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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL concerned with the publication of NZ Life & Leisure. Your most recent edition was yet another wonderful example of outstanding well- researched journalism — from editor Kate to the entire team — complemented by the usual brilliant “real” life photographs. Well done. This balance of the written word enhanced by your illustrations is what sets this magazine apart. Every article was extremely interesting, and the positive messages and lessons professionally articulated in each story were refreshing and made for some great reading, especially in these very uncertain and often depressing times.

The article, carefully written by Roderick Mulgan on the very emotional topic of climate action, was 100 per cent correct, in my opinion. He explains that an ideal balance between plants and animals produces the correct balance in our environment, not plants on their own. Plants, and especially soil fertility and soil health, need animals just as much as animals need plants. We humans rely on that correct balance to live successfully. As a retired farmer, I really appreciated seeing someone like Roderick explaining the truth on an emotional topic. Well done.

Colin Dick, Waikanae

I WAS GIVEN A copy of NZ Life & Leisure two years ago by my husband and, when I have a moment to sit, the publication has become my all-time favourite.

This morning, I am home looking after said husband, post- op, and Delta the cat (pictured below) has pushed my issue off my knee to get my attention. Delta arrived with the daughter for the first lockdown in 2020 (coincidental name). The daughter left, but Delta stayed. What is it with children and their pets? I recently discovered a new favourite word: “traumatropism.” It is used to describe the physical or metaphorical growth that can occur in a diff erent direction after a setback or damage.

So many of the stories you share highlight people looking at “what’s in the other hand”. A setback needn’t halt our progress. Mandy Patmore gives us a tiny glimpse into her huge heart ( NZ Life & Leisure, March/April) and her tenacity and smarts show us the very definition of resilience in her work with the Kākano Youth Arts Collective. It is so encouraging and inspiring.

I am looking forward to the next issue. Kitty Tunnell, Levin

AS A CHILD, I lived on a farm. I eagerly watched and waited for the mail van — back then, all correspondence was delivered that way. Mail delivery was a fun, beat-youto-the- letterbox run.

When NZ Life & Leisure is due, I eagerly watch for the postie, bringing back childhood memories and beating hubby to the mailbox; no, not running — just a 73-year- old quick walk, enjoying life (and leisure).

Raywyn Lewer, Katikati

I WRITE IN RESPONSE to your editor’s letter ( NZ Life & Leisure, March/April); a pair of beautiful liquidambar trees and your wonderful descriptive prose about the eventual demise of the leaves from the tree.

As you stated: “It must be tough being a tree.” But may I add and continue the story — the branches’ satisfaction in looking down on the decaying leaf matter and humus that eventually will nourish it is but an evolutionary certainty.

But the true wonderment of our human gaze should perhaps also be to the aggregated capsules that have hung diligently in the shade of the curling russet leaves — waiting to have their dance in the autumnal season

and play their part in the cycle of things. With their spikey shape, they wait their time to eject the winged seeds into the equinoctial seasonal winds of the cooler climes to come.

Hence the tree can now stand proudly, knowing it has provided for its ongoing place in the order of nature.

So if we take the time to examine innate feelings about evolution and adopt an indigenous approach through our bicultural heritage and our physical and non- physical understanding of values, we can then enter into and truly enjoy the provenance foreseen in Dr Seuss’ fable. The human understanding of toughness and adaptation in looking at, specifically, the liquidambar tree can be seen nicely in context and lightens the mystery and thought that it is just not luck alone that will deliver the outcomes.

Your editorial letter is an excellent connection between someone who cares, such as Kelly Gillbanks (advertising sales manager), and your staff. They have all become important to your magazine, and so they fill a space above the Earth’s surface as opposed to the little critters who provide sustenance under the liquidambar. Kevin Burns, Levin

LAST YEAR A FRIEND lent me her copy of NZ Life & Leisure. Since then, I have purchased each issue. I love the variety of stories about very talented New Zealanders. NZ Life & Leisure (May/June) has so many interesting stories — Flight of fancy, well written by Claire Finlayson with photographs by Rachael McKenna; Meet me at the station by Claire McCall and photos by Tessa Chrisp is a great insight into New Zealand history. Your articles are well researched. I live alone, and NZ Life & Leisure beings me many hours of pleasure. I have never been one to buy magazines, but I will continue to buy yours.

Carole Fausett, Auckland

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at PO Box 99 201, Newmarket, Auckland, 1149 or email editorial@nzlifeandleisure. co. nz

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2022-07-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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https://thisnzlife.pressreader.com/article/281728388183229

NZ Lifestyle Magazine Group