We have to believe in ourselves if we want others to believe in us. We also need to tell our own stories and celebrate our own region if we want people to visit us, to invest in our enterprises, and to agree that ours is indeed A World of Difference.
There's no better way to show off our special features than on the pages of a well produced magazine - especially if that magazine aligns with our World of Difference values, and the special attributes captured in our unique brand story.
What is it that we should celebrate - in publications like this and in our everyday lives?
From Roxburgh to Ranfurly and from Kokonga to Tarras, from the Nevis to Naseby and all the highways and byways in between, this is a part of New Zealand that rewards both residents and visitors like no other.
You can fish in some of the best trout streams in the country - and you don't need a helicopter to get there.
You can mountain bike, walk, run or ride - or just drive - through a quiet land, coloured by tussock, matagouri, vipers bugloss and bright yellow California poppies, scented by thyme, wild garlic and sweet briar, with a soundtrack dominated by skylarks, quail, and if you're lucky, a native falcon.
This is real New Zealand the way it should be. Friendly, accommodating, affordable, and with great food, world-class wine, excellent coffee, a free Rail Trail, and only a couple of hours from two international airports.
Sound too good to be true? If you live here, or love it here, you'll know I'm right. If you're a first-time visitor, or if the pages of this magazine are your first introduction to Central Otago, you be the judge!
Malcolm Macpherson
Mayor
Central Otago District
Malcolm Macpherson
Monday, August 2, 2010