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ETHAN ROGACION (HE/HIM) A coalition of business owners on Cuba St are petitioning the Council to reconsider its plan to remove 20 car parks along the stretch of road between Ghuznee and Vivian. Organised by (unsuccessful) Lambton Ward candidate and famed Kaffee Eis creamslinger, Karl Tiefenbacher, the “Park It” campaign hinges itself on business owners arguing that losing the 20 car parks will make a significant impact on their profit margins. “The thing to remember is that a lot of people walk here, obviously, and I get stupid statements like, ‘cars don’t spend money, people do’, but cars don’t drive themselves either, so every car brings an extra person to Cuba St,” he told Salient . “You know, we’re selling a low cost product, and we need a lot of turnover, so if we lose something like 10% of our business [by having no car parks], that’s enough to send us under.” Policy documents from Waka Kotahi on the economic impact of having walkable cities stand in contrast to this claim. According to Waka Kotahi, citing research done domestically and in other comparable cities, walking interventions drive higher consumer spending in retail settings, and that shoppers value good walkability more than they do good car parks. “[This proposal from Council] is not pedestrianisation - all they are doing is extending one side of the footpath by the width of a carpark ... They’re using the argument that it's safer for pedestrians, which is a whole load of bollocks,” he said. Tiefenbacher argues that having parklet seating opposite cafes and restaurants - which a larger footpath would allow for - makes it more dangerous and difficult for waiters to traverse the shared space. This is despite businesses further down Cuba St and on nearby streets making full use of extended footpaths to have parklets, and having few issues with such arrangements. Not all business owners along the street are opposed. One retailer that Salient spoke to suggested that people who come in cars tend to be on Cuba St for “a quick trip” at a specific shop, and that most of her customers are pedestrians that wander in. Steven Hinderwell from Slow Boat Records echoed this sentiment, saying that Council’s proposal was a good idea, and will bring in more people visiting Cuba St. He added, “there’s plenty of other car parks around, so I don’t think it’ll be bad for business.” The proposal does not impact other existing public car parks or the multiple, larger private parking facilities dotted in the surrounds of Cuba St - including at Left Bank, Garrett St, Ghuznee St, Marion St and Taranaki St - which have a combined total of at least 20 car parks. In response to the campaign, Pukehīnau/Lambton Ward Councillor Geordie Rodgers told Salient , “Most people in Wellington walk and international evidence shows they will walk down the streets that are the safest and most accessible to them.” Rodgers added that, “Events like Cuba Dupa have shown us just how vibrant Cuba Street can be when space that’s currently reserved for storing cars is returned to people.” “I want to see a Cuba Street where people want to spend time with their friends, where shopfronts are lively and open into a street full of people rather than an empty street with some parked cars.”

Photo: Henry Broadbent ETHAN ROGACION (HE/HIM) Chants of “Toitū Te Tiriti”, “Free, free, Palestine”, and “Climate change has got to go” rang out over central Wellington over the mid-tri break, as students and their supporters took to the street, protesting a number of Government policies.  One protestor told Salient  that she was at the protest to strike “for climate justice, social justice.”  “I want to see half-price public transport brought back, I want to see them stopping stuff [being sent to] Israel, I want to see the Māori Health Authority back in business … they’ve taken everything from us.” Concern about the Government’s climate policy was also reflected by those in the crowd that weren’t students. Nicola Toki, CEO of Forest and Bird, told Salient  that she was at the march for “our future, but more importantly, for our younger people … to tell the Government that the direction they’re going is the wrong track, and a war on nature.” “All of the legislation that we’re seeing - which is being rolled out with full force - is anti-nature, and so is irreversible in terms of species extinction and the impact that it's going to have, and it's anti-democratic. The power of the people is always greater than the people in power.”

Tasted by Hamish Ferguson (he/him) 8.6 Black Stout This beer, imported from Holland to your local supermarket, is marketed as an “intense stout”. Don’t let the cheap price fool you—this goes down surprisingly well for a affordable can from New World. The first thing that hits you is the frothiness and a overall richness of the flavour (think coffee, dark chocolate, soy sauce), followed by an slight acidic kick in your mouth and a malty, slightly bitter aftertaste. Overall a great brew, especially for someone looking to explore the world of stouts and porters for a price more competitive than notorious brews like Guniuess, or craft brews like Cassels. This beer gives off cigarettes and leather vibes. However watch out for the tipsiness—it can go from 0-100 really quick, with an ABV of 7.9%, and 3.1 standards per can. I had an unintentional 3 hour nap the first time I drank this, which ruined my night. Standards per dollar: 0.67 (3.10 divided by $4.69, please check my maths) Taste: 8/10 Affordability: 9/10 (for a stout) Tipsiness: 7/10 Hangover: -4/10 Overall: 20/30

Q: How do I juggle staying close with my old friends, making new ones, handling classes, and commuting, especially when everyone’s schedules are different and I live far away? Welcome to the reality of having an actual life. It’s not a bad thing. You’re ambitious, social, and care about not drowning in it all. Congrats—you’re (probably) not depressed. When maintaining friendships, it’s crucial to remember one thing—they are relationships. Relationships require effort, quality time, and good communication. Now, it’s just unrealistic to expect yourself to pour these three factors into every single person you drunkenly dance with on a Saturday. So start thinking, what friends make me feel good? What people do I find it easy to put effort into? What people appreciate my time? Who makes me feel recharged? Those are the people you need to prioritise. Now that you’ve prioritised which friendships make you feel great, it is time to get a routine going. Do you have a free Tuesday evening? Make a quiz team. Got an assignment due on Wednesday? Link up with a friend and have a study session. Going out on a Friday? Host dinner and pre’s with everyone. Do you do your grocery shopping on Sunday? Go to the markets with a friend and grab a coffee at the same time. All of these options blend socialising and regular weekly activities. You must be proactive and be prepared to try new things. As you get older, socialising looks different for everyone! The common thread is that it will require effort, time management, and good communication. How you manage study is very individual. I would be focusing on studying to an extent which is reasonable for you and your degree. If you are at different campuses from your friends, with an odd schedule, this really isn’t something you'll be able to change. Start branching out with new friendships in your degree, or try and develop some independence when it comes to your study. Both skills, making new friends and being independent, are super foundational life skills. So don’t be scared of them! Think, do I really need to travel on the bus up to Kelburn to sit next to Anna in silence on floor six? Or should I just grab that coffee with Kuramaiki, who I really clicked with, from my Management Tut? Or, should I grab a coffee, park up with a cute pen and notebook in the sunshine and get my work done? Try something new, I dare you. Remember, you’ll never be able to perfectly juggle it all. Nobody can; if they are, they’re lying. Prioritise friendships which make you feel good, think about socialising in new ways, and maybe lean on yourself for a while! When you’re frantically running around, you stretch yourself too thin, and then nothing is enjoyable. Focus on what you can control, be proactive, and accept that your life is changing and that is okay.

Sucessfully Written by Ophelia Muller (she/her) Graduating soon? Applying for internships? Looking to level up your CV and land that ‘grown-up job’?  For many of us university studies, particularly those who are graduating soon, there is underlying stress about entering the workforce. What jobs do I apply for? How do I nail an interview? What is business casual? The corporate world is one to be conquered; who better to help you than a charity created exactly for this purpose.  Yes for Success (YFS), an affiliate of the well-known Dress for Success network, is a thriving community where people are supported to achieve their aspirations in work and life, and where success is built on sustainable choices. They have improved the lives of thousands within our Wellington communities, and have contributed in assisting over 1.3 million women on their journey to self-sufficiency globally.  In 2023, Dress for Success Wellington proudly introduced its expanded initiative, Yes for Success, signalling a commitment to inclusivity across all genders. YFS offers a variety of tools focused on personal and professional development.  Those wanting to bulk out their CV (me), or those with the dream of being one of the incredibly fashionable recycle boutique/paper bag princess workers (also me), can join the volunteer team and gain some incredible work experience in the recycled clothing boutiques and clothing management room. One volunteer says that it was a “great learning experience, and with all the donations, clients and customers that come through you experience something new every day. Whatever your interests are I’m sure that you can get something out of coming to Dress for Success.”  Now, when I first started applying for the ‘big girl’ jobs I saw a lot about soft skills. Now, I won’t lie, I had no clue what soft skills were. If you’re in the same boat look no further than the YFS success workshops, operating monthly alongside networking lunches. They cover a range of topics to build your 'soft skills', and help you face challenges at work and in your personal life.  Once I finally landed a job I so was excited to walk down Lambton Quay, in an outfit that screamed corporate . Unfortunately, I was hit with a reality check after realising just how much money that can cost. Buying a whole new wardrobe for work because your current wardrobe consists of town clothes, jeans and pyjamas is no easy feat.  Look no further than the recently opened YFS ‘Dressed’ boutique. All items of fashion are good quality pieces that don’t cost the Earth. With the online store as well as a store on the Terrace, and one in Lower Hutt, every dollar spent in the boutiques helps people in our region find work, develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. The boutiques stock a wide range of great quality, donated clothes for all genders, including casual, workwear, formal and designer wear. Not restrained by the latest fashion trends that are bound to die off pretty soon a range of sizes, styles, and colours are available – something for everyone!  And if you need a hand, boutique volunteers are available to shower you with compliments and help you piece together your thrifty (workplace-appropriate) dream. Pre-booked styling sessions are also available if you are wanting help with your work wardrobe. After an initial consultation, you can visit the hub and walk away with several outfits to take home with you!  After being referred to YFS by Work and Income, a job seeker called Sean booked a styling appointment at one of the Dressed boutiques. After walking away with new outfits and some new interview tips he sat down with one of the big four, and got shortlisted for the role! Another job seeker walked away from her styling appointment thanking the stylist for “[v]ery quickly understanding me. I found the corporate version of me that I didn't know [existed].”  Feeling stressed that your CV might not land you your dream job? Constantly debating whether or not that cover letter template you used was too generic? Check out a free 30-minute session with recruitment agencies, partnered with YFS to help those who don’t have that one older mate who can look over your CV for you. In this session, you will be able to not only have your CV reviewed but also practise interview skills! The perfect training tool for landing that job.  So please google, email, call, fill out a form or just show up at any YFS office! Don’t miss out on landing that dream job, let us help you find your inner corporate star…

Customised by Emily Bull (she/her) Love comes in many forms.  One form is that between a girl and customised license plates. Customised license plates have been funding road safety research and projects since 1988. However, customised license plates mean more to me than just road safety. Not only are they a way of identifying each car, they’re a way of showing your true identity. Thank you for letting me know you perform vasectomies, SNIP DR . I hope your kids are well, IMAMUM . Do you really only have 9TOES (and 10 fingers)? However, more often than not, these customised plates leave me with more questions than answers. What urged you to put SPIT on your car? Is there actually such thing as a POO DR ? Who approved I CM DLY ???? License plates bring me joy for a variety of reasons. Don’t get me wrong, I love  the unhinged license plates that make no sense or shouldn’t have been approved. But I think there is something special to say about all the heartwarming license plates out there. Love can be expressed through a range of mediums. One is customised license plates. More often than not, the customised license plates you see around town will be gifted from loved ones. They serve as a reminder of how loved an individual is, whether that be through an inside joke or a genuine form of affection. License plates such as DOTY (dad of the year) and SIMP are a small but meaningful way to show love, which brings joy to more than just the owner of the vehicle. So, if you’re considering getting a customised license plate, I could not recommend it more. It only costs $1000 to bring joy to all around and fund road safety. Plus, your car will end up looking awesome! However, if license plates aren’t your thing, that is okay. This article is so much bigger than just license plates. It’s a commentary on love, identity, niche interests and friendship. Since my obsession with customised license plates began in 2021, I can’t help but notice them everywhere. I have posted over 650 custom license plates on my dedicated Instagram account ( @favouriteplates ) and am yet to run out of content. However, I wouldn’t have been able to keep my account so active without the support of my friends. The majority of my posts are submitted by my loving friends, who support my niche interest. So, embrace your niche interest and find friends who support you! Custom license plates have brought nothing but joy to my life, and they could for you too. As Ferris Bueller famously said, “Life [and cars] moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” It being, of course, a customised license plate.

By Guy van Egmond (he/him) Venue: Valhalla Editors note: review updated 30/03/2024. Fixed grammar, and added photos. Author’s confession: I know Eden Brown, the band’s lead singer.  I’ll be the first to admit that I critically undervalued CubaDupa this year, I barely spent more than an afternoon roaming the festival. That said, I think I lucked out when I ducked into Valhalla to check out Crumbly Jack.  The four-piece band charmed in their 30-minute slot, drawing in a constant stream of people from the post-lunch street crowds. They played a lineup of mostly unreleased material with a great multi-genre flow: it definitely had strong roots in jazz performance (which was how the band first met), but branched off into wonderful blends of R&B, soul, and funk. Eden Brown’s strong, velvety vocals evoked Jill Scott and Erykah Badu (whose Penitentiary Philosophy  the band covered brilliantly), and they were backed up by a strong trio of instrumentalists. Louis Holland was captivating as a drummer who seemed completely distracted, but played with such delicacy and care. Jack Harris’ bass served as a strong backbone to the band and had the whole Valhalla floor grooving, while Theo Thompson delivered fantastic guitar solos you could get lost in.  The band’s unreleased songs—Dragonfly, Snowman, Simon and Affirmations—were all built on well-designed riffs, coming back to the same cycles that were so nice to listen to. Their lyrics are catchy and poetically narrative, with the charm of a young band but plenty of maturity and self-respect. The band as whole definitely draws from the long history of jazz and R&B, but keeping it fresh and unique with their own, homegrown and street-honed sound.  With a successful single and an EP already released in 2022, Crumbly Jack’s new material bodes for a future on the up and up again. They spent the summer playing on tour with Skram and Marmalade, and in Feb they opened for Will McLean and Casual Healing (check out Jia’s interview with Casual Healing too!). They’re more and more to be found at San Fran, Meow and now Valhalla; if they’re on the set list, go check it out!

Words by Jia Sharma (she/her) “She goes out like every night, on my mind like all the time,” Park Rd’s newest single ‘ Every Night,’  serves as a promising introduction to their upcoming album, marking a significant shift in their musical direction. The song was released during a string of festivals including Outfield in Hawkes Bay and Homegrown in Wellington, fuelling their momentum for the year.  Park Rd originated from Auckland and began as a high school project before officially forming the band they are today in 2018. Describing their music as “pop and rock, but not pop-rock”, they create the perfect balance with pop-inspired songwriting and a more rock sound when it comes to live performances. From their first gig at the Glen Eden Bowling Club to now performing at larger events such as Homegrown, it’s been a whirlwind for the band. In the past two years, they’ve been on a journey of playing different festivals and sharing the stage with other bands such as Spacey Jane and Milky Chance.  Park Rd released their latest single ‘ Every Night’  at the end of February. The track was composed during the middle of their new album's production, and it came together surprisingly fast, taking only about an hour to write. Described as an "instant song" by singer and guitarist Leo, the track exudes a lively ambiance that radiates energy. Singer Tom (who also rocks the tambourine) says, “We were all just dancing around super crazy, it was a little bit manic…we were like just imagine people dancing to this”.  After playing  ‘Every Night’  on repeat (and forcing my flatmates to listen too), it’s easy to imagine people dancing to it. With its upbeat and optimistic tone, coupled with captivating guitar riffs, it’s the perfect summer song. I can already sense the influence of Spacey Jane on the band, as they have mentioned them as one of their inspirations. I am excited to hear more of this sound in their upcoming album. The song stands out from the band's previous singles, giving a sneak peek of what is to come in future releases. It promises an exploration of youth and the "teenage apocalypse," hoping to transport listeners to another world. Tom emphasises its significance as a representation of their current phase, saying, “It feels really perfect to me for a first album, it encapsulates where we were at”. Leo affirms that while the album may be different and features more melancholic tracks, it remains true to their identity as artists, reflecting their growth and maturation over time. He said, “It’s a new sound, but it's also our real sound”.  I’m eager to hear this new stage of Park Rd’s musical journey with ‘ Every Night’  as an exciting preview. I’ll be gearing up to show some West Auckland solidarity and delve into the rest of the album when it comes out in May. The band is set on an upward trajectory, and you should definitely watch out for all the exciting things they’ve got planned next. I’m just hoping it won’t be long before they're back for another Wellington show.

In the picturesque landscapes of Aotearoa, where the beauty of nature meets the resilience of its people, a silent struggle is unfolding. The nation, celebrated for its progressive ethos, continues to face a pressing crisis—drug addiction. Beyond the captivating scenery lies a shadowy realm that demands immediate attention, as individuals grapple with the chains of dependency. It’s time to confront the shadows and provide the robust addiction support system the nation so desperately needs. As the sun sets on the rolling hills, the reality of drug addiction casts a long shadow over communities nationwide. We know that this is not a faceless issue but a battle that touches families, colleagues, and friends across the vast landscape. Aotearoa, known for its unwavering spirit, now must face a call to action: to acknowledge the depth of this crisis and provide the support necessary for individuals to break free from the cycle of dependency. Drug addiction, and its far-reaching consequences, require a multifaceted approach. The absence of accessible rehabilitation programs, counselling services, and community networks leaves a void in the nation's fight against addiction. It's time to bridge this gap and foster an environment where those struggling can find the help they need without fear or judgment. This isn't just a plea for support; it's a call for a societal shift. Aotearoa can redefine its approach to addiction by creating a culture that emphasizes understanding, empathy, and collective responsibility. Breaking the stigma associated with drug dependency is the first step towards fostering an environment where individuals can feel empowered to seek help without the weight of judgment. Community involvement is the cornerstone for effective support. Local initiatives, grassroots movements, and educational programs can play a pivotal role in raising awareness, dispelling myths, and providing tangible assistance to those navigating the tumultuous waters of recovery. By nurturing a sense of community, Aotearoa can build a robust support network that spans neighbourhoods, workplaces, and beyond. In the face of this crisis, it’s well known that as New Zealander’s we tap into our renowned resilience and community Wairua. Learning from successful international models, the nation can adapt and implement progressive addiction support systems that prioritize the well-being of all citizens. This is not merely a challenge; it's an opportunity for Aotearoa to showcase its commitment to compassion, unity, and the overall health of its people. As the country stands at the crossroads of change, it's time to unmask the shadows of drug addiction and illuminate the path towards recovery. By providing comprehensive addiction support, Aotearoa can transform this challenge into a triumph, empowering individuals to reclaim their lives by fostering a society where no one battles addiction alone. Let’s continue to stand together, as we work towards a society where every individual can overcome the challenges of drug addiction and embrace a life of hope, health, and happiness. Together, we can break the chains.  Noho ora mai,  Shay McEwan (she/they) Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Ngāti Pāhauwera

Listened by Ethan Wolfe (he/him) From the Days of Black and White: Modern American Roots   The 1960s were a socially, politically and artistically tumultuous period for America. The Civil Rights movement swept the country, the Cold War heated up, second-wave feminism gained momentum, anti-war protesters rallied against the war in Vietnam, and early gay-rights pioneers begun to build a movement. Inextricably tied to these political movements was a broader social discourse of changing norms surrounding drugs, dress, and sexuality. Welcome to the counterculture decade. While the current perception of these movements may be marred by the brutal responses that sometimes ensued, it is important to remember that they were instrumental in bringing about significant change, and dismantling cruel establishments. I believe that a key ingredient to their success was joy. Joy inspired through the collective experience of visual art, poetry infused into speeches, and, most memorably and  effectively, through music. There were concerts that contained political messages or were directly  tied to political action, songs that were sung at marches and protests, and other musical messages  of change were broadcasted and distributed all over the world. Music brought together young  and old, men and women, Black and White, into an experience of collective joy that the things they were fighting against would soon end. The musical movements that emerged would also go on to provide the groundwork for the music to come over the next fifty years, and which we are still hearing today.   Folk Revival:   The Folk Revival was a rediscovery of music that had originally been brought to America largely  by Irish and Scottish migrants, and which had taken on a distinct style in its new home. The revival actually began in the 40s but experienced limited commercial success, and as many of the key figures of the movement such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger had a strongly socialist bent, it was repressed by Cold War paranoia and McCarthy era censorship. In the 60s the movement gained steam as more artists embraced it, the most notable of which were Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. They were a sort of juxtaposition within the movement: Bob Dylan was known for his incredible songwriting, and a voice that many found grating—Joan Baez for her beautiful, shockingly clear soprano voice and mostly performed covers. Another important figure is Doc Watson, a blind folk guitarist from the Appalachian mountains in North Carolina, whose encyclopedic knowledge of folk music allowed many songs to be preserved.   It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry   Bob Dylan   Girl from the North Country   Bob Dylan   I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger   Joan Baez  Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right   Joan Baez   Blues Stay Away From Me   Doc Watson   Country-Western:   Country music in the 50s and 60s really didn’t exist as we know it today. A majority of it sounded closer to 50s pop, the ‘country’ part limited to rural themes in the lyrics, and acoustic guitar. There were, however, a few outliers who began to build the sound of country as we know it today. Townes Van Zandt created a kind of lonesome cowboy sound, with finger-style guitar, poetic lyrics that feel reminiscent of Bob Dylan, and a nostalgic, melancholy singing style. If you listen to modern indie folk, particularly artists like Sufjan Stevens, you can pretty strongly hear the influence. Johnny Cash became the most famous of his peers, known for his soulful voice and his great musical story-telling, but he produced such a mountain of records he can be hard to get into. I recommend starting with Orange Blossom Special and Hello, I’m Johnny Cash , or if  you're looking for his 50s stuff, Sings the Songs that Made Him Famous (feat. The Tennessee Two) has some great songs as well. Dolly Parton didn’t start making her best stuff until the 70s, but she started off in the 60s singing duets with Porter Wagoner. Predictably she sounds fantastic, and she also began to introduce more of an Appalachian sound (particularly through the steel guitar) into a genre that had traditionally been dominated by sounds hailing from west of the Mississippi.   Velvet Voices   Townes Van Zandt   I’ll Be Here in the Morning   Townes Van Zandt   Danny Boy   Johnny Cash   To Beat The Devil   Johnny Cash   Please Don’t Stop Loving Me   Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton   Rock n’ Roll:   American Rock didn’t really come of age until the 70s, and the 60s rock scene was largely  dominated by bands from the UK. However, the late 60s began to produce some pioneering  voices in the American rock scene. The most well known (and deservedly so) is Jimi Hendrix,  but there were some other, slightly less known voices who helped create the sound of American  rock to come. Janis Joplin was an early example of what would evolve into the hard rock sound, with her incredible stage presence and one-of a kind vocal style. The Velvet  Underground laid the foundations for the more alternative New York City sound, and The  Allman Brothers Band paved the way for the Southern rock scene.   Summertime   Janis Joplin, Big Brother & The Holding Company   Ball and Chain   Janis Joplin, Big Brother & The Holding Company   Sweet Jane   The Velvet Underground   Candy Says   The Velvet Underground   Ramblin’ Man   The Allman Brothers Band   Blues Revival:   The Blues Revival was spurred on largely by White college students who discovered the blues  through recordings made in the 30s. These recordings inspired folk record labels like Arhoolie to  track down the musicians in them to press new records, many of whom had returned to lives of  sharecropping and playing at parties and church gatherings. As the blues existed primarily as a  live act, there aren’t really particular albums that stand out, nor were there particular performers  that towered over the rest, as each brought their own particular skill set and quirks. The sound  was also highly regional, so I’ve tried to provide a sample of the different ‘blues’ across America: Lightnin’ Hopkins represents ‘Country Blues’, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee the ‘Piedmont sound’, Howlin’ Wolf for ‘Chicago Blues’, R.L. Burnside for ‘Hill Country Blues’, and Mississippi John Hurt for ‘Delta Blues’, where it all began.   Lonesome Graveyard   Lightnin’ Hopkins   Big Wind (Is a’ Comin’)   Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee   Spoonful   Howlin’ Wolf   Jumper On The Line   R.L. Burnside   Let the Mermaids Flirt With Me   Mississippi John Hurt  Motown:   Motown is technically considered a regional style of soul music, but it experienced such individual success and was so distinctive I decided to make it its own category. The name comes  from its home in Detroit, which at the time was the heart of the booming American auto industry, earning it the nickname ‘Motor City’, then abbreviated to the simpler ‘Motown’. Compared to other soul variants, Motown sounded a lot closer to the pop created by all-White groups of the era, and produced many of the first Black superstars. Stevie Wonder went on to become an industry giant. The Isley Brothers experienced major success in their time, and a later reprise through their music being sampled in hip-hop tracks such as “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube and “Big  Poppa” by Biggie Smalls. The Impressions was the Motown group of Curtis Mayfield, a major voice in soul who knew how to fully utilize the orchestral arrangements commonly found in the genre. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles just made great pop songs and made hit after hit in  their golden age. Edwin Starr didn’t manage to last outside of his era, but “Twenty Five Miles” is just a damn good song.   Superstition   Stevie Wonder   This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)   The Isley Brothers   Choice of Colors   The Impressions   The Tracks of My Tears   Smokey Robinson & The Miracles   Twenty Five Miles   Edwin Starr   Soulsville:   In the 60s both “Soul” and “R&B” were kind of used as catch-all terms for Black music,  encompassing sounds tied to folk, psychedelic, gospel, pop, and what would come of age as true  soul music in the 70s. As such I’ve decided to list a range of different artists in order to try to  cover the range of Black music at the time. The Chambers Brothers were an integrated band with  a White drummer, who got famous through the folk circuit and were known for their rich  harmony. Sly and The Family Stone were a fully integrated group including both men and  women, Black and White, who pioneered the psychedelic soul sound in the 60s and funk in the  70s. The Ed Hawkins Singers are really a gospel group, but I’ve included them anyway because  they absolutely kick ass, and a gospel cover of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ In the Wind” is something  I never knew I needed but fell in love with on first listen. James Brown is considered “the  godfather of soul”, and though much of his most remembered work emerged in the 70s he was still packin’ some hits in the 60s when he started out. Curtis Mayfield is another leading soul figure, who blended insightful and strongly political lyrics with simply beautiful orchestral  arrangements and instrumentation in a way no artist has matched before or since.  So Tired   The Chambers Brothers   Everyday People   Sly and The Family Stone   Blowin’ In the Wind   The Ed Hawkins Singers   It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World   James Brown   Move On Up   Curtis Mayfield

Words by: E. Stacy (she/her) I could wax poetic about the healing powers of platonic affection among queer people. Growing up in a world that treats the way you love as abnormal tends to shape your view of how people can relate to each other in a community. For example, I like to get high as hell and make out with my friends at parties. There’s much to be wary about the way drugs can affect a person’s boundaries and inhibitions, but if you’re doing it right (testing, safe dosing, etc), it can be a great time. The first time I took MDMA at a party was while surrounded by friends, and I was immediately filled with an overwhelming love for everyone in sight. So I went around kissing them, with permission of course. I’m naturally a very affectionate person and ecstasy just takes it up to 11, so I try to surround myself with people who want to receive that love. It heals my queer little heart to know that I’m in a safe place with the right people who will let me love them as fully and openly as possible. Explore those feelings. Drugs optional but they are fun. And now, some poetry: To have a good night I take drugs smartly When I want to kiss my friends at the party So I pop a cap To get this starty Then I can kiss my friends at the party I’m filled with joy My soul most hearty When I kiss my friends at the party.

Carefully Brewed by Flynn Rodger (he/they) As pretentious as I have been about coffee for most of my ‘career’ as a barista, only recently have I felt confident enough to explain the ethics, origin and composition of that brown bean we hold most dear. Not to dox myself via a Salient  issue, but I just started working for the infamous People’s Coffee. After years of working for places like Maccas and Mojo, I’m relieved to contribute to a company with strong ethics.  In an age of late stage capitalism and globalisation, we have never before been so far removed from the origins of what we eat and drink. It’s common knowledge that coffee is grown around the equator, all across the world, and spread from Ethiopia. Roasteries boast myriads of origins, but rarely explain to you as the consumer how coffee is grown, harvested, and eventually distributed.  A long history of slave labour, exploitation and colonisation awaits when you delve into the origins of the coffee trade. Today, as always, everywhere is different and has varied levels of government interaction with its trade.  There is a world of difference between Fair Trade Organic coffee and your bog standard. Typically, coffee distributors are brokered for beans of ambiguous beginnings. In order to get their coffee to port, small lot farmers that grow coffee rely on middle men sometimes referred to as Coyotes (specifically in Central and South America). These middle men notoriously don’t care about quality, or fairly compensating the growers, and often cheat on the scales when they arrive at port. From there, coffee from the whole area is put into shipping containers and sent around the world.  With all of these degrees of separation, it’s no surprise that ordinary coffee brokers don’t actually know anything more than the area where the coffee they sell was grown.  Fair Trade co-ops offer these small farmers the ability to organise in a structure that gives them more agency. Co-ops made up of many farms elect boards for their leadership and management, instead of one person or company profiting and making decisions. Putting power back in the hands of the producers means that they can direct their profit to what they know is important to their community, something that would be nigh-impossible otherwise.   The minimum cost of Fair Trade fluctuates with the market, but is sometimes around 2-3 times the price that non-Fair Trade is bought for. Additionally, Fair Trade coffee comes with a social premium, around 66c per kg of green beans, some of which is allocated for coffee infrastructure. With the money from the social premium, co-ops help their communities by investing in anything from education to water treatment plants.  Organic growing methods go hand-in-hand with Fair Trade. Because coffee is processed so much, from its beginning inside the fruit to roasted and ready to grind, little or no chemicals used in the growing process end up in your cup. The main concern with non-organic pesticides and fertilisers is that they pollute the land both in their production and use.  In contrast, organic fertilisation is basically wizard-level composting. Instead of in neat rows in full sun, coffee is grown under the canopy in forests, where it naturally thrives. Organic coffee is far more expensive to produce, because without the artificial fertilisers to beef up the plants their yield is lower. However, the environmental payoff is huge. Monocultures destroy the ground they are grown in, take nutrients away from the soil, and rely on artificial chemicals like pesticides. Coffee producers know the impact of pollutants firsthand, and many want to avoid poisoning their waterways, killing their animals, and making themselves sick from its use.  Coffee is therefore organic ‘for’ those farming it and the land they live on, not for the benefit of the consumer. It costs another 20c per kg of green (pre-roasted) coffee to buy organic. But, without organic practices, the coffee trade is unsustainable.  All of these extra costs make fair trade organic coffee a lofty aim for some businesses, but it is a mission they should undertake nonetheless. Now is a difficult time in the coffee world, with climate change and political unrest affecting the growers, and cafes shutting their doors amid ‘post’-covid austerity. Paying more for beans is not exactly top priority for some corporations. This is why we need to pressure companies, as consumers and workers, to work with Fair Trade co-ops and make Fair Trade the standard. Worldwide, coffee growing is threatened by leaf rust, unprofitability, and environmental instability. We need to look beyond just alternative milks when ordering our nice little drinks. With this is mind, here are some roasters to look out for in Pōneke: Trade Aid  (sells beans, not drinks!) The original gangster of the FTO world here in Aotearoa. Their FT guarantee is reliable, so get those brown nuggets and grind them at your leisure.  Trade aid is staffed by volunteers, so no comment here on the living wage front.  Good Fortune   (fair trade certified, organic certified, roasted locally in Petone, living wage).  You’ll find Good Fortune in cafes all over Pōneke, from out in the Hutt to deep into the CBD.  Where Good Fortune is served good vibes are abound. They have loads of different coffees for you to gulp down and pretend you can taste the notes of.  Karamu Coffee  (FTO, organic, roasted locally in Gracefield) Not super common in Wellington city, but certainly in the Hutt. If you happen to wander north, look out for their light blue house symbol and know you’re in for an ethical treat.  I used to serve Karamu in a wee spot out in Alicetown, and their Deluxe blend would probably still taste good if it was extracted through a drainpipe. It’s super dark and glossy, the exact roast kiwis crave.  People’s Coffee  (fair trade (not certified but… trust), certified B corporation, roasted locally in Newtown, living wage) My bias and the GOAT for co-op realness. Get addicted to our cold brew oat flat whites and never touch Monster energy again (we all know they’re an ethical minefield anyway).  Loads of cafes in Pōneke serve People’s, so look out for our wee beans when you’re out and about! Thank you to Head Roaster Rene Macaulay at People’s for helping me out with the info for this article, and for being a legend.