Latest Articles
Crafted to last: McDonald and Hartshorne
Buying New Zealand-made means investing in the highest quality and expert local craftsmanship. With over 100 years of combined experience, that homegrown skill isn’t hard to find when you know where to look. McDonald and Hartshorne carry out refurbishments from all walks of life, from couch and chair reupholstery to furniture repairs and […]
Honouring those before us:
PG gallery192
Artist Darryn George presents new paintings in his exhibition Mihi, exclusive to view at this leading local gallery from 12 August to 5 September. Born and based in Ōtautahi, acclaimed artist Darryn George is of Ngāpuhi descent. His paintings reflect the breadth of his cultural roots and are anchored in his Christian faith […]
Sleep outside the box: SiloStay
What’s it like to stay in one of the delightful and unique SiloStay apartments located in the heart of Little River? Quirky”, “fantastic”, “fun”, “innovative”, “stylish”, “eco-friendly”, “the coolest”, “so comfortable”, “unforgettable”, “awesome”… these are just some of the words used by people who’ve stayed at a SiloStay apartment. Surrounded by tranquility on […]
Our city’s world-class venue: Te Pae Convention Centre
In the heart of our city, something world-class and wonderful awaits. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre isn’t just a place for major conferences and international exhibitions – it’s a space for our community to connect, celebrate, and create unforgettable experiences. Since opening in December 2021, it has played a key role in revitalising […]
Precious investment: Commonwealth Vault
Centuries before it was a game show, the philosophical concept of the Wheel of Fortune sought to illustrate how luck can change in an instant, with personal actions having little or no impact on where the spinning wheel will land. On a global scale, the wheel of fortune is currently spinning faster than […]
Clothing candy: FashionWorks
Spring is just days away – a celebrated time for renewal, and preparing for the occasions of the season. From restaurant dates to the races, the calendar once again fills with fun. Dressing for each event means finding the right outfit for you and the occasion, whether you’re a wedding guest or heading […]
Outdoors on repeat: Johnson and Couzins
Is the rain, wind and cold ruining your outdoor flow and your family time? Don’t let winter drive you indoors. Imagine a world where you can enjoy your outdoor space with ease and in any weather, thanks to the perfect balance of protection. That dream is possible with Johnson and Couzins’ SkyLouvres. This […]
Editor’s note: Events & being ‘extra’
It’s August – that means Christmas is just around the corner. Yes, I have already asked around the Metropol office how early is too early to put the tree up. The answer? Not yet. I’ll persevere. The time in between now and December flies like a rocket as the social calendar comes back […]
Bringing the fun: Chipmunks Playland Wigram
Wigram is home to one family hub celebrating seven years as a destination for fun, learning and play for children in Christchurch. Recognised as a place to make special memories with friends and whānau, duty manager Charmaine Abalos believes Chipmunks Wigram is so much more than just a play centre. “What makes Chipmunks […]
The Great Escape
The newest incarnation of the ever-evolving Ford Escape Titanium is out now. Metropol writer Ben Selby spent a week with the latest from the Ford family. For the Ford Escape, one thing has remained constant through its many iterations: its ability to shake up and surprise one of the most competitive new car […]
4 ways to maximalise
Maximalism is your gateway to ‘more is more’. Entirely expressive and impossible to replicate, this interior design practice is a unique way to inject your home with personality and amplify its intrigue. If you’re formally rejecting and renouncing the minimalist’s subdued aesthetic, here are four ways to make maximalism work. LAYER Embrace the […]
Christchurch charm:
Christchurch Attractions
Activities that capture the area’s energy make an ordinary event thrive. Christchurch is home to a variety of options that exude the city’s classic charm. Thanks to Christchurch Attractions, filling a day of fun for delegates or guests in and around the city can be done with the help of one friendly team. […]
Bespoke & beautiful:
Dandelion and Clover
A thriving café at its core, this West Melton venue has evolved to host the milestones and memorable moments of its community thanks to an owner with a particularly big heart. Heralding from South Africa, Dandelion and Clover’s Jenny Swift feels at home during celebrations of all kinds. “I’m no stranger to that […]
Celebrating design innovation: Lockwood
Get ready to vote in these popular House of the Year awards. August will see the finalists in the popular House of the Year awards announced at Lockwood’s builder network conference before being opened for public vote through the company’s website and social media channels. An annual competition, it recognises outstanding homes built […]
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Cuisine
Private parties perfected: Crowne Plaza Christchurch
If you need a truly elevated space for special gatherings, read on for a sophisticated hidden gem… More than a venue, 1851 Social Bar and Lounge was crafted with elevated events in mind. Exquisite surroundings coupled with impeccable hosting and a tantalising menu promises that this is an ideal place for your next […]
Slow-smoked & supreme: Smoke ‘n’ Barrel
Days are growing longer and we’re finally getting the go-ahead to plan for party season. Secure your event eats now – low and slow meat catering is where it’s at. Sounds of surprise and delight fill the room when the team at at Smoke ‘n’ Barrel when they present their array of low […]
Latte to love: Café Comma
A delicious new chapter in Christchurch dining. Since opening its doors in September 2024, Café Comma has quickly become one of Christchurch’s must-visit destinations. Located at 287 Durham Street North, this vibrant café impresses with a seamless blend of stunning design, culinary flair, and warm hospitality. Open early six days a week, it’s […]
Bespoke & beautiful:
Dandelion and Clover
A thriving café at its core, this West Melton venue has evolved to host the milestones and memorable moments of its community thanks to an owner with a particularly big heart. Heralding from South Africa, Dandelion and Clover’s Jenny Swift feels at home during celebrations of all kinds. “I’m no stranger to that […]
Fashion & Beauty
Clothing candy: FashionWorks
Spring is just days away – a celebrated time for renewal, and preparing for the occasions of the season. From restaurant dates to the races, the calendar once again fills with fun. Dressing for each event means finding the right outfit for you and the occasion, whether you’re a wedding guest or heading […]
Making hair goals happen: Haar Design
Master stylist Caro Haar introduces two new team members to keep up with demand at her popular Merivale hair salon. No stranger to being sought-after, Caro Haar, director of Haar Design, has added both established and emerging talent to her team this year. Master stylists Janelle Fynmore and Savanna Penderis were welcomed in […]
All-natural luxury: OFI Linen
Inspired by the quality of natural fibres and European-designed elegance, one Christchurch boutique is building the wardrobes of countless Cantabrians. OFI Linen stocks its shelves with the best textiles including cashmere, silk, cotton, and linen – with a focus on ethical labels and production processes. In-store, the experience is just as exquisite, with […]
The runway returns: NZ Fashion Week is back
New Zealand’s fashion industry and sartorial spirit will awaken after years of a rocky, uncertain future from 25 August. Thanks to a team of determined creatives and generous supporters, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) returns to Auckland with six days of shows and exhibitions for an industry deprived of this event since 2023. […]
Health
6 ways to reduce sugar
(and tackle meno belly)
Are you struggling with perimenopause or menopause belly? You’re not alone. Fellow menopausal belly battler and Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen goes in search of the villains. Top of the list? Sugar. There you are, going about your business, getting on with living your life when suddenly, from seemingly out of nowhere, a […]
The cuddle chemical:
The healing power of hugging
A hug lasting 20 seconds can have a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. The average length of a hug between two people is three seconds. Researchers, though, have discovered something amazing. When a hug lasts 20 seconds or more, it stimulates the release of oxytocin, lowers cortisol levels, and helps regulate […]
Itchy, dry skin this winter?
As colder temperatures continue and heaters remain on high, many people experience itchy, dry skin. Suffering from dry, itchy skin in winter is a common condition that can affect anyone. Often called ‘winter itch’ or pruritus hiemalis, older adults with naturally drier skin are more susceptible. Why ‘winter’ itch? Because when temperatures drop, […]
World-class care: Muscle People
Christchurch has fast become a hub of community, positivity, and good health. Radiating those values and nestled within some of the city’s most giving spaces, is a physiotherapy clinic reshaping what it means to offer world-class care. When you step inside the Muscle People clinic, you expect state-of-the-art service – because that is […]
Home & Living
Crafted to last: McDonald and Hartshorne
Buying New Zealand-made means investing in the highest quality and expert local craftsmanship. With over 100 years of combined experience, that homegrown skill isn’t hard to find when you know where to look. McDonald and Hartshorne carry out refurbishments from all walks of life, from couch and chair reupholstery to furniture repairs and […]
Outdoors on repeat: Johnson and Couzins
Is the rain, wind and cold ruining your outdoor flow and your family time? Don’t let winter drive you indoors. Imagine a world where you can enjoy your outdoor space with ease and in any weather, thanks to the perfect balance of protection. That dream is possible with Johnson and Couzins’ SkyLouvres. This […]
4 ways to maximalise
Maximalism is your gateway to ‘more is more’. Entirely expressive and impossible to replicate, this interior design practice is a unique way to inject your home with personality and amplify its intrigue. If you’re formally rejecting and renouncing the minimalist’s subdued aesthetic, here are four ways to make maximalism work. LAYER Embrace the […]
Celebrating design innovation: Lockwood
Get ready to vote in these popular House of the Year awards. August will see the finalists in the popular House of the Year awards announced at Lockwood’s builder network conference before being opened for public vote through the company’s website and social media channels. An annual competition, it recognises outstanding homes built […]
One on One
Power, purpose, & the gift of midlife: Petra Bagust & Niki Bezzant
Midlife gets a bad rap – often portrayed as a slow descent into elastic waistbands and forgetting why you walked into a room. Television personality Petra Bagust and acclaimed journalist Niki Bezzant tell Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen that finding yourself in your fifties might be the best chapter yet. Midlife is a […]
Read or rust: Novelist Kate De Goldi says books are critical to our wellbeing in an AI age
Award-winning author and Aotearoa’s new Te Awhi Rito reading ambassador Kate De Goldi says our brains are under siege – by screens, algorithms, and the distraction of ever-pinging phones. The WORD Festival guest tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen that the solution is beautifully simple: sustained reading to rebuild attention, empathy and imagination, […]
The rapid rise of rugby’s Jorja Miller
At four years old, Black Fern Jorja Miller was already charging around a rugby field with her older brother. Two decades later, she tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen that she is chasing down Olympic medals, World Cups, and a total overhaul of how we think about women’s rugby. Jorja Miller may now […]
Miriama’s mahi: We chat with Miriama Kamo
Miriama Kamo might just be our next mother of the nation – at the least the closest we’ve got to Mother Earth. Metropol editor Nina Tucker catches up with the multimedia journalist and sustainability savvy maven. Much has changed for Miriama Kamo since Sunday, the current affairs show she anchored, fell over in […]
Build
Celebrating design innovation: Lockwood
Get ready to vote in these popular House of the Year awards. August will see the finalists in the popular House of the Year awards announced at Lockwood’s builder network conference before being opened for public vote through the company’s website and social media channels. An annual competition, it recognises outstanding homes built […]
Pick Jim, your trusted local builder: Jim The Builder
Building excellence should be simple, honest, and done right. Since 2005, Jim the Builder has been turning big dreams into solid, lasting structures, right across Canterbury. As a proudly local company, this team understand the needs of the region and put their clients’ visions at the heart of every project they design, plan, […]
Catch that dachshund!
A trend is emerging – it seems impossible to step inside one of Canterbury’s home and living stores without a dashingly long sausage dog in your sights. Are you ready to let the dachshund dominate your homewares? 1. Large Favourite Thing Dachshund mug, Robert Gordon. 2. Le Chien Dachshund mug, Adairs. 3. Looooong […]
Boost for eco buildings
A new Council initiative aims to raise the profile of eco buildings. Owners of energy-efficient buildings in Christchurch can now have that noted as a badge of honour on their property files. Christchurch City Council has launched a new initiative as part of its eco design advisor service where buildings that meet recognised […]
ArtScene
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.” […]
Steve’s scene
Internationally renowned music publicist and consultant, not to mention Dolly Parton’s publicist across New Zealand and Australia, Steve Guest shares the latest in our creative industry. Canterbury, it’s getting chilly outside. Just ask the recent Crusaders crowd huddled within Apollo Projects Stadium watching them bring the championship home. We’ve been entertained by an […]
An evening with the Cowboy Junkies: Isaac Theatre Royal
Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies return to Christchurch this November to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen caught up with songwriter Michael Timmins. In 1988, when Canadian alt-country legends Cowboy Junkies released their slow, haunting version of Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane, little did they know they’d still be playing it […]
Business
Shooting for the stars: Canterbury’s aerospace industry
Is aerospace the key to our future prosperity? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen reports on plans to quadruple the value of our region’s aerospace industry in just 10 years while honouring the values of sustainability and diversity. Is the future prosperity of Canterbury found in the stars? Leaders in the region’s aerospace sector […]
Canterbury’s bold B Corp businesses
Can you imagine an economy that’s designed to support people and planet? That’s what the B Corp movement is about and Canterbury has a hard core of companies determined to do better business. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen goes in search of Canterbury’s B Corps. What’s a B Corp? It refers to a […]
Join the flock: Get Flocked
Knitting, crocheting, and crafts alike are experiencing a resurgence in popularity – from handmade chunky sweaters and blankets to knitted scarves with retro designs. Such crafts come with countless benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety and encouraging mindfulness. By providing a sense of calm, knitting can lower the heart rate and reduce cortisol, […]
Dropping like it’s hot: The fall and fall of the OCR
The fall and fall of the Official Cash Rate – what does it all mean? Metropol’s Tamara Pitelen investigates. Did the economy get a boost from the Official Cash Rate (OCR) cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) last month? That is the million-dollar question and opinions vary amongst the people […]
