As I write this in late July, I’m eagerly looking forward to August. Yes, we’ve produced another fantastic monthly issue – but my excitement pertains to the trip Michelle and I will be embarking on to South Africa. A chance for us to tick a couple of things off our bucket list. To follow the mighty All Blacks on tour and visit some game parks. Exciting times!
Our Benefitz Channel Mag team has turned out an exceptional issue for August 2026, led by Liz Cannon’s cover feature on Sir Roger Hall, who is celebrating 50 years of 'Glide Time' in 2026. It was on 11 August 1976 that a new Kiwi play opened at Circa Theatre in Wellington. Liz’s feature is timely in advance of Phoenix Theatre's production of 'Glide Time' at the PumpHouse from 18 September to 2 October.
Paula Arblaster gets us ready for Father's Day on Sunday 6 September. Paula’s Father’s Day feature provides some great ideas on how you can celebrate these special men in our lives.
We also highlight Bayleys Real Estate’s investment in a new purpose-designed North Shore headquarters in central Takapuna. This new facility is great for Taka and brings Bayleys North Shore commercial, industrial and residential teams together on one site. The strongest businesses invest with a long-term view, recognising that the quality of their people, workplaces, and client experience ultimately shapes their competitive advantage. Well done, Bayleys.
Christine Young talks to two Shore blood donors who have each clocked up an impressive number of donations, and finds the process is both straightforward and rewarding. North Shore Hospital used 5,000 units of red blood cells in the past year, along with hundreds of units of other blood products, such as platelets, plasma and plasma-derived products, in life-saving and life-preserving procedures. All that blood is donated. Red blood cells only have a shelf life of 35 days, so constant replenishment is vital.
For our Q&A feature this month, the theme is ‘Gardens, Homes and DIY in Winter’. We chat with four Shore people who are professionals in their particular fields and are well qualified to provide interesting advice for our readers.
As a team, we love putting together our popular regular features in the magazine. Our ‘Out & About’ photo pages have been an integral part of every issue over 16 years, as has our ‘Eating, Drinking & Dining on the Shore’ guide. It is important that we support our local hospo businesses as it’s a tough gig right now.
All this and more in your FREE Channel Mag! Have a great August – go the mighty ABs!
Aidan Bennett, QSM
Publisher, Channel Magazine
Founder and Managing Director, Benefitz
aidan@benefitz.co.nz
