Latest Articles
Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule
Five, four, three, two, one… go! Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen delves into the 5 Second Rule made famous by motivational podcast sensation Mel Robbins. Never heard of Mel Robbins? You’re increasingly in a minority, but if you’re not familiar with the podcasting powerhouse, or you need a reminder, let me bring you […]
Carry winter well
What’s more frustrating than when a slippery tote won’t stop falling off your shoulder in winter? Sometimes you need a sturdy carryall, yet winter dressing is about mastering the art of essentialism – what you need, and what you don’t. When you leave the house with just the essentials (keys, phone, coat and […]
Snapped! Local street style in North Canterbury
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? We took to the streets and played paparazzo to locals that caught our eye. Natalia Baker, business owner Busy mum of five, Natalia Baker’s style is comfortable and chic. She’s owned Rangiora’s Gather + You for three years, and loves to support local. […]
Mānuka Lemon Glow cocktail
Ideal for stargazing nights, celebrate Matariki with a warming winter cocktail that captures the earthy sweetness of Aotearoa native ingredients. Ingredients 50ml whisky (local brands include Whisky Galore, Herrick Creek, and Divergence) 20ml fresh lemon juice 15ml Mānuka honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water mixed until smooth) Lemon wheel or fresh […]
Kitchen essentials: Total Food Equipment
What does every kitchen need? What is your kitchen missing? Metropol talked to Total Food Equipment’s Sandra McLay for the essentials, all found at the destination food and homewares store on Moorhouse Avenue. tfe.co.nz
Power to your pelvis: iWellness
What if it only took a few lunch breaks to restore your pelvic floor? For more than three years, Oana Macarie has been witnessing the life-changing results (from restoring someone’s sex life to removing debilitating urinary incontinence) for those who sit in her chair. But Oana’s not a hairstylist, and this is no […]
Rosalie Todd’s evergreen sartorial spirit
If you spot a woman riding a Penny Farthing in leg-of-mutton sleeves with frilly knickerbockers, she’s likely wearing a design by North Canterbury fashion luminary Rosalie Todd. Metropol editor Nina Tucker steps inside Rosalie’s sartorial mind in celebration of herArt in Fashion exhibition. “I am no legend in the fashion world of North […]
Christchurch’s car community
New research reveals the cities worldwide with the strongest sense of car culture community, but where does Christchurch rank? Neighbouring cities like Munich, Austin and London, Christchurch has been named one of the world’s best cities for its car-loving community. With a ‘car-munity’ score of 41%, Christchurch’s car culture is one of the […]
Matariki in Canterbury
A few ways to celebrate Matariki with your friends and whānau. 8-11 July, Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata Head along to the heart of Ōtautahi to celebrate the rise of Puanga and Matariki through light, art, culture and whānau. Enjoy this free, cultural festival featuring an array of artistic, cultural and lighting displays, as […]
The Rs of furniture restoration: McDonald and Hartshorne
Restore, refurbish, repair – let your favourite pieces of furniture be passed down through generations. Furniture holds memories, from antique family heirlooms to statement pieces. But often these pieces can lose their character through everyday wear and tear, or they might not suit a space anymore. At McDonald and Hartshorne, furniture restoration is […]
Where little hearts grow wings: Pegasus Nest
A thriving new preschool in North Canterbury is inviting local families to discover what makes it special during an open day on 4 July. Responding to rapid growth in Pegasus and increasing demand for quality early childhood education, a new preschool is helping local children build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning […]
On the table: The C table
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen investigates solutions to the pressing issue of how to keep your coffee within arm’s reach from the sofa this winter. Say hello to the C table. Sometimes coffee tables are just too far away. When you’re settled deep into the sofa on a cold and dark winter’s evening, […]
3 things every side table needs
The power of three extends to the side table – but simplicity and practicality are key. 1. A focal or feature piece This is the hero of your side table and provides the tall element, and is dictated by the surface area available. For a bigger side table, choose a soft-light lamp or […]
Fond of Fondue
The 1970s Swiss dinner party favourite is making a comeback. Metropol writer Lucy Brewer investigates. Sometimes, being really cheesy is a good thing. Fondue is one of those times. Originating in 18th-century Switzerland, when peasants melted ageing cheeses with wine to stretch resources through winter, this classic sharing dish was a staple at […]
Read the latest issue
Cuisine
Mānuka Lemon Glow cocktail
Ideal for stargazing nights, celebrate Matariki with a warming winter cocktail that captures the earthy sweetness of Aotearoa native ingredients. Ingredients 50ml whisky (local brands include Whisky Galore, Herrick Creek, and Divergence) 20ml fresh lemon juice 15ml Mānuka honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water mixed until smooth) Lemon wheel or fresh […]
Win it! High Tea table for four: Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Mark a special occasion, treat yourself to divine dining, or embrace a moment of luxury, here’s how to win the ultimate High Tea table for four. Draped in crisp white tablecloths, elevated by gleaming gold-tiered stands… high tea at Crowne Plaza Christchurch invites guests to slow down and delight in the details. With […]
Ashburton welcome: Formosa
One family-run eatery in Ashburton offers comforting soul food and sharing-style Asian dishes to bring people together. Dining out should delight the senses every time. When we gather together over something to eat, we want to feel joyful and uplifted, but also relaxed and a bit spoilt. Ashburton is home to a restaurant […]
Japanese comfort food: Tanoshi
A hot, hearty bowl of ramen – umami flavour, rich broth and all – is the ultimate winter meal. Warm up from the inside out with Tanoshi’s winter menu, a restaurant borne from the traditions of authentic Japanese cuisine and infused with modern convenience. Famous for their build-your-own ramen, your bowl of goodness […]
Fashion & Beauty
Carry winter well
What’s more frustrating than when a slippery tote won’t stop falling off your shoulder in winter? Sometimes you need a sturdy carryall, yet winter dressing is about mastering the art of essentialism – what you need, and what you don’t. When you leave the house with just the essentials (keys, phone, coat and […]
Blush is back
All the hottest cheeks are wearing blush this winter – the big beauty trend of the season and must-have make-up. Metropol’s Lucy Brewer reports. Blush is back, baby. Thanks in part to Justin Bieber’s other half Hailey, and her viral pocket-sized blush sticks, warm cheeks are brightening up winter faces. Since Hailey’s Rhode, […]
New stores, new style
When Canterbury’s most stylish minds ignite renewed confidence in the local fashion scene with stores, collections and launches, it’s our job to shop local and keep that flame burning. Canterbury knows one thing: fashion is forever. New stores from local and international heavyweights prove the city is still hungry for style, even in […]
Go grey: V for Hair
Going grey is no longer about ‘giving up’ colour, says Merivale master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. “Today, it is about creating a look that feels sophisticated, modern, and completely personalised to you. More women are embracing their natural grey and discovering that with the right cut, tone, and expert guidance, grey hair can look […]
Health
Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule
Five, four, three, two, one… go! Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen delves into the 5 Second Rule made famous by motivational podcast sensation Mel Robbins. Never heard of Mel Robbins? You’re increasingly in a minority, but if you’re not familiar with the podcasting powerhouse, or you need a reminder, let me bring you […]
Power to your pelvis: iWellness
What if it only took a few lunch breaks to restore your pelvic floor? For more than three years, Oana Macarie has been witnessing the life-changing results (from restoring someone’s sex life to removing debilitating urinary incontinence) for those who sit in her chair. But Oana’s not a hairstylist, and this is no […]
Moving for men’s mental health
June in Aotearoa is the month of both Men’s Health Week and Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s a timely reminder of the challenges we continue to face in New Zealand. Recent figures show that one in seven adults experiences high or very high psychological distress. For men, the challenge is particularly concerning. Around […]
Going above and beyond: Beyond Radiology
As more Cantabrians seek high-quality, affordable medical imaging, one local provider stands out for its commitment to service, accessibility, and patient care. “Trust in healthcare is built through expertise, consistency, and a genuine commitment to people. At Beyond Radiology, that commitment has seen increasing numbers of patients travel from throughout Canterbury to the […]
Home & Living
Kitchen essentials: Total Food Equipment
What does every kitchen need? What is your kitchen missing? Metropol talked to Total Food Equipment’s Sandra McLay for the essentials, all found at the destination food and homewares store on Moorhouse Avenue. tfe.co.nz
The Rs of furniture restoration: McDonald and Hartshorne
Restore, refurbish, repair – let your favourite pieces of furniture be passed down through generations. Furniture holds memories, from antique family heirlooms to statement pieces. But often these pieces can lose their character through everyday wear and tear, or they might not suit a space anymore. At McDonald and Hartshorne, furniture restoration is […]
On the table: The C table
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen investigates solutions to the pressing issue of how to keep your coffee within arm’s reach from the sofa this winter. Say hello to the C table. Sometimes coffee tables are just too far away. When you’re settled deep into the sofa on a cold and dark winter’s evening, […]
3 things every side table needs
The power of three extends to the side table – but simplicity and practicality are key. 1. A focal or feature piece This is the hero of your side table and provides the tall element, and is dictated by the surface area available. For a bigger side table, choose a soft-light lamp or […]
One on One
Girl in a Savage World – Theia
She grew up riding her bike around the streets of Hoon Hay, but now this Ōtautahi-born alt-pop-rock powerhouse is hanging out in Beverly Hills. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen chats with Theia (Ngāti Tīpā, Waikato-Tainui) about music, Māori rights, and walking barefoot in liquefaction. Long before she was touring the world, releasing critically […]
Skincare. Local products with social purpose.
Award-winning cosmetic alchemist Stacey Fraser is the mind behind skincare heavyweights like Trilogy, but it’s projects with purpose she finds most empowering. Metropol editor Nina Tucker takes a day trip to North Canterbury and meets the makers behind Stacey’s pride and joy, homemade skincare brand Beauty & Bloom. Tucked amongst Rangiora’s busy town […]
Fearless: Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw says there’s no reason anyone couldn’t compete in One NZ GODZONE – the adventure race where teams of four from across the globe navigate a relentless eight-day course of more than 600 kilometres on foot, bike, kayak, and packraft, to test their skills and endurance. Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out […]
Running with purpose: Todd Andrews
Christchurch sports performance coach Todd Andrews has a crazy dream. Later this year, he aims to break the record for running the length of New Zealand and next year he plans to run from one side of Australia to the other – all to fundraise for Cholmondeley Children’s Centre. He sat down with […]
ESSENCE
Snapped! Local street style in North Canterbury
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? We took to the streets and played paparazzo to locals that caught our eye. Natalia Baker, business owner Busy mum of five, Natalia Baker’s style is comfortable and chic. She’s owned Rangiora’s Gather + You for three years, and loves to support local. […]
Rosalie Todd’s evergreen sartorial spirit
If you spot a woman riding a Penny Farthing in leg-of-mutton sleeves with frilly knickerbockers, she’s likely wearing a design by North Canterbury fashion luminary Rosalie Todd. Metropol editor Nina Tucker steps inside Rosalie’s sartorial mind in celebration of herArt in Fashion exhibition. “I am no legend in the fashion world of North […]
Where little hearts grow wings: Pegasus Nest
A thriving new preschool in North Canterbury is inviting local families to discover what makes it special during an open day on 4 July. Responding to rapid growth in Pegasus and increasing demand for quality early childhood education, a new preschool is helping local children build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning […]
Winning wineries
In a historic moment for North Canterbury, Bell Hill Vineyard in Weka Pass has been named Winery of the Year 2026 by The Real Review, writes Metropol’s Lucy Brewer. The Real Review, one of Australasia’s most trusted authorities on wine, has announced its 2026 ranking of the Top Wineries of New Zealand. After […]
Build
Kitchen essentials: Total Food Equipment
What does every kitchen need? What is your kitchen missing? Metropol talked to Total Food Equipment’s Sandra McLay for the essentials, all found at the destination food and homewares store on Moorhouse Avenue. tfe.co.nz
Women of impact
From asset strategy and valuation to engineering in Antarctica, meet three of the women helping shape how the built environment of Ōtautahi grows, functions, and feels. Joanna den Hollander National Asset Manager, Ngāi Tahu Property As the national asset manager for Ngāi Tahu Property, Joanna is responsible for the group’s property investment portfolio […]
Tallest build since the quakes
A new six-building residential project in central Christchurch is scheduled for completion in 2028. Christchurch developer Williams Corporation has unveiled its plans for a new 10-storey tower in the central city. It will be the tallest building to be built in the city since the earthquakes and will be part of a $103m, […]
Iconic investment
A world-class Canterbury Museum is one step closer to opening thanks to new financial support from Christchurch City Council, following annual plan investment decisions in Ōtautahi’s ‘iconic’ buildings. Christchurch city councillors voted in late May to provide additional funding for the museum’s lengthy redevelopment with a $15 million grant and a $28.6 million […]
ArtScene
Missing Robyn Kahukiwa search
The search is on for a series of missing artworks by one of New Zealand’s most influential artists, Robyn Kahukiwa, for an exhbition in 2027. Do you have a missing masterpiece sitting on your wall at home? Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is issuing a callout to track down a series […]
Andiamo al cinema! Lumiere Cinemas
Let’s go to the cinema! The Italian Film Festival is in town from 3 to 27 September, with a gala opening event to kick things off. For 11 years, the Italian Film Festival has been showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cinema and timeless masterpieces across New Zealand. This year is no different. […]
Mānawatia a Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rises in midwinter, also known as Pleiades. For many Māori, it heralds the start of the new year. In 2026, the Matariki period runs from 8 to 14 July, with the official national public holiday falling on Friday 10 July. This year’s […]
See Footloose in Ashburton!
Ashburton Variety Theatre’s production of Footloose proves you don’t need to live in a big city to discover a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre, writes Metropol’s Nancye Pitt in her review. Staged at the fabulous Ashburton Event Centre, this show bursts with heart, community spirit, and enough energy to have the audience […]
Business
Bereavement leave petition
Christchurch mother Sheena Hemens has launched a petition to increase bereavement leave in New Zealand from three to 10 days. As Parliament rewrites the country’s bereavement leave law for the first time in a generation, a petition has been launched by Christchurch mother and businesswoman Sheena Hemens, who lost her daughter Lauren in […]
Talk business to me
Canterbury has a plethora of business networking groups that are quietly getting on with the job of helping local businesses thrive. Local businesswoman Felicia Forbes, the founder of networking group Tag Circle Collab, reveals the what, where and why of local business networking. Whether you’re looking for mentors, sales leads, moral support, local […]
NZ-India FTA signed – MP Vanessa Weenink
Trade deal will be huge economic boost for Cantabrians, says MP for Banks Peninsula Vanessa Weenink. The New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been signed, marking a once in a generation step forward for New Zealand exporters into a market of 1.4 billion people. This will deliver significant gains for exporters, cutting […]
Health matters: Hamish Campbell
Making real progress in early cancer detection. When I entered politics at the last election, I brought with me a background in cancer research and years of exposure to the profound impact that diagnosis and treatment have on patients and their families. Seeing firsthand the difference strong public health services make in people’s […]
