Editors’ Notes

Fran Ninow Co-editor

As I write there is a big clean up happening in our tiny country –especially in the eastern parts of the North Island – and you have probably been affected in some way, or know someone who has. Our hearts go out to you, but if there is something I’ve learnt in life it is to look forward to what can be, not back to what was. Life is filled with challenges, and these certainly won’t be the last. On the plus side, change often follows closely in the wake of challenge, and while often difficult, change can be good, as with change comes opportunity.

February has seen me develop a new respect for three people, and yes, they are all women: Kirsten Wise, Rehette Stolz and our own Desley Simpson, who have tirelessly devoted themselves to their communities, doing their utmost to communicate, engendering courage, wisdom and strength.

Resourceful as ever, Rehette Stolz arranged the printing of thousands upon thousands of free Gisborne Heralds which were dropped to service stations, grocery stores, and to people’s homes. She did this so that, during a time when digital comms were down, messages of safety and encouragement would nevertheless reach her people.

It’s quite amazing how we’ve all been seduced by the digital era… some of us going as far as to be convinced that print is dead. But in reality, as evidenced over and over again, magazines and books know no expiration date, and in today’s world of instant gratification and endless bite-size distraction, there remains an ongoing need for print – especially in a younger generation, that hankers after a variety of experiences, including those that are tactile, and an escape from technology.

Our company is about to enter its 20th year, and while we embrace the changing landscape – we also believe that there is nothing more palliative than a gorgeous, transportive magazine. So without more ado, jump in and enjoy this joyful issue of Verve

And if you have any suggestions, please write to us, we are always happy to hear what you are loving or would like to see change. Let’s make good things happen together.

Fran xx

Jude Mitchell Co-editor

Why are we obsessed with the mind-blowing ChatGPT AI Chatbot?

It’s easy to use and very entertaining! For a bit of fun, I invited ChatGPT to pen this month’s editor’s note, asking it to write about a failed dessert at my dinner party for eight by entering the subject line: A dinner party that was so much fun but the host’s dessert was a failure.

The results might be as good as my dessert – you be the judge!

“The dinner party was going so well, the food was delicious, the conversation lively and everyone was having a great time – until the dessert arrived. The host had worked all day to perfect the amazing Mexican chocolate cake. But upon plating it up the guests faces went from smiles to expressions of sheer horror. It was tasteless. Despite the hilarious disaster, the host was incredibly resilient, brushing off the failure with a shrug and a joke and quickly diverting everyone to get up and dance! Thank goodness for the hosts resilience and quick thinking.”

Well, it’s hardly Deborah Levy, yet it is passable as a description of an event that never happened. Being intrigued, I continued to instruct this tireless scribe to hit a subject more evasive and slippery by asking ChatGPT to write something about ‘beauty’.

“Beauty is an intangible concept, something that is ultimately subjective and different to everyone. Beauty is about radiating a favourable aura and feeling – about having an internal glow that attracts others. The concept of beauty is something far greater than just physical appearance. Beauty is also about being yourself – not having to pretend to be something you’re not in order to please others or fit in. Beauty is an emotion – it’s up to us to find this inner beauty, appreciate it, and let it shine through.”

I entertained myself for hours asking ChatGPT to write on all types of subjects – time that I should have been doing other things, I might add. My overall sense is that like much technology, it’s a tool, and in the right hands and with some knowhow, probably capable of wondrous things. However, without the human hand being involved in editing and deciphering, ChatGPT comes across as unemotional, cold and can certainly get facts wrong – ChatGPT’s grasp on truth is encumbered by all the disinformation online.

Being human, one thing I do know to be true is that this issue of Verve is full of beautiful ideas and design, and I’m so delighted to have such beautiful imagery gracing our pages.

Have a wonderful month, Jude x

Specialist Obstetricians.

Auckland Obstetric Centre is a unique practice in Parnell made up of six leading specialist obstetricians and support staff. Together we have many years of experience and feel privileged to be able to share in the care of women during their pregnancy. To find out more about how we can care for you and your baby call our team or visit our website.

09 367 1200 obstetrics.co.nz