FROM ISSUE 55 TO ISSUE 200

 WORDS Kim Newth

 I first started freelance writing for Avenues in October 2008. Yvonne Martin was still the magazine’s ‘new editor’ back then and had a lot of cool ideas for developing the content and layout. Both of us had prior experience writing for the Sunday Star-Times and respected each other’s work.

A few years into the role, I remember her and I talking about the concept of a three-way feature as a vehicle for exploring city projects, people and their lifestyles. Coupled with bold photography, this concept has worked well for the magazine over the years.

I recall one of my earlier, more memorable assignments, which involved going to Margaret Mahy’s home in Governors Bay in late 2009. I went there to interview her about her book Kaitangata Twitch which had just been turned into a TV series. In retrospect, the restless island depicted in the series, which was shot at Governors Bay, seemed loaded with portent of what was to come. (‘First the twitch, then the trouble…’).

Just before the first earthquake in September 2010, I went exploring the central city with architect Peter Beaven, who was keen for Christchurch’s Gothic Revival buildings to be recognised as being worthy of World Heritage status. I put together an article called Going Gothic for the August 2010 edition, which featured many eye-catching photos of the city’s stone heritage treasures. Not too many editions later, I was writing about ‘how will we rebuild?’ alongside a two-page spread of the ruined Canterbury Provincial Council buildings. Peter was inside when they collapsed during the February 2011 earthquake and was lucky to escape with his life.

Sadly, both Peter and Margaret have passed away since I wrote those stories. It is sobering to realise some interviews will never be repeated.

What a journey it has been, writing steadily on through the years as the city has suffered, adapted, and moved forward. Month after month, this magazine has published stories about local people and their ideas, plans, and endeavours, and the talent pool has never yet run dry.

I’ve had many adventures with Avenues, from trying out paddleboarding and Crossfit to performing at an open mic night and staying overnight at a remote musterer’s hut.

Over 145 editions, there have been so many fascinating interviews, including with author Fiona Farrell; with the Whitelock rugby boys George, Adam, Sam, and Luke; with watercolour artist Nancy Tichborne; with Christchurch dance duo Kate and Lei’ataua Limuloa; with Hugh Wilson at Hinewai Reserve. It’s a long list that continues to grow.

A magazine like this is such a team effort, and I’ve been lucky to work alongside so many talented writers, photographers, sub-editors, and designers over the years.

Congratulations to Lisa, Joshua, and the team for steering Avenues to celebrate this amazing 200th edition milestone.