Latest Articles
Style it: BBQ’s & More
The Big Green Egg is acclaimed as the highest quality, most versatile and simplest-to-use outdoor cooker of all time, offering more cooking options than all other conventional cookers combined.. More than just a smoker, it’s a top-tier, versatile, and easy-to-use outdoor cooker, offering more cooking options than any other BBQ. Its NASA-quality ceramics ensure excellent […]
Put a spring in your step
Nothing says spring better than the colour yellow, especially in the form of the season’s gorgeously scented daffodils. The colour yellow has traditionally been a symbol of joyfulness, happiness, and energy and is associated with spring and summer, vitality, and optimism. The first of the season’s blooms are already making an appearance in florist shops, […]
The right venue choice: Mona Vale
Setting and service is important, as is the quality of catering. Each element is exceeded at Mona Vale, the beautiful historic Christchurch homestead surrounded by over five hectares of elegant, landscaped gardens along the banks of the tranquil Avon River. “Magical” and “romantic”, with “exceptional service provided by the staff who take care of every […]
Refurbished and ready: Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture
In a world of flat pack furniture, investing in pieces which will last generations can seem daunting. With quality refurbishments like those by Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture Repair in Christchurch, heirlooms can be restored and given a new lease on life – and new real estate in your home. Mike Fullen has been restoring […]
Better by the water: Little Lake Weddings
A perfect spot in a quiet rural setting just right for your special day. Not far from Lincoln township, this location was destined to be a wedding venue. “People would visit us and invariably, on seeing the picturesque gardens around our house, would comment that it would be a beautiful venue to hold a wedding. […]
Not just a place, it is our people: Te Pae general manager Ross Steele
From the early planning stages of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, we knew our city was going to have one of the finest convention centres in Australasia. In my biased opinion, it is the best. We recognise that all convention centres, no matter where they are in the world, are built to host conferences and […]
Healthy hair transitions: Haar Design
We spend the colder months pining for the warmer ones, and our hair does too after suffering breakage and dryness. As the weather heats up, chances are we will be soaking up every warmer moment we can, through sport and leisure, and looking after our hair correctly becomes paramount. Haircare is just as important as […]
The power of an accent piece
Accent pieces add personality to your home. Through colour, texture, proportions, and shape, they are the perfect accessory, says Metropol’s Zoe Fenton. With a wall Feature walls create visual impact. They take a room with a plain interior and add personality through bold colours or textures. Enliven a room by incorporating a feature wall amongst […]
Take the tram: Christchurch Attractions
Grab an all-day pass and explore Christchurch’s central city on board the Christchurch Tram’s restored vintage tramcars. With 18 stops to hop on and off at, and live commentary from your driver, it’s the ideal way to see the evolving city centre – plus children travel free with a paying adult. There are plenty of […]
Painting the town
Allowable levels of lead impurities in paints have been significantly reduced. Further reductions apply not only to building paints, also to art materials, such as chalk, crayons, and felt-tip pens. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has made the changes to a series of group standards that cover these products to reduce any potential exposure to […]
Party Hanmer style: Fashionworks
Hanmer Springs is an idyllic honeymoon retreat for lovers who enjoy long walks, shopping, dining, and relaxing in fresh country air. It’s also a great place for your pre-wedding party-up. A picturesque village at any time of the year, in autumn, it becomes the most romantic haven for couples wanting precious time out together or […]
If it doesn’t rust or rot, should we build with it? High Country Homes
Today, many new technologies seek to improve energy use in homes. Unfortunately, often the trade-off is the environment. Plastics such as polystyrene, foams, sealants, rubbers, acrylics and nylons are used in various build systems, most of which are unable to be satisfactorily recycled. This raises an ethical dilemma: If products will not be recycled properly, […]
The importance of face-to-face: Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger
I’ve just settled back in after a whirlwind two weeks in China for a Sister Cities visit. The importance of face-to-face meetings can’t be underestimated, so it was fantastic to get over there in person with the delegation which included councillors Victoria Henstock and Jake McLellan. It was a busy trip, but we met some […]
Exterior’s foremost need: Affordable Concrete & Paving
Traditional yet modern, with a result that can add considerable value to your property when well-placed and expertly finished, concreting is a specialist trade. The basic function of residential pavements such as driveways, paths and patios are to provide safe, easy access on to or around a property, sure. Yet, they can also be aesthetically […]
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Cuisine
Scream for ice cream
Kiwis love their ice cream, especially during the warmer months. From masala with red chillies and coconut, to kūmara caramel walnut crush (tasted at July’s national ice cream and gelato awards), to classics such as vanilla, and hokey pokey, ice cream is one of our favourite must-haves. About 233 New Zealand-made ice creams and gelatos, […]
Let us eat lettuce
Breaking out the iconic Kiwi chips and onion dip may still be okay for a backyard barbecue, however like Oliver Twist, many people want more. Not more chips and dip, more options in this instance, and there are plenty to choose from. You can start with your friendly neighbourhood caterer, have guests bring a plate, […]
A fusion of passion: Crazy Horse Hammersley
In life, passion is key, whether in establishing a restaurant that soars in popularity in mere months, or in crafting a delicious Thai fusion menu that brings families together. That kind of passion is evident everywhere at Crazy Horse Hammersley. “Where diners become friends,” owners Jummi and Jules say, who also own the iconic Thai […]
A crisp commitment: Makikihi Fries
Quality golden potatoes with a nice crispy exterior while still fluffy inside. It’s the definition of a perfect fry, right from “the home of the golden fries” in Makikihi. Set apart for their high quality gluten-free ingredients, Makikihi Fries uses only the best Canterbury-grown Agria potatoes par fried in beef tallow for that golden colour […]
Fashion & Beauty
Healthy hair transitions: Haar Design
We spend the colder months pining for the warmer ones, and our hair does too after suffering breakage and dryness. As the weather heats up, chances are we will be soaking up every warmer moment we can, through sport and leisure, and looking after our hair correctly becomes paramount. Haircare is just as important as […]
Celebrate local style: Belleza Boutique
As the seasons shift, discover a curated collection of local design in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre. Belleza Boutique, which began nearly a decade ago as a cosy shop in Tai Tapu, has evolved into a popular shop in the city for fashion and homewares that celebrate New Zealand’s best designers. Owner Anna Green […]
Silhouettes and style on show: Lynn Woods
Captivating outfits and styling combinations materialise as we inch closer to Cup and Show Week. You will find the look of your racing fashion dreams at Lynn Woods. Lean into the welcomed flirtatious designs and animated silhouettes, and dress with spirit with the latest range. lynnwoods.co.nz
Think pink
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nine women are diagnosed every day with breast cancer in New Zealand, so it’s likely that someone you know has been impacted. About 650 women die each year in New Zealand from the disease. Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps highlight this, and raises much-needed funds for research. Supporting the […]
Home & Living
Style it: BBQ’s & More
The Big Green Egg is acclaimed as the highest quality, most versatile and simplest-to-use outdoor cooker of all time, offering more cooking options than all other conventional cookers combined.. More than just a smoker, it’s a top-tier, versatile, and easy-to-use outdoor cooker, offering more cooking options than any other BBQ. Its NASA-quality ceramics ensure excellent […]
Put a spring in your step
Nothing says spring better than the colour yellow, especially in the form of the season’s gorgeously scented daffodils. The colour yellow has traditionally been a symbol of joyfulness, happiness, and energy and is associated with spring and summer, vitality, and optimism. The first of the season’s blooms are already making an appearance in florist shops, […]
Refurbished and ready: Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture
In a world of flat pack furniture, investing in pieces which will last generations can seem daunting. With quality refurbishments like those by Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture Repair in Christchurch, heirlooms can be restored and given a new lease on life – and new real estate in your home. Mike Fullen has been restoring […]
The power of an accent piece
Accent pieces add personality to your home. Through colour, texture, proportions, and shape, they are the perfect accessory, says Metropol’s Zoe Fenton. With a wall Feature walls create visual impact. They take a room with a plain interior and add personality through bold colours or textures. Enliven a room by incorporating a feature wall amongst […]
Build
Not just a place, it is our people: Te Pae general manager Ross Steele
From the early planning stages of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, we knew our city was going to have one of the finest convention centres in Australasia. In my biased opinion, it is the best. We recognise that all convention centres, no matter where they are in the world, are built to host conferences and […]
Painting the town
Allowable levels of lead impurities in paints have been significantly reduced. Further reductions apply not only to building paints, also to art materials, such as chalk, crayons, and felt-tip pens. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has made the changes to a series of group standards that cover these products to reduce any potential exposure to […]
If it doesn’t rust or rot, should we build with it? High Country Homes
Today, many new technologies seek to improve energy use in homes. Unfortunately, often the trade-off is the environment. Plastics such as polystyrene, foams, sealants, rubbers, acrylics and nylons are used in various build systems, most of which are unable to be satisfactorily recycled. This raises an ethical dilemma: If products will not be recycled properly, […]
The importance of face-to-face: Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger
I’ve just settled back in after a whirlwind two weeks in China for a Sister Cities visit. The importance of face-to-face meetings can’t be underestimated, so it was fantastic to get over there in person with the delegation which included councillors Victoria Henstock and Jake McLellan. It was a busy trip, but we met some […]
ArtScene
Where Our Shadows Meet, a groundbreaking performance bridging worlds: Isaac Theatre Royal
In an era where storytelling has taken on myriad forms, Where Our Shadows Meet emerges as a poignant narrative that pushes the boundaries of language, communication, and connection. Presented by the Isaac Theatre Royal (ITR) in collaboration with Equal Voices, this powerful production is a significant part of ITR’s new programming strategy, underscoring their commitment […]
Top Father’s Day reading: Piccadilly Books
With Father’s Day on Sunday 1 September this year, now is a great time to check out some of the great choices at Piccadilly Books. Here are some of my latest favourites. Invasion by Frank Gardner, reviewed by Neville Our price $38.00 The Chinese People’s Republic has repeatedly made its intentions clear in that it […]
Lynley Dodd’s legacy
One of New Zealand’s favourite children’s book writers, Dame Lynley Dodd DNZM, is gifting budding children’s writers the same gift that gave her a leg up. The $30,000 Lynley Dodd Children’s Writers Award was inspired by a similar pivotal moment where a financial gift enabled Lynley to continue writing and make her name. She hopes […]
Harmonious nonsense: Alexandra Hope
Alexandra Hope Watson is a high flyer – literally. You may have seen her beaming down at you from a University of Canterbury (UC) billboard, emboldened behind her the words “MUSIC” and “AEROBATICS”, writes Metropol’s Joseph Harper. Acurious juxtaposition, one that describes two of the young composer and concert singer’s passions. Alexandra began flying at […]
Business
Bite into gold: Commonwealth Safe Deposits
Whether an Olympian or an investor, you never forget your first gold. Bullion has always been considered a hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties, and tends to thrive in lower interest rate environments. In a world of intangibles, you can hold gold, you can stack gold, and like an Olympian, you can bite gold. Because […]
Focus on processes to improve performance: EBI Business Improvement Specialists
A winning strategy to thrive in the coming recovery is to focus on improving operational efficiency. Improving your processes to be more productive and make your business more successful. But which processes and how? Now is the time to make operational improvements in your business to yield results for you when the good times arrive. […]
We work for you, not the banks: NZ Mortgages
Spring is fast approaching, and the market is starting to heat up… Here in the NZ Mortgages’ office, we’ve seen a 50% increase in property investors since the Bright-line changes came into effect at the start of July. As interest rates continue to trend downward, and the recent easing of lending criteria by the banks, […]
Navigating payment demands & disputes: White Fox & Jones
Is a statutory demand the solution for cash flow issues? During an economic downturn, businesses often face problems with cash flow due to slow payments from debtors. If the usual phone calls and emails don’t work, many will turn to issuing a statutory demand to recover money owed. This is a powerful tool for creditors. […]
One on One
The mastermind of Mary Outram
Local style influencer Mary Outram is the picture of positivity, always in an exquisitely styled outfit. She shares her story over a just as on-brand matcha latte with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Mary influences all those she meets, whether to put a gorgeous garment at the top of your wishlist or a smile across […]
Explore the colour jungle with Stephanie Rumble
Fashion has been a permanent fixture in Stephanie Rumble’s life for as long as she can remember. She talks to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch about image, fashion, and making a difference. For years, Christchurch image consultant Stephanie was known for her flaming locks, a reflection of her “BrightRed” business name. These days, her hair is […]
Becoming a powerhouse: Jaimee Lupton
A miracle baby after a heartbreaking IVF journey and multiple beauty brand launches have made entrepreneur Jaimee Lupton’s past year a busy one. Innovation, sacrifice, and founding a fertility-aiding charity in her late daughter’s name, she chats with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. When Jaimee headed back to work full-time after giving birth to baby […]
Classic architecture with team Brooksfield
A mutual admiration of classic, elegant, and timeless architecture led two young Christchurch entrepreneurs on a journey from fixing earthquake damaged homes to a booming development business. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch catches up with the men behind the Brooksfield projects. From renovation projects to 250-build housing developments, Vincent (Vinny) Holloway and Oliver (Oli) Hickman have […]