Latest Articles
Hair cheer: Haar Design
The beauty industry is buzzing with those summer touch-ups, and one local hair salon is wrapping up a year of barely ever having an empty chair. At Haar Design, Caro is reflecting on the incredible support the salon has seen over the year, thankful for being trusted in the hair health of so many Cantabrians. […]
Indulging intuitively
Mindful and intuitive eating is an increasingly popular way of life in New Zealand. Taking time to enjoy your meals and listening to your body’s hunger cues is as essential as it is topical. At a time when binge and undereating statistics in New Zealand are growing, having a healthy relationship with food is of […]
Te Pae General Manager Ross Steele: A regenerated city
In just under three years since opening, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has become a shining example of the successful regeneration of our city. Hosting a diverse range of national and international conventions, exhibitions, banquets, meetings, and live entertainment, Te Pae is helping to firmly establish Christchurch as a unique destination for global business events. […]
Shoe of the season
Seen on the steppers of Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie, an it-shoe of the season has arrived on our shores. Ballet flats and Mary Janes have been a defining shoe this season, diversifying into this toe-baring offering. Whether you like the mesh/fishnet look or not, it is certainly a breathable summer shoe alternative. […]
Stand up straight! Connect Chiropractic
Whenever posture comes up in conversation, the immediate response is often, “Oh, I have the worst posture.” It’s usually said with a mix of guilt and resignation, as though having poor posture is entirely a personal failing. The truth is that the way most of us live today makes maintaining good posture incredibly difficult, says […]
5-star realty excellence: Raine & Horne
Putting clients’ interests first, even before their own, has produced consistent five-star reviews for one Canterbury real estate duo. Natarsha Crawford and Susan Mullink (pictured) are the team behind Raine & Horne Northwood (formerly Mike Pero Northwood). The dynamic pair bought the franchise in January this year, continuing when it was acquired by, and rebranded […]
Style & functionality for modern Kiwi homes: Canterbury Window Coverings
Interior shutters have long been celebrated as the perfect blend of beauty and practicality, seamlessly fitting both timeless and modern homes. Beyond aesthetics, they enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy, making them a true lifestyle upgrade for the modern Kiwi. Shutters offer an elegant solution for maintaining a comfortable living environment all year round. Their […]
ChristchurchNZ CEO Ali Adams: Strengthening global connections
I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to Japan, filled with fantastic meetings and insights into the future of Christchurch’s global connections. At the Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC) conference, I had the privilege of meeting the Mayor of Kurashiki, Christchurch’s sister city. The bond we share with Kurashiki, along with the insights from […]
Weather radar rebuild complete
MetService’s Canterbury weather radar is back in action after a complete replacement during recent months. The $3.5 million project involved the demolition of the 30-year-old radar and concrete tower, then installing a stronger 19-metre-high steel tower and the new radar on top. Part of an ongoing investment in the New Zealand weather radar network, the […]
Heal your mind in Hanmer
While Christchurch’s lively city promotes social, fitness-filled lifestyles, relaxing mental health days are also essential every so often to re-energise. What better place to rest and recharge than a nearby alpine spa village? Rich in natural surroundings, Hanmer Springs is an ideal location for a wellness getaway. At a time where caring for your health […]
Top tank solution
Water tanks come in all shapes and sizes, often large and unsightly. Now, thanks to an Auckland company, property owners can install slimline tanks that double as stylish fences. In other words, your tank is your fence. Aptly named FenceTank™, you can create an almost invisible, slimline water reuse system that seamlessly blends into the […]
Sharing Christmas magic
Christmas cheer is near, and blissful holiday memory-making has begun. We asked four of our 2024 interviewees to share the way they will spend the festive season. “I absolutely love Christmas. Living much of the year in America has made me fully embrace the idea of celebrating holidays. Not in the commercial sense, but in […]
Master Builders winners
Four Canterbury builders stood out at the 2024 Master Builders House of the Year national awards. A coastal home in Eastbourne, Wellington, built by Planit Construction, won 12 awards, including Supreme House of the Year over $1 million, the Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award, and the New Home over $4 million category. The Supreme Renovation of […]
View from the court
On the holiday horizon are swinging racquets, spiralling rugby balls, and swishing hoops, for some. When not showing the family how it’s done, spend it courtside looking fabulous. Anytime, anywhere, be your accessory a cocktail or racquet, let your wardrobe embrace the essence of that energy, taking inspiration from these looks from Tuesday Label’s The […]
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Cuisine
Why a brewery tour? Wigram Brewing Co
Without stating the obvious, brewery tours are exciting, educational and fun. Getting down to the business end of what’s in your pint of beer is fascinating for both beer and non-beer drinkers alike. Brewery tours help educate and appreciate the science underlying the brewing process and the many complexities involved in perfecting beer styles, while […]
Experience these delectable flavours: Heirloom Cafe
Many ingredients are required for a successful café – delicious food, great coffee and excellent friendly service. One element that is sometimes overlooked however is the ambience of the environment. The new owners of Heirloom Café in the Colombo – Ava and Rajesh – have definitely not overlooked that ingredient. Their cafe is light and […]
Sweet tooth
Food is getting sweeter, and New Zealander’s are becoming more aware of their sugar intake. Luckily, if there is any time to write off the guilt and extra calories, it is the silly season. What we can do though, is manage our portions by utilising gorgeous-looking bite-sized treats. Hosting, visiting, and every catch-up in between, […]
Fuel for adventure: Real Meals
Internationally renowned Kiwi adventure racer Nathan Fa’avae is redefining the freeze-dried meal market with a focus on chef-made quality. After an illustrious career in the adventure racing arena, Nathan Fa’avae set out to improve the standard of freeze-dried meals, and the result is nothing short of exceptional. His Real Meals are crafted with the same […]
Fashion & Beauty
Hair cheer: Haar Design
The beauty industry is buzzing with those summer touch-ups, and one local hair salon is wrapping up a year of barely ever having an empty chair. At Haar Design, Caro is reflecting on the incredible support the salon has seen over the year, thankful for being trusted in the hair health of so many Cantabrians. […]
Indulging intuitively
Mindful and intuitive eating is an increasingly popular way of life in New Zealand. Taking time to enjoy your meals and listening to your body’s hunger cues is as essential as it is topical. At a time when binge and undereating statistics in New Zealand are growing, having a healthy relationship with food is of […]
Shoe of the season
Seen on the steppers of Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence and Sofia Richie, an it-shoe of the season has arrived on our shores. Ballet flats and Mary Janes have been a defining shoe this season, diversifying into this toe-baring offering. Whether you like the mesh/fishnet look or not, it is certainly a breathable summer shoe alternative. […]
Stand up straight! Connect Chiropractic
Whenever posture comes up in conversation, the immediate response is often, “Oh, I have the worst posture.” It’s usually said with a mix of guilt and resignation, as though having poor posture is entirely a personal failing. The truth is that the way most of us live today makes maintaining good posture incredibly difficult, says […]
Home & Living
Luxury holiday style
Humans crave indulgence and comfort, and holidays are a time to dive into all of that – lounging, eating out, and fulfilling passions that top up our cup. It is why we seek, or strive to seek, luxury apartments, hotels, and baches when we head on holiday. Psychologists say these gorgeous spaces we stay in […]
Holiday home flair
Between small touches and bigger statements, your bach can be exactly what it’s made to be: a dreamy escape haven. Craft that holiday state of mind, a warming welcome for your family and guests, through a fresh, natural feel. Lean into holiday home memories, task your group with finding the best seashell to display, or […]
How to hibachi
From simple to sublime, cooking on a hibachi is a delightful way to entertain guests and feed them at the same time. From simple to sublime, cooking on a hibachi is a delightful way to entertain guests and feed them at the same time. The hibachi started as a traditional Japanese fire bowl or brazier, […]
Relaxed living: WovenVeranda
Popularised during the Victorian era, and dating back as early as Ancient Egypt, wicker remains an enduring choice in many modern homes. Archaeologists discovered King Tutankhamun had a ‘royal’ wicker chain in his tomb, and there is no reason you can’t experience the same appreciation for wicker furniture. Christchurch company WovenVeranda offers a captivating selection […]
Build
National architecture winners
The 2024 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards recognised two Canterbury projects amongst the winners, identifying the best of the best architectural design in New Zealand. A Fendalton residence by Sam Connell of Figure & Ground, featured in the 12 December issue of Metropol, won the award for the best New Home over 300m2, while an […]
Te Pae General Manager Ross Steele: A regenerated city
In just under three years since opening, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has become a shining example of the successful regeneration of our city. Hosting a diverse range of national and international conventions, exhibitions, banquets, meetings, and live entertainment, Te Pae is helping to firmly establish Christchurch as a unique destination for global business events. […]
5-star realty excellence: Raine & Horne
Putting clients’ interests first, even before their own, has produced consistent five-star reviews for one Canterbury real estate duo. Natarsha Crawford and Susan Mullink (pictured) are the team behind Raine & Horne Northwood (formerly Mike Pero Northwood). The dynamic pair bought the franchise in January this year, continuing when it was acquired by, and rebranded […]
Style & functionality for modern Kiwi homes: Canterbury Window Coverings
Interior shutters have long been celebrated as the perfect blend of beauty and practicality, seamlessly fitting both timeless and modern homes. Beyond aesthetics, they enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy, making them a true lifestyle upgrade for the modern Kiwi. Shutters offer an elegant solution for maintaining a comfortable living environment all year round. Their […]
ArtScene
A night to remember: Isaac Theatre Royal
Monumental, captivating, history-making. That is how you might describe the celebration that marked 10 years of standing strong once again, for one of Christchurch’s renowned arts establishments. The Isaac Theatre Royal’s Anniversary Variety Gala was an unforgettable celebration of resilience, creativity, and community, marketing and deveolopment manager Bianca Lindstrom says. Opening the evening was none […]
Young creative talent on the rise: Art Metro
Josef Robertson (pictured) may only be in Year 7 at Cobham Intermediate, yet he’s already laying the groundwork for a future in the arts. Inspired by a friend’s involvement, Josef asked his parents if he, too, could join Art Metro’s after-school classes. “I wasn’t in the same group as my friend,” Josef explains. “It didn’t […]
The magic of Christmas: Isaac Theatre Royal
Spoiler alert: A Christmas Royal giveaway is hiding in this story. Christmas in New Zealand is all about sunshine, sand, and days at the beach. Even amidst the barbecues and beach trips, there’s something special about stepping into the Isaac Theatre Royal for a dose of festive magic. In the heart of Christchurch, this grand […]
Write songs that make the whole world sing
For all those budding songwriters out there, an exciting new music scholarship is available, in conjunction with a national songwriting competition. Christchurch-based SOLE Music Academy’s competition is now open to solo songwriters of any genre, aged 15 years and up, from across New Zealand. Academy founder Sacha Vee says the competition is about discovering and […]
Business
Realty contrast in 2024
Despite a challenging year for New Zealand’s property market, moments of resilience and divergence emerged, with multi-million-dollar prestige sales, double-digit gains and declines, and properties selling in as little as seven days. The annual CoreLogic NZ Best of the Best 2024 report highlights the country’s top property sales, highest and lowest growth suburbs and best-performing […]
Getting your business ready for 2025: EBI
2025 is knocking at the door and the economy and customer spending is on the up. What comes next is a world of opportunities. As a business owner, now is the time to sharpen your focus, strategise smartly, and position your company for lasting success. Ready to hit the ground running? Here’s how to prepare […]
Rental demand remains strong: Rentworks Property Management
If there is one thing that unites Kiwis, it is the idea that everyone should have a roof over their head. The intrepid souls that took to boats and crossed the seas from the different nations over centuries were all searching for the same thing. A place to belong, a place to feel secure, and […]
Personalised mortgage advice: NZ Mortgages
Christmas 2024 brings merry news of lower interest rates. As 2024 winds down, the property market is navigating a mix of stabilising interest rates and the seasonal dynamics of home buying. The recent reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 4.25% down from 4.75% does mean better rates are on the cards from the […]
One on One
Animal antics with Mark & Kirsty
Three generations of Cantabrians have grown up with special memories of furry and feathered friends at Willowbank. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch catches up with founding family siblings Kirsty and Mark Willis to look back on its first 50 years. Naturalist, photographer, and writer, Edwin Way Teale once wrote, “Those who wish to pet and baby […]
Sharing Christmas magic
Christmas cheer is near, and blissful holiday memory-making has begun. We asked four of our 2024 interviewees to share the way they will spend the festive season. “I absolutely love Christmas. Living much of the year in America has made me fully embrace the idea of celebrating holidays. Not in the commercial sense, but in […]
BOSS LADY: Abbey Dickson
Abbey Dickson is the brains behind Christchurch’s Fashion Society boutiques. She shares the pivotal moment in becoming her own boss and the journey she has embarked on with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Returning from a fleeting Sydney work trip just the day before, Abbey was wearing a chic Onte vest, straight-cut jeans, and heels […]
On a mission with Corinne Haines
Christchurch’s City Mission CEO Corinne Haines knows all about giving, spending most of her waking moments helping those less fortunate. She talks to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch about her role, and why. Retirement didn’t last long for Corinne Haines. After 45 years in finance and management, mostly in the IT sector, Corinne did call it […]