FROM THE EDITOR

This week, I was about a third of the way through the first episode of Normal People (the TV adaptation of the sensational book by Sally Rooney). It’s been described as a “triumph of the small screen”, the lead actors are “nearperfect”. No matter what angle you come to it (avid fan of the book or an outraged detractor) “you’ll love it either way”, swooned others. I was excited, being in the former camp. So, a little late to the game, admittedly, I tuned in. I was about a third of the way in, and the buffering wheel began to turn. Fear not, it’ll stop soon, was my feeble cry to the universe. But it didn’t. Then the screen froze and we never could get it back. Rather like one’s first love. This week, we revisit first love in all its glory and agony. Dan Ahwa’s sublime Style pages are this week also inspired by Normal People. Our cover is by photographer Qiana Matata-sipu — Ihumatao taku tangata — taku whenua (2013) Ihumatao is the pa where she lives with her whanau, she started photographing it in 2011/2012. Qiana’s work also features in the Auckland Festival of Photography, to be opened by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on May 27 Freeview CH200, 8pm. See our story pages 10,11. And finally, we farewell a dear and valued colleague this week — Dionne Christian, a passionate advocate for arts and books and deputy editor of Canvas. You will be missed.