When the first issue of Coromind came out, I already knew it would be something special. I had been friends with Leo and Taylor for years, and watched them pour their creativity and energy into Altbays Table Talk, their podcast that sparked honest conversations and unexpected connections. So when they told me about their next adventure – creating a free magazine for the Coromandel – I knew whatever they made would have heart, vision, and personality. Still, when I picked up that first issue, I was truly impressed. The design, photography and mix of voices all felt vibrant and alive. It was the kind of magazine you don’t just flick through; you linger over it, page after page, meeting the people, places and stories that make this peninsula so unique.
I’m originally from France and have been lucky to call the Coromandel home for the past ten years. Moving halfway across the world meant swapping baguettes and raclette for pies and fish and chips, and learning that no matter the weather or temperature, you can wear shorts every day.
Settling into this special part of the world has been a journey of discovery, not just of the landscapes and lifestyle, but of the rich creative community thriving here. That’s where Coromind shines. It’s more than just a magazine; it’s a vibrant reflection of the Coromandel’s spirit, capturing the quirks, talents and stories that truly make this place feel like home.
I kept following Coromind issue after issue, aware of the hard work behind the scenes: the late nights, endless layouts, and countless calls and emails required to bring each issue to life. Yet every edition always looked effortless. The magazine quickly became a showcase for the peninsula’s talent: painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and so on … all sharing their work side by side, telling our collective story.
So when the magazine featured my art on Issue 14, I felt a genuine sense of pride. Having been there from the early days as a friend, now I was stepping into the pages myself. Seeing my work printed alongside other local artists was a moment of connection and belonging I’ll always cherish.
One of the first things I did was send a copy to my family in France. It wasn’t just about sharing my paintings; it was about giving them a glimpse of the community that inspires me; the creative spirit flowing through this place. My parents could flip through those pages and see the Coromandel’s beauty not only in landscapes, but in the people who call it home.
Since then, every issue has introduced me to someone new; painters who bring the Coromandel’s landscapes to life with skill and passion, writers whose stories capture the everyday moments and unique spirit of this community. That’s what Coromind does best: it brings us together and shows the many ways our diverse voices tell the story of this place. Looking back, my relationship with the magazine reflects my own journey here, starting as an observer, then becoming a participant, and now feeling deeply proud to be part of the creative community it celebrates.
So next time you spot Coromind – in a café, a shop or a supermarket – take it home. Spend time with it. Let it open a window onto the Coromandel through the eyes of its artists and storytellers. You might just see yourself reflected there, too.
Words by S. Pan
Coromind: Coromandel’s Collaborative Magazine
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