Our print publication is back, better than ever before. Despite the neverending news media feeding us a plethora of equal parts optimism and pessimism, none of us really have the faintest idea what the short-to-medium-term future holds. But having hope for a brighter outcome gives us the motivation to keep going, in spite of it all.

Three weeks ago, a small team of our most passionate contributors gathered our collective resilience to pull together this issue. Our survival was paramount, our failure not an option. With the support of our strong community of both dedicated readers and generous advertising partners who have continued to empower us with their trust, we are here.

Our winter issue celebrates the best of what we have right on our doorstep, from proclaiming our love of Auckland, and supporting local, to exploring the best of the South Island’s iconic Queenstown. We shine a light on the restaurant dishes we longed for so greatly during lock-down. Contributing photographer Jake Terrey, and his model partner Matilda Dods, also share a glimpse into their life in isolation with a personal photo essay shot in their home garden.

But above all this, we also honour those Denizens who, in the face of all the odds, have chosen the path of resilience. Despite the inherent obstacles that have either been thrust upon them in the wake of COVID, or because systemic racism has made them have to work harder to be heard or seen.

Whatever the challenges, right here and now presents one of the greatest opportunities in our history to collectively accept that the world needs to change in positive ways.

We hope you enjoy the issue.

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