We’re rolling into the back half of the year, and you know what that means… election season is just around the corner. Whether you’ve always dreamed of leading the charge or you just want to make some changes happen on campus, now’s the time to get involved. Keep an eye out for nomination announcements, we’ll be plastering them everywhere (digitally, of course. ‘Save the trees!”). So, if you know someone who’d be great in a leadership role, nominate them! Or even better… nominate yourself. The 2026 LUSA Executive team could be calling your name.
In this issue, we’re also giving you the inside scoop from the top. Don’t miss our Executive Spotlights featuring the President, Vice President, and Secretary. They’ve shared their honest takes on what it’s like to be part of the LUSA Exec, yes, it’s work, but it’s also a lot of laughs, free food, and lifelong memories (plus the occasional late-night emergency group chat panic…).
And because we love a little nostalgia, and a little mischief, we’ve scattered some cheeky nods to classic 1980’s RAM Magazine articles throughout the issue. These naughty throwbacks might just make you laugh or snort in public. Consider this our way of keeping the legacy alive.
To everyone grinding through assignments, lectures, work, or just trying to survive the group project chaos, you’ve got this. Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes sunshine, iced matcha, and a fresh new chapter.
Onward and upward!
lusa.nz studentsatlincoln
Recap
Clubs Market Day:
Thank you to everyone who came along to the bustling Semester 2 Clubs Market Day on Thursday 17th July, held in Sports Hall at our very own LU Gym Whare Hākinakina. If you came along, you were treated with goodies like mini toffee pops, Pringles, muesli bars, candy, noodles and more! As well as some practical items like toothpaste and sim cards.
Those who interacted with the RAM Magazine stand were treated to some fresh hot mini donuts.
We also had Red Bull and Coffee Culture onsite giving away some of their product and Riccarton Rotary Charitable Trust hosted some lawn games at the front. We also had our LUSA BBQ going, where you could grab a free snag, plus the Chinese BBQ, who were dishing out some delightful eats.
If you missed out this year, make sure to check out Semester 1 Clubs Day during O’Week in February 2026.
See the Snow:
If you came along on the “See the Snow” buses on Saturday 19th of July, you ended ReOri with sight to behold. 91 students, their friends and family were transported to a winter wonderland when they were driven to Mt Hutt ski field to enjoy a day of snowboarding, skiing or sightseeing. For those that went, they were treated to a blanket of snow coverage, and we are so glad you were able to make the most out of the day. We hope you feel like you ticked something off your winter bucket list! If you’re interested in attending this event in the future, keep an eye on our events calendar next year.
Recap
We loved having you at Winterball this year on Tuesday 15th July. This year our annual mid-winter event was held in Woolston Club, inspired by the music of ABBA, we styled the place to look like a disco inferno, complete with a light up dance floor! You all boogied the night away thanks to the tunes of CASTAWAY and Cropduster on the band stage. You also enjoyed the DJ stylings of Emilie, GetSet, DJ Heretic and Rollestxn Ave.
If you haven’t checked out your photos from the night, please check out our LUSA Facebook page. Feel free to share and tag @lusa.nz when you post them!
We hope you had a night full of fun, dancing and good tunes! See you next year.
Want to make a difference and help other students on campus?
Get paid to build your confidence and experience in leadership, public speaking and project planning in 2026
If you are passionate about sexual harm prevention, and equity, diversity and inclusion we want you to join the Kaiwhakamanawa Tauira team!
Want more info? C hat to the te am le ad in Grounded on Tues Aug 12th, 9-4pm or email Alex Michel-Smith at experience@lincoln ac nz
What are you Currently Studying?
I am currently in my second to last year of a part time Bachelor of Agriculture. I have been at Lincoln University since 2022. Because of my role on LUSA, I currently only study one course per semester as it’s a full time, 40 hour a week job.
from the student body and either fixing it with the LUSA team, or taking it to the university and brainstorming with them on how to get it fixed. I also head the LUSA executive and run our board meetings, which is where we ensure our policies are sound and our budgets secure so that we can do our best work for you.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role?
Having been very involved in student leadership positions throughout the university since 2023, and experiencing a lot of things where I thought “this could be done better” I decided to run for 2025 LUSA President. I wanted to improve the student experience for everyone that comes to Lincoln University, and I am always more than happy to chat about the latest accomplishments and projects that we are doing in that space. I also love meeting new people and this is a great opportunity to do that.
As the LUSA president I sit on a lot of boards and committees within LUSA and throughout the university, I won’t name them all here, they won’t fit on the page! The most important however, would be the Lincoln University Council, which is where all the higher ups in the university govern the business space a whole to maintain it’s finances, policies, and everything else you can think of. Here I report on what issues students are facing at the moment so that these can be fixed as quick as possible, and it’s really cool to see real changes being made as a result of the president’s position on the council.
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
you may have noticed that some issues (which I raised to the university) have already been fixed such as pathway tiles sinking into the floor and creating trip hazards. Other goaIs still will complete for this year is to update LUSA’s strategic direction (you may have seen the survey come through for this a couple weeks ago) and improve support and engagement for clubs which (while this is also a work in progress) has been coming along well with the huge support of Anita. Ultimately, I want to make the student experience great for everyone at Lincoln University so let me know if there’s anything else you believe I should be working towards!
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
How Does Your Role Benefit Students?
My role is essentially to act as the elected voice of the students at Lincoln University. This involves gathering feedback
I have had a few goals in this role, some of which I have achieved already, and some of which are a work in progress. My first was getting LUSA’s new constitution approved which was completed in term one this year. Another is getting the lighting and trip hazards on campus improved to make it a safer and more accessible environment for everyone. While this is a work in progress,
Go for it! Being on the LUSA exec has been such an incredible experience for me. I have learnt so much and made so many new friends, and of course got to do something good and worth while for everyone in the process. If you want to be on the student exec for 2026, be open to learn, be open to meeting new people, and of course have fun.
Want to Run for the 2026 Te Awhioraki Executive?
Elections are coming up fast for Te Awhioraki, so if you are a Māori student at Lincoln wanting to represent Māori student voice throughout the university - think about running for the executive 2026! Here are some FAQ answered by one of our current exec members...
Wiremu
Bartlett , Te
Awhioraki Executive Member 2025
Why should you run for this role?
“Its a chance to grow, meet awesome people and make a real difference on campus.”
What’s been a challenge this year?
“Balancing study with the role can be hard, but you get better at managing your time very quickly.”
Where can you learn more?
“Just ask any of the current exec - we’re always keen for a chat!”
Pets of LUSA Exec
Part 3.
We couldn’t fit all of the LUSA Exec’s furry friends in the last issue, so here are the rest plus more!
What is your pet’s name?
Fonzie (The Fonz)
How old are they? 6
What breed are they? Some kind of moggy
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet?
Tolerant
What’s your pet’s favourite food? Temptations treats
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there? Probably sleep. He likes to save his energy to cause chaos when everyone else trying to sleep
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do? He loves playing in boxes!! (Thanks LUSA for donating some to him after O Week!)
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
He leaves sticks outside our door most mornings. I collect them and now have an overflowing 4L container of sticks. I’m open to suggestions as to what to do with them
What is your pet’s name?
Ballu
How old are they? Almost 12 years old
What breed are they? Nobody knows except her mum (Mongrel)
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet? Intelligent
What’s your pet’s favourite food? Boiled chicken with bones and rice (Nepali dog through and through)
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
She is the queen of the house, looks out over her territory, guards every inch of her property, and hates on crows.
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do?
Lay in the scorching 36-42 °C sun
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
Measures the door opening curve and lays one inch from it. The door has never hit her in all her 12 years of ripe old age but after all her grandfather is an engineer
What is your pet’s name? Louie
How old are they? 10 and a half
What breed are they? Lhasa Apso cross
What’s one word you would use to describe your pet? Adopted
What’s your pet’s favourite food? McDonald’s soft serve—nothing else compares other than stealing boxes of chcoclate (he’s still alive!)
What do you think your pet gets up to when you’re not there?
Sleeping, about 23.5 hours of nap time a day
What’s your pet’s favourite thing to do? Morning walks, long walks along the beach, and watching sunsets
What’s the weirdest/craziest thing your pet’s done?
He ran once. Like me, Louie is not built for running
What are you Currently Studying? Masters of Applied Science, looking at Crop Competition in Wheat and Economics of Weeds. Basically building off my BComAg and trying to research something that assists Farmer Decision Making.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role? I was on the Exec a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. It gave me a good feel for how things run and made me want to get involved again. The VP role stood out because it’s a bit more behind the scenes, which I think suited me better while juggling my Master’s study. It also felt like a role that would challenge me in new ways, which is something I’m always keen on. I’d wanted to bring the experience I’ve already had from LUSA previously to the table, help keep things running smoothly and support the rest of the Exec - which is part of my role! You can read about my Position Description at: lusa.org.nz/lusa-exec
How Does Your Role Benefit Students? As VP, I help keep LUSA running smoothly behind the scenes. I’m responsible for overseeing our policies, which guide how we operate and what we can deliver for students. I chair the Policy Sub-Committee and have been involved in developing and reviewing key documents and policies to make sure we’re keeping things up to date and student-focused. I also sit on a number of uni-wide strategy and finance committees, making sure students have a voice in big-picture decisions that affect their experience at Lincoln. A big part of my role is supporting the President (I’m the primary aid to them). We catch up most days, and I help out with anything from attending meetings to being a sounding board for ideas or
picking up other delegated tasks. I’m also here to support the wider Exec team with their portfolios, whether that’s offering guidance, jumping in to help with events, or just being someone to bounce ideas off. It’s a role that keeps me involved across all areas of LUSA, which I like.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role? I sit on possibly a few less Committees and Boards than other Exec Members.
Campus Service Council: This is a really important committee that you may not have heard of. This committee provides a recommendation to the LU Council of what the Students Services Fee will be for the following year (this year’s committee decides the 2026 Fee). It involves lots of discussion and reporting from representatives from LUSA, Te Awhioraki, the Director of Student Admin and Student Health, a representative from Whare Hākinakina LU Gym, the Careers Centre and many others who receive funding from the fee.
Strategic Scholarships Advisory Committee: This is a committee that discusses the strategic direction of scholarships including setting the annual budget for scholarships for the following year.
Policy Sub-Committee: This a Sub-Committee of LUSA which I informally chair. It meets before the formal Board Meetings to review and discuss different policies and procedures which are on the LUSA Website lusa.org.nz/official-documents There’s a core group of 4 Exec who are on the Policy Sub-Committee this year we have the following members: (Myself (VP), Secretary, Disability EDI Rep, and the International Rep) who review and comment on the policies before our Board Meetings.
Club Grants Committee: This was ‘new’ this year. It formalised the approval process of grants for Clubs. It is made up of the Accounts Administrator, Student Communities Coordinator,
the President and VP, It met four times this year and approved and discussed grant requests.
CAPEX Committee: I sit on this committee as the LUSA Rep. This committee decides on spending for Teaching, Research, and Combined (Teaching and Research) Equipment throughout the university that has been requested by LU Staff.
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
Something I really wanted to focus on in this role was making the policy reviewing system more efficient. Policy work can be quite timeconsuming, so my aim was to streamline the process without losing the quality of discussion or input.
One way I’ve done this is by holding more frequent meetings with the Policy Sub-Committee and key stakeholders ahead of Board meetings. This gives us time to work through the details, have meaningful discussions, and ensure policies are well-developed and ready to be presented, which has helped save time during the formal Board meetings.
Another area I’ve been really interested in is diversifying LUSA’s income and looking at where we can responsibly invest our money to support long-term sustainability. I’ve started exploring different opportunities and working with the GM and President to consider how we can grow LUSA’s financial independence while still aligning with our Goals and Strategic Direction.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
If you’re thinking about running, make sure it’s something you’re genuinely passionate about. Being on the Exec can be a big commitment and balancing it with study can be challenging at times, but it’s also really rewarding. There’s nothing quite like seeing the work you’ve done have a real impact on students.
LETTER TO THE...STUDENTS
This student magazine sucks, and it's your (Lincoln University students) fault!
Quite a bold statement, but this topic has plagued my mind since I first came to Lincoln. I still remember the conversations I had with friends and whanau before moving down. They highlighted the role of their student magazines in creating culture and conversation. I therefore assumed that part of the tertiary experience is to read and explore themes through student journalism This however, is not the case, as the RAM reflects a campus of students who are not fond of discussion and showcasing their ability to effectively communicate ideas. You could say that this topic isn't that deep, or that having something published in a student magazine isn't that significant It is this thinking that highlights Lincoln University's student culture, which doesn't value written media, especially when it comes from their peers
Let's compare the current state of the RAM (using the previous issue as an example) to the University of Canterbury student magazine, Canta, whose Sports issue came out in week 1. Of the 60 pages in the RAM: 14 pages illustrated LUSA staff and exec content. 17 pages recapped club events, 14 pages were used for advertising and fillers (Horoscopes and games), 6 pages highlighted Public Safety Announcements, 6 Pages contained student-written journalism Of the 48 pages in the UCSA Canta ‘Sports Issue’: 9 pages illustrated UCSA exec content, 1 page recapped a club event, 11 pages were used for advertising and fillers (Horoscopes and games), 18 pages contained student-written journalism (all of which related to sports)
When I compare the RAM to CANTA, I am disappointed by the lack of provocative articles produced by students Look at the last few years of RAM for yourself. You cannot truthfully say that the RAM is a substantial platform for students to present themselves and their abilities when most of the pages are filled with LUSA Club recaps that feel uninspired and forced Yes, it is significant for clubs to promote their activities, but the level at which recaps are written follows a boring “ we did this,” then “ we did that” . As a result of this practice at Lincoln University, we have come to recognise that the RAM is not worth picking up I'm not writing this piece without providing a solution, as that would be complaining and not get us anywhere. As such, I recommend that:
Y'all write some more, instead of yapping to everyone:
I hear it every day. Students are complaining, inspired, or motivated by something. Whether it's the complexities of the agricultural industry or how their landlord recently shafted them. These lived experiences should be shared to create a broader discussion that extends outside of your friendship circle Who knows, maybe your perspective will help someone else you have never met before.
Figure out what student culture is at Lincoln:
Take it upon yourself to consider what student culture at Lincoln University is Are we just an old boys' club that isn't concerned with others? Are we just a little campus compared to other tertiary institutions, so our ideas don't matter? Or are we a culture afraid to create something important because we haven't been told to do so?
Stop making LUSA do all the heavy lifting:
Whether you like LUSA or not, they have the greatest voice in OUR student magazine. Positive or negative is how you can view that, but LUSA goes to great lengths to ensure the RAM, created by students before us, does not die because you were too lazy, uninspired, or afraid to create.
Start using the RAM to elevate your career interests:
Publish something because you are proud of what you do. Publish a report on recent activities inside or outside of campus that you believe to be significant to your peers. Write an exposé on your experience in the industry to show future employers your ability to discuss relevant topics. Submit the things you create to show your capabilities in this rapidly changing world
FROM LYNDON DOWNES
PLAN YOUR PLAN YOUR LINCOLN LINCOLN
Planning is all about creating connected, vibrant, and sustainable spaces Planners make our suburbs, towns, cities, and country a better place to live, work, play, and learn A planner makes decisions on how land is used, where buildings should go, how people move, and how communities should grow
Have a go at designing your own Lincoln University plan. Use the blank map to add in all of the key features. Think about where would you put them, and why? How would people move, relax, and connect on campus?
Key Features
Rugby Fields Walking/Bike Paths Green Space/Park Study Spaces Anything Else....
Send us your plan!
To send us your plan, or learn more about planning, scan the QR codes to find our social accounts and find out about LUPA’s upcoming events.
The LU Fish and Dive Club is a new and exciting group, and we thought it was important to help boost engagement, which is when the idea of a girls fishing trip came to mind. It brought in new members and got more girls involved.
The trip ran from the 2nd to the 3rd of June, at a gorgeous spot on Banks Peninsula, called Okains Bay, where we went surfcasting.
A wonderful couple offered us their Farmhouse to stay in, which looked out across the bay. We started the trip by going down to the beach and getting into it. Those new to surfcasting had a go learning how to set up a trace, bait up, and had a chance to cast while staying dry before walking out into the water to give it a go at casting out behind the breakers.
I can confidently say that we were all pros by the end of the day!
Girls Trip 2025
By Ashlee Fisher
When the sun started to set, we headed back to the farmhouse, lit the gorgeous open fire, and started dinner. Three super keen fishers stayed down at the beach a little longer, and then came back in time for dinner, having caught a shark. This was one of the highlights of the trip; we filleted it and chucked it in the pan so we could all try it. Afterwards, we were all sitting around the fire with a wine or cider in hand, having a few great laughs while playing cards and sharing stories. In my opinion, this was one of the best parts of the trip, spending time with incredible, like-minded women.
The next day, we went back down to the beach after a cooked breakfast and freshly made coffee. We weren’t as lucky at catching anything in the morning, but were able to enjoy getting out there again and getting in the breakers.
Thanks to the girls who were able to make it, and everyone who helped make this trip come to light.
The Tussle
By Sophie Joblin
Sunday is a rest and reset day for some, but not for the Lincoln Young Farmers Club, and on this occasion, we were blessed with a sunny Canterbury day on the 27th of July.
With an enthusiastic setup crew, the Ridgen’s paddock hosted not a mob of hungry sheep, but rather a mob of Young Farmers hungry for the win. After the 24 teams arrived, showed off their creative costumes, and completed some vital pre-game stretches, the games began.
The event consisted of several comical and practical agricultural challenges that put competitors to the test. Sideline supporters watched on as each team battled through a blindfolded maze and showcased their accuracy with rugby balls. We saw a new take on bowling, tactical barrel balancing, stropping, and some balloon physics. The teams of three were also tested on their theory with visual sheep, cattle, and seed identification. There were comical moments amongst the concentration when teams were given a second breakfast (dry Weetbix and raw eggs). The last challenge was a dizzy race where some teams forgot how to run in a straight line. The fastest team from each heat proceeded to the final, where some calculated changes were made to the course.
Here are the results from an awesome day:
1st place - Cat in the Hat (Lincoln Young Farmers) 2nd place - Far Far Away (Lincoln Young Farmers) 3rd place - The A team (Dunsandel Young Farmers)
Best dressed - Clarkson’s Farm aka Diddly Squat
Well done to all the competitors and supporters, your enthusiasm made the day very memorable!
Thank you to everyone involved in organising the Tussle. What a great turnout it was! Thank you also to our amazing sponsors, without whom we could not have done this. The LYFC is looking forward to next year’s Tussle, which undoubtedly will be just as fun.
Barrel Race
Club Tent
Best Dressed
Place Getters
Striking the Right Chord This Semester
By Simon Tenbusch
It’s been a big start to this semester for the LU Music Club, and we’re loving the energy you’ve all brought! From new sign-ups to regular jam sessions, here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and what’s still to come!
Clubs Market:
We kicked things off at Clubs Market with a table full of instruments, good chats, and a lot of enthusiasm. It was great meeting so many new students, whether you’re a solo bedroom producer or just thinking about picking up an instrument for the first time. Thanks for coming by. We’re stoked to have fresh faces (and fresh sounds) in the club!
Musicians Meet Musicians: Instant Vibes:
Our first big social of the semester, Musicians Meet Musicians, brought together singers, pianists, drummers — you name it. Grounded was buzzing with ideas, laughter, and a lot of swapping contacts. Some of you even started jamming together right on the spot. That’s what it’s all about.
Weekly Jam Sessions: No Pressure, Just Play:
Every Friday evening, we take over the Club House for our Weekly Jam Session. Come to play, come to listen, come to unwind. It’s low-key, all skill levels are welcome, and it’s a great way to meet other musos. Just bring your vibe.
Upcoming Events:
We’ve got more in the works. Sign up now for our Music Quiz next week and bring your mates to proof your musical knowledge. Also, keep an eye on our Instagram and noticeboards around campus for announcements to next term events. If you’ve got ideas for events, let us know!
Looking Ahead: Execs for 2026 Wanted!
Love music and want to help run the club? We’re looking for next year’s executive team! If you’ve got a head for organising and a heart for music, this is your chance. Get involved, meet awesome people, and help shape LU’s music scene.
SIGN UP HERE!
Day Out on the Little River Rail Trail
By the Lincoln University Run Club
There’s something about the combination of good company, fresh country air, and a post-run milkshake that makes a simple outing feel like a proper adventure. That was exactly the vibe when 17 of us from the Lincoln University Run Club headed out for a day trip to the Little River Rail Trail, a beautiful, scenic track just a short drive from campus.
We packed into a few cars on a sunny weekend morning, excitement buzzing as we left behind our study notes and deadlines for a dose of fresh air and movement. The drive out to Little River was scenic in itself — Canterbury’s rolling hills and open farmland putting us in the mood for a good leg stretch.
Once we arrived, we laced up and hit the trail. The Little River Rail Trail, built along the old railway line, winds its way through farmland, wetlands, and wide open spaces, with views that make you want to stop and soak it all in. Some of us chose to run, others opted to walk and take in the scenery at a slower pace. It wasn’t a race, just a chance to get moving, chat, and enjoy being outside.
The trail was flat and forgiving, which made it perfect for all levels of fitness. The pace didn’t matter — the main goal was simple: get out, enjoy nature, and share the experience. We passed fields of sheep, stretches of native bush, and the occasional curious duck. For those who ran out and back, there was a real sense of satisfaction in stretching the legs and clearing the head. After the run (or walk), it was time for the real reward, coffee and milkshakes at the local café in Little River. Sitting in the sun with a well-earned drink in hand, surrounded by friends and good conversation, we all agreed: this was the kind of small escape that makes university life better. There’s nothing like bonding over shared miles together, and shared calories afterwards. The trip reminded us that you don’t need to go far to find adventure. Sometimes, all it takes is a short drive, a good trail, and a group of people who are keen to make the most of the day. We’ll definitely be back, and next time, we’ll bring even more milkshake lovers with us.
I’ll pretend I remember the day I got the email saying I got into Lincoln Uni (is being denied even possible?). I’m sure I was doing something cool like solving world hunger, or saving a baby from a burning building. But what I don’t remember was an apparently important document stating the official uniforms one must wear when attending Lincoln University. And to my horror, when wee fresher Georgia walked through the halls of Lowrie for the first time, shower caddy in hand, and realised, I’m over dressed.
Jeans and a Billabong Tshirt stood out in the sea of Stony creek, CCC, and Hunters Element. I was like a possum at a Forest and Bird Convention. Vulnerable. Confused. Scared. So, in case you haven’t gotten the memo after your finite time at this fine establishment, let me introduce the quality attire our campus has to offer.
Let’s start with the feet; our best form of transportation. Mine have taken me many of walks to and from the Grouse, the LiquorLand, or the church where I confessed my sins. At Lincoln, you have a few options:
Birkenstocks
The more black and imprinted the cork of the shoe the better. With or without socks? It doesn’t matter, it’s based on personal desire and whether or not you have athletes foot. Don’t hide the toe jam, make your own path in life.
7/10
Crocs
More holy than flashing your tit’s outside the Gerard Street Church, these puppies are more reliable than your first Halls hookup. If you see some in sports mode, move, that man is on a mission. Available in camo and back only.
6/10
RedBands
I remember the confusion of figuring out what pair are yours at
the dining hall, or the unsupported walk around the library cause you’re a good student and placed them in the gumboots box. There’s an underlying judgement on how dirty or scuffed they actually are. Have you seen the missing hair around the calf of a farmer boy where his gumboots rub? Shit’s smoother than their brains.
10/10
The pants of choice is more up to the imagination, however one can not beat the beauty that is the CCC shorts. I’ve seen a pair so loved it had a rip from thigh to waist band, holding on through spite and desire. In certain
CROC302: What shall I wear at Lincoln University?
By Georgia Fitzpatrick
breezes, im sure you could see more than you desired, but perhaps that was the intended effect. Weather was never a contender for pulling out these; Rain or shine my CCCs will be fine.
Tall Poppy Syndrome is a ravenous thing at LU, but a persons top always shares a wee snippet of what is close to them.
A training shirt from their high school rugby team that they were good in, but not good enough to get a scholarship here, their favourite beer brand, the hunting shirt they wore on the day of their biggest kill, that still have speckles of blood on the shoulders or white stains on the stomach from an… excited night alone. Anyways, look at a guys shirt and you’ll see both the
highs, and following lows of their life. Don’t worry, a lot of people peaked at high school.
Now, if you’re feeling exceptionally vulnerable, you can wear an additional layer to mitigate the cold, you pussy. The quarter zip swanndri is a popular choice, able to be dressed up or brought down depending on the occasion. Your mum bought it for you for Christmas and it hasn’t been washed since. Now ladies, I haven’t forgotten you. I see you in your Stony Creek puffer jacket that I’m too poor to own. Did dad have a good calf sale that year or was it course related costs?
The life of a farmers wife is a cold one, so I’m glad you’re prepared.
But what do I wear to CHCH town I hear? Well if you’re a chick its easy, pop to Glassons. But if you’re a guy, its a very tough decision. Do i wear the blue and white checkered shirt, or the white and blue checkered shirt? Do I wear my white or my tan moleskins?
Some honourable mentions I’ve noticed include: The guys who only carry a computer case around campus and nothing else The knitted sweater with leather elbows. At any other university this would be the sign of an english major. Here, its a sign of Huckleberry Finn.
The postgrads who wear the same outfit multiple days in a row. I see you, stay strong.
If you don’t wear these items, you’re probably an ESD/Ecology based degree or from Wellington. Or an Aucklander (if I shall even mutter such a word).
One final thing before sign off. Let us have a moment of silence for the grey woollen socks, schrapnelled with holes and discoloured from years of gumboot and croc wearings. They are our true heroes.
Toodaloo (I wrote most of this outside the Grouse, that’s dedication).
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
Did you know that the S&P 500 (a fund of the 500 biggest companies in the U.S.) has had a historical average growth rate of 10%. If you invested $50 each week into this fund, in 30 years’ time you would have roughly $500,000. Those weekly $50 contributions add up to only $78,000, that’s the power of compounding interest!
Hi there reader! I’m Sam Nelson, president of the Lincoln University Investment Society (LUIS) for 2025.
What does your club do and what does it stand for?
Just like every other club at Lincoln we are a group of students with a common interest, and ours is investing. In only our second year of operation, we aim to host a range of events to educate and improve student’s financial literacy and investment knowledge across a variety of topics. Call us finance bros and gals if you must, but we are far from it.
As a university that is historically orientated towards agricultural, investing isn’t a topic that students are typically exposed to. Our challenge is to make sure we are relevant to our student cohort. To do this we don’t just talk about stocks or crypto, we keep things simple, learning how to manage our money and get started on our investing journeys.
LUIS hopes to connect students who are interested in all kinds of investment, whether you are experienced or not, to provide them with the connections and skills to grow their future and give Lincoln students the exposure they deserve.
We believe that investment is a key tool for achieving your financial goals and securing your retirement. As the saying goes “a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow” so we think
it’s essential to ensure your money is working for you, just as you do for your money.
If people wish to join the Investment Society, how do they go about it?
LUIS is free and open to all to join!!!
Find us on Rubrik (The app with all the clubs) to claim your membership. Alternatively, follow us on Instagram @LU.invesmentsociety
To hear about our upcoming events, and even send us a message with your email to receive our exclusive updates.
Who are your 2025 Exec?
Sam Nelson – President 4th Year – Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture& Professional Accounting) with Finance minor
Matt Donald – Vice President 2nd Year – Bachelor of Land and Property Management (Urban Valuation & Global Business)
Alex McCorkindale – Treasurer
3rd Year – Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance & Supply Chain Management)
Anna Swansson – Secretary 1st Year – Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)
What events have you organised this year or have in the pipeline?
This year we’ve had four events covering investment basics, networking, and a panel discussing the costs of environmental regulation in agriculture. Our upcoming events look to continue to support students, offering opportunities to network with industry professionals, hear about the current economic and political state of the world, and test your investing knowledge and connect with others.
Annabel Connell – Chief of Marketing
4th Year - Bachelor of Land and Property Management (Urban Valuation & Finance)
Lewis Turner – First year Representative
1st Year - Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship & Innovation)
Next term we will be hosting the CFA society for an information evening and have an unmissable networking opportunity for our property students. We are excited to invite you all along and look forward to catching up with our current members and meeting our new members!
Ivey Hall’s Time to Shine!
Many of you would’ve been introduced to the Ivey Hall building before you started studying at Lincoln Uni and it’s likely you’ve spent many long hours in the library crafting assignments and cramming for exams. One day soon you’ll probably be inviting your whānau on campus to get a memorable selfie with Ivey standing proudly in the background on your graduation day.
Ivey has been a well-loved campus icon and part of many student memories since its construction between 1878 and 1880 and we want things to stay that way – that’s why it’s now Ivey’s time to shine!
Ivey Refurbishment Plans
Great news! We’re moving forward with planned refurbishments for Ivey Hall. These essential upgrades have been a part of our Capital Development Programme (CDP) since 2019, reflecting our long-term commitment to improving your learning spaces.
Recently, the South Block Extension was identified as needing earthquake strengthening. Good news is, we’ve already incorporated this into our existing timeline, with an 18-month construction phase planned for 2026/27.
Ivey Hall is planned to remain open and operational throughout the refurbishment, but certain areas will be inaccessible throughout the process. Further information about what’s planned will be shared with students as the mahi progresses.
Earthquake Strengthening and your Safety
To ensure full transparency, the University is legally required to display an earthquake-prone building notice prominently on or near the implicated South Block Extension of Ivey Hall. This is standard procedure and while the South Block’s performance may differ from new buildings built to today’s latest standards in the event of a significant earthquake, this classification does not mean the building is unsafe to everyday use. There are approximately 5,000 earthquake-prone buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your safety and the safety of all staff, students and visitors is always the University’s top priority. We’re working closely with structural engineers and the relevant authorities to plan and carry out the necessary strengthening and refurbishment.
We’ll keep you updated as the exciting plans for Ivey Hall progress. In the meantime, please continue to follow our existing emergency procedures for earthquakes, and if you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Wheako Tauira Student Experience via experience@lincoln.ac.nz
SPRING CLEANING TIPS
From our home to yours
With summer slowly peaking around the corner, you’re probably wondering how to succeed with style during the semester. One of the most effective ways to boost your flat credentials is to organise the flat for a fantastic spring clean. Grab your flatties and head up for happiness with these handy hints:
Dusting:
Dusting is a great way to begin a spring clean. I know there are corners in your room that you haven’t ever looked at for a while. Now it’s time to pull everything out and wipe everything down! Use a duster with an extendable arm for those high-up cobwebs and a damp cloth for the skirting boards behind your bed. Advantages include not breathing in your own dead skin cells and having fewer dust particles trigger allergies when hay fever season arrives.
Vacuuming:
Now that you’ve flung all that dust around the room, it’s time to suck it all up!
The first rule of vacuuming is to never run over anything wet, because you may damage the vacuum cleaner or have it stop working every time you vacuum in the future. Don’t be that flatmate. Secondly, make sure the bag/container is at least relatively empty and still has room in it and sucks really well! You might need to buy some more bags, so be careful to get the size right — a pro-tip is to keep the old bag’s packet wherever the vacuum is usually stored. Otherwise, vacuuming is pretty straight forward and hard to get wildly wrong.
Throwing Out Old Things:
The magic words here are ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’. You might find that next time you could have reduced your waste by buying less in the first place and avoiding impulse buys in favor of better-planned, higher-quality goods. If your goods are still usable, take them to an opshop, or repair them yourself. If you’ve brought good quality things, you’ll be able to flick them on TradeMe or FB marketplace for a bit
of cash. Don’t forget to recycle your empties either. Mother Earth will thank you.
Cleaning The Shower:
Okay, we know this is the worst job ever, and you may need to have a game of ‘rock, paper, scissors’ to decide which flatmate does this job, but once you’ve committed, you’re all in. Strip off and just jump in. Jif, a scourer pad, and elbow grease are your friends here. Wet the shower a bit first, then squirt the Jif all over the base and walls, then get on your hands and knees and scrub! Don’t forget to pull the waste basket out (if your shower has one) and empty that. Also, give the shower head a good scrub too, and any shelves/soap trays, etc. An old toothbrush works wonders for those corners and small gaps. Highlight on the word “old” and not that flatmate you had a disagreement with the day befores!
Shower it off once done, along with yourself (killing two birds with one stone), then use one of those squeegees to get rid of any water marks, and “boom,” you’re done!
Air Your Mattress Out:
You should really try to do this every time you wash your sheets, which hopefully you’re remembering to do at least once a month (pro tip: you can add a capful of vinegar to your laundry instead of fabric softener. It acts as a fabric softener and also helps to freshen your sheets without needing to spend a bomb on hot water cycles. Airing your mattress out is really easy. Just flip it on its side for half a day and open the windows.
Wash The Floors:
Washing the floor is a sweet way to stop strange smells and sticky spots from springing up, especially in the bathroom around the toilet bowl!
Artwork
Cheap as Chips?
I’m a student at Lincoln University, currently majoring in Property Management and Valuation. A few months ago, something hit me during one of my entrepreneurship papers and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since...
It started with a class discussion, then turned into dozens of conversations around campus. What I kept hearing was this: a surprising number of uni students are struggling to afford food! Not just skipping a meal here or there, but genuinely worried about how they’re going to eat that week.
We’re talking about students juggling part-time jobs, study, rent, and rising costs, often with little support. For some, eating properly has become a luxury. And it’s not just a lifestyle issue. Food stress can cause up to a 40% drop in academic performance. That’s massive. It affects mental health,
physical wellbeing, and the ability to even stay in uni. So, I decided to do something about it.
With support from my entrepreneurship lecturer and what I was learning in the course, I launched Bitely, a start-up offering affordable, nutritious, easy-to-make meal kits designed specifically for students. They’re simple, cheap, taste good, and don’t require fancy cooking skills or gear. Students can order them regularly, and parents can even pre-purchase boxes to make sure their kids are looked after.
Bitely is built from inside student life.
I know what it’s like to be flatting, to be broke, to be too busy to cook and that’s exactly who I made this for.
This started as a uni project, but it’s quickly grown into something bigger. Food insecurity is real in NZ campuses, and it’s flying under the radar. Bitely is my way of shining a light on it and hopefully, giving students something better to bite into.
Kees Bryant 021 815 337 Kees@bitely.co.nz
ZARA WEISSENSTEIN PRESIDENT
Kia ora LU, I hope your term is going swimmingly. Are you starting to think about what to do next year? Will you still be studying at Lincoln University? Then run for a position on the LUSA exec!
Being on the exec is such an incredible experience, you get to work with a fantastic team (two teams if you include the staff), learn lots of new skills that you can add to your CV at the end, and meet so many people from all sorts of backgrounds, all while having tonnes of fun along the way. Some challenges to being on the exec are balancing your uni life, LUSA life, and personal life. Of course uni will always come first, you are first and foremost a student; however, in between classes, research, meetings with your supervisor, you will have various LUSA meetings which you will have to balance. You work with a really supportive team though that is rooting for you to succeed so don’t feel like you’ll be in it alone!
A fun fact about LUSA is that the first recorded official student representation at Lincoln University started in 1880, and the first woman was elected into an executive position was in 1970! Something really cool about the President role is that you get to learn and practice skills such as managerial skills, governance skills, and cultural skills, some of which you likely wouldn’t learn in a normal workplace until you’re like 30 or 40 or something. So if you’re
interested in a particular role, hop on the LUSA website and then follow represent – LUSA Exec 2025 – scroll down to the bottom of the page, and that’s where you’ll find the position descriptions for all the roles for next year! There’s lots of different roles depending on what part of the student experience you want to focus on so have a look and see what you might like to run for!
• If they need more information about the role, what should they do? Talk to us! You can always come chat to me about the ins and outs of the role, the VP role is a little less structured, so I end up being very adaptable and flexible with what I have going on. Don’t be afraid to ask as I know when I was running for the role it was nerve-wracking and uncomfortable putting myself out there.
• What are some challenges you faced so far this year, or something you didn’t expect; good or bad.
CAM HOLMES VICE PRESIDENT
I hope everyone has settled into Semester 2 and are taking enough time to chill as well. Given we are getting closer to the LUSA Elections in early September here are some answers to some questions.
• Why do you suggest that your fellow students should run for this position?
The VP role is great because it has so much variety. While it formally has a Strategy and Finance Portfolio, I also get to do a whole bunch of other things. The role provides a cool introduction into Governance (something I have found a passion for!). Day to day the role can provide lots of variety –I could be attending a meeting with LU Staff providing student voice, reviewing the LUSA Budget, reviewing and writing policies, working LUSA events and aiding and supporting Zara and the rest of the Exec with whatever is going on. Just to name a few!
Anytime you work with a group there is always challenges, I think something that has been challenging and rewarding at the same time is interacting with and managing different people. You need to learn how people best communicate, what drives them, and how to work with people to create the best outcomes.
Another slight challenge I have had is really getting people to understand what I do in the role. Some of it is policies, which I enjoy working on. However, it’s a very niche interest and less public facing so can go unnoticed.
• A fun fact about the role: It will challenge you in so many ways. Most of the work the VP does is very time-consuming and can be a bit unappreciated. I’ve learned more about how the university runs than I ever thought I would — it’s like getting a behind-the-scenes tour every week.
• There are a few key things I have learnt though: Balancing a thesis and being VP means I now consider policy writing a ‘break’ from academic writing — and vice versa.
Doing a thesis while being VP has taught me two things: time management is everything, and there’s no such thing as too many highlighters.
vp@lusa.org.nz
TROY VOLMAN SECRETARY
Once again, hello and welcome to what’s (hopefully) the final month of cold, crappy weather. I’m from the North Island (Hawke’s Bay to be exact) and after three years, I still haven’t figured out how to handle winter here.
Rumours are swirling about LUSA elections, and I’m guessing this issue of RAM has plenty of info about that (including the spotlight on LUSA Secretary). If you’re thinking about running for this role or any other, come have a chat with me or one of the team. We’ve got our Exec emails, or you can just stop by the LUSA office - I’m in there most days anyway.
This semester’s a bit bittersweet, it’s my last one. While I’m definitely ready for a break, this place has become a second home. The social side, the academic stuff, the people, I’m going to miss it all. Yeah, I’ve made a few screw-ups but the support from LUSA staff and the Exec has always been there (I wrote this a day late and didn’t even get told off), I’ve been a believer that if you help others out, it comes back around. Being in this role has helped me connect with so many students and staff at Lincoln. It’s honestly been one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had, and hope many more find this value too.
Catch you around, Troy secretary@lusa.org.nz
DIPTI ADHIKARI POSTGRAD ACADEMIC REP
Being your Postgraduate Academic Rep is a unique job, giving you an insight into the workings of the university; how decisions are made, who makes them, and who are the brains and the underbelly of this great big old institution. The best part is you get to use your voice, you get to make a difference, no matter how small.
Working with the LUSA staff is great, and they have a wealth of information. The people there are lovely and work for the students. They advocate for you, your fun, fill your bellies, and help with your academic success.
Being the Postgraduate Academic Rep is a fun peek behind the curtains, separating the students and admin. If you want to advocate and work for the benefit of the students, do consider this role. The responsibility all falls on you as the decision makers have almost forgotten what it feels like to be a broke young student, with a shitty car and shitty flat, oh not to forget a shitty laptop.
If you’d like to put your name forward for this role for 2026, you’re more than welcome to reach out to me for further information or pop into Science South for a chat. pg.academic@lusa.org.nz
As another great philosopher said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Choose wisely.
NATHAN CAMPBELL SUSTAINABILITY REP
LUSA elections are approaching, and we will soon need a new Sustainability rep!
Sustainability is about care and connection. The role requires compromise, but you must also champion what you value. Equal parts innovation and conscience, Everyone at LU working in sustainability is over-capacity. These hard workers take on too much and work diligently because they care. I did not predict how disconnected sustainability actions are across campus: in some cases, it felt I was the only one with an eye on all activities. Naturally, this means I almost certainly missed things. Heavy is the thumb that is green. This is a rewarding role though, with of course its challenges, and it is easy to over-commit yourself. Yet there is much that has made my day-to-day more lively. I recognise birdsong around LU I didn’t before, and there are parts of campus I care deeply for that I didn’t know existed previously. All students should visit the arboretum from time to time. It is one of the most ecologically interesting places on campus.
LUSA needs a creative problem-solver when there are lazy solutions. If you have heart and resolve, LUSA needs you. Come and talk to me further about the role, or get involved with LESS events. I will gladly share my work with people who ask, I don’t want initiatives to die when I leave the role. Official LUSA exec position descriptions are available on the LUSA website, just go to Represent > LUSA Exec 2025.
sustainability.rep@lusa.org.nz
CATERINA CAMPESE INTERNATIONAL REP
Are you an international student at LU? Constantly starving ? Constantly in need of a few extra coins? Why not run for LUSA International Rep next year? Yes, I know, posting photos of your feet online might seem like a more lucrative financial strategy, but, LUSA is committed to paying each Exec member a remuneration based on the NZ living wage, reviewed every year. And LUSA will only keep you busy for ten hours per week during teaching periods (enough time to stay on top of your studies, and yes, still take foot pics during the breaks!) Plus, you’ll get priority access to all LUSA free food events. YUM. If that’s not enough, here’s the serious stuff: Running for the LUSA Exec is a chance to give back to your community. Doing good makes you feel good. LUSA does amazing mahi supporting students during tough times (advocacy and representation), and fun times too (think Garden Party and Winterball, where we try to bring the best music, the best food, and make sure everyone’s safe with low-stimulation rest areas, first aid responders, and drug checking services often available). It’s also a great place to flex your diplomatic muscles before you walk out into the world on your own two feet
If you run for International Rep, you’ll be able to:
• Sit on the Student Experience Board, co-chaired by the LUSA President, Te Awhioraki Tumuaki, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Life), Damian Lodge. It includes both students and staff who genuinely care about making change. This board reports directly to the VC’s office, and it’s your chance to raise any issue or idea that affects our student experience.
• Sit on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Board, hopefully, if LU remembers it exists.
• Collaborate with NZISA, the New Zealand International Students’ Association. As LUSA International Rep, you’re automatically part of it. You’ll connect with other reps from across the country, raise national-level issues (like student bus fares!), and share ideas and projects.
So what are you waiting for? Nominations open 11 September! As always, if you need anything or have questions about the role, you can reach out to me at: international.rep@lusa.org.nz
ALEESHA YOUNG WELLBEING & ENGAGEMENT REP
It’s time to start thinking about if you want to run for LUSA Exec for 2026! I think Wellbeing and Engagement Rep is a great choice to run for because being a part of LUSA Exec has given me so many opportunities, such as attending the King’s Birthday Party, that I would not have been able to do otherwise as well as allowed me to meet many people I wouldn’t have otherwise met.
Something that surprised me about being on LUSA is how much my confidence has grown. If you want more information about the specifics of what I do in my role then keep an eye out on the LUSA Tiktok for our ‘Day in the Life of our exec’ or feel free to email me or come question me in person if you see me around. Have a great rest of term 3! engagement.rep@lusa.org.nz
SAM DRYDEN RAINBOW EDI REP
What a full-on ReOri we’ve just had! I hope you all had a wonderful time and managed to score some freebies along the way. While handing out free food is definitely a fan favourite activity of the LUSA team, it’s only a tiny portion of what we do. For example, my role of Rainbow EDI Rep involves heaps of advocacy, education, celebration, and fun! I love my role for many different reasons, but the main one is definitely the people I get to work with and the sense of community.
A super fun fact about the Rainbow EDI role is that it was first established in 2023 with the mahi of the wonderful Arabella Dudfield.
While working to build a fully safe and accepting environment for everyone here at Lincoln can feel challenging at times, especially when you feel others are relying on you, it is ultimately a fulfilling job.
There are so many supportive people here in our corner, and even in the few years that I’ve been at Lincoln, there has been so much progress towards accepting and celebrating the diverse identities in our community. I would love to see more tauira have the confidence to continue that mahi, because it is so important!
rainbow.rep@lusa.org.nz is always open if you’d like to chat about the Rainbow EDI role (or life in general – I love a good yarn!).
Building an Educational Bridge between Korea and Lincoln.
Interview with the Vice-Chancellor
My very first interview as part of the Korean Student Reporter Program by the New Zealand Ministry of Education began with a meaningful conversation with the ViceChancellor of Lincoln University.
I wanted my first interview to be with someone truly meaningful, and there was no one more fitting than the Vice-Chancellor himself.
He graciously accepted the request, and I was invited to his recently renovated office, where we had an in-depth discussion lasting over an hour.
Through this interview, I gained valuable insight into Lincoln University’s educational philosophy, international strategy, and genuine support for
This article was written as part of the Korean Student Reporter Program supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Korean students. It was a unique opportunity to explore how Lincoln is fostering a stronger educational bridge between New Zealand and Korea.
Professor Grant Edwards is a highly respected academic leader in the fields of agriculture and environmental education in New Zealand.
He emphasizes that “Lincoln University is not just an academic institution, but a place that connects practical knowledge with social value.”
With a leadership style grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and teamwork, he continues to guide the university forward.
Lincoln University is New Zealand’s only specialist land-based university, with academic strengths in agriculture, environment, food science, and eco-tourism.
Professor Edwards highlighted the university’s strategic focus in the following areas:
• Practical, industry-linked education: Programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.
• High proportion of adult learners: The university supports many students over the age of 25, including career changers.
• Ongoing campus development: New science buildings and student spaces are under
Interview conducted by Professor Grant Edwards (Vice-Chancellor, Lincoln University)
Article compiled by James Yeon, Agnes Park, and Alex Lee (Master of Applied Computing, Lincoln University)
construction, while heritage buildings are also being preserved and upgraded.
Lincoln University provides comprehensive support for international students, especially those from Korea. Initiatives include:
• Dedicated international student advisors and faculty
• A vibrant community supported by the International Student Association
• Cultural programs and mentoring schemes to support adaptation and well-being
Professor Edwards noted, “Korean students may feel anxious about studying abroad, and Lincoln University is committed to reducing that burden through strong support systems.”
A remarkable highlight is that Professor Edwards visited Korea in October last year. During a brief but meaningful two-day stay in Seoul, following stops in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, he visited the K-International Education Center and other institutions. He shared how deeply impressed he was by Korea’s rapid technological advancement, robust education system, and the blending of K-culture with innovation.
During the interview, I introduced a Korean-language guidebook that I personally created for Korean and EAP students.
The motivation stemmed from the lack of accessible information for newcomers, and the guide has since received very positive feedback.
Recently, we have been working closely with the Student Experience and Student Services & Marketing teams, including Blythe, Janelle, Xing, Spring, Wang, and Yangchen, to explore practical ways to utilize this
guide, such as incorporating it into the official university website or providing it as part of student orientation materials.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the team members for their warm support and willingness to collaborate in making this resource more accessible to future Kore an students.
Professor Edwards expressed strong interest, stating, “A practical resource like this, if made available on the university website, would be a tremendous help for Korean students.”
Lincoln’s Vision for the Future In closing, Professor Edwards shared Lincoln University’s forward-looking vision:
• Meaningful international partnerships, including an MOU with Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX)
• Curriculum innovation centered on sustainability and the bioeconomy
• Interdisciplinary education connecting environment, food, and global production systems
He emphasized that Lincoln University is evolving beyond a traditional agricultural institution into a globally engaged and future-focused university.
This interview reaffirmed that Lincoln University is not only a leader in applied education but also an active connector between Korea and New Zealand through education.
We look forward to seeing more collaboration and opportunities between Korean students and Lincoln in the years to come.
Looking for a way to unwind between lectures, challenge your mates, or dive into an epic gaming adventure? Look no further! LUSA have a PlayStation 4 available for students to use situated in the dedicated Games Room in Grounded; complete with a fantastic selection of brand-new games!
It’s the perfect opportunity to destress, socialise, and show off your skills.
How to Get Involved:
All you need to do is bring your valid student ID to the LUSA Offices in Grounded anytime between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Our friendly staff will swap your ID for the PS4 controllers and the stack of games.
Discover Our New Game Line-Up
We’ve invested in a diverse range of titles to ensure there’s something for everyone, including:
Call of Duty: Vanguard:
Immerse yourself in the gritty action of World War
II. This first-person shooter delivers a gripping single-player campaign across various global theatres, intense multiplayer combat with over 20 maps, and a new Zombies experience.
Get ready for an unparalleled global combat experience!
FC24:
Step onto the pitch and experience the beautiful game like never before. FC24 (formerly FIFA) brings unparalleled realism to football simulation with cutting-edge technologies like HyperMotionV, which translates real-world movements into the game. Master new gameplay features and enjoy authentic player styles.
NBA
2K25:
Hit the hardwood and dominate the court in the latest installment of the premier basketball simulation. Experience fluid and responsive on-court action, incredibly detailed player models, and a refined shooting mechanic. Dive into the MyCareer mode and guide your player through their NBA journey.
Ashes Cricket:
For all you cricket fans, prepare for the ultimate simulation of cricket’s greatest rivalry! “Ashes Cricket” delivers an authentic and immersive experience, allowing you to lead either England or Australia through the iconic Ashes series. With realistic gameplay and a deep career mode, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of a Test match.
Gran Turismo 7:
Get behind the wheel of your dream car and experience the thrill of the race. Gran Turismo 7 combines the best features of the “Real Driving Simulator” with stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. With over 400 cars, extensive tuning options, and a rewarding solo campaign, it’s a car enthusiast’s paradise.
Tekken 7: Enter the King of Iron Fist Tournament and engage in intense 1v1 battles. Tekken 7 boasts a deep and engaging combat system with unique character-specific moves, dynamic Rage Arts, and stunning graphics powered by Unreal Engine 4. Customise your fighters and unleash devastating combos!
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag:
Sail the high seas as Edward Kenway, a notorious Welsh pirate, in the Golden Age of Piracy. This open-world action-adventure game blends naval exploration, thrilling combat, and classic Assassin’s Creed stealth. Explore the Caribbean, hunt for treasure, and live the life of a true swashbuckler.
Crash Team Racing: Nitro Fueled:
Get ready for high-octane kart racing madness!
This remastered version of the classic Crash Team Racing brings back all the beloved characters, tracks, and power-ups with stunning modern graphics. Compete in Adventure Mode, local multiplayer, or challenge friends online for the ultimate kart racing experience.
Batman Arkam: Dive into the dark and gritty world of Gotham City as the Caped Crusader. The critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham redefines superhero gaming with its innovative “Freeflow Combat” system, engaging stealth mechanics, and a rich, immersive narrative. You’ll use Batman’s detective skills, gadgets, and brute force to take down iconic villains like The Joker, Scarecrow, and the Riddler, all while exploring a beautifully rendered Gotham.
LET’S MAKE POTTERY TOGETHER!
Pottery started as a small hobby for me, but it quickly became my way to relax, create, and connect with others. I love seeing how a simple lump of clay can turn into something beautiful and full of personality.
These are some of my pieces.
Come and give it a try, you might be surprised what your hands can do!
By Shuizetinglan Dong
REMUNERATION FOR LUSA’S STUDENT EXEC
A message from Sam Budd, LUSA’s GM
LUSA’s Advisory Panel and I have recently undertaken an in-depth review of the current remuneration for LUSA’s Student Exec and Student President. These leaders are elected by you to fight for your rights, be your voice on campus and play a really crucial role in ensuring you have the best experience possible while studying at LU. It’s a pretty demanding job that requires a ton of time, dedication and responsibility.
So why the review?
Those of you who were LU students in 2024 may remember an article that was published in the July 2024 RAM Issue relating to the Student Exec and Prez’s remuneration reviews, off the back of no reviews or increases for over 4 years. Before the review took place, the Exec received the equivalent of $18.51 per hour; well below the 2024 minimum wage and even further below the living wage.
Not really much incentive to run for the Exec right? As these dudes represent over 5000 of you and collectively represent the student body and voice on over 50 boards and committees, we were committed to ensuring their remunerations continued to be reviewed and updated annually.
What’s in it for us?
By reviewing and increasing the remuneration of the Student Exec and Prez each year, we aim to achieve the following:
• Committed Leaders that are focussed on YOU! There’s a reason you voted for them, and we want to ensure they can get the most out of their roles for you! That’s a bit hard to do if they’re having to juggle other multiple jobs to make ends meet. By increasing their remuneration to a more realistic rate, we hope to reduce some of the financial pressure on them, so they can spend more time fighting for you!
• We want to attract the BEST leaders! Let’s be honest, some awesome students might be discouraged to stand for the roles if the pay makes it impossible to, you know, afford to live. Ensuring their remuneration continues to be reviewed and adapted each year will hopefully encourage more talented
and passionate students to stand for the roles, giving you more choice when it comes to election time (helloooo September 2025!)
• A stronger student voice! Ensuring frequent reviews of the remuneration and increasing the number of students standing for roles, we are aiming to create more contested elections! This means a full Exec, less by-elections and stronger representation of students.
• Fair pay for our leaders! LUSA is all about advocating for fairness and equality for students, so seems a bit backwards when the Student Exec are receiving an hourly equivalent of less than living wage, doesn’t it? We believe that the remuneration should reflect the level of responsibility of the roles!
• Tax sucks! As the Student Exec are not employed by LUSA and are paid via honorarium, their tax rate is 33%. Less money in the hand makes things even harder for them to make ends meet. While we can’t do much about the tax rate (this is set at Government level), ensuring their remuneration is reviewed and adjusted annually helps to make their lives that much easier.
Wait, so does this mean that the Exec and Prez can determine their own remuneration?! LUSA has some great policies in place to ensure that the Prez and Exec can’t set or adjust their own remuneration. Instead, any reviews and adjustments to the Exec and Prez’s remuneration are led by the GM in conjunction with the Advisory Panel (a group of independent professionals who provide advice and guidance to LUSA).
The Exec and Prez are not involved in this process and, therefore, cannot influence it. This ensures everything stays above board and legit.
So what has been proposed?
Following the in-depth review and research that the GM and Advisory Panel conducted, the following increases were agreed to, and will remain in place from the start of Semester 2 2025 to the end of Semester 1 2026:
• Remuneration of the Student Exec (excl. the VP) to increase from $7061 per year to $7817. This equates to an hourly equivalent rate of the current living wage of $28.95.
• Vice-President’s remuneration will increase from $10,591 to $11,725 per year. This equates to an hourly equivalent rate of the current living wage of $28.95.
• Remuneration of the Student Prez to increase from $57,500 per year to $61,360. This equates to an hourly equivalent rate of $29.50.
Hold up, won’t this break the bank?
Don’t worry, the GM and Advisory Panel crunched numbers to ensure the proposed increases were practical and wouldn’t impact any other budgets committed to enhancing the experience of our students. This means that we can increase the return for LU’s students while not impacting any of the cool stuff LUSA currently offers!
What about Te Awhioraki?
We strongly believe in equality and pay parity between LUSA’s Exec and Te Awhioraki’s. As such, the Tumuaki Takirua of Te Awhioraki were actively involved in the review process to ensure any proposed increases would be feasible and affordable for Te Awhioraki. As such, the same remuneration increases were applied to Te Awhioraki’s Exec and Tumuaki Takirua which came into effect first day of Semester 2 2025.
Shouldn’t students be standing for these roles because they are passionate about the student body rather than the money?
Absolutely, however passion doesn’t pay the rent (not in this case anyway..). You hold the power to ensure the right students are elected to the Exec. The 50% performance-based pay remains unchanged; this means that each individual Exec member must continuously perform throughout each semester in order to get their full honorarium.
The bottom line?
We want to ensure we continue to enable your Student Executive to be 100% dedicated to making your time at Uni the best it can be. These increases are an investment in ensuring they can do just that!
Any questions?
If you have any questions or want to chat further, give me a bell at Manager@LUSA.org.nz or pop by the LUSA Offices in Grounded.
By the way, have you thought about running for LUSA’s or Te Awhioraki’s Student Executive for 2026? Nominations open 11 – 18 September 2025! Head to LUSA.org.nz and keep an eye on your student emails for further information!
Want to volunteer in a programme that makes a difference on campus?
Join us and have a chat about what we do and how you can be part of the
Does anyone listen to the Magnus Archives? It’s a fictional horror podcast about an archivist recording hand-written statements of tormented people pursued by manifestations of their own fear. Horror employs the unknown, unnatural and surreal to frighten its audience.
I find it disconcerting that modern suburbia is considered uncomfortable enough to feature, but scarily, it works. In an episode named ‘Cul-de-sac’, the writer finds themselves alone in a desolate suburban neighbourhood, absent of life and vigour. Nothing defines one home from the next. Gardens are non-existent, and no other living thing is present. Why is this dull repetitiveness so horrifying? Our homes define us as much as we define them. When an area is so lacking in character, in life, it ceases to be a place at all. Global trends of urban design have spent decades prioritising vehicles over personal wellbeing, landuse diversity, and ecosystem health.
This poor planning has resulted in biologically desolate, emotionally draining landscapes that we spend our entire lives confined inside.
Some land uses, such as industrial, are considered incompatible with natural works. Resultantly, suburban design is an imperative theatre to reintroduce biodiversity into our every-day lives. However, ecological principles in suburban design are the exception rather than the rule.
Joan Nassauer, in her article Messy Ecosystems, Tidy Frames argues that this is because people will not prioritise ecological quality over their own perceptions of what a landscape “should” look like.
In an article on LU’s ecology blog - EcoLincNZ, I explore dead suburbs, horror parallels, and what experts want to do about it, particularly a 2008 movement called ‘Low Impact Urban Design and Development’. It’s short, only about 1000 words, but goes into more detail than I can fit here!
Go to EcoLincNZ and search ‘Suburbia’ to see more!
Presented by
The happiest suburb in town. “The normal just seemed to go on
-The Archivist, the magnus Archives. Image source: Author. Creative Commons.
What are you Currently Studying? Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Agriculture with a minor in Global Business.
What made you want to run for the Student Exec, and more so this Exec role? Near the end of 2023, I got chatting with the then Vice President (2024 President), Demetrio. He started telling me more about LUSA’s involvement around campus and the work they do to support students and improve uni life. That got me curious. Looking deeper, I realised that while some Exec roles have a strong focus on certain areas, I just really wanted to help solve issues, support people, and make LUSA more open and accessible. The more I learned, the more I realised LUSA is so much more than just free food! We offer advocacy, support, representation, you’ll see this reflected in our surveys, events, and student feedback throughout the year. I ran again this year because I still felt I had more to give, especially in making sure LUSA stays transparent, accountable, and continues to grow as a strong, stable student association.
How Does Your Role Benefit Students? When people hear “Secretary,” they usually think it’s just about writing minutes and sending out agendas, but that’s only a small part of what I do. Yes, I am Secretary for the LUSA Board and the Campus Service Council (CSC). At CSC meetings, we review where the Student Services Levy
has been spent (e.g., on health, wellbeing, careers, the gym), look at student feedback from the SSL survey, and help set the fee for the following year. For the LUSA Board, I write and publish full, accurate minutes and make sure students can access them online, ensuring we can be transparent with the people that pay for us to do our roles (students). On top of that, I always try to be approachable and available for students to talk to. I take pride in doing my best to ensure LUSA is open and accountable.
What Committees/Boards do you Sit on within this Role?
AGCM Faculty Teaching Committee (FTC) – 2024
I represent AGCM students and give feedback on course proposals and academic projects, working alongside faculty staff.
Oversees all academic and administrative processes around things like admissions, assessments, exams, course completions, warnings, and exclusions.
Campus Service Council (CSC) – 2024 & 2025
Sets the Student Services Levy for the next year. This includes reviewing reports from student services, reviewing student feedback, and making decisions about pricing and policy.
LUSA Policy Subcommittee (PSC) – 2024 & 2025
Reviews and updates LUSA policies before each board meeting when changes or renewals are due.
Student Experience Team (SET – 2024
A team of students and staff from across campus who provide input on day-to-day student issues, small
event planning, and initiatives to improve student life.
LUSA Board Secretary – 2024 & 2025
Writes and publishes board minutes, contributes to discussions on governance and strategy, and helps with key decisionmaking. Minutes go online to keep everything transparent and we welcome students to come observe!
Halls Rep – 2024
New in 2024, this role helps give voice to students in halls and supports them as a third-party rep when issues pop up.
AGCM Student Feedback to Dean – 2024 & 2025
These meetings are awesome. I chair them with the AGCM Dean, and it’s where real-time feedback from students is heard and turned into real changes for better learning and experience.
Learning and Teaching Committee (LTC) – 2025
Oversees strategic development, policy, and governance of Lincoln’s academic environment. Makes recommendations on programmes and academic direction.
Student Member for Graduate Year Reviews (GYRs) – 2024 & 2025
I provide student input in GYR’s, helping shape courses, majors, and minors. This includes reviewing graduate and industry feedback to ensure degrees stay relevant and practical.
I contributed to the BCom (Marketing) review in 2024 and will be part of the BCom (Global Business) review in 2025.
As you can see, the committees I’ve sat on have changed over the two years, partly to help balance workload and make sure the Secretary and other Exec members aren’t overworked. It’s important to have time to give 100% in every
meeting and discussion.
This year, I’ve also put a lot more focus into strengthening how we report and stay accountable at board meetings through improving internal processes and refining how we structure agendas and minutes. It’s not just about writing things down; it’s about making sure we’re focusing on the right discussions around governance and direction.
A great part of this role is also the training and development opportunities having recently completed professional development training on taking effective board meeting minutes, which has been super useful in making our governance tighter and more transparent (and good for the CV!)
What would you like to Achieve while in this Role?
When I first talked to Demetrio about LUSA, I only really thought of it as being about free food and student reps. I had no idea how much
through tough times. Since joining, I’ve worked hard to be transparent and help raise awareness of what LUSA actually does. I think we’ve made a lot of progress in the past two years, but there’s still more to do. Like anything I take on, I’ve had plenty of ideas and goals, some of which take longer than expected to bring to life. Life gets busy. If I had another year in this role, I know I’d get even more done… but the next person in this role (maybe you?) will hopefully do an even better job.
What advice could you give students who may be interested in running for the Student Exec in 2026?
• Talk to current Exec members, check out the role online, and just ask questions. Most people think the Secretary just writes minutes, but honestly, that’s about 30% of the job. The rest is super varied and can be shaped around your interests. (I love academic stuff,
which is why that’s a big focus for me.)
• If you like structure and having things booked in, Secretary is a great fit. It’s less project-based than other roles but still very full-on in its own way.
• And honestly? My approach to most things in life is this: Don’t overthink it - just give it a go. It usually works out.
WE WANT TO KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON GOING TO TOWN, GIGS, AND FESTIVAL
TAUTAH
SAGE - Tip of the Month Choose eco-friendly products
Many of the popular, mainstream household products contain chemicals which can all be harmful to the environment.
• Choose eco-friendly products those that have no synthetic ingredients
• Have fun making your own cleaning and skincare products at home using natural ingredients (check out the library for recipes!)
Swipe Right, Da te with Insight
ating apps have completely changed the way we meet people, making connections feel instant, but not always meaningful Between the endless swiping, mixed signals, and “what are we even doing?” situations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed So, how do you stay grounded, keep your standards intact and make sure your boundaries and intentions are clear in all the noise?
You firstly got to ask yourself “what are my intentions?” Short-term relationships? The love of your life? Looking for someone to keep you company in the colder months? Downloading a dating app is easy, but creating a dating profile is where people sell themselves short.
You want to show off your personality, interests, and at the same time make sure that you are safe with the information you share online. Online dating can lead to meaningful connections, but it can also open the door to deception if you're not careful
While creating your own dating profile, select photos that are up to date and show off your hobbies and interests (these become great conversation starters!), and if these photos capture your friends or other people, make sure you get their consent before adding them to your profile
Pictures can “say a thousand words” but they aren’t able to communicate your intentions on the dating apps. This is where effectively communicating them through your dating profile, like filling out the relationship prompt, as well as having an honest conversation about what you are looking for can reduce the misunderstanding and the messy grey area that you can fall into.
Swiping on dating apps can be fun, as well as confronting what your type is no matter what questionable type you have - we won’t yuck your yum, but, everyone should understand what consent and boundaries are!
It’s extremely important to make sure that everyone is safe and having fun in their relationships Remember the FRIES acronym? (think back to respectfully Lincoln workshops!)
Consent is only given is it is freely given, reversible, informed, an enthusiastic “YES” and specific!
Identifying your own and other people's boundaries is a great skill for making sure that everyone involved is safe and happy Boundaries can take shape in many forms such as physical, social, emotional , and sexual Understanding each other's boundaries creates a safe environment and improves communication
Here is an example to show you how you use the FRIES acronym to interpret and understand sexual consent?
Everyone involved needs to have made a choice for themselves about whether or not they want to engage in sexual activity, and other decisions like, using protection or contraception without being forced, pressured or coerced.
Everyone has to know that they can change their mind about what they agreed to do, anytime before and during sexual activity, and this is respected.
Everyone has all the information they need to be able to make the right decision for themselves, especially about if they want to be involved, and about what, how and when they want to use protection and contraception
Everyone is keen and happy to be involved, and, everybody understands that consent need to be given and received for each specific act - just become someone consented to hooking up doesn’t mean they want to have sex!
Want more information about staying safe online, consent or support services on campus?
Check out these resources
Te Pūawaitanga: Beyond the Birds & Bees
THE CHECKLIST THE CHECKLIST
Tear me out! and fill me in ;)
Think of this as your survival online dating must-do. Sure, everyone should have a mental checklist of what they want in a romantic or platonic partner, but here’s a physical checklist to kick things off and help you stay grounded while you’re out there, chasing love (or just a decent conversation).
Use in-app communication
Look out for red flags
Keep your personal information to yourself
Meet in a public place
Use your own transportation or have a back-up plan
Trust your instincts
Let your friends and whānau know what you’re up too
Communication: be confident talking about sexual health, STI testing, protection and contraception
Consent: know how to communicate consent and respect boundaries
SUDOKU
A logic numbers game, minus the math!
To play Sudoku, fill a 9x9 grid with numbers 1-9, ensuring each number appears only once in every row, column, and 3x3 block, using logic and deduction to solve the puzzle.
RULES
The Grid: A Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid divided into nine 3x3 blocks. Numbers: Each row, column, and 3x3 block must contain the numbers 1 through 9, without repetition.
Start with Clues: Some cells will have numbers pre-filled, these are your starting clues.
