Power, Grief, and the Making of the Taj Mahal
In 1606, a 15-year-old prince named Khurram returned in the city of Lahore. He did not know that this visit would become a major turning point in his life. For amid the colour and festivities of the Meena Bazaar during Nowruz, Khurram crossed paths with a young girl who would change the fate of
Fun Things to Do at Your Flat #3: Red Cards
This week’s boredom killer is simple, chaotic, and guaranteed to create stories you’ll be hearing about all year: Red Cards. Here’s how it works. Every flatmate (or anyone in the group) gets one “red card.” You can play it at any time, for any reason. When you pull your card, everyone has to drop what they’re doing and commit to whatever you’ve called no questions
Fun things to do at your flat #2 – Library Box
This one isn’t actually at your flat and you don’t need a flat to do it you just need some willing friends and some alcoholic ambition What you need : Method: This is an ideal red card for study week or just whenever you’re bored, it is a good way to be productive, and also get fucked up. The rules are simple: you can’t leave
Revealing Reviews
This gripping, action packed show is one that touches the depth of your soul and reminds you of the importance of found family. It starts off with very high stakes, as the main character is exiled from her highly privileged society by its ruler to gain a larger fellowship. As the first episodes unfold
sonspotter daughter
do I have to tear my brains out do I have to break to remember what broke me do I have to face the broken vase of facts I cant be a plastic bag, sacrificed for turtle’s fad of suicide so I just cry I will be polyethylene, I ‘ll make you miss me,
WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Urgenc-bee
Over the past few years, the word “urgency” has come up a few times in the news. The word invokes a sense of adrenaline, and it’s come up so often that you’d be forgiven for thinking New Zealand Parliament runs under a constant state of panic at a rate of
Old World Tiramisù Blues
What if I was to tell you that there was nothing Italian about the tomatoes in ragu? That there was nothing Indian about the chilies in curry, or anything particularly Irish about potatoes? Before the 1500s, food in Asia, Europe, and Africa (collectively known as the “Old World”) looked verydifferent
The Notesapp
the untouchable warmth barely reaches the very last cells on my fingertips as i reach towards the glowing auburn that whisks with the wind pull back at the rage of heat that surges to attack with its plumes of acrid grey shoving up my nostrils watering eyes that can’t tear from the piles of glowing
Live, Laugh, Linkin Park
The time came where I got to experience the rush of live music once again. Linkin Park came to Auckland for the first time since 2013. After the 2017 passing of the lead vocalist, Chester Bennington, Linkin Park re-formed in 2024 with a new lead singer and drummer – Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara
JUDGING BLIND: YOUNG MARRIAGE
As of February 26th, I have been engaged to my amazing fiancé. We are both 20 years old and have been together for 3 years, we have a house, two dogs, three horses and a plan for our future together. All to say I am so incredibly happy…but a lot of
Superman, Omniman, Homelander, & Nietzche’s Ubermensch
A commentary on Nietzsche’s Ubermensch exemplified through Omni-man, Superman and Homelander If you have not read my previous column some defining is in order. First master vs slave morality, to give a brief yet incomplete summary, Master morality is exemplified in the Melian dialogue “the strong do as they can, the
The Mona Lisa is not that impressive.
At least not for the reasons that most people think. Mona Lisa has often been credited for both her beauty and mystery, unarguably one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous pieces. However, visually, it’s not even one of his more provoking works. I myself am partial to his sketches (even those that remain unfinished) that greatly demonstrate his position as a polymath, rather
November Rain
In the aftermath of 9/11, HST wrote ‘Doom is the operative ethic.’ Anyone that tells you they’ve got the handle on how things are going to go with Iran, with Fuel, with Climate, with A.I – Hell, even with our general election in November — should be treated like a
The Sydney Sweeny Ad is That Deep
By now, I’m sure you’ve all seen the new Novig Ad starring Sydney Sweeny, if not, honestly don’t bother. This ad reinforces every single stereotype about the patriarchy and misogyny in sport: women are an object for sex and men watch tough sports! This ad, promoting Novig’s ‘just sports’ trading
Nukutawhiti Editorial
He waka kotuia, kāore e tukutukua ngā mimira! Mauri ora! Nau mai, haere mai ki Nukutawhiti 2026. He mihi nui ki ngā ringa, ngā reo me ngā mana i whai wāhi ki tēnei putanga.Nā koutou i whai hua ai tēnei kaupapa. Nei ka mihi, ka mihi, ka mihi! Not to
Opt-Out of Voting ACT
ACT’s newest policy is giving students false hope for cheaper study costs. Under its proposed tertiary policy, students would be able to opt out of paying Student Services Fees, which currently help everything from our health services to UniRec to this very magazine. ACT argues this would give students more
Post-irony, AI, and Trust in the Media
Over the past decade trust in the media has declined. I think this has moved beyond postmodern scepticism, so I’ve written a bit about how technology influences culture and reminded you all that we’re getting fucked by AI. I believe the gap between media’s representation of truth and reality itself
Toby’s Tips
For issue 12 I wrote an editorial telling you to use academic jargon and the language of your field of study in your assignments. Here’s more unsolicited advice for writing assignments. There’s something I’ve noticed to be constant across my assignments, papers, and the fields I’ve studied. Virtually every assignment wants you to apply a framework to
“I Gotta Put Me First”
The best decision I ever made as someone in their early (to mid) twenties was to stop caring what other people think. And that’s not to say I’m perfect at it but I try to focus on me and only me. I don’t care if my outfits fit the trends; here at Nexus, I write what I want to write. I take uni papers that
The Difference Between Giving Up and Taking a Break
University students have become experts at being busy. We juggle lectures, assignments, jobs, internships, clubs, relationships, side hustles, and somehow try to maintain a social life in between. If you’re not exhausted, it almost feels like you’re doing something wrong. Somewhere along the way, we’ve started wearing stress like a badge of honour. The advice we’re usually given falls into two
The Imposition of AI here at UoW
The following is based on anonymous reports from teaching staff and students, my personal opinion, and a healthy helping of speculation. We cannot find any evidence this is certainly happening; there is no uni statement or policy I could find from a google search. However, if the university is mandating that teaching staff include AI in their
Editorial – Issue 12 2026
Citing McGall’s recent work – seminal in the intersection of nexus thought and academic meta discourse – this paper outlines strategy for furthering one’s linguistic execution in the context of undergraduate scholarship. Positing a reductive angle, sharpened by a pragmatic approach, this article cuts through the academic noise and offers advice both
The Politics of Exclusion
The proposed Definitions of Woman and Man bill seeks to define a woman as “an adult human biological female” and a man as “an adult human biological male” in the Legislation Act (2019). Its explanatory note claims the purpose is to “protect the integrity of sex-based rights” and ensure language reflects “biological reality.”
Fees Free Scrapped
On Friday the 8th of May New Zealand’s beacon of austerity, Nicola Willis, confirmed what NZ First gerontocrat Winston Peters had leaked on Newstalk ZB, that fees free will be scrapped in the upcoming budget. Our very own iron lady shared that “We will have more to say about this in
PSYCH101 – Social Psychology, Health and Well-being
Do I know if someone has already done a random audit on this class? Absolutely not, and I don’t care. This dumbass, meaning me, was going to audit another class only to find out that the lecture does not exist. I won’t be taking questions on how I managed that. So, after a quick
Horoscopes – Issue 15
Aries: Supporting Taylor Swift at your grown age is a horrible choice. Please get a hobby or something instead. Cancer: I know you’re the asshole who overstays their welcome at the pub. Please leave so the poor staff can close. Aquarius: Picking a gross vape flavour will not help you quit. You’ll just end up enjoying
Sad girl music for even the good days.
Picture this, I’m in my flat on the other side of the world. No less than a month into my exchange semester in the UK. I’m making lunch and decide to play some music. Something chill, singable, slower paced, that’s what I’m needing right now. My legendary flat mate, Ava, (I miss you, Ava) walks in with the most baffled
Horoscopes – Issue 14
Aries: Your back is fucked from work, and it’s a responsible idea to see the physio. Think of the ACC money. Cancer: Please continue visiting the cinema once a week. You’re keeping it alive, and we all appreciate it. Aquarius: Bored? Crazy idea! Go clean out your car. It’s actually disgusting inside and out. Sagitarius: How long has it
Sound Check – Issue 13
Joe sat down with James – self professed Muso and Hamilton lover #1 – to discuss how he put on a gig in town to celebrate his birthday and the music that he loves; Rather than let culture be something that happens to him, he got stuck in and built it up
Random Audit BIOMO202 – PHARMACOGENOMICS!?
For the second time in as many weeks, I struggle to find MSB 1.05. This is getting embarrassing. At least I’m only ten minutes late this time. Luckily for me, BIOMO202 Genetics is not my class, so the missed notes aren’t an issue, but I’m starting to wonder if I’m in the wrong degree… because this is interesting.
Horoscopes – Issue 13
Aries: Yes, watching a horrific Netflix documentary before bed will help you sleep tonight. Cancer: That guy off Tinder does not give a fuck about you. Please let it go, queen. Aquarius: Your Letterboxd profile is cool, and funny. And your top four are awesome too. Sagitarius: I love your
Slightly improved tomato soup
Playlist: The ratatouille soundtrack. The vibes are the most important part of this meal. Ingredients: Method:
Random Audit – Drug-Drug Interactions – BIOMD 202
“Drug reactions can be unpredictable, rare, and can vary from patient to patient. That’s what makes them idiosyncratic – we don’t know what causes it.” That’s the first thing I hear after walking into BIOMD202, and I start to wonder if I’m on drugs as I’ve missed half of this lecture trying to find MSB 1.05, which took me roughly
Welfare, Benefits, and Entitlements
Four people who’ve never voted or voted but didn’t care sit in a room and learn about politics, so you don’t have to. This week: Welfare, benefits, and entitlements LABOUR -Have been critical of the coalition government’s changes to welfare and benefits such as Temporary Additional Support and the upping of the minimum income contribution for those receiving the Income-Related Rent
Still Kickflipping in Gaza
An Interview with Rajab Al-Reefi by Toby Brockelbank Nexus have been working on this interview since July as, “Communicating with the outside world is extremely difficult, because electricity is unavailable, the internet is very weak, and sometimes it cuts off for days”. We are very grateful and proud to announce
Turn a Place to a Playground: Skating Across Kenya
Skitty interviewed by Toby Brockelbank Nexus are stoked to share our interview on the Kenyan skate scene and some of the crew’s recent mish skating across Kenya, from Nairobi to Lodwar – that’s over 700 km on a fucking skateboard! We reached out to the Skateboarding Society of Kenya (SSK)
News From Uganda Skate Society
An Interview with Gose Gerald by Toby Brockelbank and Patrick Kigongo Photography credit: Tommy Hatwell @tommyhatwell Nexus are super stoked to have talked to Gose Gerald of Uganda Skateboard Society again. If you follow skating, you’ve probably seen them in the news recently as their super unique park has been
Skate Ukraine, A Year Later
An Interview with Mykhaylo Tevkun by Toby Brockelbank Nexus are super grateful to have sat down with Mykhaylo Tevkun of Skate Ukraine for another interview. If you haven’t seen last year’s interview, Something Solid to Stand on, check it out. Mykhaylo and I decided to focus this coverage on what
The Girls Skate Crew of Nepal
Interview with Girls Skate Nepal by Toby Brockelbank Photos by Tirtha Lawati (@tirtharabinlawati) Nepal has been in the news lots recently, for the recent floods which Girls Skate Nepal described as “devastating for many communities in Nepal” – there will be suggestions by the crew for supporting disaster relief at
MADE TO BE WORN
Who decided Māori fashion was only for special occasions? There is this idea that Māori clothing and adornment belong in a particular category: something traditional, something formal, something you wear when the occasion calls for it. But Māori fashion has never really been that simple. We make things to wear.
TŪ PAKARI I TŌ MANA ĀHUA AKE
Tōku tuakiritanga Ka whakato te kākano…. I mua rā nō i tōku hekenga mai ki te whenua. Tīramarama au i te kiko o te rangi, ko tōku wairua e kōriporipo ana i te puna wairua o ngā Rangitūhāhā. I tiro whakararo au ki te mata o te whenua. Kei te
Who, Studying What, and From Where? Stats of our Cohort
By Andrew Lin. Nexus got a nerd to get an Official Information Act request on enrolment demographics here at UoW. Wanna see if engineering really is a sausage fest (it is) and which stereotypes our cohort might defy (a few)? Curious how 7 subjects could make up almost half of
Nexus Interview Amber Clyde – Founder of Girls Skate NZ
Girls Skate NZ is a not for profit who have been running skate lessons for 8 years. The organisation has carved their way into parks all over Auckland and shown how far some funding and some gnar can take you – even supporting Kiwis competitively shredding! What did you enjoy
Active Imagination: How Protests Hold Power.
‘Protest’ falls into the lexical category of both noun and verb. The past participle is not commonly used. We say that we are ‘protesting’ but very rarely do we say that we have ‘protested.’ This is because change and power are both results of ongoing imagination and continual action. The
The Good Shit Has Changed
In today’s day and age, when you step out into the public world, you’re very likely to see an array of people clutching an array of drinks that all have one thing in common: caffeine. You’re probably holding one yourself, whether it’s a hot coffee spewing steam, a cold coffee
When the Attacker Becomes the Story
In the hours following the attack at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations, the focus of public conversation shifted with remarkable speed. Before many people knew the names of those injured or understood the impact on Berlin’s LGBTIQ+ community, headlines were already highlighting one particular detail: the alleged attacker’s links
There Is No War In Ba Sing Se West Papua
West Papua is one of the most linguistically diverse regions in the world. It’s also home to a breathtaking display of both cultural and ecological diversity, with 80% of West Papua dense with tropical rainforests, surrounded by mangroves, wetlands and alpine central highlands with their marine ecosystems hosting the highest
Parliamentary etiquette is gone. Why?
In bed the other day, I scrolled upon a reel of every stupid thing that has been said in the House of Parliament by the 54th government, and boy was some of it stupid. While yes, a large amount of it was funny, most of it was hugely inappropriate for
ZURU ARE TRYING TO BE ELECTION GURUS
The debate around the topic of election interference reached a boiling point recently with the release of Nicky Hager’s book Dirty Work, a follow-up to the 2014 book Dirty Politics. In the book, which primarily focuses on the movements of Jordan Williams’s Taxpayers’ Union, Hager alleges that ZURU CEO and
Nexus Breaks the News – Issue 23
POSH PROBLEMS A sudden surge in a specific Lake Weed at Lake Karapiro threatens the region’s oft-held rowing events, which is a big concern for the most out of touch and annoying rich assholes that you know. AT LEAST THEY’VE GOT SOMETHING RIGHT, RIGHT? The Waikato region has once again proven to
LABOUR’S LETHARGY
Labour have sputtered out a few new commitments, if you still believe they’re capable of committing to anything. After National came out and announced their intention to break up the supermarket duopoly, Labour has jumped on the Nats’ coattails – after the Nats jumped on the coattails of economists who
Shark hunt begins after fatal Perth attack
A great white shark is being hunted for destruction after a fatal attack at Perth’s Sorrento Beach, reigniting an old and uncomfortable question in Australia: when a shark kills, should the shark be killed? Sixty-three-year-old Greg O’Neill was swimming near the shoreline on Friday when he was attacked. Witnesses reported
City Rail Link opens in Auckland, Hamilton public transport continues disappoint
The City Rail Link (CRL) in Auckland officially opened on Friday, the 11th of September. As a public transport enthusiast, I am absolutely fuming that this occurred when I could not justify going up to Auckland to take a train. The CRL is the biggest makeover to New Zealand’s transport
Nexus Breaks the News – Issue 22 2026
(((SOUTHERN))) LINKS Project Directors Dillon Kelliher and Robert Dol, have proposed a motion to transform a swathe of farmland south of Hamilton into a brand-new suburb development, comprised of 938 residential units across about 46ha. When asked what inspired the suburb, Kelliher said, “Well, I always wondered what Hamilton would
Nexus Breaks the News – Issue 21
AUCKLAND’S CRL… CHRIS REALLY LIKES IT! The people of Auckland were in absolute heat for the opening of the City Rail Link, as evidenced by a fire breaking out on the morning of it’s big day. Nexus can neither confirm nor deny that the fire was a diversion for Chris Bishop
ACT? MORE LIKE ACTT (ACTUALLY CUTTING TE TIRITI)
The ACT party have wheeled out another inflammatory policy. Party leader David Seymour announced on Thursday the 10th that, if elected, ACT would pursue ending the Waitangi Tribunal’s contemporary jurisdiction. It would mean that, once all cases lodged before the 1st of September 2008 had been settled, the tribunal would lose
BETWEEN A PAK’N’SAVE & A HARD PRICE
The Greens have unveiled a new policy, proposing the creation of a government-owned-and-run supermarket that they’re calling KiwiMart. The Greens have proposed KiwiMart as an alternative to the Foodstuffs/Woolworths supermarket duopoly also positioning it as competition that’d incentivize chains like Woolies and New World to lower prices. The policy has
Latest poll sees parties seeking Opportunity for redemption
The media over the past few months has reported that Opportunity may be the kingmaker in this upcoming election, but the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia poll suggests otherwise. Previous polls put Opportunity at 8%, over the 5% of votes needed to get them into parliament. Both Labour and National would need
Big Girls Do Cry
Long time no see, Nexus readers. I don’t know how this happened, but I’ve been revived from my year-long slumber to write the penultimate editorial of 2026. There’s a lot of things I could say. I could tell you about the terrible state of the reality TV scene, my current
Love, Lies, and a Concerning Amount of Lab Safety Violations
Rating: -1/5 The Love Hypothesis is the cinematic equivalent of eating an entire packet of biscuits in one sitting: deeply enjoyable, slightly embarrassing, and best not examined too closely. The film follows PhD student Olive Smith as she enters a fake relationship with intimidatingly tall and emotionally constipated professor Adam
Holden’s Growing Up, Unfortunately
Rating: 2/5 Holden Caulfield spends The Catcher in the Rye convinced that everyone around him is a phony, but beneath all the complaining, he is slowly developing something more valuable: worldly intelligence. His wandering through New York becomes an education outside the classroom, exposing him to sex, loneliness, adulthood, exploitation
The End of Oak Street
Rating: 5/5 When I found out that the woman, the myth, the icon Anne Hathaway and his lordship, Jedi Master and Otter Enthusiast Ewan McGregor were the leads in an upcoming film about a random 1970s American-Dream style family getting magically transported back in time to the Jurassic, there was
Elle
Rating: 4/5 After more than a decade since the last film in the world of Legally Blonde, we return with a 1990’s prequel, known as Elle. The show is a comedy-drama, about a 16 year old Elle dealing with her first fish-out-of-water scenario as her family moves from Los Angeles
The Gentleman – Season 2
Rating: 4/5 After rewatching the five-star masterpiece that was The Gentlemen’s first season, I leapt into season two with excitement; Theo James was back as the Duke of Halstead (and arguably more attractive than ever before) with his his work-wife Susie Glass (who has given me a new celebrity crush;
Teenage sex and Death and Adult Sex and Survival.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is the kind of film that appears to announce its intentions through its title: sex, death, teenagers, and a summer-camp setting where all four are presumably destined to collide. Yet beneath its deliberately provocative surface, the film is doing something considerably more interesting.
Passing – Nella Larsen
Rating: 2/5 This novel, written back in the modernist era, is one of those gems that says a whole lot more about society than you’d ever think possible. It dives into the startling reality of coloured women who are white presenting, which isn’t a topic we see much of in
Love Island Season 8
Rating: -1/5 It’s got to be said; Love Island is never going to be a super good show with everything you need to settle in and watch something with quality. HOWEVER, I have to admit that this season did give us some gold wrapped up in the many, many episodes
Legally Blonde
Rating: 5/5 Warning: this review contains spoilers I am very biased towards this film, which is definitely going to show in this review, but that’s just because I am absolutely in love with it. Legally Blonde did something very few films were capable of and still are, which is creating
Adults season 2
Rating: 2/5 Alongside a brand-new pilot episode, Adults made a grand return with season 2. I went in with so many questions: what’s happening with Paul Baker and Issa, are Anton and Paul Baker together now, will Billie ever get a job? This season wasted no time getting back into
Sterling Point
Rating: 5/5 Released just last month on Prime Video, Sterling Point is an effortless teen drama that includes comedy, mystery, and one-too-many Camp Rock 2 references. Born from the brain of Megan Park, an actress turned screenwriter, the tv show stands out against the current wave of Gen Z focused
Kōrero Mai – Issue 10 2026
I’ll just come right out and say it. If there were no extra financial support for education, I would not be attending university right now. Many tauira don’t have the luxury of a safety net or financial stability. Many come from homes that don’t have an extra $20 to spare. Back in the dark ages, in
Kōrero Mai – Issue 7 2026
Tauira Māori on campus Māne (Monday) Tūrei (Tuesday) Wenerei (Wednesday) Hoki atu ki tō kāinga – Just go home Nā Elyse Rahiri Only a quarter of the way through the year and already most of us are feeling a bit pau te hau. Getting back into the swing of study can be overwhelming and even worse if you have people pleasing tendencies, don’t say
Kōrero Mai
Tauira Māori on campus Tūrei (Tuesday) Wenerei (Wednesday) Taite (Thursday) Te Waiora – Rā Hākinakina | Gate 2b – 4:30 pm Reo Māori Phrases of the Week Kia ora koutou! Here are some useful everyday Reo Māori phrases to help you talk about holidays, whānau, and what you’ve been up to. COLUMN I tōku whānau tokorua ōku kuia, noho tahi ai. Arā, ko tōku kuia a toto nei, me te kuia o tōku ngākau. Ko te rongo o te aroha, kāore i rerekē. He tirohanga Māori tēnei. Ahakoa te momo aroha,
Kōrero Mai
By now you’ve probably heard we’ve got a new name. We’re still WSU, but now we also carry our ingoa Māori, Te Awa Kōtui. This didn’t happen overnight. WSU has been working towards an ingoa Māori that truly reflects us and our tauira for a long time, across multiple boards. I also want to acknowledge the presidents, vice presidents, VP Māori, and life members who contributed
He Kura Tūroa
Kia ora, my name is Anaia Rua, and I am from Ngāi Tūhoe & Ngāti Awa. In the following piece, I reflect on the profound connection shared between Aotearoa and our relatives from Hawai’i during the “He Kura Tūroa” wānanga. He Kura Tūroa: Relatives Across the Pacific He ahurea te taiao, he taiao te ahurea. The environment is the culture, the culture is the
Tikanga: Does It Evolve in a Modern World?
A question I heard recently has been sitting with me: can tikanga evolve in a modern world? It came up during a kōrero between a group of tauira, and it sparked a lot of reflection for me about what I’ve been taught and how I understand tikanga today. For many people, tikanga is
Tauira Māori on campus
There’s a strong Māori presence on campus and plenty happening this week, from Cultural Hour to weekly wānanga and study spaces. If you want to meet other tauira, build your reo, or spend time in a Māori space between classes, there are kaupapa running across campus. Keep an eye on… Te whakahiapo – Maori law students association – @te_whakahiapo
This Weeks Top Contributors
