2022-2023 has been an eventful year at Tui Motu magazine. We're celebrating the silver jubilee of publishing — it's 25 years since the first issue was printed in 1997! And we have other highlights — particularly each month when we've packed and posted the issue and the magazines are on their way to readers. At that stage we can do no more except celebrate!

We've had lows, too, with the loss of colleagues — Mike Riddell, a regular writer for Tui Motu, died suddenly in March 2022. Robert Consedine, who had written a regular column until he retired due to failing health, died in September last year. In September we also heard that Jim Elliston, who had written Cross Currents until 2017, had died. Then in December Greg Hings, who had done the layout and design of the magazine for 10 years, died unexpectedly. And Elizabeth Mackie, who had been at the heart of Tui Motu since its foundation, died in February 2023. Even as we mourn the loss of each of them to us and to their families and friends, we recognise the gift they have been for the magazine. It's with grateful hearts that we remember their particular contributions and the generosity with which they shared in Tui Motu life.

Tui Motu magazine runs efficiently. This year, the first post-pandemic year without government assistance and with hikes in the cost of postage, we've watched every cent. Although we've made an operational loss it has been covered by our investments. We will need to address the finances for the sustainability of the magazine.

Ann and I are continually humbled by the generosity of our subscribers — messages of encouragement or ideas for improvement, telling us about the stories they liked, loyalty to the magazine by renewing subscriptions and the gift of donations. You will see from the financial report that donations make a significant contribution to the operational costs of the magazine. And all the volunteers, at every stage of production, make Tui Motu viable. Thank you!

I also acknowledge the sterling work of the Board — officially the Independent Catholic Magazine Board. The directors take their responsibility for the governance of the magazine seriously and work on the best ways to address issues. We have appreciated their support during this year and the way individual directors have assisted us when needed.

The shareholders of the Company, the Dominican Sisters, the Dominican Friars and the Sisters of St Joseph, also make significant contributions to the Company as well as to the operation of the magazine. Thank you!

This year we have been assisted by the Tui Motu Foundation in our promotion and marketing campaign. Thank you!

All the support noted above and throughout the report, suggests why my role as editor is worthwhile and satisfying. I am surrounded with colleagues, especially Ann Hassan, who share the vision for Tui Motu. This year has had its challenges but these have been outweighed by our commitment and enjoyment in producing the magazine. 

It's at times like this when I reflect back on the year that I understand more the blessings of the whole Tui Motu community. Thank you!