Latest Articles
Escape the vape
The jury is back on vaping – it’s not good news. A major international study has confirmed what health experts in New Zealand have long warned: vaping is not a harmless habit. Published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, the groundbreaking study tracked over 250,000 people and found a strong link between vaping and […]
Flu fighters: St Albans Pharmacy
Don’t let the flu virus get you this season. Here in New Zealand, the flu season typically runs from May to October. The colder months bring the usual onslaught of sniffles and sneezes, but for some people, the flu can be deadly. If you’re looking to get more protection from severe illness, St Albans Pharmacy […]
What to do in Wellington
World of WearableArt (WOW) An adored reason to travel to the capital, WOW is a renowned fashion and wearable art extravaganza. Explore the outdoors From Zealandia to the Botanic Gardens, serene walks and bush reserves, Wellington is home to nature galore, city-wide and beyond. Shop local Wellington’s iconic shopping district, ‘The Golden Mile’ between Lambton […]
Outerwear ultimates
Outerwear is a dual champion in dressing – both elevating an outfit and keeping us warm. Discover the latest in local fashion and get your wardrobe winter-ready. Curated by Nina Tucker. Help! How do I style the… Bomber: Labelled by Vogue as “the outerwear gift that keeps on giving”, bombers are a locked-in style for […]
The in and out in outerwear
This weather has us feeling like Goldilocks, scrambling to find a gorgeous layer not too hot nor cold. A sartorial metaphor – we search for something lighter than a coat yet more protective of the elements than knitwear. Thankfully, designers and stylists have determined what’s in and out of outwear for the season ahead, so […]
5 winter nail favourites
Your guide to this season’s ultimate manicure shades. Cocoa & caramel Pigmented or not-so-much, brown neutral shades are staple nail picks for winter. Marrying luxury and cosy vibes, cocoa or caramel hues pack a punch while embodying sweet treats. Tip: Light caramel or rich chocolate are on-trend, meeting the mocha mousse moment. Sultry red A […]
Is this a skincare skin cure?
Are you targeting multiple skin conditions – collagen production and elasticity, wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation – with a long list of products? LED therapy and the subsequent viral LED masks are a trending alternative. The question is, can this technology tackle it all in one treatment? Light emitting diode (LED) therapy is […]
Popping the bonnet
The eight most common car maintenance fails (so you can avoid them). Most of us just want our cars to keep going and not cost us any money. To make that more likely, regular maintenance is key, yet so often neglected. Here are the eight most common car maintenance fails: Skipping routine oil changes: Regular […]
Charmer
Decoration, customisation – Jane Birkin forever cemented the concept that your handbag should be an expressive extension of your personality. Curated by Nina Tucker. The actress, model, singer, and muse’s bag was a metaphor for a life well lived, overflowing with daily essentials and practical accessories. With waves made and bags dutifully decorated in the […]
10 years for a beloved boutique: Coco Boutique
Becoming a long-standing gift boutique in our local shopping landscape comes down to an eye for beautiful things, sensational service, and optimistic resilience for owner Liz Bloomfield. Every purchase resplendently gift-wrapped from Coco Gifts is more than something that makes you smile – it represents years of devotion from owner Liz Bloomfield. A must-visit on […]
Wave crave
Inviting comfort, fluidity, and softness, curves guide the eye like waves on the ocean. Offsetting sharp lines, this movement balances a space in an organic way. We’ve scoured Canterbury’s latest homewares collections to bring you a curation of curved elements to soften up your home. Pure Foundations centrepiece bowl, West Elm. Pure Foundations centrepiece bowl, […]
Wellington’s wildlife
Some of New Zealand’s rarest wildlife are thriving in the world’s first urban ecosanctuary. In 1990, Jim and Eve Lynch devised a crazy dream to build a sanctuary that would preserve and protect the natural elements of Wellington. The proposal was called Natural Wellington: A Plan to Preserve and Enhance the Natural Treasures of Wellington […]
Eye on the prize: Matthews eyecare
You can literally see the difference when it comes to expert care for your hard-working eyes. Your eyes and vision are extremely precious, so when it comes to looking after them, expertise matters. That’s why the team at Matthews Eyecare goes beyond routine check-ups. Their experienced optometrists bring a wealth of knowledge across a range […]
Small build market is growing: Lockwood
Granny flats, holiday cabins, tiny homes, garden offices… it’s all about to get easier. Big changes are afoot with the Government’s announced changes to their Building Consent Simplification Plan, most notably increasing the home size that will be permitted under the programme, from 60m2 to 70m2. The Government has also confirmed that the Resource Management […]
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Cuisine
Hassle-free hosting: The Good Home Pegasus
Kicking up your heels and basking in compliments for food, beverages, service, and ambience – that’s the feeling every host dreams of at their function. It’s a feeling hard to come by, yet easy for The Good Home Pegasus to create. For every event on the calendar – family gatherings, work dos, celebrations, and fundraisers […]
Honest food made fresh: The Dish restaurant
Christchurch boasts many beautiful dining options, so what do you do for lunch in the bustling city or as a treat come date night? Indulge in mouthwatering flavours and make memories with loved ones surrounded by contemporary décor, with a diverse range of offerings, and a spacious environment of grandeur. At The Dish, the focus […]
Flavours of History: GunPowder Restaurant
Perfect Tikka Masala, naan breads that are fluffy and delectable, the best mango chicken eaten in years… find it all at one of Christchurch’s highest-rated Indian restaurants. Offering customers an explosion of tastes and flavours across a variety of Indian dishes, the mouth-watering options at GunPowder Restaurant and Bar include innovative appetisers, curries and breads. […]
Hot cocoa-buie
When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing better than settling in with a hot cup of cocoa. Sometimes, though, we crave a more grown-up twist to this classic favourite, which is often as simple as just adding a tot of rum or whiskey to your mug. Other times, we want something extra special. When that moment […]
Fashion & Beauty
Outerwear ultimates
Outerwear is a dual champion in dressing – both elevating an outfit and keeping us warm. Discover the latest in local fashion and get your wardrobe winter-ready. Curated by Nina Tucker. Help! How do I style the… Bomber: Labelled by Vogue as “the outerwear gift that keeps on giving”, bombers are a locked-in style for […]
The in and out in outerwear
This weather has us feeling like Goldilocks, scrambling to find a gorgeous layer not too hot nor cold. A sartorial metaphor – we search for something lighter than a coat yet more protective of the elements than knitwear. Thankfully, designers and stylists have determined what’s in and out of outwear for the season ahead, so […]
5 winter nail favourites
Your guide to this season’s ultimate manicure shades. Cocoa & caramel Pigmented or not-so-much, brown neutral shades are staple nail picks for winter. Marrying luxury and cosy vibes, cocoa or caramel hues pack a punch while embodying sweet treats. Tip: Light caramel or rich chocolate are on-trend, meeting the mocha mousse moment. Sultry red A […]
Is this a skincare skin cure?
Are you targeting multiple skin conditions – collagen production and elasticity, wrinkles, blemishes, fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation – with a long list of products? LED therapy and the subsequent viral LED masks are a trending alternative. The question is, can this technology tackle it all in one treatment? Light emitting diode (LED) therapy is […]
Health
Escape the vape
The jury is back on vaping – it’s not good news. A major international study has confirmed what health experts in New Zealand have long warned: vaping is not a harmless habit. Published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, the groundbreaking study tracked over 250,000 people and found a strong link between vaping and […]
Flu fighters: St Albans Pharmacy
Don’t let the flu virus get you this season. Here in New Zealand, the flu season typically runs from May to October. The colder months bring the usual onslaught of sniffles and sneezes, but for some people, the flu can be deadly. If you’re looking to get more protection from severe illness, St Albans Pharmacy […]
The many styles of yoga in Christchurch
Breathe in, bliss out, balance or burn – whatever you need, there’s a yoga style to suit, writes Tamara Pitelen. From hot, steamy studios to serene slow flow and gravity-defying aerial yoga, Ōtautahi thriving wellness scene offers yoga for every body and mind. Here’s a few of the styles and where you can find them. […]
Sugar highs: My week with a glucose monitor
Metropol Deputy Editor Tamara Pitelen shares her week with a glucose monitor. E ver wonders what happens inside your body when you eat a piece of chocolate? Or when you skip breakfast? I wonder about these things. I love my body but much of what it does is a mystery to me. This is one […]
Home & Living
Nature inside: The houseplant renaissance in urban living
In an era where many of us spend more time indoors and at our screens, the humble houseplant is having a moment – and it’s more than just a design trend. By Tamara Pitelen. Urban homes and apartments across Christchurch are embracing a leafy revival, turning interiors into calming green sanctuaries that nourish both style […]
10 years for a beloved boutique: Coco Boutique
Becoming a long-standing gift boutique in our local shopping landscape comes down to an eye for beautiful things, sensational service, and optimistic resilience for owner Liz Bloomfield. Every purchase resplendently gift-wrapped from Coco Gifts is more than something that makes you smile – it represents years of devotion from owner Liz Bloomfield. A must-visit on […]
Wave crave
Inviting comfort, fluidity, and softness, curves guide the eye like waves on the ocean. Offsetting sharp lines, this movement balances a space in an organic way. We’ve scoured Canterbury’s latest homewares collections to bring you a curation of curved elements to soften up your home. Pure Foundations centrepiece bowl, West Elm. Pure Foundations centrepiece bowl, […]
Sculptural serenity
Curves have appealed to our interior eye for years now – it’s a trend worth committing to for the long-term. Mimicking nature and fluid movement, curvature invites peace and comfort to an interior space, and a breathtaking visual element to exteriors. Connected by shape to organic natural forms, curves offer the same tranquil environment to […]
One on One
Clothing speaks with Morghan Bradshaw
Morghan Ariki Bradshaw creates a ‘second skin’ for people who wear her clothes. With a newly-launched space in the heart of the city, the Ōtautahi designer catches up with Metropol editor Nina Tucker ahead of her fashion show at Majestic on Durham come 24 May. Morghan Bradshaw’s favourite thing about Ōtautahi is the people within […]
Racewear reign: Interview with Danni Alfeld
Danni Alfeld attended her first Cup Day at three weeks old. Was becoming New Zealand’s most fashionable racegoer her destiny all along? Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out. New Zealand’s best is Canterbury’s own – Danni Alfeld took out The Ned Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie in March. Her winning look was a striking bronze […]
Homegrown success story: Kate Macdonald of Davaar
Kate Macdonald is the female face ushering in a new age of appreciation for strong wool jerseys. From farm to fashion, the founder and creative director of Davaar & Co., now Davaar, chats with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. “Wool was all we wore,” Kate says of a childhood surrounded by it with sister Anna, brother […]
Richard Aindow: Courting the arts in Christchurch
Music, theatre, dance and visual art have all played a significant role in Richard Aindow’s life. The incoming chief executive of The Court Theatre, Richard explains to Metropol writer Lynda Papesch how culture has shaped his life and career. On 23 June 2025, Richard will take over the reins of The Court Theatre from incumbent […]
Build
Small build market is growing: Lockwood
Granny flats, holiday cabins, tiny homes, garden offices… it’s all about to get easier. Big changes are afoot with the Government’s announced changes to their Building Consent Simplification Plan, most notably increasing the home size that will be permitted under the programme, from 60m2 to 70m2. The Government has also confirmed that the Resource Management […]
Te Kaha’s countdown is on
Christchurch’s new stadium marked its one-year-to-go milestone with a sneak peek for media in mid-April. The $683 million project is on track to open in April 2026, four years after construction began in April 2022. Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger says the “sky’s the limit” for the positive impact One New Zealand Stadium should have […]
Walls made of wool
Wool for walls and carpets are all the rage in many exciting new interior projects. As NZ First Leader Winston Peters said recently, wool is a ‘miracle thread’ that’s so much better for the health of people and planet. That’s why the government is funding a range of innovative wool projects through the Sustainable Food […]
Ewe beauty: Government backs wool in construction
A new mandate means government agencies are expected to use New Zealand wool when building or refurbishing. In a move being called ‘shear brilliance’ by New Zealand farmers, the government has said that from 1 July, all government agencies must use wool fibre products in the construction of new and refurbished buildings. Announced in parliament […]
ArtScene
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 legend of […]
Recognising resilience
It’s only mid-April, and 2025 is already shaping up to be a huge year for Christchurch’s arts industry – a welcome reminder of our strength and creativity. By Nina Tucker. Let’s reflect. Flare Ōtautahi Street Art Festival animated the streets as bare buildings became beautiful murals. Painting the city, artists and historians shared stories, while […]
Colour, form, & bold abstraction: PG gallery192
Two new exhibitions from visionary artists Thomas Hancock and Janna van Hasselt explore form and colour – exclusive to view at this leading Christchurch gallery from 18 March to 12 April. Ōtautahi-based, Janna’s exhibition Flop on Pop at PG gallery192 presents porcelain structures that ooze with tactile exuberance. Woven and flowing ceramic paintings glow from […]
Squash takes centre stage: Isaac Theatre Royal
The New Zealand Squash Open saw an iconic heritage venue transform into an electrifying sporting arena in early March. A world first at the Isaac Theatre Royal, history was made as the professional squash tournament was played inside the famed theatre, captivating audiences and making headlines nationwide. The event was nothing short of spectacular, Isaac […]
Business
Homegrown success story: Kate Macdonald of Davaar
Kate Macdonald is the female face ushering in a new age of appreciation for strong wool jerseys. From farm to fashion, the founder and creative director of Davaar & Co., now Davaar, chats with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. “Wool was all we wore,” Kate says of a childhood surrounded by it with sister Anna, brother […]
Stay focused in stormy seas: Murray Dempsey, EBI
Focus wins: why zoning in on what matters is your business superpower. Trump’s off-and-on tariffs have stirred up headlines, market jitters, and boardroom debates. For businesses affected, the instinct is to panic, pivot, or pause. For the rest, it’s fascinating and often a focus of conversation. Here’s the truth: while global policy shifts matter, the […]
The comeback fibre
Wool is leading a natural revolution. As the world wakes up to the environmental toll of plastic pollution, wool is making a comeback, says Campaign for Wool New Zealand GM Kara Biggs. For centuries, wool has kept us warm. From heirloom sweaters to hard-wearing rugs, it’s a fibre steeped in tradition. Now, in the face […]
Te Pae brings $77 million boost to national economy
The Crown-owned convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch, has delivered a $77 million boost to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 693 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the country. New analysis from Infometrics, for the year to November 2024, shows the centre also contributed an estimated $63 million to Canterbury’s economy, supporting 631 FTE jobs in the […]