Welcome to 2026, and our first bumper issue of Channel Magazine, your parochial North Shore magazine.

It’s been a mixed bag so far. Some nice early days of January and some rough days later in the month. Our hearts go out to those affected by the weather events of the second half of January. Particularly to the families and communities that lost loved ones and to those who have had their lives turned upside-down by the severe weather events. Mother nature seems to be getting more extreme, going by what we have faced in recent years.
In this first issue for 2026 we have something for just about everyone. I have enjoyed putting together the features on what Elliot Knight of Knight Crawford and his team are doing in Takapuna, with a focus on their latest project 40 Hurstmere; and also, the chat I had with new Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Garth Ellingham. Paula Arblaster has done an excellent piece on fun things happening on the Shore in the remaining warm months, and we also chat with key people at our local sailing clubs. Most of New Zealand’s best sailors come from the Shore and our wonderful family-orientated sailing clubs.
I continue to be excited about the new Padel courts coming to our Takapuna town square. My ‘hood. The addition of the Padel courts and with Knight Crawford opening up 40 Hurstmere eateries to the town square will only enhance Waiwharariki Anzac Square and the overall vibe in Takapuna.
Enjoy your FREE February Channel Mag, and everything within, including… health and wellbeing, homes and real estate, people out and about, arts and entertainment, dining and eating out, shopping, retirement living, charity events, business, people features, motoring, summer fun, travel, sailing, fitness, optometry, homes and gardens, education, sport, youth, law, building and renovation, community news, history, bowls, grumbles, crosswords – and more!
Have a great February. Spend locally!

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