LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Acouple of issues ago, I alluded to the fact that things are changing around here pretty quickly. What I didn’t mention is that one of those things is me … Having worked for NZV8’ s parent company, Parkside Media, for 13 years now, and held the title of Editor of NZV8 for 10 of those, all based in the company’s central Auckland office, change is in the wind for me. In those 13 years, there have been some massive changes within the print industry, changes that have made being involved in it both fun and challenging, and have caused businesses within the industry to rethink their approach. It’s been an interesting opportunity to be involved with a business such as Parkside through these challenging times, and it’s great still to be riding the crest of success while some businesses haven’t fared so well. I’ve lost count of the number of car owners I’ve met over the years, and it’s great to say that I can now call many of them friends. The job has opened a lot of doors for me and allowed me unparalleled behindthe-scenes access to things many people would never be lucky enough to see. While I think that being based in Auckland has been essential for this, the success of the magazine, and myself, things are now at a point at which location is not as critical as it once was. This means that, although my family and I are soon to depart the big smoke, I’m still able to be involved with the magazine. Yes, I’m aware that that’s akin to having my cake and eating it too! But I’m greedy like that. Assuming everything falls into place, my family will be relocating to Wellington shortly after the next issue of NZV8 goes to print — my wife and I both came from Wellington originally. While this is a good opportunity for us, I think it’ll also be good for you, the reader, as, despite our making every effort for the magazine not to be ‘an Auckland magazine’, my being based outside of this city will help to ensure that that is the case. All of this will be possible only because the assistant editor, Connal, is still on the floor in Auckland, taking care of all the things I can’t do from afar. This, of course, means he’ll end up doing a bit more of the magazine, and, in turn, I’ll likely do a bit less of it — not that you, the reader, should see any difference. So, if you’re based in the capital and see me around, make sure to come and introduce yourself, as, after being away for so long, it’s going to be like starting in a new city for me.

Catch you next month, Todd todd@v8.co.nz