Local elections, Ōtautahi’s future, and the last print issue (for now).

It’s our fourth and final print issue—almost exactly one year after Issue One was printed (and promptly confiscated). In that time, The Canterbury Memo has put out four issues broadcasting the unapologetic voices of today and tomorrow’s progressive leaders. Four issues that tested the waters for alternative media at UC. Four issues that fought to remain available to students when access was challenged.

Despite ‘only’ printing once a term, this magazine is a lot of work for what is, most of the time, one person. It’s also expensive. While I want to say this is not the last time you’ll find a paper copy of The Memo on the stand, I can make no promises. Projects like this force you to ask what you actually value, and how much of your sanity you’re willing to trade just to see words inked on a page.

The truth is, The Memo has been the thing keeping me going this past year. No matter how much I slagged off my coursework, no matter what chaos life threw my way (contrived or not), the magazine was always here, demanding and frankly addictive. Dramatic, I know. Unhealthy, too. But I like to think that, through all of this, something has been born here that is maybe worthwhile keeping. But I don’t think the magazine can go into 2026 being managed the way it currently is. This is part personal reflection, part call to arms; if you see value in this publication, support your words with action. It’s crucial we maintain diversity within the student media ecosystem at UC. Give students something else to pick up and read other than CANTA and its advertising-addled, cacophonously designed, forty-something pages of ennui. If you want The Memo to keep existing, you’re going to have to help carry it.

This issue comes at an important time: local government elections. This week, if you enrolled before August 1st, you will receive your voting papers for the 2025 local elections. Take the time to do some research on the candidates in your area, read The Canterbury Memo’s election coverage, fill in the postal voting forms and return them into one of the 75 large orange bins dotted around the city (one of which is in Puaka-James Hight on campus), or pop it in any postbox. You will get to vote for a total of six people on your ballot—one mayor, one councillor, two community board members, and two regional councillors. The exception to this is of course the electors of Harewood, Waimari and Hornby, our condolences (read: page 7). 

It’s been a privilege to sit down with candidates for council and mayor, to hear their hopes and frustrations for Ōtautahi-Christchurch, and to pass those voices on to you.

Take the time. Cast a vote. Imagine something better. Remember, voting closes midday on Saturday the 11th of October. 

Good luck with the final stretch of the uni year, and hopefully this won’t be the last time you see The Canterbury Memo in print. Here’s to catching you again in 2026, on the page and in the fight for a better future.

Yours truly,

Joseph Davidson-Labout

Editor-in-Chief

www.memozine.nz / editor.thememo@gmail.com

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