Latest Articles
Springing forward: Gavin Lloyd
Canterbury property has seen a strong start to spring. The spring selling season is well underway and Trade Me Property has seen a surge in new listings. In September, national listings were up close to six per cent year-on-year and nearly 19 per cent from August. We also saw property searches by prospective […]
Ice, ice, baby: Alison Adams
Our $328 million link to the ice of Antarctica. The weather might be warming up, but I’d like to talk about ice. The start of a new Antarctic season is a great time to reflect on our role as a Gateway City to Antarctica. Each year, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosts a number of international […]
Doors & Windows: First Windows & Doors Christchurch
From entrance doors to windows, sliders, bi-folds and more, it’s a new era for home solutions with windows and doors designed and built for our challenging climate. Contemporary windows and doors have the power to transform a home. Make sure the ones you choose not only look incredible but are built to stand […]
Biscoff bash
Biscoff seems to be the trend that won’t go away, so foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe decided she may as well lean into it. This Biscoff mousse recipe from her latest cookbook Seasoned invites all the party energy in glassware to suit the season. INGREDIENTS 315g white chocolate 5 egg yolks 100g Biscoff […]
Chocolate Rum Balls
Sue Heazlewood of Tangleby Gardens introduces a family Christmas favourite, these delightful chocolate rum balls from her latest cookbook, ‘Beautiful Baking’. INGREDIENTS – makes 20 balls 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/3 cup rum 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 […]
The buzz is building: Mayor Phil Mauger
Christchurch is the capital of cool and Show Week is all set to go off with a bang. It’s been great to hit the ground running in the new Council term. We’re cracking straight into work on the Annual Plan, looking for as many ways as we can to get the rates down. […]
New museum underway
Construction has started on the Canterbury Museum’s new basement and building. Earlier this month, an overnight concrete pour marked the official start of construction on the new base-isolated basement and building at the Canterbury Museum redevelopment site on Rolleston Avenue in central Christchurch. Leighs Construction contractors poured the first slab for the outer […]
Te Kaha countdown
Construction of the city’s new stadium remains on budget and on track to open in April 2026. With six months until the city’s new stadium opens its doors, the roof is finished, and the landscaping works are coming along in leaps and bounds. Christchurch City Council project director Kent Summerfield says the last […]
Kicking injuries to touch: Muscle People
With the start of summer, we love to get active; cricket, tennis, touch rugby, and tramping. All the outdoor activities that New Zealanders love increase the risk of common injuries such as strains and sprains or ligament injuries. A Kiwi summer is our favourite time of year to get back into sports and […]
Easy, Breezy: Belleza Boutique
When building your spring and summer wardrobe, one local boutique is a beacon of style – leading the way with diverse and inclusive clothing. At Belleza Boutique in The Crossing, owner Anna Green finds beautiful, functional fashion to take you from relaxed workdays and weekends to garden parties and evening soirées.
Hear the joy this festive season: Bellbird Hearing
As the year draws to a close, social calendars fill with festive gatherings. For many, though, hearing loss can turn these joyful occasions into moments of awkwardness and isolation. Help is close at hand. “People are surprised to discover how modern and discreet today’s hearing aids are,” says Bellbird Hearing clinic manager and […]
CBD apartment appeal: TAO Homes
Christchurch’s continued population growth is making apartments an attractive prospect for property investment. The South Island’s biggest city is experiencing population growth, and with that comes demand for high-quality housing, says Tao Homes director Tao Meng. The opportunity, he says, is that there is not enough supply, which makes it the perfect time […]
Invisible orthodontics: Orthodontix
Wearing braces doesn’t mean hiding your smile. More than five million smiles have been created with clear aligner treatment – why not make yours next? Thousands of New Zealanders are insecure about their smile. Are you one of them? Thanks to The Invisible Orthodonist, a global network of like-minded orthodontists committed to offering […]
Our heroes live on: by Chris Korako – Inspire Me Women
At a recent Inspire Me Women breakfast – a fun morning of eggs Benedict, laughter and great discussion – we put a question to the group: Who is your hero? Heroes varied yet the theme remained – people who impacted our lives with unconditional love, who left their fingerprint on our soul, or […]
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Cuisine
Biscoff bash
Biscoff seems to be the trend that won’t go away, so foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe decided she may as well lean into it. This Biscoff mousse recipe from her latest cookbook Seasoned invites all the party energy in glassware to suit the season. INGREDIENTS 315g white chocolate 5 egg yolks 100g Biscoff […]
Chocolate Rum Balls
Sue Heazlewood of Tangleby Gardens introduces a family Christmas favourite, these delightful chocolate rum balls from her latest cookbook, ‘Beautiful Baking’. INGREDIENTS – makes 20 balls 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/3 cup rum 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 […]
White Christmas slice
We’ll all be dreaming of a white Christmas with this mouth-watering festive treat. INGREDIENTS 500g quality white chocolate 1 1/2 cups rice bubbles 1/2 cup red glacé cherries 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered 3/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts 1/4 cup sultanas and/or golden raisins 1 cup desiccated coconut For the topping: 1 […]
Roasted fresh: Coffee Worx
There’s a good reason why coffee lovers choose freshly roasted beans, the difference in taste is undeniable. When coffee is roasted, hundreds of unique flavour and aroma compounds are created, giving each cup its signature note –caramel, chocolate, berry, spice. However, these energetic compounds degrade over time. Exposure to air, moisture, and light […]
Fashion & Beauty
Easy, Breezy: Belleza Boutique
When building your spring and summer wardrobe, one local boutique is a beacon of style – leading the way with diverse and inclusive clothing. At Belleza Boutique in The Crossing, owner Anna Green finds beautiful, functional fashion to take you from relaxed workdays and weekends to garden parties and evening soirées.
Hat tricks – curated by Nina Tucker
The best part about spring is the colour palette – and I’m seeing deliciously soft and supple hues across the city. The second best thing is hats reclaiming a regular home on our heads. Beyond their purpose to shade us from the sun, hats serve as a sartorial staple. Running an errand in […]
Cut and colour to compliment you: V for Hair
“Your hairstyle should enhance your natural features, suit your lifestyle, and make you feel confident every day,” says master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. Her team of expert stylists and precision cutters at V for Hair Merivale specialise in creating personalised looks to harmonise with your skin tone, eye colour, and individual style. Renowned nationwide […]
Let nature speak this Christmas: Tholsie & Co.
Invite a wilder, more elegant festive season layered with nature’s beauty, rich in texture and styled with quiet elegance. Let nature speak, softly transforming your home with its quiet magic. Let your festivities feel effortless, elegant, and beautifully wild,” says Melanie Collins of florist Tholsie & Co. The refined floral boutique within The […]
Health
Kicking injuries to touch: Muscle People
With the start of summer, we love to get active; cricket, tennis, touch rugby, and tramping. All the outdoor activities that New Zealanders love increase the risk of common injuries such as strains and sprains or ligament injuries. A Kiwi summer is our favourite time of year to get back into sports and […]
Hear the joy this festive season: Bellbird Hearing
As the year draws to a close, social calendars fill with festive gatherings. For many, though, hearing loss can turn these joyful occasions into moments of awkwardness and isolation. Help is close at hand. “People are surprised to discover how modern and discreet today’s hearing aids are,” says Bellbird Hearing clinic manager and […]
Invisible orthodontics: Orthodontix
Wearing braces doesn’t mean hiding your smile. More than five million smiles have been created with clear aligner treatment – why not make yours next? Thousands of New Zealanders are insecure about their smile. Are you one of them? Thanks to The Invisible Orthodonist, a global network of like-minded orthodontists committed to offering […]
Our heroes live on: by Chris Korako – Inspire Me Women
At a recent Inspire Me Women breakfast – a fun morning of eggs Benedict, laughter and great discussion – we put a question to the group: Who is your hero? Heroes varied yet the theme remained – people who impacted our lives with unconditional love, who left their fingerprint on our soul, or […]
Home & Living
Love your louvre: Louvre Solutions
Imagine having the luxury of continuing your outdoor summer soirées even after the sun goes down. Canterbury-based Louvre Solutions are experts in extending your indoor outdoor flow so you can extend your gatherings long into the evening. Whether entertaining, relaxing, or simply expanding your indoor area, the team can create a custom space […]
Fine furniture: Gavin Cox Furniture
You can’t beat quality, solid timber furniture that’s made exactly as you want it, right here in Christchurch. Handcrafting beautiful bespoke furniture from solid timbers is both an art and a science, combining artistry with a deep understanding of materials. If anyone understands this, it’s the team at Sydenham-based Gavin Cox Furniture, where […]
Treasure trove: Woolston Emporium
From antiques to eclectic accessories, curiosities and vintage clothing, discover a treasure trove of unique finds from 12 businesses under one roof. By definition, an emporium is a cornucopia of discovery and local shopping gem. The Woolston Emporium, captures this spirit beautifully. “Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated collection of vintage […]
The magic of Christmas: One World
Create a space with a luxurious festive feel that shines with style and sophistication. Make your Christmas a OneWorld Christmas – find a beautiful collection curated with timeless elegance in mind in stock now. Christchurch’s home of the Hamptons, this gorgeous retail store at 114 Carlyle Street, Sydenham, is full of fabulous pieces […]
One on One
Priscilla’s new purpose
Priscilla Presley grew into womanhood in isolation and restriction. On 19 November at the Isaac Theatre Royal, ‘An Evening with Priscilla Presley: Life After Elvis’ takes back control of her own narrative – a privilege she wasn’t often afforded during her time with the King of Rock and Roll. The resilient Ms Presley […]
No bottles, no bull: Brianne West’s next big thing
From kitchen-table experiments to multi-million dollar exits, Brianne West has built a career on shaking up wasteful industries. First beauty, now beverages. The Christchurch entrepreneur, environmentalist, and reluctant rich-lister tells deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how, with her new venture Incrediballs, she’s taking on Big Soda. In 2020, Christchurch entrepreneur and environmentalist Brianne West […]
The power of resilience – Jake Bailey
At age 18, Jake Bailey was told he could be dead within two weeks from the fastest-growing cancer known to man. Days later, he delivered his end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys’ High School. The video went viral. Today, at the 10-year anniversary of that watershed experience, he talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara […]
Matilda’s mental health movement
On 29 November at Rolleston’s Foster Park, Matilda Green will be one of thousands attempting to break the world record for the largest high intensity interval training (HIIT) class ever – raising awareness and funds for mental health. The media personality talks to Metropol editor Nina Tucker about HIIT for Hope, motherhood, and […]
Build
Springing forward: Gavin Lloyd
Canterbury property has seen a strong start to spring. The spring selling season is well underway and Trade Me Property has seen a surge in new listings. In September, national listings were up close to six per cent year-on-year and nearly 19 per cent from August. We also saw property searches by prospective […]
Ice, ice, baby: Alison Adams
Our $328 million link to the ice of Antarctica. The weather might be warming up, but I’d like to talk about ice. The start of a new Antarctic season is a great time to reflect on our role as a Gateway City to Antarctica. Each year, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosts a number of international […]
Doors & Windows: First Windows & Doors Christchurch
From entrance doors to windows, sliders, bi-folds and more, it’s a new era for home solutions with windows and doors designed and built for our challenging climate. Contemporary windows and doors have the power to transform a home. Make sure the ones you choose not only look incredible but are built to stand […]
The buzz is building: Mayor Phil Mauger
Christchurch is the capital of cool and Show Week is all set to go off with a bang. It’s been great to hit the ground running in the new Council term. We’re cracking straight into work on the Annual Plan, looking for as many ways as we can to get the rates down. […]
ArtScene
Sir Dave Dobbyn: Selected Songs
Sir Dave Dobbyn – Selected Songs At the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, 9 November 2025 Reviewed by Ian Knott. Photo credit: George Thomson / Live Nation Aotearoa – @Georgetommo / @livenationaotearoa When it comes to New Zealand music legends, few come bigger than the somewhat ironically diminutive Sir Dave Dobbyn. With a career […]
Life’s biggest questions: Isaac Theatre Royal
How did we get here? Is there life beyond Earth? Can you actually lick your own elbow? Introducing Creation Creation, a deeply thought-provoking journey of life’s biggest questions answered (sort of). At Isaac Theatre Royal’s Creation Creation on Sunday 12 November, two wildly inventive performers set out to tackle these very questions, and […]
The musical Christchurch never forgot: Blood Brothers at Isaac Theatre Royal
In the 1990s, a touring production of Blood Brothers, starring David Soul as the narrator, came to Christchurch and left a lasting impression. This September, it returns with renewed energy and local heart. Those who saw it the first time around still speak of the experience – the laughter, heartbreak, and the final […]
Creative Canterbury
Canterbury is the place to be if you’re seeking creative spirit and stimulation – and the spotlight is on our young artists. “Ōtautahi has so many empty windows and so many incredible artists. Projects like this show that we don’t need big budgets or permanent venues to support our artists and activate our city.” […]
Business
Selling the Banks Peninsula lifestyle: Bayleys’ Liane Bean
Tucked between the Port Hills and the Pacific, Banks Peninsula homes come with more than breathtaking views; they carry stories, memories, and community ties. In this unique market, local expertise is key to connecting people with place. With a median sale price of about $955,000 and a unique lifestyle offering, Banks Peninsula stands […]
From survival to revival: Luke Piper
No-one can pretend it hasn’t been a tough couple of years but finally the green shoots of a genuine recovery are at last on the horizon. If 2024’s mantra was ‘survive to 2025’, this year’s has felt more like ‘survive 2025’. It’s been another grind for many businesses – costs rising, margins tightening, […]
Assisted, not artificial
The future of business clarity lies in embracing the assistance offered by AI, writes Olivia Hale, co-owner of digital marketing agency Digital Influence. When we talk to business leaders about AI, we often start with a simple reframe: stop thinking of it as Artificial Intelligence, start seeing it as Assisted Intelligence. That shift […]
New social housing: Vanessa Weenink
More than 65 new social homes will be delivered in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers (CHPs) in Linwood, Merivale, and Somerfield. Our Government is committed to providing improved social housing. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need. Having warm, dry […]
