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Words by Te Huihui o Matariki Chi Huy Tran (he/him) - Taranaki Tūturu, Te iwi o Maruwharanui, Ngāti Maniapoto Sewer Pipe Bursts, Pollutes Local Stream Ngāti Toa Rangatira placed a rāhui on Porirua Stream after a sewer pipe burst in Cannons Creek, spilling sewage into Kenepuru Stream. Wellington Water is tackling the issue, setting up pumps and looking for a lasting fix. The rāhui, an ancestral practice, protects the environment and people by restricting access to the area. Repair efforts are complicated by the site's tricky access, and health risks associated with the spill. Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi acknowledges the complex repair needed and supports the rāhui, urging the community to respect the situation. Reclaiming Care of Maunga Taranaki In a move to mend relations with Taranaki iwi, the Taranaki Maunga settlement legislation is now under select committee review. This bill proposes legal personhood for maunga Taranaki, and a new co-governance structure with the iwi. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer emphasises this as a chance to redress past injustices, including the mismanagement of their environment, and the imposition of Pākehā names on sacred spaces. The legislation is seen as a vital step in the iwi's reclamation efforts, honouring the mountain that stands as a testament to their identity. Aoteroa’s Olympic Kākahu is Complete Kīngi Tūheitia has recently blessed Kuia Rānui Ngārimu's latest masterpiece,Te Hono ki Matariki, which will grace New Zealand's flag bearers at Paris 2024. Honored at Tūrangawaewae Marae, this kākahu echoes the legacy of Mahutonga, first worn by gold medalist Beatrice Faumuina in 2004. The cloak, crafted by over 15 weavers, embodies the nation's pride and the weavers' aroha. As the Olympic flame nears, Te Hono ki Matariki will wrap the athletes in history and hope, a symbol of kotahitanga and hiringa on the global stage.

A kōrero by Teddy, (he/it/ia) - Ngāpuhi As someone who has struggled with identity and what it really means to exist as someone who is both Māori and Queer, I think it’s reasonable to say that I long for more Takatāpui stories. Of course, many people already know that when the pakiwaitara of Tũtanekai and Hinemoa is told, it is usually missed that Tūtanekai is in a Takatāpui relationship with Tiki, and it’s later implied that he joins their relationship, (yay polyamory!) However, that’s not really the kind of Takatāpui kōrero I’m meaning. Takatāpui is a Māori identity which encompasses wairua, sexuality, gender, and the fluid nature between them. Our tupuna didn’t live in a binary society governed by labels and the cishet rules that we live by now. They simply existed as they were. I want to hear more Takatāpui stories drenched in our hītori, I want to experience Takatāpui pūrākau, where us Māori queers can get together and talk about our own, real experiences. I want to kōrero with my kaumātua about their Takatāpui experiences, I want to share my own stories with them. I want us to bask in the glow of being Takatāpui, because Takatāpuitanga is a taonga.  I find it interesting that historically, transgender people have been seen as people who are trying to “corrupt” society by attempting to change the perceptions of gender that the West have. Take for example, how pressed people still  get over bathrooms. (Fuck, where I’m from up North, we usually have a longdrop at the marae; and that’s definitely gender neutral.) For a long time, people tried to claim that trans people existed because “our brains didn’t match our bodies.” That’s been, obviously, proven false. There’s even the argument to make about gender dysphoria, and whether or not you have to have it to be transgender, and what it means to have it, blah blah blah, whatever.  I know that I am transgender because that is what I am. There’s not much more to it. It’s in my wairua. I am not binary, I can’t exist within the Western binary society that has been created. It’s as simple as that. And after talking to some takatāpui whanau, I know that a lot of them feel the same.  Though I’m still learning, I know that Māori words don’t have a direct translation into English. Our kupu are beyond Pākeha understandings. They are an imprint my tupuna has left, they are vast concepts and wide ideas that flow throughout time and connect us with each other. Takatāpui has meant lovers of the same sex. Now, it transcends that. When I say that I am Takatāpui, it means I am aroha, it means I am embracing the ways that my tupuna existed and I am following in their footsteps to be what I am. It means I am masculinity, I am femininity, I am both. Takatāpui is about an intersection of identities, it is about how being Māori and being Queer react to one another, and how they create a new experience of life. Existing as Takatāpui Māori in colonised Aotearoa is an act of resistance.  If you are Takatāpui, in whatever sense of the word, be it whakawāhine, tangata ira tāne, irawhiti, or many of the other kupu that can be used under this umbrella: arohanui e kare. If you are fa’afafine, fa’atama, two-spirit, māhū, rae rae, vaka sa lewa lewa, akava’ine or any of the other beautiful indigenous identities, the same goes for you. You’re so, so loved.  If you are one of the people that still rags on about trans people, ko wai hoki koe? Get a grip.   There are many ways that you can support the trans people that surround you. Respect our identities, respect that you may not be able to understand them.  Honour our names and our pronouns, because we have had to work hard for them. Call out your mates when they start saying transphobic shit. Support gender affirming medical care fundraisers, whether that means sharing them, or donating to them yourself, if you can. Kōrero with us about inclusive tikanga and make an attempt to learn the words we use. With a right-wing government now in charge, it’s time to start engaging politically in support of Takatāpui rights. You might be able to afford to sit back and ignore them, but our community can’t.  Trans and queer existence is something that spans generations, something that has existed forever and will exist forever in every part of the world, touching every small piece of humanity that continues to endure. That means that trans and queer resistance is something that will have to exist for a long time, too. It’s up to us now to ensure that the future is safe for our Takatāpui rangatahi and beyond.  He Takatāpui ahau. Kia ora.

Lovingly interviewed by Gilbert Ostini (he/him) Being a transgender Christian is, in the balance of things, pretty weird. Apart from being in the eye of the current culture wars, Christians  and trans people  are two demographics with very strong opinions of the other. Sitting in the middle often feels like being talked at by two camps who both find your existence incomprehensible.  Instead of writing a defensive screed to either camp—both full of people I love, and people I struggle to get along with—I thought I’d go talk to my friend Jay.  We catch St Peters’ Good Friday service together, then head back to her apartment for a cuppa; a strong, spicy peppermint blend, while seagulls wheel and cry above the thirteenth floor. Jay is a trans woman, an engineer, a public servant, and a committed member of the little Anglican church where I worship. Similarly to me, she grew up constantly proximate to religious communities—her father is Jewish, her mother “from Presbyterian mission stock”—but only really found her faith towards the end of high school.  At the same time, she was becoming aware of her queerness. “Certainly at least in the Presbyterian Church,” she says briskly, “you can’t be openly queer and Christian. A lot of the rhetoric, when it comes to gender, was ‘oh, you’re treading into sin’. Wanting to transition or looking into that? That’s sin. You want to look into hormones? That’s sin. You just need to pray hard enough, and God will take all of this away.” In my all-girls Presbyterian/Methodist high school, our Christian Ed lessons regularly featured the phrase ‘hate the sin, love the sinner.’ But what does this mean when the ‘sin’ is, as Jay phrases it, “not a choice, or an action, or a bad pattern of behaviour,” but something inherent? I recall asking a youth leader what the Bible had to say about transgender people (for a friend, of course). Looking so dismissive and confused, her answer was, “that’s not God’s plan for the world.” Jay points out the strong correlation between how she sees herself as someone who is both queer and disabled. For her, these ‘imperfections’ are a “part of God’s way of me being a blessing to people.” Imperfection, she clarifies, in the sense that “you might not necessarily stack up neatly with how everything else is, or you might not necessarily be able to work in an environment that other people can function in well.” But to her, Jesus “is with the people who seem the least put together.” Her differentness helps her feel closer to God, and to have an affinity for people outside what church and broader society consider ‘the norm’. Han Koehle writes that “ Queer  says no, you cannot insult me by lumping me in with the most marginalised and scandalous among us. I am unabashedly for their quality of life and not just my own.” Koehle’s expression of radical community links these questions of positionality and praxis—what are we going to do with our faith? We actually believe in a non-metaphorical God, but faith is also a way of structuring our doing good , loving and working with the understanding that, as Jesus says, “Whatever you do for the least of my people, you do for me.” This grounded, practical empathy has clearly carried across to Jay’s work and study. As well as being a proud public servant, her PhD will look at how to embed and enshrine Māori data sovereignty in engineering practice. When asked if she could explain her work so an English major might grasp it, Jay says her overall goal is to find a system of engineering practices that allow government “to not just give lip service to upholding the mana of tangata whenua, but actually embed and enshrine at a practical level. How do we do this right? What are the principles we need to follow at a day-to-day level?” “We’re not just trying to do it in a tokenistic way… A degree of repatriation of data is not sovereignty. Nor is it co-sovereignty. Just because you have [data] onshore does not mean that iwi Māori have sovereignty or that we are being good kaitiaki of their taonga.” It sounds like she’s talking about power, in both individual relationships and big systems.  She agrees, and says that university is a place where she feels equipped to “speak truth to power … We cast light through context, background and analysis onto what is happening in society. What are the power structures, invisible or visible?” She laughs. “As an engineer, I still know about Foucault.” This question of power is pertinent; existing at the queer/Christian crossroads means having the social disadvantages of queerness while still inheriting some of the privilege attached to big church institutions. But our marriages, Jay points out, are still not equal. A blessing is not the same, legally or spiritually, as a church marriage. And whether Jay or I could become priests is a veritable mess of technicalities and church politics. Sometimes I wonder how Jay can stand the bureaucracy of the public service and  the Anglican Church. She’s slightly more inclined to shrug than I am. “One of the beauties of being trans and Christian is that we learn how to make peace with the imperfect institution.” “We learn how to make peace,” I say, “but we also learn how to make trouble, which is what I’m trying to lean into at the moment. I think we could stir a little more shit.” There is plenty Jay wants to burn down. And both of us still hold valid frustration and bitterness about the Christian spaces we grew up in. Some of that frustration is productive, driving us to challenge unjust church and social structures—but we can’t just  burn things, no matter how satisfying it might be. “Not that I’m condoning arson, but if you’re gonna burn something down, you’ve gotta plan what you’re going to do in its place,” Jay says. She draws attention to the period of Lent we’ve just come out of: a season of remembering that, “We come from dust and then we will return to the earth. Well, our physical bodies will return to the earth. So what are you doing in that season to plant ?” Relationship and community sit at the heart of this planting: clearing out broken relationships and old ways of thinking, to plant something that will outlive and outgrow us. “Something good and just and enduring,” she agrees.  How do queer people, disabled people, people outside the perceived ‘norm’, fit into God’s plan? Jay’s conviction is equal parts spiritual and practical, spanning her studies, work and community life. It reminds me of Lebanese-American poet Kahlil Gibran, who wrote that “all work is empty save when there is love. And when you work with love, you bind yourself to yourself, and to one another, and to God.” In the everyday mess of work and angst and hurt, Jay’s reminder to me was to go out and plant “something that shows love above all else. That’s the letter laid down for us.”

Snow Best (they/she) CW: Queerphobic language I don’t want my gender anymore. I don’t want to be told what and who I am. At some point non-binary people are forced to reckon with the fact that our personal identity only goes so far. Is it possible to exist void of gendered language? I think that the depressing fact is probably not. Not right now. What does it mean to be non-binary? I think it is to exist in terms of the oppressor. Non. Not. Other. Weird. A fucking queer. A Tranny faggot. As the gendered subject experiences it: something that isn’t normal and doesn’t apply to me. Boys. Are you really boys? Girls. Are you really girls? We aren’t all fully masculine or feminine. We all exist within a spectrum of different aspects of masculinity and femininity. Some cis men have bigger chests, have long hair, might be short, have less muscle mass and “feminine facial features” while some cis women are buffer, have short hair, flat chests or a more “masculine facial structure” just to name a few. Along with that, we all hold ourselves differently and we all interact with others differently. Those acts are part of gender. They are part of the habitual performance that constructs our gendered living. (Thanks Judith Butler <3) Non-binary peeps. Are we really just non-binary? Does that word encapsulate the beauty of our lives? Are you okay with conforming to the 3rd tick box that constructs us as homogenous? I know I’m not. I understand the process of representation takes time to change, but this is a direction that I could see as totally opposed to our political project. In insisting to uphold this linguistic simplification of our existence, we are doing the fascists job for them. It’s a huge catch 22. Our identity as other is constructed by the oppressor as a justification for violence, and we take these identities on to organise our political resistance. At some point, queerness may need to be an idea of the past; I’m scared that a liberal queerness, a permanent social identity, will just support the ping pong between liberal capitalist democracy and fascist autocracy that we’ve seen unfolding over the last century. We as non-binary people need to remember how we want our futures to look. Cis people have to be made aware of it, and why it’s important for everyone. Non-binary people are not the gender diversity. We all are! Finally, my attraction to non-binary people feels really different to my attraction to binary people (as far as that seems to exist lol). The act of rejecting gender is in itself hot as fuck. I’m then put in the position that to express aesthetic attraction, I am forced to default to gendered language. The fact that most of the people I’m attracted to are considered feminine places them into a binary framework without either my or their active intention. My current partner is more masculine, but even in using that word, it essentialises their existence as being relative to the oppressor’s frame. What is the solution to this? My proposition is that we redefine our queer identities and fundamentally reject gender as a relevant notion.  I identify as a lesbian. Not as a queer person who is mainly attracted to femininity, but as someone who embodies an anti-gender anti-femininity. It’s an embrace of emotional closeness and intimacy. An embrace of politics and ethics of care (ooo philosophy buzzword :p) and a desire to love freely in the ostensibly gender abolitionist anti-femininity I embody. It’s an embrace of any mode of being I choose while being aware of and attentive to those who deserve my time. True non-binary lesbian queerness. “Male lesbians” are possible. Aro-ace lesbians are possible and valid. We don’t need to keep things the way they are. Make of yourself whatever the fuck you want. Call yourself whatever the fuck you want. Just remember to care for those who care for you. Dear reader: Hear us. She doesn’t want gender. He doesn’t want gender. They don’t want to be masculine, feminine or androgynous. To all my binary queer siblings out there: do you want to uphold the system that fundamentally causes our otherness? I understand, especially for binary trans people, that secure gender categories feel good to assimilate into, but they don’t for a lot of us, and I believe it would do every single person good to question why social identity matters, and how it constructs your perception of the other. How does the way you’ve lived so far influence your conscious and unconscious biases?  Consider this a call for everyone to inspect their relationship with gender. That goes especially to cisgender, heterosexual people. Understand that those of us who don’t want such a rigidly gendered existence are at your mercy. Understand that, to a lot of us, gender and those who perpetuate its fundamentalism are inherently violent. I won’t sugar-coat this, especially now that the American trans-genocide is slowly encroaching on our political system. Our ideals are radical, but deserve legitimacy. Say it with me. Say it with strength and life. KILL THE GENDER BINARY!

Stitched and sewed by Oli (they/them) The saga starts here: over the break, I bought a new pair of jeans. Alas—anyone who’s worn ‘women’s’ clothing knows the small pockets. What’s a person to do? Expand them, of course! One of my passions is mending and altering to make my clothing last longer. This year, I’m getting up on my soapbox to share those skills with you. I’ll bold the sewing terms, so you know what to google for more info. This expansion works for slash pockets  and welt pockets— pockets where the opening isn’t in a seam, and the pocket is internal. You’ll need: A needle and thread Fabric (Choose something lightweight to avoid adding bulk) Scissors Start by turning your jeans inside out and measuring out the fabric. It should be about double the extra length you want, as it will fold over. Remember to factor in seam allowance  on the edges. Cut off the bottom seam of your existing pocket.  Back stitch  one edge of your extension to the bottom side of the pocket. Trim down one side of the seam allowance and fold the other side over twice, enclosing the raw edge. Stitch this down (a flat-felled seam ).  Fold your extension up and repeat the steps to sew it to the top pocket half. Be careful not to sew your pocket shut! Back stitch  the sides closed in line with the original pocket’s fold/ stitching. On the side nearest the centre front/back, we’re going to flat fell  the seam back onto the pocket bag. This will make the pocket narrower, but will also cover the messy corner. If the other side of your pocket is free floating you can do the same, but if the original pocket is sewn into the side seam I recommend flat felling  to the seam, to help support the pocket and stop it flapping about. I used a back stitch , but if you don’t have a thimble a whip stitch  might be easier on your fingers. Rinse and repeat on the other side. Behold! Actual pockets.  Go forth! Adventure, fix the pocket sins of the world, and remember you are more capable than you think :)

Discussed by Te Huihui Tran (he/him), Taranakai, Ngāti Maruwharanui Human connections are super complex, and the idea of ‘soul ties’ is beautiful but also a big deal, especially for the older crowds and in religious communities. They often believe in sticking with one partner for life in a way that is tied to deep moral, cultural, and spiritual beliefs. They believe intimacy can only be shared between two people, deeply in love with each other. However, as a young person grappling with the complexities of modern relationships, love and sex, I find myself challenging this traditional perspective. Increasingly, I am recognising the need for a wider understanding of intimacy, one that integrates both the magic of connection and the realities of our ever-evolving society. The idea of keeping relationships sacred and stable by sticking with one person for the rest of your life might be somewhat outdated; I think we need to look at things with fresh eyes, valuing deep bonds but also understanding what rangatahi from this generation want on their journey of exploring themselves. I’m not speaking on behalf of every young person and not universally saying “let’s normalise sleeping around”, merely sharing what I’ve learnt from myself and many others.  Older generations, often shaped by conservative values and religious beliefs, uphold the sanctity of soul ties as a cornerstone of lasting relationships. They argue that forming deep emotional and spiritual connections with a single partner enhances the sacredness of the bond, creating a lasting and meaningful relationship. To  some of them, the idea of one-night stands and casual encounters might seem “disgusting”. Their perspective seeks to preserve the sanctity of intimacy, and promote stability through commitment.  On the flip side, us young folks often feel that the old-school rules about soul ties can be too tight. Nowadays, with society changing and people valuing their freedom more, a lot of us want the space to try out different relationships. Swiping on dating apps is the go-to entertainment for some people. You know, we don’t have to be deeply in love with someone to have sex—it can just be something that our body and mind want to experience. We think that both the short-term flings and long-term bonds teach us a lot about who we are and how we connect with people. Breaking away from the old ways to enjoy a more open style of relationships is really what a lot of us are all about.  Within this clash of ideals, the issue of sexually transmitted infections emerges as a critical point of consideration. The emphasis on committed relationships, as advocated by older generations, is often linked to the concern for physical health and the prevention of STIs. It is totally understandable: the idea is that being exclusive to a single partner reduces the risk of exposure to infections. And obviously, the younger generation, while enjoying freedom and keeping ourselves “busy”, is not oblivious to the risks associated with casual encounters. Education and open communication about safe practices become essential in addressing this concern, fostering responsible decision-making and a comprehensive approach to our hauora.  As relationships change, we're all trying to figure out what it means to really grow up. The older folks might think sticking to traditional values is what growing up is all about, like a milestone of becoming mature and responsible. But for many rangatahi, being mature means making choices based on our own life experiences and what we learn about ourselves. The big challenge is mixing the old-school wisdom with our own  freedom to choose our paths. Both old and young have to deal with balancing traditions with today's relationship vibes. Older people need to see that relationships now come in all shapes, while the young ones should see that there's good stuff in sticking to some of the classic values, which can make relationships really last. At the end of the day, we're all about connecting with others, right? Talking about soul ties shows there's a big difference between generations. Throwing in the mix things like STIs and growing up just makes it all more complicated. Therefore, it is super important that everyone needs to respect all the different views out there and find a way for the old and new to vibe together. And on top of all of that, be safe.

DAN MOSKOVITZ (HE/HIM) In my humble opinion, gender-neutral bathrooms are the best. At no point have I ever wanted to run into, see, or be aware of the existence of any other person whilst I do my business. Men’s toilets are crap at achieving this paradise. Urinals are one of the worst inventions to grace mankind. They prevent the privacy which stalls provide. Yet the men’s bathrooms in Te Toki a Rata is one of these urinal-free utopias. They only have stalls. It’s beautiful. Hence, for my theys and thems, the question is obvious: why aren’t Te Toki a Rata’s bathrooms gender-neutral? As it turns out, there are strict requirements for a lavatory to be officially considered as such.  All gender bathrooms require ‘complete isolation’ to be classified as gender-neutral. The stall itself needs to have a bin, sink, and sanitary waste disposal, and be completely closed off from all other stalls.  “While achieving this transformation is possible in Te Toki a Rata, the University would need to undertake building work that would require building consent and adjustments to plumbing systems,” said a university spokesperson in a statement.  And as we all know, Te Herenga Waka is not exactly flush with cash.   The exact requirements the university uses were not available, but the same spokesperson said they were based on work with the Rainbow and Inclusion services, as well as both ministerial and overseas guidelines. A full list of the University’s gender-neutral facilities is available on its website.

Smelt by Caitlin Higgie (she/her) - VUW Science Collective Have you ever been attracted to someone and wondered, “Why THEM ?” Yeah, me too. Well, it turns out it might be because of how they smell .  We prefer partners who have different immune system genes than us, and we do this by smelling their immune system via pheromones.  As a Biomed student, that is SO. ODD. So why does this happen? When two people with optimally different immune systems have children together, those children will have genetically more diverse, robust immune systems and a stronger chance of fighting off a wider range of pathogens more effectively.  This means that, due to natural selection, the offspring of parents with different immune systems are more likely to live to reproduce and pass on their stronger immunity genes. Because of this biological advantage, species over time have evolved to be able to smell who would be the best partner genetically .  Boring science over, what can you get out of this? Well, studies show that having a different immune system from a partner has been linked to greater relationship quality, sexual satisfaction, and better reproductive health as a couple. So that guy in your tutorial that you’ve talked to a few times and instantly seem to click with, maybe you should listen to your gut (or your nose!).  But NEVER ignore the red flags because you’ve got your rose-coloured pheromone glasses on. Just as there are many fish in the sea, there are many people with dissimilar immune system genes to you.

Welcome to the mystical lands of Aotearoa, where love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a way of life. Māori, with a culture that is so rich in tradition and teeming with love in every way shape and form, have perfected the art of spreading Aroha far and wide! Come along for this whirlwind journey through the Māori perspective on love that'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! First things first, Aroha isn't your run-of-the-mill lovey-dovey stuff, It’s a whole vibe! From tight-knit bonds of whānau to the camaraderie of mates sharing a laugh over a cold brew. Aroha is more than a feeling: it’s a sacred energy that flows through the veins of the earth, coursing through the rivers, mountains, and forests of New Zealand. It is the heartbeat of Papatūānuku, and the breath of Tāne Mahuta, echoing through the ages and nurturing all life with its boundless embrace. Think of Aroha as the ultimate love potion, brewed with a secret recipe passed down through generations. In Te Ao Māori, love isn't just expressed through sweet nothings whispered in the dark (although that's part of it!). It's about action, baby! It's the glue that holds families together, the spark that ignites communities, and the fuel that drives positive change in the world. You're at a hui with your closest mates, the kai is endless, the waiata are ringing out, and the laughter is contagious: that is what we call Manaakitanga—spreading love and kindness through good vibes and good company. Let's not forget about the power of music and dance! Whether you're belting out tunes around the campfire or busting out your best moves at a hui, there's nothing quite like expressing love through the magic of music and movement.  Love isn't just confined to human relationships. Oh no! It extends to the land itself—  Papatūānuku is the ultimate matchmaker. Gazing at the stars on a clear night, taking a stroll through the bush hand in hand, there's no shortage of romantic spots to cozy up with your loved one and soak in the Aroha. The majestic mountains, the pristine rivers, and the lush forests that make Aotearoa the paradise it is. So next time you find yourself in the great outdoors, take a moment to soak in the Aroha and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. From sharing a hearty feast with friends to welcoming strangers with open arms, we know how to throw down when it comes to showing love.  So, there you have it, love, Māori style! It's about embracing Aroha, spreading joy wherever you go, and having the time of your life while you're at it. So, whether you're sharing a laugh with your mates, dancing under the stars, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around you, remember to let the Aroha flow and keep the good times rolling!    Noho ora mai,  Shay McEwan. Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Whanau a Kai, Ngāti Pāhauwera

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.

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