Headline Junkie: 13 March 23'

A Star-Studded Census: Harry Styles a Fan of Nationwide Data Collection

Last Tuesday, pop star and former One Direction heartthrob, Harry Styles, performed at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. This was the only Aotearoa show for the sold-out Love on Tour tour, coincidentally landing on census day. Mr Styles completed his civil duty to Aotearoa, as he confirmed to the 47,000-strong crowd, and he reminded everyone else to do their "census thing" too. On the same night, Australian singer songwriter Julia Jacklin performed at the Wellington Opera House as part of her Pre Pleasure tour. A Salient representative was there to quote Jacklin on video. “Well, you know where I’ll be after the show. Was gonna have drinks with friends, but I guess I’ll be doing the census. Nah, I was actually quite flattered, there was some article titled “the Most Star-Studded Census Ever” with a photo of me next to Harry and Jason Momoa. I went, ‘Wow I’m a star, I’ve made it,’” she laughed.

Church Group Bribes Poor Students With Shoes and Switches

Those attending the VUW Clubs Expoin Week 1 were bombarded by enthusiastic Christians desperately campaigning for church sign-ups. Student Life Church, a group self-described as “passionate about knowing Jesus” and who say that “Jesus Christ will come again to the earth”, were a steadfast feature of the week. This year, in addition to giving away their iconic keep cups in return for completing a survey, the church was advertising a giveaway of Jordans and a Nintendo Switch. Those around the Student Union building reported hearing exclamations from church volunteers as they promoted themselves with faithful jubilation.

New Bacteria Named After Keanu Reeves

Scientists at a German research institute have stumbled across a new form of fungal attacking bacteria, a biological breakthrough which has been given an equally incredible name. The bacteria, which destroys fungus that afflicts the human body, has been dubbed “keanumycins”. The scientists behind the breakthrough said they decided to name the bacteria after Reeves because of its John Wick abilities such as “inactivating its enemies”. Reeves responded by saying, “That's pretty cool […] and surreal for me. They should’ve called it John Wick. But thanks, scientist people! Good luck, and thank you for helping us.”

Farewell to a True Aotearoa Icon: Georgina Beyer

Aotearoa has been mourning the devastating loss of the legendary Georgina Beyer. Passing away at 65, Beyer held an exceptional résumé of political successes. She was the world’s first openly-transgender mayor in 1995, and became an MP in 1999. Beyer played an instrumental role in the legal revitalisation of te reo Māori, fighting to decriminalise prostitution in 2003, and advocating for the legalisation of same-sex civil union in 2004. Despite facing inequity as a transgender wahine Māori, former sex worker, and sexual assault survivor, Georgina’s story is one of triumph made possible by her inexhaustible charisma, courage, and mana. Her efforts will forever live on in their monumental impact on human rights in Aotearoa, and in the gratitude of those whose lives have changed because of it.If you want to learn more about Beyer’s life and activism, the Vic Film Society is holding a free screening of her biographical documentary, Georgie Girl (2001), on campus on 31 March!