Latest Articles
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 […]
Meet Slick Rick: Hair Candy
Introducing Christchurch hairstylist Tuscany Hamel’s solution to the viral ‘slick back’ hairstyle: a styling stick that comes with just as much practicality as it does purpose. Slick Rick is a compact, New Zealand sheep’s wool keratin-infused styling stick to tame flyaways, set brows in place, and craft sleek runway-ready up-do’s for busy lifestyles. […]
Uniquely crafted furniture: Arthur Nellie
From an old shearing shed to a purpose-built facility and showroom, and with over 80 years of combined experience, the team at Ohoka-based upholstery business Arthur-Nellie design and build furniture, restore family heirlooms, and help match furniture to your space. One of the best parts of the job, says Arthur-Nellie co-owner Kent McCreanor, […]
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, […]
Help yourself reads
Health and wellness books have the power to change your life for the better, here are some to get started with. How to Stop Spiralling: Break the cycle of triggers, trauma responses and self sabotage By Dr Rebecca Ray “The consequences of big trauma often show up in the smallest cracks of daily […]
Impossibly easy custard pie
Could this be the easy-peasiest dessert pie you’ve ever made? Give it a try and let us know. An old-fashioned recipe that has been around for a long time, this creamy custard pie is called impossibly easy pie because it takes just four ingredients. Just blend the ingredients and pour into a pie […]
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 […]
Solve your under-eye problems: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic
Maybe you have a cupboard full of eye creams. Maybe you’re considering dermal fillers. Maybe, you’ve even flirted with the idea of surgery. Cosmetic doctor Brigid Lee says the answer to brighter, younger-looking eyes needs none of that. “EmFace eye treatments are the first non-invasive, pain-free, zero-downtime treatments designed to tackle under-eye ageing […]
Squats versus steps
Is doing 10 squats really better than taking a 30-minute walk? It’s not as simple as the socials suggest, says Exercise New Zealand. Longevity influencer Bryan Johnson – also known as the ‘don’t die guy’ from his Netflix series Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever – recently sparked debate online […]
Right on track
At 120 years old, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station was ready for a new lease of life, and the beautiful building recently got just that. After a five-year hibernation in the wake of Covid-19, the newly rebranded Dunedin Railway Station is open for business as the starting point for the region’s globally renowned […]
Fashion forward: Harlem Clothing
Christchurch fashion personality Bianca Hampton is back with a brand new store in St Albans. When beloved local brand IvyBlu closed its doors, founder Bianca Hampton stepped away from the industry and turned her focus to other interests. Fashion, though, wouldn’t leave her alone. “It’s a passion in you. It’s something you can’t […]
All tied up
Is the curtain tieback still on trend? Lean into lush, rich hues and clever styling with our four tips. Remember the golden rule of thirds for curtain tiebacks. Position them roughly one-third up from the bottom of the curtain to let the fabric flow freely and craft the most visually pleasing proportions. Keep […]
Stop the snore: Oral Tech
Sleep is restorative, and when you can’t get enough of it, your cognitive function, physical health, and emotional stability are severely compromised. So, Christchurch local Denise Lim sought a solution. “Most people take snoring as a sign of sound sleep, but instead it can disturb others and cause serious harm to your health,” […]
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Cuisine
Impossibly easy custard pie
Could this be the easy-peasiest dessert pie you’ve ever made? Give it a try and let us know. An old-fashioned recipe that has been around for a long time, this creamy custard pie is called impossibly easy pie because it takes just four ingredients. Just blend the ingredients and pour into a pie […]
Club hub: Papanui Club
Membership growth and facility expansion are two clear markers of success at this stalwart in the Papanui social scene. “Every improvement, event and investment is made with the goal of creating a stronger, more vibrant place for people to enjoy,” says general manager Mark Belton at the ever-popular Papanui Club. Their success lies […]
Classic Old Fashioned
A timeless cocktail, it’s traditional to make an Old Fashioned with American bourbon whiskey, but why not use a local Canterbury-made whisky like Divergence, Herrick Creek or Cardrona? A well-made Old Fashioned should be smooth, aromatic, and whisky-forward, with the sugar and bitters enhancing the spirit rather than dominating it. Ingredients • 60ml […]
Taste & aroma to delight: Bolina Sweets
Indian food is famous for its intensity of flavour, aromatic spice blends and the incredible variety from start to finish. At Bolina Sweets, the rich tastes of north and south India will transport your taste buds to exotic lands. Bolina Sweet’s rich regional diversity showcases the best of India, while ingredients like garlic, […]
Fashion & Beauty
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 […]
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 […]
Meet Slick Rick: Hair Candy
Introducing Christchurch hairstylist Tuscany Hamel’s solution to the viral ‘slick back’ hairstyle: a styling stick that comes with just as much practicality as it does purpose. Slick Rick is a compact, New Zealand sheep’s wool keratin-infused styling stick to tame flyaways, set brows in place, and craft sleek runway-ready up-do’s for busy lifestyles. […]
Solve your under-eye problems: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic
Maybe you have a cupboard full of eye creams. Maybe you’re considering dermal fillers. Maybe, you’ve even flirted with the idea of surgery. Cosmetic doctor Brigid Lee says the answer to brighter, younger-looking eyes needs none of that. “EmFace eye treatments are the first non-invasive, pain-free, zero-downtime treatments designed to tackle under-eye ageing […]
Health
Help yourself reads
Health and wellness books have the power to change your life for the better, here are some to get started with. How to Stop Spiralling: Break the cycle of triggers, trauma responses and self sabotage By Dr Rebecca Ray “The consequences of big trauma often show up in the smallest cracks of daily […]
Squats versus steps
Is doing 10 squats really better than taking a 30-minute walk? It’s not as simple as the socials suggest, says Exercise New Zealand. Longevity influencer Bryan Johnson – also known as the ‘don’t die guy’ from his Netflix series Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever – recently sparked debate online […]
How to Start Running: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First 5K
Taking up running is one of the best decisions you can make for your physical and mental health – but starting smart makes all the difference between a habit that sticks and one that ends with sore knees after week two. Every runner starts somewhere. For most people, that somewhere is a […]
How to workout better this winter: Body Fit Training BFT
When wellness surveys say around 80% of people struggle to stay physically motivated during winter, one gym begs to differ. Perhaps it’s the science-backed program and community environment, or the fact its founder was Princess Diana’s former personal trainer. Either way, it works. Structured, coach-led indoor group training sessions produce personalised results in […]
Home & Living
Uniquely crafted furniture: Arthur Nellie
From an old shearing shed to a purpose-built facility and showroom, and with over 80 years of combined experience, the team at Ohoka-based upholstery business Arthur-Nellie design and build furniture, restore family heirlooms, and help match furniture to your space. One of the best parts of the job, says Arthur-Nellie co-owner Kent McCreanor, […]
All tied up
Is the curtain tieback still on trend? Lean into lush, rich hues and clever styling with our four tips. Remember the golden rule of thirds for curtain tiebacks. Position them roughly one-third up from the bottom of the curtain to let the fabric flow freely and craft the most visually pleasing proportions. Keep […]
Curtain call
From the pleats at the top to the floor finishes below, your curtains are as important to your home as your eyebrows are to your face. “Pleating transforms a curtain from functional to considered, adding texture, structure, and tailored elegance that defines a room’s character,” says Mavis White, head of sales – custom […]
Tile tales: Exquisite Gifts By AJ
Giving new meaning to the word ‘versatile’, collectable art wall tiles by Sid Dickens will elevate any interior style. In the 1990s, Canadian artist and sculptor Sid Dickens started making decorative wall tiles by hand. Thirty years later, these one-of-a-kind pieces of art are highly collectable and in demand across the globe. “These […]
One on One
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 […]
La vie en rosé: Kim Schofield
In 2017, with zero wine-making experience, the owner of North Canterbury’s Dancing Water Winery Kim Schofield decided to make the best wine in the world. Just under a decade later, she had. Kim tells Metropol editor Nina Tucker about her vie en rosé. In a Trelise Cooper coat and pointy stilettos, Kim Schofield […]
Artful business: Ellie Compton
Christchurch architect-turned-artist Ellie Compton has built a business that most creatives dream about. Commercially successful, with months of forward bookings, she manages her own hours and spends her days making art. Ellie spoke to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about life, art, faith, and hot chips. “I kind of had a moment where […]
ESSENCE
Deadly design duo: Deadly Ponies
You’ve gotta hand (bag) it to them. Deadly Ponies’ founders Liam Bowden and Steven Boyd have fast become powerhouses in Aotearoa fashion with their internationally renowned luxury leather accessories brand. With Steven’s South Canterbury roots, Metropol editor Nina Tucker learns how vegetables from his parents’ garden inspired a spring collection, and which Geraldine […]
For the young & young at heart: Chipmunks Playland Rangiora
Keeping the little ones entertained is easy when you take them to an indoor playground designed for hours of non-stop play. But to keep you entertained, how does a nice cup of coffee sound? Whether you’re a parent planning your child’s birthday party, a grandparent looking for a fun school holiday activity, or […]
Apron strings and Path finders: Hawarden and Waikari
Preserving the history of Hawarden-Waikari in a series of autobiographical books has been a labour of love for a group of determined North Canterbury locals. For 124 years, Doc Sidey’s family has lived on their farm near Hawarden, about an hour’s drive north of Christchurch. Now aged 81 and still living on that […]
Canterbury rally
Starting in Rangiora and finishing in Christchurch on King’s Birthday weekend, the 2026 Canterbury Rally promises action-packed fun. With more than 50 years of history across Ashley Forest and North Canterbury roads, the Canterbury Rally is one of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport events. The 2026 edition forms part of the New Zealand […]
Build
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 […]
Local government reform: Mayor Phil Mauger
The New Zealand Government wants local government bodies to amalgamate. We’ve had a busy time recently with the Government’s direction for councils to get together to come up with options for amalgamation within their regions. It’s a big piece of work, so we’re cracking on with looking at what the reform process means […]
ArtScene
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 […]
The Pogues still raw, still powerful, still worth it
There’s always a bit of hesitation when a band like The Pogues comes back around, especially without Shane MacGowan. For many, his voice and presence was the band. So heading into this 40th anniversary tour of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash, there was a fair question: does this still work? Short answer, absolutely […]
Steve’s scene
Your women-who-rock-roundup from global music consultant and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest. Y ou can say you were there (if you were) at Lainey Wilson’s simply fantastic show at Wolfbrook Arena in February. She is pure country rock and such a delight. Lainey loved New Zealand – she managed to check out […]
Christchurch artist Morgan Darlison designs Google’s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle
Did you know? Google‘s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle is the work of Christchurch’s own Morgan Darlison. Anchored in history and guided by stars, the Waitangi Day Doodle reflects our shared histories of migration and voyage to Aotearoa’s shores. “We all came under the same stars and across the same ocean,” explains Morgan. “This […]
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 […]
