lines are recited and the same pandering becomes easy to see through. ‘Does it really matter which Chris gets my vote?’
Read MoreA curious condom machine in a men's bathroom on Kelburn campus has vanished following reporting by Salient, with the university sending mixed signals. The coin operated machine piqued Salient’s interest in April for its retro charm and bizarrely off-branded product.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again: hordes of freshers perform the annual ritual of scurrying to find a flat before the next academic year begins. The difficulty to even be offered a flat as a first-time renter has forced our news intern to accept a flat in the ditch of Devon Street in Aro Valley (pray for him).
Read MoreIn August of this year, Kiwi artist Aaradhna, who is of Samoan and Indian descent, opened up via Instagram about her experience as a victim of domestic violence. I must be living under a rock, because I only heard of this incident when asked to write this piece. People may wonder why victims don’t defend themselves. The fact is, it’s not that simple. An outsider cannot see the circumstances or understand the complex emotions victims have to weave through within these situations.
Read MoreWith the upcoming 2023 election only weeks away, it is extremely important for us as Pasifika to play our part and vote. Voting ensures that we are represented in Parliament and that we are at the head of the table when it comes to decision making that impacts Pasifika people.
Read MoreThe Rugby League World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, where nations from around the world compete for the ultimate prize in rugby league glory. In October 2022, Toa Samoa, the national rugby league team of Samoa, embarked on a remarkable journey that showcased their passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to the game.
Read MoreOn August 8, 2023, bushfires swept across the island of Maui, leaving devastation in their wake. It was an unprecedented challenge for Maui, known for its breathtaking landscapes, warm communities, and vibrant culture. While the fires brought forth tragedy and heartache, they also illuminated the extraordinary spirit of resilience, unity, and determination that defines this tropical haven.
Read MoreFleur Fitzsimons is the picture-perfect Labour Party candidate—black blazer, red scarf, and all—with The Spinoff crediting her look to a Labour MP ‘laboratory’. Fitzsimons has been a Wellingtonian for 26 years, ever since she first moved to study Politics and Law at VUW. She joined the VUWSA executive, alongside the current Prime Minister, then VUWSA President, Chris Hipkins.
Read MoreKarunā Muthu describes himself as a “political animal”. He's not lying; rocking up to our interview in his royal blue National Party branded jacket, he jokes that he’s going to be the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The National Candidate for Rongotai is optimistic he’s able to turn Rongotai blue, despite it being a safe Labour seat since 1996.
Read MoreIf you get the feeling you're being fleeced at the self-checkout, you're not mistaken: the price of food has increased a fat 8.9% over the past year. The cost of living crisis has financially crippled Aotearoa and students are feeling the squeeze. But there seems to be a glimmer of hope on the financially chequered horizon: New World Metro.
Read MoreInternational students have been cold shouldered by VUW about their graduation ceremony this year, following miscommunication of the university’s decision to forgo advanced graduation from this year onward. Prior to the policy's implementation this year, students who completed their degree requirements in Trimester 2 were able to apply for advanced graduation, allowing them to attend the December ceremony.
Read MoreTe Matatini has gifted a new trilingual waiata to New Zealand Rugby. The new waiata 'Kia Kino Nei Hoki' was gifted at the last All Blacks game that commenced in Dunedin. The waiata was released on the 11th of August, also coinciding with its support of Te Marama Pūoru Waiata Māori - Maori Music Month.
Read MoreMany of you may have heard of Kiritapu Allan's accident, which led to her resignation, and further statement to not seek re-election in the upcoming election. Honourable Kiri Allan, East Coast MP, Minister of Regional Development and Justice Minister, has been in the political sphere since 2017 when elected through the Labour Party list.
Read MoreIn November of last year, the Fair Pay Agreement Act passed its third reading in Parliament, supported by Labour, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori. Fair pay agreements (FPA) allow employees and unions to negotiate with employers on what a fair level of pay within an industry is.
Read MoreFreshers have been left itching and scratching as an unwelcome guest has taken over VUW’s Capital Hall: an outbreak of the small skin burrowing mite commonly known as scabies. Salient understands a small group of residents first noticed some unwelcome itches two weeks ago, and have since informed staff they were receiving treatment for scabies, causing mite hysteria throughout the hall.
Read MoreJulie-Anne Genter regularly braves the cold for a swim in the South Coast’s marine reserve, Taputeranga. “It’s really magic,” she says. So it was an easy choice to film a campaign video there—until a whale visited Island Bay the day of their filming, disrupting their plans. Genter wasn’t disappointed. What a better sign, she thought, for a Green campaign than a whale visiting.
Read MoreDr Scott Sheeran has lived many lives before throwing his hat in the ring for Wellington Central. He went from being “famous for not turning up at school”, and sporting dreadlocks while in a university band, to becoming a published author on human rights law and working multiple stints at the UN.
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