Welcome to our October 2025 issue of Channel Mag – a bumper issue to kick off the warmer months as we all look forward to a long, hot North Shore summer.

A focus in this issue is on health, fitness and wellbeing. It is appropriate that we feature Lewis Catterall, the Donor Relations coordinator for NZ Blood Service on Lake Road in Takapuna. Lewis is passionate about getting local Shore people along to Takapuna to donate blood. One person donating blood can save up to three lives. We encourage you all to donate if you can.
In this issue, we also celebrate a few community and business milestones: The Yarnton family, with fashion stores in Devonport and Birkenhead, celebrate 80 years of business; the Jago family celebrates 40 years of representing Toyota on the Shore; and Takapuna Cricket is celebrating 75 years as a high-achieving sports club on the Shore. We have features on all.
Recently, I enjoyed visiting the new Livewell store on Tawa Drive, Albany. As I have written, it’s not until you have a personal requirement for mobility equipment or home care items that you understand how important they are. This huge brand-new store set up by Katie Noble and her team at Allied Medical is a game-changer.
This November, NZ Sculpture OnShore returns to Operetu Fort Takapuna in Narrow Neck. It’s always hugely popular, so we tasked Christine Young with profiling what will be happening at NZ Sculpture OnShore from 8 to 23 November. Proceeds as usual go to Women’s Refuge.
It’s spring (summer’s coming!), and the weather is looking brighter. It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer us. And you don’t need to travel far! Paula Arblaster has produced an excellent feature for this issue on reserves and walks that you should discover right here on your doorstep.
Make sure you cast your vote in early October. Enjoy your FREE bumper issue of Channel Mag!  

Aidan Bennett, QSM
Publisher, Channel Magazine
Founder and Managing Director, Benefitz
aidan@benefitz.co.nz