Editor's Letter: Issue 5

Hello!

This year is flying by and it’s hard to believe we’re at our fifth issue of Debate for the year. As always, we’re looking for contributors for the mag, so drop me an email if you’re keen and we can get you onboard.

When my editorial assistant Sophia and I go about picking themes for Debate it’s not always the most linear process. Although we rarely disagree on things, it can be easy to go around in circles and agonise over it. This ‘Giving a Shit’ theme, however, was one we decided on pretty early on in the year. There’s something about the phrase that makes my brain run a million miles a minute. It really makes me reflect on myself, my family, my friends and society.

I think it’s important for us to ponder whether or not we really give a shit about other people. On the other hand, it’s equally important for us to not give too much of a shit about what people say or think. I guess it comes down to filtering what we hear in the outside world, sifting through it and trying to make sense of what’s important and what’s not. As a big over-thinker myself, I understand that this is easier said than done.

In this issue, I strongly suggest you take a look at Zoe Holland’s piece ‘Do Students Care About Te Reo Māori?’ (page 14) where she reflects on her own relationship with the language. Zoe does a great job of explaining the importance of te reo and the different thoughts shared by the people she spoke to are particularly insightful.

Over on page 18, James Tapp is all about ethical fashion. The Ethical Fashion Report for 2019 has recently been released and this piece can help you make informed decisions around where to shop. Another James, this time James Page, has some great film reviews on page 26 and finally on page 28 Larissa Howie talks to local band Kingsland about their upcoming tour. The group has been through a lot over the past little while and it’s great to see people with such resilience and perseverance.

If this issue makes you feel anything, I hope it fires you up about the things you give a shit about and that it inspires you to pursue them.

Talk soon,

Ben