Tinker Tailor Student Spy

The writer states that a recent booklet published alleging the University of Otago does not...

Wise or wounding, words have power over those we love

The immortal words of R.E.M were the soundtrack of my teenage years. Instead of a regular teenage rebellion involving sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, I defied my parents by reading feminist literature, blaring AC/DC from my room, and refusing to go to church.

Eating disorders pernicious in all their forms

You're not OCD because you like to arrange the heels on your shoe-rack in height order. The...

Eating disorders pernicious in all their forms

As of today, December 20, 2018, I occupy the most space I ever have in my life.

Maori Santa one of many versions

The Nelson Santa parade on Sunday, in which Santa Claus was played by Robert Herewini wearing a...

Maori Santa one of many versions

Despite being 11,660 miles away from sunny Nelson, New Zealand, the ''Maori Santa Claus'' debacle has reached the frozen wastelands of Oxford, England.

Making my own way through Wonderland

Making my own way through Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: to most children, an exciting, multicoloured kaleidoscope of eccentric characters and intrepid adventures, from anxious, yet well-dressed white rabbits to murderous, ill-tempered queens hellbent on decapitating anything and everyone.

Even a life-long nomad feels the significance of moving

Home doesn't have to be one exact place. Photo: Getty Images

Even a life-long nomad feels the significance of moving

Whenever I am asked where in New Zealand I am from, I do not know how to answer.

Oxford life offers insights into a world of privilege

A private education and a degree from Oxford (pictured) or Cambridge are essentially a golden...

Oxford life offers insights into a world of privilege

It has been exactly one month since I moved to Oxford, ''that sweet city with dreaming spires'', to quote the poet and critic Matthew Arnold.

False rape accusations not the real problem

Activists hold a protest and rally in support of Christine Blasey Ford, the university professor...

False rape accusations not the real problem

In the wake of the Kavanaugh-Ford debacle, there have been many ill-thought and frankly disturbing statements being thrown around about the apparent frequency of false rape allegations and the...

Gentrification of Leith saddening

The Leith Walk in Edinburgh, where small family-run businesses such as this are being replaced by...

Gentrification of Leith saddening

For the last two months, I have been living in Leith, a delightfully eccentric and family-oriented portside neighborhood in Edinburgh.

Art history has power to broaden our perspective

Surrealist painter Salvador Dali. Photo: Reuters

Art history has power to broaden our perspective

Despite being currently 11,693 miles away from Dunedin, I am still very much invested in the goings-on of Otago University.

Church communities have much to offer - even to atheists

Church communities can be beautiful, supportive environments. Photo: Getty Images

Church communities have much to offer - even to atheists

Anyone who has read my columns for the Otago Daily Times over the past year will realise that I have the tendency to be very sharp, cynical and sceptical, especially when it comes to religion.

Music's power to change lives

Every child should have the opportunity to learn an instrument. Photo: Getty Images

Music's power to change lives

When I was 7 years old, my family bought a tired old piano. I watched as four burly men hauled it up the concrete steps to our farmhouse. Soon, the piano became part of the family.

A clear and insightful message for men

About a month ago, I was sitting on a bench at the Sydney waterfront, waiting for my friend James. A drunk man in an obnoxiously bright Hawaiian shirt and a boater hat sat down beside me.

Forcing children to hug sends a bad message

Growing up as the eldest child of a Presbyterian minister, I was spoon-fed politeness and obedience along with my morning porridge.

Cherish and remember lost loved ones on their birthday

Today would have been my brother John's twenty second birthday.

Allowance cut detrimental to national good

Students want the opportunity to work harder to improve themselves. PHOTO: ODT FILES

Allowance cut detrimental to national good

I'm in the exceedingly fortunate position of not worrying about my postgraduate education costs; I have a scholarship that pays my fees and accommodation over the next few years.

Pick up your pen and let someone know you care

On Monday night, I received a curious letter. One might say it was a letter from beyond the grave.

Real people talk on mental health

Suitcase Theatre members (from left) Laura Wells, Vincent Batt, Sofie Welvaert (front), Gabby...

Real people talk on mental health

A few Saturdays ago I had the immense pleasure of watching the Suitcase Theatre perform Mental Notes as part of the Dunedin Fringe Festival.

A sensitive telling of first love

Call Me By Your Name stars Armie Hammer (left) and Timothee Chalamet embrace during the Oscars...

A sensitive telling of first love

It's very rare that I come across a film that stays with me past walking out of the cinema, or closing my laptop.

Good to remain remote from TV influences

Frustrated customers are taking to social media to complain their service has been interrupted by...

Good to remain remote from TV influences

When I was 10 years old, a travelling brass band came to town. My primary school class trotted down to the town hall, and there we listened to a spectacular concert, our eyes wide and and our...

More compassionate to allow merciful release

More compassionate to allow merciful release

A recent Newshub Reid Research poll has revealed that the vast majority of New Zealanders support euthanasia.

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Tinker Tailor Student Spy