A belated Happy New Year to you all. 2025, it’s here! We kick off the year with a cracking issue, setting a pretty good benchmark for our next 10 issues still to come. The February issue is always a challenging one, as we are compiling the content while many are still away enjoying the summer.

We have produced Channel Mag for 15 years and over that time I have always enjoyed getting out and interviewing people for our features. For this issue, I have especially enjoyed features I have put together by visiting Blair McPheat of local Birkdale firm BFM Global, and Paul Fordham, the new headmaster at Westlake Boys High School. Both are high achievers and strong leaders with a strong history and connections to the Shore. Blair’s family is well-known in business and the community on the Shore, and what he is now achieving on a global scale with the BFM product he invented is heartwarming. Paul, born in North Shore Hospital and raised on the Shore, has been chosen as the first old boy to be headmaster of Westlake Boys. I trust you will enjoy reading these interviews.
Also in this issue, Christine (Young) has produced a feature on North Shore people who were acknowledged in the King's New Year Honours. Congratulations to all recipients for your well-deserved recognition. Our other features in February are ‘Travel’ as well as ‘Creatives, Arts and Entertainment’, celebrating our creative sector. In our Q&A feature, we talk with four local people who have caught the golf 'bug' in recent times. Golf and our wonderful local golf clubs and courses have never been busier; we went out to discover what is hooking people into chasing a little white ball far and wide!
Our team at Channel Mag and Benefitz has enjoyed a busy start to the year. There is certainly a feeling of optimism about 2025, let’s hope it develops into a good year for all.
Enjoy your FREE February 2025 Channel Mag – there’s something in here for everyone!
Aidan Bennett, QSM
Publisher, Channel Magazine
Founder & Managing Director, Benefitz
Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz