As I write this in late February, it is from sunny Arrowtown, where our Benefitz team is working as the signage partner for the New Zealand Open golf tournament held at Millbrook Resort.

What a wonderful part of the world this is, particularly at this time of the year. Often warm summer days, with crisp single figure temperatures overnight. It is an area that continues to grow and is facing challenges on many fronts because of this growth.
 I particularly love all the cycle trails in this part of the world. Seems like there’s a new trail to explore every day. For me, it is also fact finding due to my role as chair of the Matakana Coast Trail Trust, which is working to build similar trails, branded as The Coastal Trail, on Auckland’s northern doorstep.
In this issue we once again have something for just about everyone. This magazine you are reading is just one of 22,000 copies produced this month to celebrate all the good things happening in our own slice of paradise, north of the harbour bridge.
A key feature in this issue is focused on retirement living. We have a very good range of options on this side of the bridge and many of them feature in this issue. We particularly enjoyed getting along to one of our local villages to chat with two different residents (Bill and Lillian) who reflect on over a decade of retirement village life. As you will read, they love it!
Another celebration in this issue is the news that Takapuna Beach Café now has a licence to serve alcohol with meals. This is one of New Zealand’s iconic cafés, so to be able to enjoy a quiet wine with a meal will only enhance its popularity and be good for the North Shore. Takapuna Beach Café is a destination café that draws people from wide and far.
Christine Young has written an interesting piece on Shore resident Renee Rigden, who is involved in the ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ charity, among many other things. Renee’s enjoyed a career from corporate high-flier to mindfulness facilitator and nutrition and lifestyle coach and is currently working towards becoming a qualified naturopath and medical herbalist. Christine also talks to her about the publication of ‘The Healthy Start – Lunchbox Edition’ e-book, a joint project with holistic wellness advocate Sarah Tanner.
Have a great March and enjoy this excellent issue of Channel Magazine. It’s totally free!

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