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 MoreACT wasn't interested in speaking with Salient, so instead, we’ve summarised a non-conclusive list of the key ACT Party policies you need to know. For more information, check out Policy.nz or the Act Party Manifesto.
Read MoreWe met the Prime Minister at his office in the Beehive—Chippy was 15 minutes late, largely due to a tray of sausage rolls being wheeled into his office (Fair enough).
Read MoreWhen it comes to Te Pāti Māori’s political ideology, co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says it’s complicated. While the party was formerly “comfortable with National”, she says they now “lean left” in the “Western-centric sense”. But Ngarewa-Packer thinks they’re best described as simply “indigenous”.
Read MoreNicola Willis says she was never “a Young Nat or anything” during her time at Victoria University of Wellington. It's been a huge turn around for the MP vying to be New Zealand’s next Finance Minister, who says she “wasn’t even into politics” while studying a BA in English Literature in the early 2000s.
Read MoreThis is the third year in a row where a VUWSA President is elected uncontested, signalling a dire trend of dwindling engagement in student politics. This is more evidence than ever that candidates willing to put their dignities on the line to advocate for students are a critically endangered species.
Read MoreWinston kindly came along to the Salient office for a robust and hostile 30-minute chat peppered with personal insults, including calling me ignorant, a hypocrite, and saying I need to find a new job.
Read MoreThe long-winded process of staff cuts at Victoria University of Wellington finally has an end in sight, with Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith sending an email to all staff and students on 21 September, communicating the university’s final decision for courses set to be cut.
Read MoreThe Green Party have hit the ground running this election, being the first party to release their full suite of policies, which they say are unapologetically student focused. The Party’s policies include a free universal student allowance, reforming student accommodation, and working towards a student debt write-off.
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.
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