Latest Articles
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 […]
Reuse, relove: The challenge for the fashion industry
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions – sending roughly 92 million tonnes of textile waste to landfill, of the 100 billion tonnes produced each year. Metropol editor Nina Tucker asks three industry leaders what it means to be a sustainable fashion brand in New Zealand. Fashion is […]
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 […]
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, […]
Hear this for a sharp mind: Bellbird Hearing
Hearing loss, and its association with cognitive decline and poor health, presents one of the largest public health challenges faced by an ageing population. Implications like increased loneliness and isolation often go unnoticed and unaddressed. Research shows that people with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia as those without […]
Best bed for hot sleepers: Dreamwool Beds
Sleep cooler with all-natural, breathable materials. As hot sleepers seek new ways to increase their comfort and quality of rest, some bed manufacturers are responding with a range of technologies and synthetic materials designed to lower the temperature of your sleeping environment. This is often done by adding a top layer of gel […]
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 […]
Fashion fundraiser: Harbour Couture charity gala
“Fundraising to pay for the rebuild of Governors Bay jetty has always been an innovative affair,” smiles Louisa Eades, secretary of the Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust. “We’ve done art auctions, a golf day, music festivals, Santa photos, and a board game.” Next up is Harbour Couture, a fashion gala at the Loons […]
Editor’s note: Star-struck and spaced out
Can we see our future in the stars? No, I’m not talking about astrology, horoscopes and Zodiac signs (although I’m a Leo so I do love reading about myself). I’m talking about space, the final frontier, and whether the future prosperity of Canterbury could be built on an aerospace industry. Why aerospace? Apparently, […]
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 […]
Sweet dreams
Promote your bedscape from boring to beautiful, and fall asleep in luxury each time your head hits the pillow. It’s what’s on the inside that counts for a supportive sleep – but no one said the exterior couldn’t exhibit the ultimate opulence. Research finds that finishing the day in a beautiful bed can […]
Frosty fun in Tekapo
Tekapo transforms into a winter playground over the cooler months. Ride the snow tubes, hit the slopes, and glide on the skating rink. 1. Ice skating Experience the fun and freedom of ice skating on the spacious outdoor rink at Tekapo Springs. This international-sized rink is one of the most scenic in New […]
Safe & secure: Garador
Peace of mind is crucial when buying a garage door – and knowing the company you purchase from will be around to service your warranty is equally important. Experience, too, is an essential factor. It’s lucky that Garador has been manufacturing garage doors since 1946, offering some of the most extensive warranties available. […]
Founder LMA Timber Martin Thompson: Aotearoa and the Amazon rainforest
Each year, two million hectares of Amazon rainforest – an area the size of Wales – are cleared and exported, including to New Zealand. Even when FSC-certified, harvesting tropical hardwood from the Amazon is not sustainable. Consumers need to be aware that it must stop, writes Martin Thompson, founder and director of LMA […]
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Cuisine
Eating more sustainably
Eating sustainably doesn’t require a radical lifestyle overhaul; a few mindful choices can make a big difference for your health and the environment. Here are some practical tips: 1. Shop at local farmers’ markets Support Canterbury growers by shopping at Christchurch Farmers’ Market in Riccarton, the Lyttelton Farmers’ Market, the Riccarton Sunday market, […]
Supreme snack: Gordons Pickles
Tart, tangy, and with a signature crunch – pickles make the perfect snack. With a pickle to suit every occasion and craving, Gordon’s is your local picklery destination – shelves stocked with pickles sliced and whole, all with a distinctive dill flavour and crispness. It doesn’t stop there; the team’s famous gherkin relish, […]
Orange & cranberry spiced mulled wine
Warm up with this deliciously festive and fruity mulled wine from local liquery Sovrano Limoncello. Ingredients 750ml full-bodied red wine 500ml water 300ml Sovrano Orangello 1/4 cup brandy (optional) 1 orange 1 tsp whole cloves 1/2 tsp mixed spice 1 star anise 2 cinnamon quills 1 cup frozen cranberries 150g brown sugar, approx […]
Discover Asia in Ashburton: Formosa
Planning a function? Look no further than Formosa restaurant – a culinary gem serving up the very best of Asia, right in the heart of Ashburton. Named after the island of Taiwan, Formosa restaurant takes inspiration from traditional Taiwanese cuisine and reflects a deep commitment to authentic Asian food. Its fare is expertly […]
Fashion & Beauty
Reuse, relove: The challenge for the fashion industry
The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon emissions – sending roughly 92 million tonnes of textile waste to landfill, of the 100 billion tonnes produced each year. Metropol editor Nina Tucker asks three industry leaders what it means to be a sustainable fashion brand in New Zealand. Fashion is […]
Fashion fundraiser: Harbour Couture charity gala
“Fundraising to pay for the rebuild of Governors Bay jetty has always been an innovative affair,” smiles Louisa Eades, secretary of the Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust. “We’ve done art auctions, a golf day, music festivals, Santa photos, and a board game.” Next up is Harbour Couture, a fashion gala at the Loons […]
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, […]
Embrace grey with confidence: V for Hair Merivale
Master hairstylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee answers your top questions. Do I need to know my natural undertone? “Yes – knowing your skin undertone is not negotiable. It’s the starting point in guiding the right shades of silver, ash, or warm grey to best flatter your complexion.” Why should I think about the haircut too? […]
Health
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 […]
Hear this for a sharp mind: Bellbird Hearing
Hearing loss, and its association with cognitive decline and poor health, presents one of the largest public health challenges faced by an ageing population. Implications like increased loneliness and isolation often go unnoticed and unaddressed. Research shows that people with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia as those without […]
Sustainable healthcare: Medsalv
Healthcare shouldn’t harm the planet yet right now, it does. One Christchurch company is changing that. Every day, hospitals and clinics across Australia and New Zealand generate thousands of tonnes of waste. Globally, the healthcare sector is responsible for around seven per cent of all carbon emissions. From energy-intensive supply chains to the […]
Move that body
The bad news is that daily exercise alone may not be enough to combat a sedentary lifestyle. The good news is that regular exercise ‘snacks’ and active breaks can be literal lifesavers. A few years ago, the headline being shouted across the globe was ‘sitting is the new smoking’. These articles warned us […]
Home & Living
Best bed for hot sleepers: Dreamwool Beds
Sleep cooler with all-natural, breathable materials. As hot sleepers seek new ways to increase their comfort and quality of rest, some bed manufacturers are responding with a range of technologies and synthetic materials designed to lower the temperature of your sleeping environment. This is often done by adding a top layer of gel […]
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 […]
Sweet dreams
Promote your bedscape from boring to beautiful, and fall asleep in luxury each time your head hits the pillow. It’s what’s on the inside that counts for a supportive sleep – but no one said the exterior couldn’t exhibit the ultimate opulence. Research finds that finishing the day in a beautiful bed can […]
Designs that inspire: Perfect Patterns
Transform your house into a home with personalised design guidance from an experienced wall stylist. Some people have a great eye for interiors. That’s why getting expert help can save a fortune in time, money, and renovator’s remorse when you’re updating your home, says Janis McDonald of Perfect Patterns. Formerly of Hubbers Furnishings, […]
One on One
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 […]
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 […]
Mark Rocket: The first Kiwi in space
From playing in a band called Planet Blue to working at an internet startup named Planet, the clues to Mark Rocket’s future were always hiding in plain sight. Now, the Christchurch entrepreneur has become the first New Zealander to travel to space. He sat down with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen to talk […]
Build
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 […]
Safe & secure: Garador
Peace of mind is crucial when buying a garage door – and knowing the company you purchase from will be around to service your warranty is equally important. Experience, too, is an essential factor. It’s lucky that Garador has been manufacturing garage doors since 1946, offering some of the most extensive warranties available. […]
ArtScene
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 […]
The curation of a legendary career
The work of esteemed contemporary Māori sculptor, the late Fred Graham, is being showcased in Toi Whakaata / Reflections, an exhibition coming to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū in late May. A touring exhibition provides a rare opportunity for Ōtautahi to see wood, stone and steel sculpture works made by a […]
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 […]