Fresh is best

This year, for the first time, I entered NZ Lifestyle Block in the Magazine Publishers Association awards. I’m not the kind of person who likes to enter competitions. However, it turns out, I’m extremely competitive.

Entering meant going back over the previous years’ issues and choosing a selection to present to the judges, and that turned out to be incredibly difficult. Every time I picked up an issue, I saw a little typo, or a story I would have done differently to make it easier for you to read. There was lots to be proud of, but it turned out to be a big learning experience too, something I didn’t expect.

NZ Lifestyle Block is a very small magazine compared to its ‘sister’ publications which include NZ Gardener, NZ Life & Leisure, and NZ House & Garden, so when the list of finalists came out, I wasn’t expecting to be on it.

But that’s when I got my unexpected surprise for the year: I was one of three finalists for best editor. I gasped so loudly I woke the dogs and cats asleep at my feet.

For my first fancy magazine event in the city there was special hair styling and make-up. There was almost high heel shoes too, until I worked out how far I’d have to walk to my car. The venue was all dazzling fairy lights, ikebana-inspired table settings and glamorous people.

I’d love to tell you I won. However, what I learnt was that when people say “it’s an honour to be nominated”, it turns out that really is true. A group of my peers looked hard at this little magazine and what it achieved in 20142015 and thought the work in it was worthy of the top three in the country.

It rekindled my love for this magazine, and one of the results is the makeover you’ll see this month, thanks to our amazing designer Rebecca.

We’re also working on some new ideas, and we’d love to hear from you too. Please let us know what you like, or loathe, and we’ll work on being the best we can for you: editor@nzlifestyleblock.co.nz

Thank you so much for another wonderful year and we hope you enjoy your summer break.