What a great month March has been for weather and enjoying all the good things that Auckland’s North Shore has to offer when the sun is shining. It reinforces that there aren’t too many better places in the world to call home.
A big congratulations to those who have chosen to invest recently in my home patch of Takapuna. I have long been an advocate for the place, so it is heartwarming to see the recent hospitality additions to the area that have only enhanced the vibrancy. It has been humming over the summer months – a combination of the fantastic summer weather and the new offerings have created quite a buzz.
It was a pleasure for me to sit down and have a chat to new Kristin School Executive Principal Kim Green. Kim, who spent some of her early years on the Shore, joins Kristin with an extensive CV that has included the best part of two decades working as an educator offshore. Her background with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is extensive, which no doubt will have played a big part in her being chosen for the role. I love getting out and meeting people like Kim who are making a difference and I feel sure you will enjoy this interview.
Also in the issue we celebrate Anzac month with a feature on East Coast Bays RSA, an organisation that’s celebrating 100 years in 2025. Tracey Sunderland has put together an excellent piece on this entity that staged the first dawn service at Browns Bay in 1954 and for the past 71 years has organised the annual event to honour the fallen service men and women on Anzac Day. With this feature we also include information about what is happening on the Shore this Anzac Day, Friday 26th April.
This months cover photo was taken by Rod Slater who lives near the Shores of Lake Pupuke. The photo features a Royal Spoonbill, also known as Kōtuku Ngutupapa, a striking white waterbird with a distinctive black, spoon-shaped bill. It is the only spoonbill species that breeds in New Zealand. First recorded in New Zealand in 1861, the Royal Spoonbill has since become widespread, with breeding colonies established on both the North and South Islands1. These birds are often seen in wetlands, estuaries, and coastal areas, where they feed on crustaceans, fish, and small insects by sweeping their bills from side to side. It is great to see them around Lake Pupuke.
I am proud that Channel Magazine continues to remain very strong and relevant to people on the North Shore. This is another great issue. Each and every month we print and distribute 22,000 copies – and they all go, which probably makes it one of the biggest circulated community magazines in the country. And it’s totally free!
Enjoy the read. Have a great April.
Aidan Bennett, QSM
Publisher, Channel Magazine
Founder & Managing Director, Benefitz
Email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz
