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THIS IS A COUPLE of firsts: It is the first time I have written a letter to a magazine and the first time I have subscribed to NZ Life & Leisure. My girlfriend often passed her copy on to me once she finished reading it but, understandably, that sometimes took some time. I recently retired, and I have decided that I now have the time to sit down and enjoy your magazine. Having worked most of my life and not having time to be creative, I enjoy reading about the wonderful New Zealanders following their passions. I loved the story on Sophie Parker-Thomson (pictured right with her husband Matt) and her journey to become a master of wine ( NZ Life & Leisure, September/ October). Also, in the same issue, was the piece on the talented Amanda Kemp, who has accomplished so much in her life. The article Off the beaten track also resonated with me, especially during this lockdown, with getting back to basics and appreciating what is around us in this beautiful country. I keep this copy by my bed and delve in and out of it all the time. The standard of your magazine is to be commended. The quality of your articles, the photography and the presentation are all superb.

Carol Rankin- Lloyd, Kāpiti

THERE’S A SENTENCE in your editorial

( NZ Life & Leisure, September/October):

“She is a happy and healthy baby, born to wonderful parents and into a boisterous clan that will envelop her in a lifelong safety net of love and care among people with opinions on everything, mostly opposing and always vociferously given.”

I intend to borrow and share it. Those are wonderful words so beautifully put, and that same empathy is what links the stories of your magazine together. We have a lovely new mokopuna, cleverly named Stella, and I can say that sentence encompasses my wish for her. She will become a little star along with her other cousins. And I will, of course, ensure everyone who hears it will know from whence it comes.

Marin Burgess, Pakuranga

I HAVE BEEN MAKING the most of a drizzly lockdown morning to finish reading issue 98 ( NZ Life & Leisure, July/August) and start on issue 99, which was a welcome arrival in my letterbox yesterday. So I am writing to congratulate you on the upcoming 100th edition, and I hope to be able to join you if you have a lunch in Christchurch sometime.

I am a long-time subscriber and clearly remember the first issue I bought, which had Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng Murdoch on the cover (perhaps your only foray into famous- name covers?) May it have been issue three? I reluctantly sold my issues up to No. 55 on Trade Me a few years ago when we downsized to a smaller home, but I have found room on my bookshelf for issues 56 to 99 as I can’t bring myself to throw them away. Of course, I kept issue 44 as that detailed the fabulous prize of a weekend for six at Millbrook, Arrowtown, which I was fortunate enough to win. Only last week, my husband and I had lunch at the lovely Hole in One café at Millbrook and were reminiscing with friends about that wonderful weekend and what a boost it was after the Canterbury earthquakes. I also get the Insider’s Guide to New Zealand each year, and it makes a good Christmas gift. Last year, en route to Ōhope for a week, I remembered I had left the issue with the guide to Whakatāne/Ōhope at home, but I sent a quick email to your off ice, and you helped me out. We also recently did a South Island road trip with friends, climbed Mount Sunday (Edoras in Lord of the Rings), and visited Mount Potts and Erewhon as recommended in the 2017 guide. The views of the Southern Alps and Rangitata River were breathtaking.

I like the way you obviously feel very warmly towards the South Island, Kate, and enjoy your editorials — my own gorgeous grandchildren are aged four and two. It was a relief when you took over the magazine to keep it going, and I wish you and your team well for the following 100 issues.

Susan Gordon, Christchurch