Southern-based culture and lifestyle magazine, The Life, celebrated its milestone 10th edition last night with a launch party shining the spotlight on southern talent.

The team that likes to seek the south’s unsung heroes, celebrated with supporters of the magazine at a location of a similar description; The Church 1914. A glamorous venue standing resolute on Ness Street.

Highlighting hidden gems, talent and innovators across the south was a strong theme for the evening, with fire dancing at the entrance, a line-up of local singer songwriters performing, local catering, and aerial acrobatics spinning from the steepled ceiling of the church.

Sir Tim Shadbolt’s history with the magazine goes back to its inception, initially pitching the idea of a high-end glossy magazine to showcase the south and the region’s successes.

On the magazine’s 10th birthday, Sir Tim’s involvement shifted from supporting from the side-line, to being showcased as a tribute story to his mayoral legacy.

"I love the way the concept of a local Metro-type publication has evolved to become a slick showcase of what makes our region unique. It's a very cool magazine.

“Aerial artists and fire eaters aren't run of the mill at the launch events I usually attend, but this is no ordinary stock-standard publication,” Sir Tim Shadbolt said.

The Life editor Carla Forbes said it was truly wonderful to have a party dedicated to celebrating Southland’s success.

“The evening was a time for everyone to come together, to celebrate the south, the wins and inspiring stories after the unprecedented and tough past few years due to COVID-19,” Forbes said.

Local media attended with content creators and writers to celebrate the stories of the south.

ILT Marketing Manager Angee Shand commented it was important to share the stories and showcase the talent found in the southern regions.

“We have so much to offer with such a lot of growth, development and new industry. This magazine is an extraordinary platform to share our success, and the unique celebration was a very apt launch for their 10^th birthday,” Shand said.