Headline Junkie: 15 May 23'

Staff Redundancies May Be Looming Following Hole in VUW Finances

Uncertainty is growing over whether Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington will follow Otago in announcing a suite of staff cuts. The university is still not ruling out redundancies, as they are “looking at a range of cost-saving options”. It comes after the university found themselves in a $15 million financial hole after a dip in enrollments. Vice Chancellor Nic Smith told staff earlier this month that the university is “currently not sustainable and we need to move the institution into a sustainable footing.” Meanwhile, the VUW branch of the Tertiary Education Union held a protest last Tuesday on Kelburn campus to show “solidarity with our colleagues in Otago and spread the message that job cuts damage our public universities.”

Singing Soulmates Taylor Swift and Matty Healy Rekindle Relationship

Eras tour international superstar Taylor Alison Swift recently called it quits with longtime lover Joe Alwyn, and it has not taken long for rumours to swirl about Swift's new potential love interest: The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. Swift and Healy were embroiled in a rumoured romance back in 2014, but the current situationship seems much more solidified, with a source close to Swift claiming the pair are “madly in love”. Not long after, Healy was spotted at the Nashville leg of the Eras tour schmoozing with Swift's bestie Gigi Hadid and performing alongside Phoebe Bridgers and supergroup boygenius. Both singers have also been spotted mouthing the words “This is about you, you know who you are. I love you” to the camera at their respective concerts, with fans speculating it's a subtle message between the singers. 

Upcoming Government Budget Looks to Leave Students High and Dry

On Thursday, Grant Robertson will drop a hefty document detailing the government’s planned spending over for the next 12 months. Despite being an election year budget, hopes are low for any tantalising tidbits of student support, as the Prime Minister has labelled it a “no frills budget” due to the economic uncertainty. Students’ associations have long been calling on the government to extend student support in the form of a universal student allowance or rental relief. Last year’s budget offered the three-time $116 cost of living payment, and an extension to half-price public transport fares. VUWSA said the ‘22 budget didn't go far enough, accusing the government of “condemning our national student body to poverty and debt.” 

Mystery Cat Pays Visit to Salient Office

The Salient team gained a new staff member last week after a sleek, black feline followed one News Co-Editor through the student union building from the bushes outside Mauri Ora. The playful puss quickly made themself at home, parking up on the office floor. Before a blissful hour could pass with the new feline friend, a staff member connected the dots to reveal the kitty was a missing pet of their flatmate. The cat was safely escorted from the Student Union Building, and after gleefully running into the bushes to chase a bird, it was confirmed the cat finally made its way back home.