After Gutenburg

NO. 3 Student made issue

Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
This issue is mostly made up of new contributors, writers and
editors. From the top and bottom of our hearts, we would
all like to thank everyone involved with the curation of this
issue.
We would like to thank past members and graduates of the
After Gutenburg team for inspiring an incarnation of the new
After Gutenburg team.
After Gutenburg 2015 could not have risen without the help
of Nina; the team cannot thank you enough for everything
from master editing to keeping everyone on track.
We would also like to give a very special thanks to YOU.
Thank you for joining on our journey and being a part of the
magazine.
May we wish your reading experience grows as an inspiring
memory.

Front photo cover by Phubeth Udomsilp

CO
NT
EN
TS
Jordan, B. (2010). Grand Central Table. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/x1brett/4514146127/in/

____________Going Beyond the Degree

06______________________

__________________________

Bee Heaven, Bee Hell

08______________________

___________________My Industry Idol

10______________________

______________________Flash Fiction

12______________________

_______________________Mun Liners

14______________________

__________News Writing for the Media

15______________________

________________________The Guest

17______________________

__________Outstanding Student Profile

18______________________

_________________________Recenties

22______________________

_________________On the PRINZ side

23______________________

_________Henderson Youth Art Project

26______________________

_______________________Splice Time

30______________________

After Gutenberg Magazine, Department of Communication Studies at Unitec, Auckland New Zealand, and the authors. Issue 3.

2015. Disclaimer: All images contained here within are the property of named photographers and suppliers of images. Some images are
sourced through the Creative Commons license; others are sourced from the content contributors. Other images contained in A.G. are
used for the purpose of fair use, specifically critique.The fonts used are Fiesta. Fiesta is a Creative Commons font sourced from http://
www.dafont.com/barmee.d297?fp- p=50&af=on&- text=VANITY+FAIR
To contact the Editors of After Gutenberg (A.G.) please email aftergutenberg@gmail.com. For an electronic version of this issue, see the
Unitec Communication Studies Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CommunicationStudiesAtUnitec or the After Gutenburg
Dropbox account page: https://www.dropbox.com/home/AG%202015
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles and interviews are those of the individual authors and do not reflect the
position of the Editors, the Afterberg Committee and Unitec.

editorial

After Gutenburg co-editors from left to right: Fale Tumanu and Phubeth Udomsilp
By Co-Editor and Designer Phubeth Udomsilp, Bachelor of Communications
I think being young, dumb and stupid is a good thing.
Having brain space and strength to hunt and gather knowledge is a stimulating experience.
Using traditional education, going to institutions to qualify oneself to become intelligent, is one broad
method.
On the other hand, I really think going outside classrooms and branching out of lecture theatres, talking to
real life industry professionals is much more stimulating.
The experience, I strongly believe, leads to a more promising result of success.
I am currently networking with various communications professionals and trying to achieve this experience.
I am trying to explore communications beyond the degree.
Every individual in this magazine left their classrooms, left their lecture theatres and found opportunities
beyond the degree.
Here are their stories.
These are my aspirations.
Firstly I would like to thank Fale Tumanu for sharing this journey with me and continually breathing life into
the magazine. Thank you Nina for giving me this opportunity, answering all my questions, master editing
this issue and guiding this journey when I needed help. Multiple thanks to Mun for using his wisdom to
contribute as an advisor and special thanks to Philip for supplying student content. I would like to thank all
the contributors involved without them, Johannes Gutenberg would not have this afterlife. I hope this issue
will help you move beyond your comfort zone and pursue the success you are looking for.
Enjoy.

By Co-Editor Fale Tumanu, Bachelor of Communications

I can recall back in the first year of undertaking the communications degree, where Nina would mention the
After Gutenberg magazine numerous times. She would ask for potential contributors who were interested
in taking part. I remember this piece of paper being handed around and students would willingly fill it in.
Though I never put my name down, it didnt ever occur to me that two years later, I would end up investing
so much time and effort into the magazine. I am however grateful for this opportunity to see that the
After Gutenberg publication goes into print. Contributing to this magazine aligns itself with one of my future
goals, which is to become involved in the print journalism field. The intention of this issues material is to
uphold the values students have of becoming innovative and creative outside of the degree. With these
students and also student alumni experiences, I am hoping that this issue will promote important messages
to motivate students to utilize their communication skills outside the degree. In other words, if we want to
truly go beyond the degree, we must be willing to innovate, become creative and take the risks. These
qualities in the end will help generate positive outcomes by inspiring us to cultivate success with the
utilization of our communications degree.
Finally, I would like to thank Nina Seja for allowing me to realize the importance of working on this
magazine. Next I would like to thank Munawwar Naqvi for constantly assisting us with advice and also to
those who have contributed immensely: Anusha Bhana, Kashan Preston, Maria Latu. To reiterate, I would
like to also thank the many others who have helped out in some way, shape or form. Next I would like to
thank my fellow editor Phubeth Udomslip for being persistent by my side, for overcoming challenges and
also finalizing the design of the After Gutenberg issue. All in all, I would like to say that the After Gutenberg
journey has really allowed me and the team to evolve and become close knitted together to ensure that the
After Gutenberg magazines legacy lives on.

Photos by Maria Latu

Going Beyond the Degree

We know that degrees are supposed to get us jobs, but how? This piece looks at how
Talei Anderson, a graduate of Unitec with a Bachelor of Communications, manages
her life during and after her degree studies.
By Fale Tuamanu

What is your occupation now?

At the moment I am currently working for Ed. Collective as their media and
communications coordinator, so I get to work on really exciting things like the student
media magazine, the online magazine and of course social media.
You also studied Communications here at Unitec. Could you tell me about what
you found useful about the classes? What aspects of the degree did you like?
I loved it! Im the kind of girl (or used to be the kind of girl) who starts something
but never finishes it, which is why I decided to do the Certificate in Communication
and Media Arts prior to making the commitment to the degree. I stayed till the end,
so something clicked. I think it had a little bit to do with the environment, the people,
the classes. It had a real homey kind of feel. Even now, since graduating and coming
back to work in the same environment, its just home. Some of my favourite classes
would have had to be the global communication, research and public relations papers.
I would say I enjoyed these classes the most because I was able to apply real situations
to my assignments. These have been really helpful in the development of the projects I
am working on now, for example researching or creating a comms plan.
What was it like searching for jobs after you had graduated?
Im not going to lie, it was tough! I managed to get interviews, but I never really had
enough experience, which is why I would say internships and getting as much
experience as you can now is key.

Photos supplied by Talei Anderson

Going Beyond the Degree

Tell us about the jobs you had gotten into before you started work at Unitec?
Ive had a few. While I was studying I worked as a waitress and a swimming instructor.
I also did a postie run while interning and preparing for future jobs. I managed to get
some really cool internships. One with Matheson Sports Media where I was able to get
into sports media, writing feature articles, attending real cool sports events and
interviewing sports talent. I also managed to score an internship with Spasifik
Magazine, which was a lot of fun.

You were a scholarship recipient how were you able to achieve that? What was the
whole process like?
To be honest, I still cant believe I got it. I mean, I guess I just took a chance and for
once it worked out. When I see scholarships being advertised theres usually this really
long process you need to go through but this one was super simple. I think I had to
write something along the lines of why studying/getting an education is important to
me and I only had 25 words. I also had to include a reference which one of my
lecturers did for me so Im guessing it was a pretty good one!
Finally do you have any advice for our students who are about to graduate?
Live in the moment. I used to complain about how much I was over uni etc. but when
its all done and dusted you look back and appreciate those moments the most.

Bee Heaven, Bee Hell

An Important Buzz to Life
Technology and Media Communications students worked on group projects involved with
designing Bioregionals One Planet Living initiative for Unitec. With the help of lecturer
Nina Seja,
students used communications technology to tell a story of environmental sustainability.
Carolyn Cox, Unitecs environmental sustainability manager, provided students with a client
brief that had an institutional focus. This is Amberlee Joness story of why bees are the buzz
to life.

Interview By Phubeth Udomsilp

Phubeth Udomsilp: Given the theme of environmental sustainability for Nina Sejas
Technology and Media Communication course, what was your Bioregional petal?
Amberlee Jones: Localised sustainable food.
PU: What were the challenges of sparking up proposal ideas?
AJ: It was hard to choose between food itself and food in the Hub and trying to
make it more sustainable (so that students could eat better), or choosing how we
produce sustainable food. But most of us had the same proposal pretty much, so we
all picked the Unitec gardens. It wasnt planned; it kind of happened, because it was
the easiest choice. It made it harder because we all had the same thingwe didnt
have much variety in regard to what to choose.
PU: What exactly was your final project?
And what did you want the audience to
receive as a mental and emotional inspiration?
AJ: We found a quote: If the bee disappeared off the face of the earth, man would
have four years left to live. That shocked us, so thats what we want our audience to
feelfor them to think, Is this for real? We created the view of the beeour final
project was of posters that said Bee heaven and Bee hell. This showed what its
like now and what it would be like if they left. We also had a blog, which had all of
our information in it so we wouldnt have all the additional facts on all of our
posters. Readers could think, Oh okay, this is what bees do for us.
PU: Yeah, cool! What were the hurdles you had to jump over, when revising and
integrating ideas for the final group project?
AJ: One of them was our posterswe originally wanted it to be very symbolic, and
have little icons in a very minimal way. Nina was like no noit had to show your
story and thats when we came up with heaven and hell.

Junior, F. (2010). Bee. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/favarojr/4370511720/in/photolist-7Ed1Sm-f5x6aB-oRyoSE-9SDX9w-r17cTc-cwjACA-f6YU7n-4pw3e8-cfBruE-dkbCKS-aKq4Fg-neyzrN-aJn96p-9bEKFk-qXNP5J-ad1qSM-fGfhRsq4jrdn-nD9x8h-9fvEVg-aLMMDn-ofDUGP-bjPmxc-7cVMcV-6kGU44-aReHTg-qUqg7E-4dmX24-q46tM7-qHws8S-aSDv78-q4jbQp-qHDxev-dX8HiE-qXNMEj-72avGf-y53k5-f6YV2B-f6YWjX-qZWVic-i6o2qv-9jdi5B-e7d5ki-bcv3v2-woEsfRqXNXcf-afo3GK-q46sbm-r123YA-qXNFUS

Bee Heaven, Bee Hell

An Important Buzz to Life
PU: Do you think the project was rewarding?
AJ: Yes, because we found out so much about our environment and how it works
and we dont even think about it on a daily basislike, what would happen if
anything in the environment changed, or if our trees disappeared, or if water
suddenly stopped? It made our whole group think, Oh my gosh, something so
small affects us so much. So it was really rewarding.
PU: Has the humble bee changed your life?
AJ: Yeah, it has. You definitely think about how you can help the environment.
PU: I remember, because we had some honey at home, I was trying to find the
expiry date.
AJ: Because honey doesnt expire.
PU: . . . and Tarminder in class, he said,
Honey doesnt expire. I was like OOHHHHH!
AJ: And we found out that two-thirds of our
food is pollinated by bees.
PU: Two-thirds!
AJ: Two-thirds.
PU: So much!
AJ: Thats why if they just went and we only have a third left [the outcome would be
disastrous] because they pollinate all of our fruits and vegetables, and then of course
we get our meat, because the animals eat fruits and vegetables.
AJ: So all wed have are biscuits and chips? Wed have no nuts, no fruit. . .
PU: Gotcha.
AJ: We would just be eating. . .
PU: . . . sugar. . .
AJ: Yeah, sugar. Thats pretty much it really.
PU: . . . and grass.
AJ: And grass would be a very boring diet.

My Industry Idol
By Maria Latu

Be hungry and take opportunity.

Dont give up! Sometimes you have to
go sideways to go straight.
Be competitive and always look for
ways to improve your skills and
knowledge. Sandra Kailahi.
As a communications student
majoring in Media Studies, its not
often we get the opportunity to
go behind the scenes with one of
TVNZs most influential journalists,
freelancer and producer, Sandra
Kailahi. Kailahi worked freelance in
the industry for more than two
decades for Tagata Pasifika and a
presenter/producer for TVNZ.

As part of my role in SPLICE, I was fortunate enough to receive the opportunity to

meet Kailahi at her workplace. My experience shows the behind-the-scenes
production of the industry where I envision my future career. In the interview with
Kailahi, I wanted to grasp some words of encouragement to motivate our learning,
even beyond the degree.
In a short summary, Kailahi explains that many of the journalists within the industry
are students who are as hungry and competitive as ourselves. Theres a lot of young
students like yourself out there wanting to get into the media industry and for those
who are already getting their foot on the pathway, they just need to push themselves.
Being able to get into something that youre passionate about, you will get a lot in
return. Dont be put off by it, just carry on, get up and go do the next challenge. Do
not stop there, pick yourself up and keep going. Be resilient. Her advice sparks a
motivation in me. Perhaps it was the way and the tone of her voice when she said it,
but also the fact that these few words came from not just anybody but Sandra Kailahi.
A journalist and a freelancer who is passionate and has a real love for her job.
Photos supplied by Maria Latu

10

My Industry Idol
As the interview continues, Kailahi mentions the challenges that students face today,
including the transition from an academic environment to the real world environment.
Dont wait for jobs be hungry and take opportunities to create your own. Make
connections whilst studying and dont limit yourself to traditional jobs. Take as many
opportunities as you possibly can.
During the interview, the
advice that stood out the
most was when Kailahi
elaborated on how she
has a real love for her job,
in particular working for
Tagata Pasifika. I have a real
heart for Pacific stories and
the Pacific people. Tagata
Pasifika also presents stories
in a certain way that most
people would not receive
anywhere else. For example,
TVNZ might approach news
from a different angle. Tagata
Pasifka balances the negative
statistics that most media
outlets would present.
As the interview came to an end, Kailahi revealed some interesting facts about her
journey in the field of journalism. I didnt want to be a journalist to start with, I
wanted to be on TV, but I thought, what could I do to get on TV so I did journalism.
For Kailahi, an advantage she had as a young journalist during her earlier days is
the variety of work she covered, including being able to do lots of different things as
opposed to just one job. Her passion for accepting challenges, always seeking to do
something new, desire to keep learning and being creative creates the impression that
she has more than just her degree skills. As we finished our interview Kailahi states, If
you have real love for your goal, pursue it and be resilient!

11

Flash Fiction
A whistle to a horse as it trots across the river. I would not know if
it turned to look and accept the hand of sugar cubes I offered. I can
only see her. I want to bring her home so I whistle. The sound of her
hooves grow slightly louder and her friendly neigh tells me that while
well be together longer. She is not yet ready to leave.
**
As I opened the door and fumbled around
aimlessly for the ghost, to prove to my son there was nothing in the
closet, I felt something strong and cold grab my hand. I scream, turn on
the light and first look at my sons bed only to find it empty. Back in the
closet all I see is my sons pale face
smiling up at me. I keep forgetting weve both been ghosts for a while
now.
**
It was finally time to sit down and watch the bombs plummet as I wished
a town full of serial killers dead. My third of three wishes was all serial
killers dead by bombing. My first two wishes was that all serial killers be
rounded up in one town, my second that they be tortured for as many
days as murders they had committed. Mother and father will be proud of
me; I have saved the world from serial killers.
By Kashan Preston

12

Flash Fiction
**
She kissed me under the moonlight and it was perfect. I
cant describe how a good kiss really feels. Who can? But
I dont care; I just want it to keep going. Warm, soft and
sweet I think is the best way to describe it. Better than
any coffee or cake. Then she says, I love you. Suddenly
the kiss doesnt feel all that important.
**
ITS A DRAGON! I bellowed as the monster came pelting down
towards the city. As it got closer there was no way anyone could escape.
It was the size of a condominium and could burn us all alive. It opened
its mouth and with a tremendous roar it covered our town in snow.
Snow? Oh yeah, it was the Christmas dragon that brought us gorgeous
snow every December, starting with this one. Id forgotten theyd decided
to go ahead with that idea. How silly of me.
**
I love watching doves sunbathe. Theyre just so cute, makes
me wish I could do it the way they do. Sitting there in the
warmth, not having to worry about work or money or other
stupid stuff like that. Just enjoy the sun, get food other
people give you because youre so pretty. Then when youve
had enough you can go soaring through the sky. I wish I were
a bird. Birds never go to jail for stealing food.
By Kashan Preston

13

Mun Liners

I want to go punch some punching

bags. Im frustrated with you guys!

Not remembering to bring equipment

back and its been a year....

In the real world, youre going to need

all those skills.

Everybody just wants a piece of me.

You guys are going out to the real world

soon and you still cant properly handle
an iMac.

It takes 16 muscles to smile and 72 to

frown, so leave that smile there.

I want to literally do a face management

course, so you know how to look good
when a picture is taken.

There are many things we understand

by their properties and may not have a
proper definition.

Photo by Fale Tumanu

You think you waste so much

money on education?

What do you guys actually want

from life?

I know this place like you wouldnt

Ive been here 15 years.

What is wrong with you young

people.... Seriously?

14

News Writing for the Media

Students of Philip Casss News Writing for the Media classes have written
interesting news stories, highlighting issues outside of Unitec.

Ravishan Gunatilake claims the growth of Uber is threatening his livelihood.

Uber is a ride sharing mobile application that connects passengers with
independent drivers.
The app arrived in Auckland last year and has proved popular with people who
find it more convenient and cheaper than traditional taxi services.
Mr Gunatilake said he could not compete with Ubers service and low fares.
Uber is taking away my customers, Mr Gunatilake said.
Without my customers I have nothing and I am fearful of my future as a taxi
driver.
Ive spent thousands on licenses, cameras and security equipment to be a taxi
driver, but you dont need any of that if youre an Uber driver. Its unfair, said
Mr Gunatilake.
Traditional taxi drivers are required to obtain various certificates and licences
to operate a taxi, whereas anyone can be an Uber driver.
Because of this business model, Uber has sparked protests and riots amongst
traditional taxi drivers overseas.
Earlier this year the Government declared it would review the regulations
surrounding traditional taxi services to ensure the service stays afloat.
These result are due later this year.
By Aleisha Cawte

15

News Writing for the Media

Filipina nurse pays high-priced fee to agent
for a housekeeping job
Nurses from the Philippines claim they have been tricked by agencies
into migrating to New Zealand with promises of better jobs at
hospitals, in exchange for high fees.
Jeverlyn Badilla, a nurse who is currently studying for aGraduate
Diploma in Health Service and Management, said she works as a
housekeeper at the Quadrant hotel.
It wasnt a job promised by the agency, but I was already desperate to
get a job so I had to take it, Badilla said.

Badilla said she paid the agency in the Philippines about NZ$43,300.
This included NZ$2,266 for a processing fee and a deposit NZ$15,000
to show she could support herself.
She has joined group called Buhay Estudyante, which tells intending
migrants about their experiences and how to get to New Zealand.
Related Links:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/latest-edition/6786387/agents-trick-nursesinto-signing-bonds
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/86730/news/rp-nurses-tricked-to-new-zealand-jobs-urged-to-tell-on-recruiters
By Anna Santos

16

The Guest
A man, we met
Blind as a hedgehog in a bag
His eye peering into my agog mind
His words were colour, sound and righteousness
Strung together with flawless yarns
He conjured a magisterial vision
Drawing a lens of creativity over our eyes
He took us on a journey
Of a blind, gay, Jewish, black man out
To get his revenge on those white Neo Nazis
Even without the luxury of sight
He saw the world better
Perform, he said, And you shall move mountains.
Pouring into the chalice of performance
He got spectators drunk on his beliefs
He left
Taking his creative lens
We sat there, dumbfounded by this blind gay Jewish black man
Who was all those things yet no different than you or I.

By Vedant Namboodiri

17

Outstanding Student Profile

By Fale Tumanu

Outstanding Student Profile

Name: Makanaka Tuwe
Ethnicity: Zimbabwe
Tribe: Shona
Language Dialect: Zezeru
Occupation: Postgraduate Student, Content & Community Advisor (Unitec)
Finally, my chance to meet the remarkable young lady behind the Drums and Dialogue
workshop had come. The workshop itself had taken place during New Zealand Music
Month in May. Makanaka Tuwe, or Maka for short, invited me over to her space, where
our interview was scheduled for the afternoon. Sitting patiently beside her desk, I
noticed the memo notes that were placed around strategically and in an instant I could
tell she had an eventful timetable. As I started with my questions, I only hoped they
made sense. Needless to say, the more I learnt, the more I became inspired. Oh yes,
Maka works fulltime as part of Unitecs Marketing and Communications team whilst
studying postgrad papers at the same time. This is one busy person who has set some
high bars, managed her timing and has brought a cultural awareness through a musical
method of communicating.
A bit of background. . . .
Maka migrated with her family to New Zealand from Zimbabwe at the tender young
age of ten. Later on, she attended Avondale College and pursued Cambridge
International Examination studies. Following that, she completed her
Communications degree at AUT before coming to Unitec to work and take up
postgraduate papers. Before doing the Drums and Dialogue workshop, Maka invested
in other creative projects. In 2013, she founded the Africa on My Sleeve project, which
is a creative social enterprise facilitating designers who specialize in African designs.
Last year, the Kings and Queens of Africa was a creative campaign that featured a
collection of items like t-shirts with visual images of African kings and queens. For this
enterprise, Maka was determined to change the perceptions and one-sided views that
were generally represented of Africa.
Africa is not just about World Vision poor kids, she says.
Through the use of the royal images, Maka wanted to capture Africas rich culture that
is descended through the royal bloodline. Even she was not aware of King Shaka Zulus
existence, a great warrior and conqueror in south-east Africa.

18

Photos supplied by Makanaka Tuwe

Outstanding Student Profile (Cont.

The Drums and Dialogue Workshop. . . .
It was during a class lecture that sparked many different ideas and possibilities in
Makas head.
The Social Change paper opened my eyes to different ways of engaging with the
community, she says.
More importantly, this paper inspired Maka to look into other avenues and ways of
doing things to advocate for the African community. Thus, the idea behind the Drums
and Dialogue workshop was born. She points out that there are 54 countries within the
African continent alone, and there are many more dialects. Despite these variations,
the one common thing that connects them all together is the drum. The drums to
Africans are like second nature or breathing. Most tribes use a drum of various kinds,
depending on its region, to communicate with each other and create music. So the
concept for this workshop was to bring in a uniting tool to awaken an African
consciousness. Maka also asserts that music would make more of an impact reaching
out to the African community.
In the workshop, Maka created an exercise for all the participants. A wall was divided
up into two parts. One half represented the negative perceptions and the other half
represented the positive perceptions. Each participant was then urged to write down all
the bad things that was said about them as an African individual. On the positive side,
they repeated the process with all the good things said about them. After that
experience, Maka told me that she was taken aback at how much negativity was filled
in, which only made Maka more determined to do something about it.
Thats when it became easier as she had her line-up of artists who had come to support
the workshop. Her younger brother, a talented musician himself, played an important
role by creating beats for the workshop. Using these beats and the help of the music
artists, the participants were able to make a musical piece each.
Maka was pleased that the Drums and Dialogue workshop turned out to be a success.
In order to focus on the positives about being an African individual, all participants
had to first overcome the negativity that was reflected upon them. She said that
afterwards, each individual had gained a sense of self-empowerment. Participants came
out of their comfort zone and became more open with each other. They talked about
being an African member in a foreign community, whilst some others talked about
living in New Zealand as second generation Africans.
I look at my African communities, I look at what theyve been through and their
struggles moving from their motherland to a different place and having to fit in. The
system isnt really built for us and so thats what motivates me to do more work for
them she says.
An active member of the African community, Maka is passionate about creating an
inclusive environment for them.

Outstanding Student Profile (Cont.

Five years from now. . . .
As a young person with a promising future, I asked Maka where she sees herself in five
years time. Maka and I shared a deep and thoughtful silence. The answers she gave
were not one but many. It was then clear that I had become astounded at how
ambitious she was. She is a firm believer in the divine universe and whatever would
happen would happen. But first things first for Maka is to finish off her thesis papers
on social change. Eventually she wants to complete a PhD and talk at motivational
conferences where she can use her voice to empower more within her people. Other
things on her accomplishment list include having a solid organization that could send
young African girls to school, start up a magazine, and create a sustainable and ethical
clothing line, all of which will support cultural pride and innovation of the African
community.
Helpful Advice. . . .
For those students wanting to take up postgrad studies like Maka, she recommends
that each person should do so if they really feel passionate about the need to do it.
Studying her Masters enabled her to apply more advanced skills to real life as an
advocate for the African community. When asked about how she balances her work
and studies, she says that its possible once you find that you love doing what you are
doing. A bit of social life and drinks here and there but not too often would help to
keep you sane.
Maka has learnt that life is always about re-inventing yourself, being willing to take on
more advanced learning to initiate good change, and then doing it.

21

Recenties

Where are they now?

Sophie Elvidge, a recent graduate, shares
her insight of her Communications role
following graduation.

By Fale Tumanu
What are you currently doing since having
completed the Communications degree and
what is your role?
I am currently working as a consultant at
Professional Public Relations (PPR), a PR
agency. My portfolio of clients includes a mix
of both corporate and consumer clients such
as Bunnings, Animates, Dell, Fiji Airways,
and Mt. Ruapehu, amongst others.
How were you able to get this role and how has the Communications degree helped
you to achieve this?
I completed the internship module of my communications degree with PPR, and I put
a lot into performing well and displaying initiative during my internship. When this
period ended, I was asked to come in and help out on a contract basis, which I did for
a couple of weeks, and when a consultant position opened up I was offered the role. I
accepted, and I have been in this role for about four months now. My communications
degree taught me not only the hard skills such as writing skills, media relations and
crisis management, but also research and analytics skills that are essential to my
current role.
Do you have any advice for those still studying within the degree?
My advice to those who are currently studying communications or who are about to
graduate is firstly to slow down, enjoy, and really digest what you are studying. This
time is so invaluable to your future, and you shouldnt take it for granted. Ask
questions of your lecturers, commit to your studies, and value the relationships that
you form whilst you are studying. New Zealand, particularly Auckland, is a
comparatively small market, so the contacts you make at uni can be very important to
your career progression. My second piece of advice for those studying is to pursue what
you enjoy and this applies to everything, not just studying! Dont be influenced away
from what you really enjoy by what your peers are doing, and dont try to force yourself
into something that you dont enjoy. Do what you love, and love what you do.

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Photos supplied by Sophie Elvidge

On the PRINZ side

Interview with Luciana Hoffmann 2015 PRINZ Conference - Mind the Gap.
We look at the importance of affiliating with organizations outside of Unitec.
By Phubeth Udomsilp

Before attending the 2015 Annual PRINZ conference, what did you expect of it?
I expected to network with all sorts of people involved with public relations,
communications and marketing. Also, I was excited about the topics of strategic
communications, leadership, transparency, ethics, and social media and its legal
implications.
What motivated you to attend the 2015 Annual PRINZ conference?
As the PRINZ Student Ambassador at Unitec, one of my roles was to work as a
volunteer at the conference. This was a good deal for me because I wouldnt be able to
afford the ticket. With this opportunity, I didnt think twice about attending the
conference!
When you got to the conference, what was the first thing that came into your mind?
I was happy with the gathering of people. I love being amongst people and having
stimulating discussions.
What were the people like?
People were mainly related to public relations and communications. There were students, PRINZ staff, professors, public relations/communications professionals, lawyers
and CEOs.
What were the opportunities did the event open up for you to experience?
I met a lot of people; I put myself out there and expressed my interests and skills. And
Ive been in touch with some people for future work opportunities.

Photos supplied by
Luciana Hoffmann

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On the PRINZ side

Were there any people, or professions that you found to be memorable?
There were speakers on a wide range of topics. All of them delivered interesting
presentations. I can mention three of them: Karen Sanders, Professor of Business at San
Pablo University; Tony Jaques, Consultant, Issues Outcomes; Adrian Orr, Chief
Executive, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.
Adding a leadership component to ethics, Karen Sanders exposed the Machiavelli
attributes of leadership by using Tony Blair as an example. She emphasised that
courage and emotional intelligence added to competence, charisma, sense of
perspective, shrewd charm and ability to communicate, which are key qualities of a
leader. The emergence of new leaders such as Pablo Iglesias and Nicola Sturgeon is
driving politics to authenticity where plain speaking, real people with integrity and
real experience are becoming essential. Apart from that, Sanders reiterated that trust
matters because it facilitates our ability to act as individuals and groups, contributes
to social cohesion and social capital and can make us happier. Where there is social
trust, there is happiness in society.
Tony Jaques, the international authority on issue and crisis management, presented
global case studies making the analogy that dealing with issue management is like
being a plumber. If you do a good job, nobody will notice. Also, it is like cosmetic
surgery. It is legal and ethical, but people dont want to reveal they have done it. Thus,
for best practice to address crisis management or response, CEOs need to follow the
3Rs rule: Regret, Responsibility and Remediate Action.
Adrian Orr delivered an impressive and useful talk about information versus
transparency. Orr presented his insights about the benefits and challenges of leading
one of the most responsible and transparent funds in the world.
What other things did you get from the event?
Apart from networking, attending great presentations and meeting other PRINZ student Ambassadors and PRINZ Staff, Id say it was amazing to travel with Jocelyn and
Deborah. They are wonderful, they introduced me to people and were really good fun!
Other students dont really want to travel to Wellington to go to a conference, do
you think it was worth it?
Definitely! If they have the opportunity to do so, Id definitely recommend it.

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Henderson Youth Art Project

By Anusha Bhana

Communications lecturer Giles Dodson is always seeking new and innovative ways to
teach communication for social and environmental change, by involving his students
in real world community projects. This year, the level seven Communication
Production class was gifted with a unique opportunity to provide communication
services to the Henderson Youth Art Project (HYAP) as part of their coursework.
Students were required to develop a comprehensive communication plan for the
project, by liasing with internal and external community stakeholders and conducting
research.
The Communication Production class offered an important lesson in the realities of
developing communication plans for community/council funded projects. Students
had to adapt to the changing circumstances of the HYAP, which included a delay in the
official launch of the project.
Creating a communication plan for the Henderson Youth Art Project involved finding
ways to effectively tell the story of this creative approach to urban renewal. The class
was split into four groups and communication plans were developed for social media,
direct communication, television and radio and print media. Giles taught the class
with a mix of guest lecturers, field trips, community events and stakeholder meetings.
Key Highlights/Achievements Included:

A special pwhiri for Kkano Youth Arts Collective, key project leaders and
stakeholders at Unitecs marae.
Guest lectures from Mandy Patmore (Kkano Youth Arts Collective leader) and
John Stansfield (Social Practice Lecturer, Unitec).
Guest lecture from Ciara Pratt, Crime & Emergency Services reporter for the
Western Leader.
Mural unveiling event at Waitkere Community Resource Centre, attended by valued members of the Henderson community including Deputy Mayor of Waitakere
Ward, Penny Hulse.
Achieved positive media coverage of the HYAP in the Western Leader following
the official launch on June 5th, 2015.

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Photos supplied by Anusha Bhana

Henderson Youth Art Project

By Anusha Bhana
About the HYAP

The Henderson Youth Art Project is responding to the Auckland Councils Graffiti
Prevention Plan 2012, addressing problems of graffiti and vandalism in Henderson.
The project seeks to develop and enhance community pride and a sense of belonging
through art and design particularly among Hendersons young people, residents and
business owners. The HYAP is creating a series of 12 large-scale street art murals and
several sculpture installations with the following core project goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.

To embrace local talent and foster community pride.

To create a vibrant Henderson Town Centre (HTC) through public art.
To reduce the levels of vandalism in HTC.
To provide pathways into education for talented young people from
Henderson.

Funded by the Henderson-Massey Local Board/Auckland Council, the HYAP is a

collaboration between Unitecs Department of Design and Contemporary Arts (DCA)
and Kkano Youth Arts Collective. Led by Mandy Patmore and based at Corban Estate
Arts Centre, the Kkano group (predominantly Mori and aged between 1317) has
the opportunity to develop a varied set of visual arts skills in a safe and supportive
environment. The Kkano youths have been referred into the program by Children,
Youth and Family due to their engagement in unlawful activity. However, the youth
involved possess amazing artistic potential and Kkano provides them with a
constructive alternative to crime and vandalism in the form of education and youth
engagement.
Kkano members are mentored by established educators and artists from the DCA and
guest artists, including Bobby Hung (aka Berst), Johnson Witehira and Paul
Woodruffe. In between each mural installation, Kkano youth engage in visual art
workshops at Unitec and Corban Estate Arts Centre, and have been offered the
opportunity to continue their artistic development as students at Unitec. The youth will
be able to use completed art works, including those produced in workshops as part of
their portfolio application.

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Since the launch of the HYAP in June 2015, the communication plans developed by the
class has been implemented/coordinated by recent Comms graduate Anusha Bhana,
with supervision from Giles. Anusha engages with and manages stakeholder
relationships, liaises with journalists and is growing Kkanos and the HYAPs social
media and community networks Continuing with the HYAP beyond the class has
been a welcome challenge for me. It fits right in with my chosen career path and has
increased my confidence in liaising with journalists and stakeholders. I am super
passionate about community projects, especially those involving art and youth
engagement. The HYAP has given me the chance to further my communication skill
set and create useful professional networks. Keep an eye out for the HYAP and Kkano
in the media as the project progresses!

Follow Kkano on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KakanoYouth
Twitter: @KakanoYouthArts
Instagram: KakanoYouthArts

29

By Fale Tumanu

SPLICE TIME

Young women of Unitec face challenges to further learning outside of their degree
lives. The student group is known as S.P.L.I.C.E. The group has eight members, which
comprises mainly of communications students and in the mix there are students with
business and computing backgrounds. S.P.L.I.C.E. is run under President Ernestina
Bonsu Maro and joining her are: Lani Mikaio, Maria Latu, Shanlea Peterson,
Olivia Kerrison, Miracle Moasegi, Cheryl Chong Wong and Fale Tumanu.
Fale Tumanu shares her perspective of how S.P.L.I.C.E came to be and what their
accomplishments are.
One Wednesday afternoon, a Pacific lunch was took place. The lunch was hosted by a
wonderful group of lecturers, willing to encourage Pasifika students in the
communications field. Waiting for the guest speaker to appear, loud chatting and
anticipation filled the air. Even having never met her, we know of her status as a
prominent figure in the media industry.
Her name is Sandra Kailahi. She has worked in the media industry for 22 years,
specialising in mainstream television and Pacific radio.
When Mrs Kailahi entered the room, her presence demanded a smooth, respectful
silence. We waited excitedly to hear what she was going to share with us the
Communications Studies department is very diverse, but we all share one goal - to
make use of our degree. Dont wait to finish your degree, she said. Go and do
something now. Get noticed in the career youre passionate about. It was a simple but
an effective ideology. She was right. We had nothing to lose. What were we waiting for?
Moved by her encouragement, we had considered that unless we had applied
something to our degree certificate, getting that paper meant nothing without
experience to back us up. From that point on we decided to do something with Sandras
advice.
Eventually, S.P.L.I.C.E. (Successful Pacific Ladies in Conquering Excellence) came into
formation. The title itself spells out one of our groups main goals. Our aims are to
strive, inspire, promote and encourage the successes behind women and especially
those of the Pacific heritage. As a member of the group, I am privileged to be a part of
a movement whose intent is to also watch young Pacific women grow, gain knowledge
and extend towards initiatives not necessarily found on local grounds. Furthermore,
we were fortunate enough to strive for our goals through a number of events outside of
Unitec whilst at the same time delivering our message.

30

The group has gone on to cover the Pacific Music Awards, attending the first network
for Pacific Island Accountants, performed at Unitecs cultural festival and recently
covered interviews with artists at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.
Through these experiences, we have become more consistent with applying skills we
have picked up throughout the communications degree. These include soft skills such
as interaction, professionalism and communicating, all of which prove to be very
useful. It has pushed us to stimulate our self-development in many areas. We have
grown with passion and believe in promoting the successes of others, but realize we too
are role models for young people. This goes without saying that we aim to challenge
young Pacific women and peoples to do the best they can in any area of life.
Lastly, the future of SPLICE will continue to promote its main goals to empower not
just young Pacific women, but also the many others who do not fall in that
demographic regardless of age, sex or race.

Photo supplied by Fale Tumanu

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Photo by Phubeth Udomsilp