ContentsHello and Welcome! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Pot-Luck And Games Night . . . . . . . . 2

NZPS Academic Achievement Award 2012 . . . . . . . . . . 3

Getting Involved! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Critical Friends: Key Influencers to Improve My Thesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Phd Completion –Adella Campbell .4

Graduate Profile–Elisante Leguma . . . . . .5

Becoming Familiar With Wellington . .6

Lunch With The High Commissioner . . . 6

Being A Volunteer: Why Not? . . . . . . . 7

Two NZAID Students Reunited In Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Pacific Research Colloquium at the Australian National University . . . . .9

Hump Ridge In Tuatapere –A Should-Not-Be-Missed Spot In Middle Earth . . . . . . . 10

Getting To Know . . . Student Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Getting To Know . . . The New NZAID Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Kiwi Recipe–Anzac Biscuits . . . . . . . 12

Congratulations And Goodbye! . . . 12

Editorial TeamMonique Harvison Linsell Richards

Contact detailsVictoria International Level 2, Easterfield Building Kelburn Campus 04-463-5944

GLOBALEYESIssue 12, Winter 2013

Getting ahead with Pre-StartFor two weeks at the beginning of February, new NZAID scholars took part in the Pre-Start programme . Pre-Start is run by the NZAID team at Victoria International, in conjunction with the Student Learning Support Service (SLSS) . The first couple of days were filled with social and cultural activities, including a welcome from the AVC Pasifika and the PVC International, and important scholarship information . SLSS then ran a series of workshops and sessions about study skills and surviving the transition to academic life at Victoria . Other highlights of the programme included a special tour of Te Papa, a group dinner, a panel discussion with senior students and a delicious pot-luck lunch on the final day!

WelcomeKia ora and welcome to the winter issue of Global Eyes.

I am delighted to welcome all our new NZAID Scholarship students to Victoria University for 2013, and a warm welcome back to our returning students . We are proud to have reached a record number of 181 students from 29 countries, with the addition of Myanmar to the programme this year and a significant increase in students from Timor-Leste .

Victoria University has recently been ranked first among New Zealand universities for its research quality, achieving first or second in 24 of the 36 subject areas offered, so you’ve definitely made a good study choice!

All the best for your studies this year,

Professor Roberto Rabel, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)

Hello and welcome!This trimester we warmly welcome a record 68 new NZAID students from around the world:

Nur Asih (Indonesia), Chandra Maria Babo (Timor-Leste), Muhamad Bahri (Indonesia), Souphalack Bounpadith (Lao PDR), Adriano Prasudahyanda Cardoso Amaral (Timor-Leste), Tupe Crawley (Samoa), Rofino Da Cruz (Timor-Leste), Tsetsegbal Dashdorj (Mongolia), Thi Xuan Hoa Do (Viet Nam), Thi Dung Dong (Viet Nam), Shonadeen Dowabobo (Nauru), James Faiumu (Samoa), Faafetai Faaolatane Pao (Samoa), Arla Fontamillas (Philippines), Maria Imaculada Conceicao Guterres (Timor-Leste), Veasna Heang (Cambodia), Mele Hiliau (Tonga), Naven Hon (Cambodia), Davina Iopa (Vanuatu), Vanda Kham (Cambodia), Si Thu Ko Ko (Myanmar), Hayley Kouto (Solomon Islands), Bounyared Luangraj (Lao PDR), Tem Ly (Cambodia), Seini Maake (Tonga), Ha Phuong Mai (Viet Nam), Yosefina Maia Nahak (Timor-Leste), Elvenna Majuddin (Malaysia), Aung Ko Min (Myanmar), Lewel Lenz Nerit (Papua New Guinea), Daniel Ngg Cho (Samoa), Hoang Sinh Nguyen (Viet Nam), Thanh Tung Nguyen (Viet Nam), Doan Trang Nguyen (Viet Nam), Ubaidillah Nugraha (Indonesia), Aye Mon Paing (Myanmar), Aloundeth Panekham (Lao PDR),

Thi Anh Duong Pham (Viet Nam), Vien Tran Truc Pham (Viet Nam), Ngibe Gibson Pilabe (Papua New Guinea), Hizkia Respatiadi (Indonesia), Sokha Seng (Cambodia), Andre Simangunsong (Indonesia), Frenky Simanjuntak (Indonesia), Phonemany Sisomphong (Lao PDR), Alounna Sivongthong (Lao PDR), Synoda Sokhan (Cambodia), Sitha Som (Cambodia), AJane Sooalo (Samoa), Souvankham Soukchanthalavong (Lao PDR), Rori Marwani Subaing (Indonesia), Maria Sarmento Tae (Timor-Leste), Anderias Tani (Timor-Leste), Atitoafaiga Tau (Samoa), Vaimaila Teitala (Tuvalu), Ye Maung Thein (Myanmar), Zin Mar Thein (Myanmar), Sothiary Toch (Cambodia), Silati Tofuola (Tuvalu), Ngoc Diep Tran (Viet Nam), Van Duc Tran (Viet Nam), Florette Tuuau (Samoa), Wint Wint Khaing Tun (Myanmar), Mele Tupou (Tonga), Mataolealofa Ulugia (Samoa), Rose Vaitulia Ioelu (Samoa), Sengalune Vilaysack (Lao PDR), Restuning Widiasih (Indonesia)

We would also like to welcome Tatiana Risati-Leilua, daughter of Olive Leilua (Samoa), born in February, and Nguyen Dang-Khoi, son of Dang Quang Nguyen, born in April . Congratulations on the new addition to the family!

Pot-luck and games nightBy Dwi Purwestri Sri Suwarningsih (Indonesia)

“I won the bargaining candy game! Yay!!!” With a little trick, I won the first game in the first NZAID event of the year, the pot-luck dinner and games night . Since it was a pot-luck, we all had to provide some food or snacks . There was food from Viet Nam, Cambodia and Pacific countries, and all were delicious . There was also some Indonesian food made by my Indonesian friends, who brought their families to the event . It was fun to see the kids around and joining in the games .

This is the time when you can escape from your assignment and thesis writing to have some fun with other NZAID students . I knew some students couldn’t attend; some of them were in the middle of their assignments and others were unwell . Another benefit of attending this event was, you can meet the NZAID Coordinators, Monique and Linsell . As I

realised, some issues can be better discussed face-to-face than through email, so it’s a good chance to talk to them . I can guarantee you that every NZAID event will be worth attending, so don’t miss it next time!

Getting involved!By Tupe Crawley and Atitoafaiga Tau (Samoa)

You can find yourself drowning in opportunities to get involved with all sorts of different activities that Victoria University has to offer . The experience of staying at Weir House is awesome! Being the rugby fanatics that we are, we decided to join the Weir House touch team . This gave us a chance to meet and socialise with different people in our hall . Our main goal was to have fun and make the most of what Wellington had to offer . On tournament day, the atmosphere was tense with each team out to win . The music was great; we had free sausage sizzles and watched other teams play some good touch . Our team won all its pool games and showed great skill in the semi-final to reach the finals . In the end our team won overall and took the cup home, which was overwhelming . We had a little gathering

after, with all the team members and coaches, to eat pizza and hang out . All in all, it was a great experience: we had fun, ate free food and made new friends .

NZPS Academic Achievement Award 2012

The first New Zealand Pacific Scholarship (NZPS) Academic Achievement Award 2012 was presented to Samoan student Epifania Afano at Victoria University in March . Epifania achieved the highest grade point average of all NZPS scholars in her first year of a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Information Systems, including excellent grades in papers that many international students

struggle with, such as FCOM111 (Government, Law and Business) and QUAN102 (Statistics for Business) .

The award was presented by Anna Pasikale, Deputy Director for Human Development in the International Development Group (formerly NZAID) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade . “We are delighted to present this award to Epifania and hope that it encourages her to believe in her strong ability going forward into her second year,” says Anna .

The ceremony was also attended by representatives of Victoria International, Te Pūtahi Atawhai, the AVC Pasifika Office and other

University student support staff .

News of Epifania’s award has since spread widely, it was included in the MFAT internal newsletter sent to all New Zealand Embassies around the world, on the front page of the New Zealand Aid Programme website, and even in the Samoan Observer newspaper . What a celebrity! Congratulations Epifania!

Epifania Afano receiving her award from Anna Pasikale (MFAT) and Roger Armstrong (Victoria International).

PhD Completion – Adella CampbellIn March, Adella Campbell, a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholar from Jamaica successfully defended her PhD thesis titled “The abolition of user fees in the Jamaican public health system: Impact on access, care provided and the work of the professional nurse” . Adella has plans to present her research at the forthcoming ICN congress in Melbourne, and is working on publications as recommended by her examiners . Following her stay here, Adella will return to Jamaica and take up her position as a Lecturer in the Caribbean School of Nursing, University of Technology, Jamaica . While at Victoria Adella

has had a key role in the Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA) and was recognised for her work at the Victoria Awards in December 2012 for her stellar contribution to postgraduate life at the University . Early success for Adella came in 2011 when she was awarded the Early Career Researcher Award for the best poster at the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand (HSRAANZ) Conference . Congratulations Adella, we are proud of your achievements and wish you well on your return . We will miss you .

Critical friends: Key influencers to improve my thesisBy Sokalyan Mao (Cambodia)

Writing a thesis requires ongoing motivation . Being part of a critical friend group is having a significant impact on the completion of my thesis . My supervisor, Dr Stephanie Doyle, initiated a group made up of four Master of Education students . We met every week to discuss our challenges in writing the thesis, what we were doing and our next plan . The group asked provoking questions, which were useful to improve the

clarity and quality of our work . I would recommend group discussion to those who are working on a thesis .

Group members are able to share experiences, listen to your thesis and give critical suggestions . I personally believe that the more people read and critique your writing, the better the quality of your thesis will be and the more motivated you will be to complete your thesis . Good luck with your thesis!

Orkun [thank you in Khmer]

Photo caption: Critical Friend Group (from left): Sokalyan from Cambodia, Stephanie from New Zealand, Lana from New Zealand, Liz from US, Ha and her family from Viet Nam

Graduate Profile–Elisante LegumaBeing awarded the New Zealand development scholarship was a dream come true . After completion of my undergraduate studies I started to apply for admission and scholarship . It was August 2010 when I received an email from the NZAID Programme coordinator in Pretoria, South Africa that my application was successful, and I was awarded a scholarship to study for a Master of Tourism Management at Victoria University of Wellington . This was the beginning of my academic journey and life in New Zealand . The NZAID support commenced immediately after arriving in Wellington . I had an awesome Pre-Start programme . This programme gave me an opportunity to meet students from other countries, to be introduced to different services offered by Victoria University as well as acclimatising to Wellington’s weather .

The first trimester was a welcome to postgraduate phase . Skills gained from the Pre-Start programme were the stepping stone for my successful academic journey at Victoria . I thought I would struggle to understand different concepts about tourism but that hasn’t been the case . Course instructors were friendly and helpful . Our class was pretty small; a phenomenon that gave me an opportunity to ask questions and seeks for clarifications where necessary . Apart from the outstanding course instructors from the tourism management group of the Victoria University, Student Learning Support Service has been the best place to visit . It has been a place to seek academic support and develop skills, for example in grammar, effective study, time management, research skills as well as academic speaking courses . Also, cooperation from my classmates was vital during the course of my study .

Victoria University offers some interesting programmes that are vital for domestic and international students . Among these programmes are the Victoria International Leadership Programme and the International Buddy Programme . During my life at Victoria I attended the VILP, IBP and international leadership camp . These programmes gave me an opportunity to learn and practice leadership in a cross-cultural setting . It was an opportunity to meet students from different parts of the world, building networking and learning about culture . Also, I was a Vic Crew member of Victoria International . This was an opportunity to practice leadership . Meeting and

greeting new students right after arrival (at the airport, bus terminal and/or train station) was the best thing to do, ever . It was a chance to show new international students how good Victoria University of Wellington is, and the fact that they made the right choice to come to study at Victoria .

Completing my studies at Victoria is a great achievement in my life . I met awesome people who touched my life in so many ways . My experience wouldn’t be special without them . I went through a state of mixed emotions after returning back home . I felt like a stranger in my own country . Many things happened when I was away . Readjusting with the new system remains to be a challenge . I am working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism/Wildlife Division . Before doing a Master of Tourism Management at Victoria I was working as a community conservation officer as well as a game reserve ecologist . Reporting back to my employer after my studies is a great feeling . Everyone is expecting a lot from me and my new tourism expertise . Currently I am waiting for a new job description after reporting to the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism . I feel that I will have a lot to contribute in the tourism sector . I did fundraising at Victoria International to purchase a PowerPoint projector that would help me to work more efficiently . The fundraising event showed me the love that people have for me, especially the members of Victoria International .

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the NZAID team who made my life complete . It’s the best team I could imagine, and I am immensely proud of a job well done . The NZAID scholarship is the best scholarship ever .

Becoming familiar with WellingtonBy Anderias Tani (Timor-Leste)

Hi, I am one of the 15 Timorese awardees in 2013 . Since arriving in Wellington, I have seen much diversity in the food, people, language and living styles . Trying new food and being involved in interesting events, while maintaining our academic and personal activities, is not that easy . Although away from home, I am surrounded by precious people who help make it possible . The NZAID staff, Victoria International and the SLSS team all help, and so does the WETILESS (Wellington–Timor Leste Students Society) . They keep me on track, and remind me of the MFAT slogan ‘For countries through people’ . Outside of studies, I maintain religious and social activities during the weekend, but never miss the Sunday Farmers Market, walking through the tiny hilly city of Wellington, mostly under the unusual weather, which I am struggling get used to . The Botanic Gardens and Te Papa museum are among the places which I will remember, as will living in

a UniHall–Te Kotahinga . As I complete my BA in Development Studies, there are thousands more things to explore in the next three years before finally saying thank you to those who have shaped my way . Obrigado!

Lunch with the High CommissionerBy Charles Dean (Samoa)

In March the Samoan New Zealand Pacific Scholarship students were invited to lunch with the Samoan High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, at the High Commission . One of the greatest things about such an event is having the opportunity not only to meet the High Commissioner in person, but for scholars to catch up and enjoy the company of one another . The main purpose of the lunch was to welcome new scholars to Wellington and to Victoria University, and congratulate the returning scholars for making it through 2012 . It was also a chance for returning scholars to share their experiences and advice with the newcomers . We received words of wisdom from the High Commissioner himself and words of encouragement to kick-start studies for 2013 . It was a great privilege to receive such uplifting advice to motivate us to study hard and aim for the best, not only for our country but especially for our families back home . We were also reminded of how lucky and fortunate we are to have received such opportunity and that we must

take advantage and make the most of it . Apart from the talk, we enjoyed a few laughs and had a great and delicious meal afterwards . It was a wonderful afternoon of sharing and bonding and everyone enjoyed themselves . At the end of the day, we left feeling empowered and with the idea that ‘anything is possible, we can do this–BRING ON 2013!’ lingering at the back of our minds .

The first Gathering of WETILESS in the Botanic Gardens–March 2013. (Standing from right: Yosefina, Agi, Jonny, Horacio, Jito, Adaljiza, Nene, Kiki, Tae, Rino, Chandra and me. Sitting from right: Johny, Leo and Rofino).

Samoan NZPS students at the High Commission.

Being a volunteer: Why not?By Vy Tuong Ho (Viet Nam)

Time flies when you’re having fun . This is certainly true for me . Last year I was a newcomer to university, attempting to adapt to a new life and study in Wellington . Now I have only approximately three months to complete my Master’s degree . While studying is always the overriding focus of each student, it would be regrettable if international students missed out on the multitude of useful activities outside their study . From my own experience, I strongly believe that engaging in volunteering activities has been a very wonderful chance to enrich my skills, to diversify my student life and to establish a network of local and international contacts .

I was a volunteer for international orientation in my final semester . I found this activity very rewarding as the other volunteers and I supported new students seeking help during orientation . Further, I learnt various skills from the training about how to successfully run orientation . From my heart, I am extremely proud to have worn the VUW T-shirt that was specially designed for volunteers .

Another interesting activity in which I have participated is becoming a buddy of someone who is a participant in the English Language Training

for Officials (ELTO) programme . I also made friends with other buddies and many lovely ELTO members who come from Viet Nam, Laos PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste . The activities helped my understanding of other cultures, and gave me an amazing opportunity to explore anew the attractions of Wellington with ELTO members . Moreover, chatting to Kiwi buddies helps us improve our English step-by-step . In short, the ELTO programme has given me a fantastic time interacting with many people, and building long-lasting international friendships .

In addition, a wealth of volunteering activities provided by other organisations have also attracted my attention . I am interested in the annual street collections of, for example, the New Zealand Red Cross and Autism New Zealand . I have contributed my time to volunteering activities alongside other local and international students, which has been a pleasure and an honour . Indeed, I have been aware of one invaluable lesson that happiness derives from whatever I do for other people .

Time passes so quickly and my time in New Zealand is running out . I would like to share the slogan that I have successfully applied to my life and study in Wellington: ‘Life is more meaningful if I share my heart with other people’ .

With my Laos friends of the ELTO programme (intake 36), at the Cambodian New Year Celebration (April 2013).

Two NZAID Students Reunited in BrazilBy Ali Sungkar (Indonesia)

As part of my study at Victoria University’s School of Government on Brazil’s position for forest-related issues in the international climate negotiations, last year I travelled to Brazil to carry out a number of interviews, including some in the city of Rio de Janeiro (River of January) . Rio is the hometown of Mateus Almeida, a former NZAIFD student who completed a Master of Environmental Studies at Victoria . We became friends in Wellington . When Mateus knew I was going to go to Rio, he offered me a place to stay, a generosity that I gratefully accepted . Mateus and his family’s hospitality was beyond words . He not only picked me up at the airport, he also insisted on taking me to the interview locations in his car . This turned out to be very useful as Rio is a big city (6 .3 million people), which is not easy to navigate for a foreigner who is new to the place and not fluent in Portuguese .

In Rio, I was lucky enough to do six expert interviews with some of the most respected people in their fields, including Professor Emerita Bertha K . Becker (political geographer), Associate Professor José Augusto Pádua (environmental historian), and Ambassador (ret .) Marcos Azambuja (multilateral negotiator) .

In the gaps around the interviews, as a proud carioca (a person from Rio), Mateus showed me the majestic beauties of Rio where one can find scenic white sandy beaches, mountainous hills and the world’s largest urban forest in a city . The Brazilians have their own way to describe the beauty of the city: “God created the world in seven days, of which two were needed just for Rio de Janeiro” .

Mateus wanted me to have a complete Rio experience . He took me to the world-famous Corcovado hill (where

the statue of Cristo Redentor is located), the high-class beachfront neighbourhoods such as Copacabana and Ipanema, and also showed me the favelas (slum areas) . In short, with Mateus’ help, my field research in Rio became far easier and more enjoyable than it might have been . My one-week visit to Rio was the highlight of my stay in Brazil .

Mateus and I discussed a number of things, including the possibility of encouraging the establishment of a virtual global network of current and former NZAID students, where we might support each other, at least with useful information, when NZAID family members travel to foreign countries . Before I left Wellington, I also received a lot of useful tips from Amalina Andrade, another NZAID student from Brazil, who is currently finalising her Master’s degree in Tourism Management at Victoria .

Mateus is now working as a legal adviser (yes, he is also a lawyer) at the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (Funbio), probably the biggest non-profit biodiversity conservation funding organisation in the most biodiverse country in the world .

Muito obrigado meus grandes amigos Mateus!

Mateus Almeida and Ali Sungkar with the background view of Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) seen from a lookout on Corcovado hill.

Pacific Research Colloquium at the Australian National University By Vergil Narokobi

During the first two weeks of February 2013 I travelled to Canberra to participate at the annual Pacific Research Colloquium (PRC) held at Australian National University’s (ANU) State, Society and Governance in Melanesia (SSGM) programme . The PRC was targeted at up skilling young researchers in the Pacific, especially Melanesia . Participants were selected after submitting a 5,000-word paper on their research . My topic related to Papua New Guinea’s social, economic and cultural goals in its constitution, my PhD topic . Participants came from Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste .

A number of senior academics from the ANU who have extensive research interest in the Pacific shared their experience with the participants . What was particularly helpful was the active exchange of ideas between the participants and the experienced academics on each of the topics discussed . The topics ranged from developing research questions, research methodology and academic writing, to critiquing papers and presentation skills . The culmination of the programme was for participants to present their papers to their colleagues . Each

presenter had a fellow participant critique their paper . We also visited the Australian Parliament and observed one of the parliamentary sessions .

My background is as a practising lawyer, so the trip was part of my transition to academia . Three things stood out for me in Canberra . The first, my paper was selected as the best paper . Second, I was invited to present my paper at a conference that was going on at the same time . The conference had an interesting theme–“The South Pacific: From ‘arc of instability’ to ‘arc of opportunity’?” Third, I had a rare opportunity to have dinner with an Australian lawyer, John Lay who was involved in the writing of the Papua New Guinea constitution in the early 1970s .

I am grateful to my PhD supervisors, Professor Tony Angelo and Dr Colon-Rios, for supporting my attendance . My mentors at the SSGM were Anthony Regan and Dr Scott McWilliam, to whom I am equally grateful for their guidance on my paper . My gratitude extends to my wife Grace, who took on the family responsibility in my absence . I could not have done it without her . To the SSGM staff and the Australian government through the AUSAID programme who funded my participation, I am thankful .

2013 participants at the State Society and Governance in Melanesia Programme at the Australian National University: Photo – Courtesy of the State Society and Governance in Melanesia, Australian National University.

Hump Ridge in Tuatapere–A should-not-be-missed spot in Middle EarthBy My Nguyen Diem Tran (Viet Nam)

Cold and wet, but fresh! That is what we felt when we got to the top of the Hump Ridge Track on the first day . As much as we were tired at the time, none of us complained because the atmosphere was magnificent, and that wiped out all the hardship . We were in a different world .

The Hump Ridge Track is a 55km three-day-loop walk, located in a small town called Tuatapere (approximately 2 hours’ drive from Invercargill) . It is a great tourism attraction, and pride of the local community . However, it has not been promoted strongly enough . At the end of last year, Victoria University signed an agreement with Tuatapere Hump Track Board to develop a joint programme in tourism, ecology and community development in the region . This is a promising contract that provides mutual benefits, both for the development of the track and tourism scholars’ research interests .

I was lucky to get an opportunity to be a research assistant for my lecturer’s project on the Hump Ridge Track . Though only three weeks, the field trip in Tuatapere was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life . I would recommend this

place to anyone who loves travelling and exploring . It is an all-in-one destination with beautiful scenery, well preserved nature, lovely people and great food . If you like surfing, Blue Cliff beach is an ideal spot . For the trampers, get packed and walk the Hump Ridge! Foodaholics should not miss the Yesteryears museum cafe or Last Light Lodge, which offers amazing homemade organic dishes .

As the most popular tourist attraction in town, the Hump Ridge track has many significant impacts (economic, sociocultural and environmental) on the local community . I was also pleased to find that most of the local residents have a positive view of the track . The biggest concern however, is its rural location and so increasing its recognition is vital . That is why joint programmes are very important . As a student who benefited from the programme, I hope this article will increase the awareness of it, and the Hump Ridge Track and Tuatapere .

It is not an exaggeration to say that Tuatapere is isolated . However, I think that is what contributes to making the place special . As everyone often says, ‘life is short’, so why not try out something as unique as the Hump Ridge Track now?

On the way to Okaka Lodge–The Hump Ridge Track.

Getting to know … Student HealthCatherine Nelson is one of the lovely nurses at the Student Health Service . Here she tells us about the service and what they can do for you .

What do I need to do so I can use Student Health Services?

All currently enrolled Victoria students can use Student Health Services (SHS) . NZAID students can register to use SHS as your main health centre . This is convenient and also reduces the price you pay (currently free for routine doctor or nurse consultations) . Registering is quick and easy, and can be done at SHS reception-just let them know you are an NZAID student .

What sorts of problems can Student Health help NZAID students with?

We offer all the services you would expect from a regular medical centre, while also having an understanding of the many issues students may encounter while studying . SHS provides confidential care by professionally registered and experienced doctors and nurses who enjoy working with students . Services include general treatment for illness and injury, sexual and reproductive health issues, support for healthy lifestyles, and immunisations, amongst others . If you are unwell and not able to study please contact us as we may be able to provide a letter of support for an assignment extension . Just don’t wait until you’re better and after it’s due!

Are there any special concerns for NZAID students?

Understanding a new health system can be a challenge, but SHS staff are very friendly and approachable . You can choose which doctor or nurse you see and appointments are confidential .

NZAID students are eligible for publically funded screening programmes, immunisations (especially the influenza vaccine) and general support for a healthy lifestyle . We’re there to help you improve your health in general, not just when you’re unwell .

How do I make an appointment to see someone?

You will need to make an appointment to see a doctor or nurse . It’s best to do this in advance if possible, but SHS can see you urgently if you are unwell, in pain, have had an accident etc . Just drop into Mauri Ora, Level 1 Student Union Building, Kelburn, or Student Services, Level 2 Railway West Wing, Pipitea campus . You can also phone 463 5308 . Come and see us for a consultation and see how we can help!

Getting to know… the new NZAID Programme teamLinsell Richards, Senior Coordinator

Linsell is the team leader and responsible for the majority of the postgraduate students, strategic projects and Pre-Start and departure events .

Monique Harvison, Coordinator

Monique looks after the undergraduate students and some postgraduates, and works on regular projects .

Catherine Guo, Administrator

Catherine is in charge of the financial administration of stipends, fees and other allowances, and manages the travel bookings .

Congratulations and goodbye!

A number of students have completed their studies and returned home since the beginning of the year, so congratulations and goodbye to:

Delgertsetseg Chuluundorj (Mongolia), Peter Ezra (Tanzania), Mohamed Faizal (Maldives), Cesar Guala Catalan (Chile), Lourdes Guerrero (Ecuador), Frassminggi Kamasa (Indonesia), Elisante Leguma (Tanzania), Sophal Nguon (Cambodia), Sopharo Oum (Cambodia), Adora Pueblos (Philippines), Malia Tatafu (Tonga), Sharma Taylor (Jamaica), Oun Tep (Cambodia) .

Kiwi Recipe–Anzac biscuitsANZAC = Australia New Zealand Army Corps.

These biscuits are very popular in New Zealand, especially around the public holiday on Anzac Day (25 April) . They have a special history because they were sent from home to New Zealand soldiers who were posted overseas in World War I . They are cheap and easy to make from basic ingredients, and they will last a long time .

Makes about 30

1 cup flour

1 cup castor sugar

1 cup desiccated coconut

2 cups rolled oats

125g butter

2 tbsp golden syrup

1 tsp baking soda

3 tbsp boiling water

1 . Heat oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake) . Line two baking trays with nonstick baking paper . Place flour, castor sugar, coconut and oats in a bowl and stir to combine . Make a well in the centre .

2 . Place butter and golden syrup in a saucepan to melt, or microwave in a bowl to melt . Dissolve baking soda in boiling water . Add melted ingredients and dissolved baking soda to the well in the dry ingredients and mix to combine .

3 . Roll spoonfuls into balls and press onto prepared baking trays, allowing space for biscuits to spread while cooking .

4 . Bake for 15 minutes or until firm and golden brown . Remove to a wire rack to cool, and enjoy!

Tips: Stored in an airtight container, Anzac biscuits will last well for up to a week . The longer you bake them, the harder they will be . For soft biscuits, don’t bake too long!

*Recipe adapted from New Zealand Woman’s Weekly