EDITOR’S LETTER

The pleasures of a printed publicaton

IT’S GREAT TO be back in print after creating issue 91 as a digital- only edition. When magazines were locked out of supermarkets, and we were unable to print, we became excited about delivering great stories in a new format and creating the best experience for you. But I think we all agree that nothing compares with being able to hold a magazine.

Our thanks to all who rang during that time to wish us well. As a New Zealand- owned and managed company, Lynley, my business partner, and I are fortunate to be masters of our destiny despite the significant challenges ahead of us — and most other small businesses. This is also the case for our nation as we aim for a reasonable standard of living for everyone, the dignity of work for all those who can work and hope for better times ahead.

This might require a rethink on some fronts. NZ Life & Leisure contributes significantly to that debate by featuring people from many walks of life working in admirable and innovative ways. It was the magazine’s reason for being when we launched 15 years ago, and it will continue to be so for the next 15.

So many of you have said how sad you would be for Aotearoa to lose NZ Life & Leisure. I agree. It does an essential job of providing pertinent, interesting content about inspiring New Zealanders. The energy created by the exploits and perspectives of the people featured is always a powerful force for good and creates a momentum for change. In the following pages, for example, I read about a world- class board diver who battled an insidious disease yet pursued her career to great heights, had a child and built a business designing and building divine tiny homes. Shaye Boddington lifts me up and makes me think anything is possible. (Meet her on page 32.) There are many more stories like hers on the following pages.

This issue carries the same number of editorial pages and feature stories as always, but we are missing some of our usual advertisers. We hope for their speedy return to vibrant business and ask you to support those companies who support us. That’s how we will all survive, thrive and flourish — looking out for our own.

Onwards and upwards.

It wasn’t only a magazine I was desperate to get back into my hands. A catch-up with my Wellington-based family, including hugs with daughter Ellie and granddaughter Olivia, was top of my return-to-normal agenda.