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Articles by Ryan Cleland
Dal’s MacEachen Institute restarts talk series with talk on energy future
Dalhousie University’s MacEachen Institute of Public Policy and Governance held its first Policy Matters panel in four years on Sept. 18, with experts discussing the uncertainty of energy in Nova Scotia. The talk, titled Energy Policy in Nova Scotia: Offshore wind, oil crisis, and future technologies, took place at the Pier, a harbourfront venue in Halifax.
The Fear of Canonization
There is this idea that the best way to kill a revolutionary ideal is to idolize their leader, converting them into harmless icons that can be put upon a pedestal. How many Che Guevara t-shirts are there? How many Martin Luther King Jr Boulevards? I think in some twisted way this happens to us as well. When we lose someone, when they disappear from our lives, our nostalgia grips us and takes hold and their memory is forever unblemished and held above.
Te Herenga Waka Quietly Bans Controversial Animal Test
For years, researchers at Te Herenga Waka, wanting to study depression in rats, could dunk them in a tank of water and watch how long they struggled before giving up. The Porsolt Swim Test (PST)—also called the forced swim test—was a standard tool in preclinical drug research for decades. Now, the University has made its position explicit: it won't approve the procedure anymore.
Affordable Eats at Kelburn: What Are Students Paying For?
Part three of a three-part opinion series exploring affordable food options on campus at Te Herenga Waka. Ah, Kelburn. Te Herenga Waka's largest, busiest, and—depending on who you ask— most culinarily blessed campus. I’ll admit a certain bias: I’ve never had classes anywhere else. Still, it remains my campus, softened further by the fact that everyone I spoke to here was markedly kinder than the architecture students I encountered last week.
Affordable Eats at Te Aro: What Are Students Paying For?
Part two of a three-part opinion series exploring affordable food options on campus at Te Herenga Waka This week, I continued my search for affordable eats, heading into the world of stressed-out architecture students perpetually behind on an assignment. That's right, dear readers—I hit the streets. The street of Vivian, that is. The goal: to see what fuels Te Aro Campus and, more importantly, whether it’s actually affordable.
Affordable Eats at Pipitea: What Are Students Paying For?
Part one of a three-part opinion series exploring affordable food options on campus at Te Herenga Waka Pipitea—the quiet campus where law students lock in. But after their third “break” walk around campus, somewhere between readings on tort law and Donoghue v Stevenson, where do they stop to grab a snack? And more importantly, where is the most affordable? Admittedly, upon arrival there was very little on offer.
Waffles for Votes
As Clubs Expo has come to a close and Salient looks back on one of the busiest weeks of the academic year, we wanted to reflect on some of the successes. Most notably, VUWSA’s “Waffle Programme” which saw a record 398 students enrol to vote. VUWSA president Aidan Donaghue reported that 204 people enrolled in a single day during one of their Kelburn campus events. Historically, enrollment during Clubs Expo has not been run by VUWSA.
Opinion: Train Station Pizza?
In February, the peculiar NomNom Pizza vending machine appeared at the Wellington Train Station. It promises “Freshly baked artisanal pizza 24/7”. So, of course, like the bulwark of student issues that is Salient, we sent two of our finest news writers to see for themselves whether NomNom really stands up to their slogan claiming “Anytime is Pizza Time”. Rolling up at a cool 1 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon, Dan and I were greeted by the metal behemoth which was already occupied by two young boys.
Students Return, But Campus Culture Lags Behind
Ryan Cleland It’s that time of year again here at Te Herenga Waka, where big promises are made about rebuilding student connection. Lecture theatres are filling up, tutorials are busy again, and the language of a “busy campus” is everywhere. But the 2025 Have Your Say Survey suggests that while students are physically back, the broader ecosystem of student life is recovering more gradually.
A Whale’s Call in an Empty Room
Ryan Cleland Sep 29 4 min read By Ryan Cleland “One in ten people in New Zealand live alone.” These were among the first words spoken at A Show for When You Feel Lonely, a recent solo performance by Dr. James Wenley, a senior lecturer in Theatre at Te Herenga Waka. Presented as part of the Tahi Festival of Solo Performance, the show unfolds entirely within Wenley’s own apartment—where he lives alone, one of those ten.
Morango Do Amor: Annals of a Brazilian Chef
By Ryan Cleland (he/him) In Brazil, there is a sweet known as Morango do Amor, or Strawberry of Love. At its heart lies a whole, ripe strawberry, sealed beneath a shell of glossy caramel sugar. When made correctly, the caramel crackles delicately between the teeth, a crisp contrast to the juicy fruit inside. But this is no simple task. As any pastry chef will tell you, the line between brittle and sticky is razor-thin; a few moments too long or too short, and the caramel can ruin the experience.
A Portrait of You
Ryan Cleland (he/him) You painted me the other day. A flurry of reds and oranges wove through my hair. Greens and blues filled the spaces around my hands, clutching that silly stuffed penguin I gave you. I can’t paint—not like you. I tried once. My hands trembled. All I gave you was a thin, scratchy portrait. Clearly, art school is not for me. So instead, I write. If those who can’t do, teach, Then perhaps those without words, write. This is how I’ll reach you. You paint with such color.
Lena Is Still in the Room
Ryan Cleland 4 minutes ago 6 min read Ryan Cleland (he/him) TW: Sexism, harassment Lena Forsén was a Swedish model featured in the November 1972 issue of Playboy. More than fifty years later, she appears again—this time not in print, but projected on the screen in my computer science class. Why? To understand that, we need to go back to the summer of 1973.
Kia Mau Festival - The Handlers Interview 13/05/25 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Celebrating 10 years this year, Kia Mau Festival is at the forefront of contemporary Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous art in Aotearoa and beyond. The festival brings together artists through a programme of incredible productions, and one of those is The Handlers.
With over one billion views on their online videos and celebrity fans including Woody Harrelson, Emma Thompson and Mr. Bean himself, it’s no wonder comedy trio ‘Foil Arms and Hog’ have become one of the world’s most renowned sketch groups. After sell-out shows at the London Palladium, New York Town Hall and the Sydney Opera House, they are currently on their biggest world tour yet, heading to Wellington’s St James Theatre next month.
The New Zealand Music Show – Made with support from New Zealand On Air Music – 21/1/25
Kiriata o Pōneke: Ian Wards on Breakfast - 30/10/24 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Interview with Ian Wards – Senior Curator, Taonga for Museums Wellington. Exhibition: Kiriata o Pōneke – Collaboration with Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision featuring a century of archive footage of Wellington. Closes 10 November
The Last Tuesday Of Every Month, 11AM – RadioActive.FMFind out more from Haritina’s adventures at milky-way.kiwi
The Lab - 19/09/24 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Join Alex, Joe, and Nikisha, every Thursday from 5pm for the latest in science news!
The RadioActive.FM Top 11 - 11/09/24 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
The RadioActive.FM Top 11 Vote for your favourites at www.radioactive.fm/top11 Wednesdays 7-9PM – RadioActive.FM
The New Zealand Music Show - Made with support from New Zealand On Air Music - 20/08/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
The New Zealand Music Show – Made with support from New Zealand On Air Music – 20/08/2024
Troy Kingi on Breakfast - 16/08/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Album no.8 ‘Leatherman & the Mojave Green’ is a homecoming of sorts for Troy, returning to the genre of music that ultimately enticed him in to the music industry, rock music. Inspired in his mid teens by so many artists that have come from or created in the Mojave Desert regions ( Kyuss, QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal) it was an easy decision for Troy to record this album in the home of Desert Rock: Joshua Tree, in a studio synonymous with that sound ‘Rancho de la Luna’.
Te Ao Tech – Made with support from New Zealand On Air Music- 18/08/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Te AoHeadphones on, it’s two hours of 100% Aotearoa electronica! Every Monday, join BABETECH & friends for a journey through New Zealand’s ever-growing electronic scene. Find the best mixes on 88.6, and online worldwide at www.radioactive.fm
Friday Art Breakdown - Brought to you by The Dowse Art Museum – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
It’s Friday! It’s time for the Friday Art Breakdown! Every second Friday, The Breakfast Show is brought to you by The Dowse Art Museum, and we’re joined by an expert to discuss all things art and culture! Catch The Friday Breakfast Show – Brought to you by The Dowse, every second Friday 7-10AM, RadioActive.FM
Wellington Jazz Festival : Tama Waipara on Breakfast - 3/09/20 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Joining Sunaina on Breakfast this morning is Tama Waipara, chief executive for the Te Tairawhiti Arts festival and co-director for Te Whanaganui-a-Tara’s upcoming Jazz Festival. The Wellington Jazz Festival is set to return to the Capital this October featuring leading homegrown musicians and exciting international names. Running from 16-20 October, this Festival will transform Te Whanganui-a-Tara into a jazz haven with more than 100 events across the city.
Te Ao Tech - Made with support from New Zealand On Air Music – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Headphones on, it’s two hours of 100% Aotearoa electronica! Every Monday, join BABETECH & friends for a journey through New Zealand’s ever-growing electronic scene. Find the best mixes on 88.6, and online worldwide at www.radioactive.fm
"Supro": Flamingo Pier on Breakfast with Sunaina - 13/08/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Disco-boogie NZ trio Flamingo Pier are back with their new EP Supro, off the back of their singleMazunte, released a couple of weeks ago. They’re in the midst of their world tour and tuned in from Berlin for a chat about their tour, new music and the ongoing success of their Waiheke Island music festival.
"Kool-Aid": Makeshift Parachutes on Breakfast with Sunaina - 13/08/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Danny from Makeshift Parachutes joined Sunaina on Breakfast from the tour van as they make their way down the motu to play at Meow on Saturday night. Audience favourites at Auckland’s Cross Street and AUM festival’s, Makeshift Parachutes deliver a mind-blowing show filled with cosmic riffage, hypnotically heavy grooves and dimension-ripping dance moves.
Whānau Marama NZIFF: Huia Haupapa on Breakfast - 25/07/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
Huia Haupapa from the Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) team joins Sunaina for the second check in about the Te Whanganui-a-tara leg of the festival running July 31- August 12.
"The Chair": Brooke Benton & Kate Goodwin on Breakfast with Josh - 19/06/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
‘The Chair’ is a 14 minute comedy drama based on a true story about Steph, a self-sabotaging yo-pro who discovers period blood on her office chair, setting off a chain-of-events that impact a major client meeting and deeply ruffle the office power dynamics. The Chair’ was amongst 12 films shortlisted for ‘Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts’ from 117 scripts in 2024, but unfortunately wasn’t one of the three films selected to be funded. We received feedback that it’s shoot-ready.
The RadioActive.FM Top 11 - 29/05/2024 – RadioActive.FM | 88.6FM
The RadioActive.FM Top 11 Vote for your favourites at www.radioactive.fm/top11 Wednesdays 7-9PM – RadioActive.FM
The Relevance of Folk Music Today
Words by: Ryan Cleland (he/him) I am well aware folk music is not something we all have in common at Te Herenga Waka. In fact, most of us relegate the genre to old-timey banjos, and when our grandparents would reminisce on how great music was back in their day. Whilst folk music may not be universally popular, activism is. Fighting for what is right. And activism has been intertwined with folk since its origins.
Winning Scholarships Through Effort and Patience
By Ryan Cleland The average American student graduating high school and entering college will receive between $1,000 and $5,000 in scholarship money, according to Scholarships.com. This money, although unlikely to cover the entirety of a semester’s tuition, is helpful in covering costs such as books and fees, the website said. As tuitions and fees pile up, students often find themselves taking out loans to finance their college bills.
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