If you were to hear the phrase ‘sports in New Zealand’, your mind would likely float to rugby, football, perhaps netball. Point is, it wouldn’t be ice hockey.
In Aotearoa we’re never more than 130 kilometres from the ocean. This makes it unsurprising that New Zealand is home to an estimated 145,000 surfers - roughly one in every 27 people.
The Free Fares NZ Coalition is calling out the government’s Budget 2025 for what it sees as a backward step in addressing the climate crisis, cost of living, and transport equity.

The appeal of BYO’s is obvious: it’s affordable, social and gives students a chance to enjoy a night out without the big price tag. But recent events have sparked questions about whether BYO culture has gone too far.
Regional councillors are considering what the future of local government should look like, as central government pushes ahead with reforms.
Last month’s Canterbury Girlboss Awards shone a spotlight on female excellence, with two University of Canterbury students taking home awards.
A Fine Arts student says her political poster series was removed by UC Security in the early hours on Friday the 30th of May, sparking debate over freedom of expression and the boundaries of creative activism on campus.
Christchurch is set to roar back onto the international motorsport stage following confirmation that the Repco Supercars Championship will return to the city for the first time since 2004.
The Free Fares NZ Coalition is calling out the government’s Budget 2025 for what it sees as a backward step in addressing the climate crisis, cost of living, and transport equity.
Students’ occupation of the Matariki building on May 1 saw a broken arm and multiple concussions, with protesters escorted from the building by security and police.
The student-led publication, Prison News, will be delivered to Christchurch Men’s, Christchurch Women’s and Rolleston Prison every two months, featuring stories that directly affect those in the facilities.
News / Pānui
Follow along as Canta keeps you up to date with live UCSA Election results coverage.
Arguably the pinnacle social media app for young people, political parties and individual politicians alike have been flocking to Tik Tok.
As speed increases, so do opinions. The Christchurch Southern Motorway is the latest stretch of road to get people revving.
The 2023 general election marked the first time I could go out and truly have a say as to who I want in charge of my country, and I wanted to make sure I had done my homework – Possibly contrary to popular belief, I was not alone.
Your UCSA Executive has been released! Click here to find out more with Heidi reporting live from all the action!
Politics / Tōrangapū
Ōtautahi is home to a thriving arts scene. At its centre are the tertiary institutions that feed into it, Te Wānanga, Ara Visual Arts and our very own Ilam School of Fine Arts. Despite students exhibiting at Ilam Campus Gallery most of the second semester, it doesn’t seem exhibitions get much wider university traction.
In Aotearoa we’re never more than 130 kilometres from the ocean. This makes it unsurprising that New Zealand is home to an estimated 145,000 surfers - roughly one in every 27 people.
Everywhere you look are cries of unemployment, and unfortunately there seems to be no simple answer.
It is no secret that Māori have troubled experiences within our education system, with comments from our peers like ‘you’re smart for a Māori’, or ‘you’re taking the drop out subjects aren’t you?’
Culture
When you’re fresh out of high school, it can feel like everyone has an opinion on where you should go and why. Trust me, I know.
We chatted to two students who took different paths.
For myself, and probably many other second-generation immigrants and mixed families, I’ve grown up with complex food traditions. Reflecting on this led me to realise food is so much more than something we just blindly consume to fuel our bodies.
Not only is uni life filled with people from all walks of life with different interests and beliefs, but every single person comes from their unique background and upbringing.
Diversity
If you’ve ever played Kī o Rahi, you know it’s not just another ball game. For some, it’s fast, physical fun. For others, it’s a connection to whakapapa, pūrākau and a way of keeping mātauraka Māori alive.
In sport, there are varied levels and ways people fan over and support their favourite player or team, so below is Canta’s breakdown of some of the most common types of sport heads.
Clark Fountain is a rising name in the New Zealand ultra-marathon scene. Canta had a chat with the 21 year old UC master’s student.
If you were to hear the phrase ‘sports in New Zealand’, your mind would likely float to rugby, football, perhaps netball. Point is, it wouldn’t be ice hockey.
After spending most of my life playing football, you’d think I’d want to keep playing at a high level and see where the sport could take me. In reality, I did the opposite, quitting just after my 20th birthday.
For many young and aspiring athletes cracking it pro is the metaphorical top of the mountain. It’s an exclusive club, a byproduct of which is the ability to (usually) make an incredibly healthy living all while doing something you love.
Sport is inspirational, at times it seems almost scripted, and in the case of Ardie Savea, he is rewriting that script.
The steady rise of UC rugby has been nothing short of sensational, going from competition strugglers to one of the top clubs in Canterbury. What sparked this turnaround?
Sport / Hākinakina