Sisters In Arms:
A Portrait Of An All-Female Militia In a war-torn Syria, the female fighters of the YPJ patrol dusty roads and ruined villages, rifles in hand and resolve in their eyes. Defying tradition, they take up arms not only to defend their land but to claim a new place in society — one shaped by strength, […]
Feminism For All
You’ve probably heard the word feminism in many contexts. Unfortunately, as with all movements, people lose sight of its meaning. They think the movement is just for one group, one class or race and that the struggles of others aren’t to be welcomed into this space. Let’s be clear: feminism is a movement for the […]
The International Schooling Experience
I think international students deserve more recognition. For many of us, it’s our first time moving away from family, a first step into adulthood. It’s an experience that demands bravery and resilience, especially when you realise your mum won’t come with you to doctor’s appointments any more. Packing for it is even more stressful, with […]
Across the Ocean
Imagine packing up everything you’ve ever known, getting on a boat with your mother and eleven siblings, then sailing over fourteen thousand kilometres. One quick stop, and then you’re on another boat trip around fifteen hundred kilometres long before you end up here in New Zealand, which might as well be a whole new world. […]
You call yourself a Kiwi
Te Paea Parengaio Maurirere Parliament just made it legal to kill protected wildlife. Last week, the government rushed the Wildlife (Authorisation) Amendment Bill through under urgency. It was a direct response to High Court rulings that found the director-general of conservation(DOC) had unlawfully issued permits to kill or disturb protected species. Within days, it became […]
Say My Name
It goes without saying that when you have a ‘unique’, or really, non-Western name, you are probably familiar with the inevitable pause before someone says your name. For some, a name that is an important part of their identity and their whakapapa isn’t even something people bother to learn to pronounce. Below are some words […]
Diary of an International Kid
English I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, into a uniquely diverse heritage. My mother is of Sundanese and Melanesian descent, while my father is a Singaporean of Chinese and Indian backgrounds. In Singapore, this multicultural race is often known as Peranakan or Eurasian. Throughout my life, I have lived in many countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, […]
Death of a Household Name: The End of an Era in NZ Music
Once, it felt like everyone in Aotearoa knew the same few songs. You could chuck on a bit of Stan Walker, Aaradhna, or Six60 at a party, and guaranteed, someone’s aunty, someone’s little cousin, someone’s dad in the corner would start singing along. Their music wasn’t just popular – it was ours. It didn’t matter […]
Up and Coming: Proving Size Doesn’t Matter
The music world is constantly evolving, with a new wave of up-and-coming artists redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. Finding the newest singer-songwriter or rock band is a daunting task, new music is constantly being dropped. Whether you’re searching for fresh sounds in pop, R&B, alt, or rock, these emerging talents are Aotearoa made, shaping […]
I Met Love Island’s Callum Hole
My stomach was churning. The three beers I downed for courage were at war in my bladder, sloshing around with the valour and stubbornness of two battling nations. I could taste the tang of bile in my mouth, a lone country ready to cause a rebellion in my body. I took a deep breath as […]