For over 100 years, Critic has been a persistent, unrelenting, and entirely necessary thorn in everyone’s side. Like a bad tattoo, a bad post on Mum’s Facebook or a drunk fresher with a mullet, it’s always there – loud, proud, and ready to remind you that your job could be done better. Whether it’s calling out lazy Execs (not us, obviously) or poking at a university and city that occasionally forgets students exist, Critic has bravely continued its tradition of being an absolute menace in the name of student journalism.
From heroic acts like getting banned from distribution, to tirelessly investigating the scandals that truly matter – from BongGate to Dunedin’s finest late-night drama – Critic has always been there, scribbling in the margins of student life and power structures. If there’s a dodgy flat, a rogue campus preacher, or an OUSA Exec who forgot to reply to their emails (gasp), you can be sure Critic will be on it, pen in one hand and contempt in the other.
On a personal note, I often wonder where students would be without Critic. How else would you, dear reader, get access to me and the Exec? TikTok livestreams? Nah. Official emails? Don’t be ridiculous. Only Critic would think to ask the hard-hitting questions about Pint Night politics, kebab shop economics and kayakers gone rogue.
So here’s to 100 years of being a pain in the ass. May Critic continue to annoy, provoke, inspire, and remind us that student media – especially when it’s mildly unhinged – is still one of the most powerful tools we’ve got. Let’s all take Critic and John Lewis’ lead and get into some good trouble.
OUSA President Liam White (at Critic’s mercy since January)
(this was made with the most love in the world)