Snapshot: KIM BLEWETT

PAST: Kim grew up in Auckland and has lived in the city all her life, apart from a few years in Britain. “I love Auckland and am a city dweller,” she says. “I enjoy the theatre, live music events and visiting the latest exhibitions. I am also keen on getting out and exploring the city and its surrounding areas on foot.”

She believes she was destined for a career in magazine publishing. “I was addicted to Seventeen magazine growing up and was heavily influenced by its editorial and advertising. I suspect the Sandringham bookshop owner, who stocked my treasured magazine, dreaded a visit from me if it didn’t arrive on time.”

PRESENT Over the years, Kim has worked in various sales roles across a mix of print media, including the New Zealand Herald, the New Zealand Listener and the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. More recently, she’s been at North & South and says all the magazines have a common theme. “They capture New Zealand’s heritage and record our history.” She says joining NZ Life & Leisure as advertising sales manager is another fantastic opportunity to work with a quality editorial and publishing team, showcasing Aotearoa’s success stories and the inspiring people behind them. “I feel very lucky to be joining this well-oiled machine.”

FUTURE: Kim is an enthusiastic adventure traveller. “Like most of us, thanks to the pandemic, it’s been a few years since I have been on an overseas trip. The upside is that I prioritised New Zealand destinations and the country’s Great Walks.” She has set an ambitious goal for the next year: travelling to Patagonia for a mountain trek or walking part of the Camino trail. In preparation, she’s joined a new gym, upped her walking and added yoga to the schedule. “The new routine is literally getting me out of bed every morning — even 5.30am on a public holiday. Hopefully, I’m not overdoing it and will be match fit when the time comes to head off overseas,” she says.