from the
EDITOR GOODBYE, GOODBYE!
ON THE COVER
CHRISTMAS IS NIGH: Forget the difficulties of the past year; there’s no better time than Christmas to bring out the spirit of love and giving and Melanie Kennerley has ensured her two stores have yuletide gifts well in hand. From festive flowers and personal luxuries boxed to perfection at The Wild Rose to a multitude of tasty treats at Paddock to Pantry, there is something for every taste and every mood including the likes of EastLife’s stunning cover garland designed by The Wild Rose florists. For more from Melanie see page 23. PHOTO WAYNE MARTIN
Ph 09 271 8000 www.eastlife.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry 09 271 8036, editor@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Diana Honey 09 271 8050, dianah@eastlife.co.nz Sales: Janine Hickmore 09 271 8023, janineh@eastlife. co.nz Sales: Kelly Cooke 09 271 8026, kellyc@eastlife.co.nz Design: Claire Robertson 09 271 8061, clairer@eastlife.co.nz
As 2021 draws to a close and EastLife says goodbye to an extraordinary year, I too must say a fond farewell to our wonderful readers and advertisers. This will be my last editorial as I’m now officially retired. I’ve been a journalist for more than 50 years, the past 33 with Times Media where I’ve been privileged to fill many roles including that of magazine editor for nearly 10 years. I started as a sub editor on the Howick and Pakuranga Times and in my early years was part of an award-winning team which saw the paper win many accolades including Best Community Newspaper at the prestigious Qantas Awards for Media. As I start a new life, I will find it difficult to abandon my daily media routine but, with luck, I’ll discover fresh challenges. So, thanks to all who have supported my journey especially those who have helped my team and I, together with our amazing production department, to produce magazines we are proud of. Perhaps, I’ll see some of you when I’m back visiting but, first, one last word ... or two!
PARTY DISCORD The National Party ruckus regarding Simon Bridges’ demotion which resulted in leader Judith Collins being rolled occurred on EastLife’s deadline and I couldn’t ignore it. What on earth induced Ms Collins to take this drastic, and unwise
action, at a time when party unity was imperative? This incident occurred four years ago and was dealt with at the time. Mr Bridges expressed regret and apologised so this move just seemed like more dirty politics of a different kind. I don’t condone crass remarks but politics is a tough business and sometimes you just have to make it clear that while such behaviour is unacceptable, and won’t be further tolerated, it’s time to move on and see to the nation. Mr Bridges past remark is regrettable but it looks like few favoured his demotion. He has dealt with his fair share of political criticism but, personally, after I stopped finding fault with him and listened to what he had to say, I started to appreciate his acumen and could see him playing an key role in the country’s future. Perhaps that will still come about. While it seems Botay MP Christopher Luxon could well take the helm, which will encourage many of our locals, what damage this whole debacle has done should have National on tenterhooks – David Seymour and Act are waiting in the wings.
COVID! Finally, Auckland has more freedom in sight. Like many, I was hanging out for my hairdresser. Blessed with a good head of hair, I snipped and clipped, but was desperate for a cut – now done!
Hair aside, restrictions have taken their toll in many ways. Calls to get business back on track are being heeded with much of Auckland’s retail now re-opened. Yet, many struggling companies are still waiting for not a green light but, perhaps, an orange light to help them out of an economic hole. What’s more, opinion is still divided as to how we ultimately live with Covid-19 which, in every likelihood, is here to stay. That may mean some hardship but we are already dealing with hardship – many businesses have closed for good, families remain apart and travel disruption is impacting the nation. We may yet see more job losses and more calls for help. I keep hoping the call to vaccinate will be heeded so that Covid outcomes won’t be disastrous -– I think we all understand the impact rising cases will have on our existing health system. Mapping a Covid future is an unenviable task and the Government is floundering. We hear promises but, as some say, ‘the devil is in the detail’ and detail is lacking as to how a healthy economy can be maintained. Moving forward requires level heads and brave ideas but that’s for our leaders. As for me, I’m retired and, Covid or not, I’m ready for Christmas and holiday adventures. So, blessings to all, enjoy the season! Helen Perry, Editor
Design: Clare McGillivray 09 271 8067, clare@eastlife.co.nz Photography: Wayne Martin
THIS MONTH
Published by Times Media Ltd 10 Central Terrace, Howick, Auckland. PO Box 38 232 Howick, Auckland 2145
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PUZZLE TIME
Crossword and sudoku
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