Maggie Shui

Dec 22, 2023 | renews.co.nz | Maggie Shui

For teens in Te Matau-a-Māui, a car is a sacred space where close friends can talk about their feelings while parked up at Te Mata o Rongokako. It’s a crucial life tool to get to places like school and work in a region where public transport options are scarce. And it’s a vehicle to adulthood, a little slice of independence. Because is there a greater sign of adulthood than no longer needing to ask your parents for a ride?

Aug 19, 2023 | renews.co.nz | Maggie Shui

Marek had just turned 16 when he found himself bandaging wounds and testing blood sugar levels of local people in a village near Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila. He was there on a volunteering trip organised by his high school during the July school holidays. Students spent four days out of the two-week trip on this medical work, another three days “playing with kids at the school up the road”, and the remaining week at the beach, visiting markets and shopping.

Aug 6, 2023 | 1news.co.nz | Maggie Shui

Some strippers say there's been a "steady decrease" in paying customers in recent years.

Aug 2, 2023 | renews.co.nz | Maggie Shui

On a good night, dancing at a strip club feels extremely meditative for Katie. There’s a blissful alchemy that happens, she says, when the music’s just right and “people’s energies are good”. “I’ll be feeling my body a lot more – not in a sexual sense, but a sort of spiritual sense.”Good nights look like customers engaging with the dancers, bringing an open and fun energy and, of course, tipping and paying for services.

Jul 25, 2023 | 1news.co.nz | Maggie Shui

Andy is in his final year of medical school at the University of Otago. Despite medicine being considered one of the most stable and employable professions, Andy does not have high hopes for his job prospects next year. When asked about what next year looks like for him, he let out an "ooh" and a big sigh. "Good question. Andy, who asked to be anonymous to protect his employment prospects, is an international student.