December edition, and that means summer is upon us, with all the good things it brings. It never ceases to amaze me how a bit of sunshine can change people’s perspectives for the better. With the promise of long, warm days ahead, everyone tends to look upon the world a bit more favourably, even economists!
So too for us at Boating New Zealand magazine, as is reflected by the wide-ranging content in this issue, which hopefully offers something of interest for everyone.
For senior contributing writer John Macfarlane, issue 472 (this issue) marks 25 years of writing for Boating NZ magazine. John’s regular monthly column, Reflections, tells the stories of people who have shaped New Zealand’s boating landscape. Always among the most read each month, his archived articles from years gone by are also among the most requested.
By my reckoning John has contributed 300 Reflections columns since he started with the magazine in December 2000. He hasn’t missed a single issue. In addition, he has contributed more feature stories than I can count and lots of boat reviews as well. Taken together, that’s a remarkable achievement. Congratulations, John, and thanks. Your contribution is unmatched; long may it continue!
On a more sombre note, Brian Collings, co-director of AMF Boats and founder of River City Marine (Putiki), passed away recently. He was publicly farewelled on November 11.
Brian bought the AMF Boat Company from Paul Sharratt in 2007, having sold Paul’s boats at River City Marine for many years, where he also built the AMF Pro Sport from 1995. Brian, his wife Jodi (née Sharratt), and the team crafted up to 45 boats a year, including 10 rescue boats for Abu Dhabi Coastguard. Brian’s legacy lives on in the hundreds of AMF boats now serving Coastguard units and private owners across New Zealand and the world.
For a more in-depth tribute, go to the Boating NZ website or scan the QR code.
