As I write this editorial we have just come out of Auckland's five week Covid-19 level four lockdown that has thrown up significant challenges for our communities. It is certainly challenging publishing a monthly magazine!
We were able to publish our September 2021 issue of Channel Magazine online only – this was 75% prepared before lockdown and finished off during our level four lockdown in late August. As this was never printed we made the decision to refresh the magazine with new content and produce a combined September/October 2021 magazine when we were able to print in late September. So here it is. All going well when you are ready this we are in level two!
Despite the hurdles we have once again produced a great issue, highlighting the good things happening on the North Shore. All the usual content from all walks of life and some great features with a focus on The Home and Spring.
As a long time leader and supporter of the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust it was a thrill to see AIMES Award recipient and Westlaker Michael Brake win gold in the rowing eight in Tokyo. The community is very proud and this is great reward after years of hard work and toil by Michael. Heather Barker Vermeer does a great interview with Michael for this issue. Christine Young talks to great mates Grae Burton (Lake House Manager) and Geoff Allen (The Rose Centre Ops Manager) about their roles back on stage together in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
In this issue our friends at Harbour Hospice also help us to acknowledge Sir David Levene, a giant in our community, who passed away in mid-August, aged 91. Not only did Sir David support Hospice, he supported dozens and dozens of other organisations (not-for-profit and business) with wisdom, guidance and generosity. He was a mentor to many. I think back fondly to the time he featured on our cover as the patron of YES Disability – an entity that benefited from his guidance and generosity. It was fun photographing Sir David and young Jaden Movold for that cover almost a decade ago.
The home in spring is also a focus in this issue. We catch up with local people involved in the home market and in conjunction with the Takapuna Beach Business Association we also highlight businesses in Takapuna who are in that home space. We also profile Takapuna's annual Taste of Takapuna People's Choice Awards that have become even more important this year with the need to support local hospitality businesses more than ever. Taste of Takapuna is on until mid November with opportunities for both eateries and customers to win! Make sure you support all of our local eateries on the Shore – they certainly need it!
Stay safe, get vaccinated as soon as possible and have a great Spring!
Aidan Bennett, QSM
Publisher, Channel Magazine
Managing Director, Benefitz
Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz
