Last week, Eda talked about how it was a relief first years could enjoy their orientation week in person. This week, we’ve learnt better, so we’ll keep our mouths shut about the prevailing COVID situation.
Let’s talk about the South Island Kōkako (kōkā), instead! This beautiful orange-wattled bush baby is in some real deep shit. You know this because it’s taxidermied on its Bird of the Year mugshot. That’s because its last accepted sighting was in 2007, making it officially harder to find than the Craccum office, except you don’t win $10,000 if you find us alive in there.
Coincidentally (and not at all why we brought this up), the University has more than 200 clubs for students to join, one of them being the University of Auckland Birding Society. If you think your time is best spent bird-watching, then it’s really only this group of people that can help you.
With $350k funding going to new and existing clubs last year, it opens the door for all sorts of interests to unite students on campus. And we truly mean all sorts. We’ve found some that are of particular interest.
From Detective and Mystery Club, Craccum hopes to take on some sleuths who can investigate the amount of asbestos still in our buildings, or perhaps which Arts course the University will slash next (side note: Craccum is introducing The Whistleblower this year where anyone can submit a news tip, anonymously. You will find this on our website: craccum.co.nz).
If your online classes aren’t enough to get you snoozing by 4pm, the Anaesthesiology Interest Group can literally put you to sleep.
If your online classes aren’t enough to get you snoozing by 4pm, the Anaesthesiology Interest Group can literally put you to sleep. Maybe they can hook us up with some of that ‘sleepy milk’, or ‘gin and tonic’ or whatever they call it depending on how old you are.
While we’re dozing off, we’d like to hear some motivational quotes from Auckland University Strength Society. We don’t know if this lockdown has left you physically stronger, but since we’re all emotionally stronger, we think this society should be open to all. And when you don’t think things get harder, they do. If there’s anything that will make Eda feel good-er about her period than 30mg of codeine phosphate and a knock to the head, then count us in on Feel Good Period Club.
Anyways, despite the start to university that no one wanted, we truly encourage you guys to go out there and immerse yourself in the university community. It’s great to see that Clubs Expo still took place virtually last Thursday, or that Uniguides hosted a week of virtual hangouts with students! These events will only grow as clubs start to get running, so our challenge to you this week is to pick one you like and go along! University isn’t all about attending lectures – there’s such a social aspect to it too.
We can’t all hide like the South Island Kōkako. Spread your wings and fly!*
Yours faithfully, Brian Gu (he/him) and Eda Tang (she/her).
Co-Editors of Craccum 2021
*Craccum holds no liability for any personal injury, emotional distress or financial loss through birding. If you’re attacked by a flying bird, please contact the Auckland University Strength Society for emotional support.
