Editor’s note: I bid you all adieu

Farewell Christchurch. Four years after I took the reins as editor of Metropol magazine, I’m retiring and heading off on a new adventure. My time with Metropol and Christchurch has shown me the resilience of the city, its wider environs, and the magazine.

Watching and being part of the continued growth of Christchurch has shown me how dedicated, hard-working, and visionary many of those who call Canterbury home are. Breaking new boundaries in business, industry, and community initiatives makes Christchurch one of New Zealand’s most sought after locations, and that impetus shows no signs of slowing down.

Forging a new identity after the devastating 2011 earthquakes created an opportunity for a re-think, rebuild, and new directions; something that doesn’t happen very often on such a scale.

Despite those tragic origins, the city has picked itself up, shaken off the dust, and, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, emerged as a shining star.

More is still to come, and I’m sure as I check in from time to time, I will continue to be proud of Christchurch and especially its people. The people are the backbone, the heart and soul of the region, and they have shown they’ll not be held back by adversity.

Creative, innovative, artistic, caring, and entrepreneurial, it takes all sorts to make the world go round, and Christchurch has that in spades.

I’m off to finally finish writing my novel (a trilogy actually), travel, and catch up with my grandchildren. I leave you in the capable hands of Metropol’s new editor Nina Tucker, and her deputy Tamara Pitelen.

Remember, as the late Queen Elizabeth II said: “It is often the small steps, not giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” Kia kaha Christchurch.