Latest Articles
Orange & cranberry spiced mulled wine
Print this storyWarm up with this deliciously festive and fruity mulled wine from local liquery Sovrano Limoncello. Ingredients 750ml full-bodied red wine 500ml water 300ml Sovrano Orangello 1/4 cup brandy (optional) 1 orange 1 tsp whole cloves 1/2 tsp mixed spice 1 star anise 2 cinnamon quills 1 cup frozen cranberries 150g brown sugar, approx […]
Top Marques: Land Rover Defender at Christchurch European
Print this storyWhat’s the best vehicle fit for purpose you may ask? Local luxury car specialist Josh Giles answers. Known for its iconic silhouette and rugged design, the Land Rover Defender continues its reign as a prestigious automotive option, available now at Christchurch European. It blends impressive off-road capability that excels in challenging terrain conditions […]
Creative Canterbury
Print this storyCanterbury is the place to be if you’re seeking creative spirit and stimulation – and the spotlight is on our young artists. “Ōtautahi has so many empty windows and so many incredible artists. Projects like this show that we don’t need big budgets or permanent venues to support our artists and activate our city.” […]
All electric all class: Honda Store Christchurch
Print this storyBrand new and all-electric, Honda’s e:N1 SUV has received hefty fanfare – now that it’s hit New Zealand shores, Metropol writer Ben Selby puts it to the test thanks to Honda Store Christchurch. Mimicking much of its petrol HR-V counterpart in terms of design, the e:N1 still sports a clean, uncluttered look and […]
Leading the way in skin health: Acacia Beauty
Print this storyIn the heart of Christchurch, tucked away from the bustle of daily life, you’ll find a sanctuary quietly changing lives, one face at a time. Now, with national recognition for their commitment to clinical excellence, the Acacia Skin Health and Beauty team is being celebrated as New Zealand’s top Dermapen Gold Microneedling Clinic […]
Wild West
Print this storyA universal shift is urging us all west. Fashion hasn’t stopped veering west since Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter and Bella Hadid became a country-chic muse after being influenced by her professional cowboy of a boyfriend. With Beyoncé’s tour of the eighth studio album continuing into late July, the country-western dress code endures. Oh, […]
Mid-winter winners: Total Food Equipment
Print this storyMid-winter Christmas parties and intimate family gatherings take over the July and August calendars – and everyone is enlisting the help of this Moorhouse Ave store to set their tables. Sandra McLay has been curating the collections Cantabrians shop to style their homes and kitchens for more than 15 years. At Total Food […]
Mulled pear cider
Print this storyA perfect warming cocktail for winter, mulled pear cider is ideal for guests. You can make it ‘hard’ by adding rum or keep it alcohol-free; either way, it’s a lovely tipple. Ingredients 7 pears 2 lemons 3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional) 10 cups water 5 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise pods […]
Shades of the season
Print this storyDeep berry and ‘jam’ tones are a favourite for the winter season and beyond. Bonus points for a gloss or shine finish. Pistachio and matcha are taking over more than the food industry – the muted green colour is making its way into makeup. Enlist an eyeliner for a pop of the […]
Winter heat: Isaac Theatre Royal
Print this storyWho says winter is for hibernation? The cooler months are sizzling with entertainment at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal. This line-up of live music and performances will warm your soul, lift your spirits, and have you dancing in your seat – or at least humming all the way home. “July and August are absolutely […]
Moda moments: Lenton
Print this storyWhen style aficionado Amy Hislop swapped big city Sydney for tiny town Kaikōura in 2019 and pursued a homewares boutique, her lifelong dream of opening a fashion store was banked. Come 2025, Amy took a chance – on herself, and the growing local fashion community. Why? “Because folk from a tiny town love […]
Incontinence in conversation: iWellness
Print this storyA condition many suffer in silence, incontinence brings social, emotional and physical impacts that people struggle with behind closed doors. Reducing the stigma surrounding incontinence means speaking up. Incontinence doesn’t discriminate – it can affect men, women, young and old alike. While it’s common, it shouldn’t be ignored. “At iWellness, treatments are designed […]
Streamlining immigration health: Christchurch Immigration Health
Print this storyFrom quick medicals to family-friendly care, this Christchurch clinic is taking the stress out of immigration health checks – all done with heart and efficiency. Navigating immigration requirements can be a stressful part of moving to a new country – especially when it comes to meeting health screening obligations. For those applying to […]
Reformer Pilates at home: Freedom Pilates
Print this storyRediscover strength, balance and wellness with the power of at-home reformer Pilates. In a world where wellness and exercise are more valued than ever, reformer Pilates has emerged as a powerful practice for building core strength, improving posture, and boosting health. Now you can achieve these amazing results all from the convenience of […]
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Cuisine
Orange & cranberry spiced mulled wine
Print this storyWarm up with this deliciously festive and fruity mulled wine from local liquery Sovrano Limoncello. Ingredients 750ml full-bodied red wine 500ml water 300ml Sovrano Orangello 1/4 cup brandy (optional) 1 orange 1 tsp whole cloves 1/2 tsp mixed spice 1 star anise 2 cinnamon quills 1 cup frozen cranberries 150g brown sugar, approx […]
Discover Asia in Ashburton: Formosa
Print this storyPlanning a function? Look no further than Formosa restaurant – a culinary gem serving up the very best of Asia, right in the heart of Ashburton. Named after the island of Taiwan, Formosa restaurant takes inspiration from traditional Taiwanese cuisine and reflects a deep commitment to authentic Asian food. Its fare is expertly […]
Mulled pear cider
Print this storyA perfect warming cocktail for winter, mulled pear cider is ideal for guests. You can make it ‘hard’ by adding rum or keep it alcohol-free; either way, it’s a lovely tipple. Ingredients 7 pears 2 lemons 3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional) 10 cups water 5 cinnamon sticks 3 star anise pods […]
Peached pears with salted caramel drizzle
Print this storyA divine dessert in winter weather, poached pears are as elegant as they are effortless. Sweet salted caramel balances out the fruit’s healthy edge to become your favourite thing to serve at mid-winter Christmas parties and beyond. Ingredients 6 large pears 1L water 2-3 Tbsp honey or golden syrup, depending on preferred sweetness […]
Fashion & Beauty
Wild West
Print this storyA universal shift is urging us all west. Fashion hasn’t stopped veering west since Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter and Bella Hadid became a country-chic muse after being influenced by her professional cowboy of a boyfriend. With Beyoncé’s tour of the eighth studio album continuing into late July, the country-western dress code endures. Oh, […]
Shades of the season
Print this storyDeep berry and ‘jam’ tones are a favourite for the winter season and beyond. Bonus points for a gloss or shine finish. Pistachio and matcha are taking over more than the food industry – the muted green colour is making its way into makeup. Enlist an eyeliner for a pop of the […]
Moda moments: Lenton
Print this storyWhen style aficionado Amy Hislop swapped big city Sydney for tiny town Kaikōura in 2019 and pursued a homewares boutique, her lifelong dream of opening a fashion store was banked. Come 2025, Amy took a chance – on herself, and the growing local fashion community. Why? “Because folk from a tiny town love […]
Lunchtime facelift: Mojo Beauty
Print this storyMinimise the signs of ageing in the same time it takes you to eat your sandwiches at midday. It happens to everyone at some point. That morning when you wake up and the mirror reflects evolving wrinkles and saggy skin back at you… the good news is that an anti-ageing miracle is on […]
Health
Move that body
Print this storyThe bad news is that daily exercise alone may not be enough to combat a sedentary lifestyle. The good news is that regular exercise ‘snacks’ and active breaks can be literal lifesavers. A few years ago, the headline being shouted across the globe was ‘sitting is the new smoking’. These articles warned us […]
Leading the way in skin health: Acacia Beauty
Print this storyIn the heart of Christchurch, tucked away from the bustle of daily life, you’ll find a sanctuary quietly changing lives, one face at a time. Now, with national recognition for their commitment to clinical excellence, the Acacia Skin Health and Beauty team is being celebrated as New Zealand’s top Dermapen Gold Microneedling Clinic […]
Incontinence in conversation: iWellness
Print this storyA condition many suffer in silence, incontinence brings social, emotional and physical impacts that people struggle with behind closed doors. Reducing the stigma surrounding incontinence means speaking up. Incontinence doesn’t discriminate – it can affect men, women, young and old alike. While it’s common, it shouldn’t be ignored. “At iWellness, treatments are designed […]
Streamlining immigration health: Christchurch Immigration Health
Print this storyFrom quick medicals to family-friendly care, this Christchurch clinic is taking the stress out of immigration health checks – all done with heart and efficiency. Navigating immigration requirements can be a stressful part of moving to a new country – especially when it comes to meeting health screening obligations. For those applying to […]
Home & Living
Couch envy
Print this storyA couch is one of the biggest interior investments we’ll make in a lifetime – and it’s an investment in a different kind of living. On a couch we gather, lounge, nap, de-stress, read, watch, knit – it’s our happy place for better or worse, and winter only dials up the time we […]
Mid-winter winners: Total Food Equipment
Print this storyMid-winter Christmas parties and intimate family gatherings take over the July and August calendars – and everyone is enlisting the help of this Moorhouse Ave store to set their tables. Sandra McLay has been curating the collections Cantabrians shop to style their homes and kitchens for more than 15 years. At Total Food […]
Host like a pro
Print this storyEntertaining at home is an art – and we’re right in the thick of mid-winter’s party season. Follow this guide and your guests will think you were born with serveware in hand. Make it earlier, make it easier Avoid unnecessary stress, the fear that a meal won’t turn out how you hoped by […]
Lounge around
Print this storyIs there a time and place to be unapologetically lazy? Don’t judge a couch by its cover. A striking pattern, bold colour or chic neutral exterior might be your ultimate in aesthetics – but put your future self first and consider how it will perform at home. When you do grant yourself time […]
One on One
Mark Rocket: The first Kiwi in space
Print this storyFrom playing in a band called Planet Blue to working at an internet startup named Planet, the clues to Mark Rocket’s future were always hiding in plain sight. Now, the Christchurch entrepreneur has become the first New Zealander to travel to space. He sat down with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen to talk […]
Daisy Dagg
Print this storyDaisy Dagg tends to fill every pocket of spare time. A mother, interior designer, author and lifestyle blogger, her life is a game of tug-of-war. Metropol editor Nina Tucker discovers that despite health issues and a fear of failure, Daisy’s winning. I’ve always had this little voice in my head saying ‘don’t mess […]
Behind Nyree Huyser’s sound
Print this storyChristchurch-based vocalist Nyree Huyser is no stranger to the stage. Her rich, soulful sound commands attention and powerhouse vocals are her signature. Behind the spotlight is a story that spans continents, careers, and a powerful reconnection with the music that first moved her, Metropol writer Hannah Brown discovers. It wasn’t until Nyree Huyser […]
Little India’s legacy
Print this storyA rogan josh experiment one Friday night in 1988 Dunedin was the seed of Little India, a family-owned group of Indian restaurants that now spans the country. This isn’t just a business story though; Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers a legacy built on hard work, migration, and an unshakable belief in family. […]
Build
Building the future: Tao Homes
Print this storyImagine a home with it all: the lifestyle, location, landscaping, and luxury. Tao Meng has been building that dream in Christchurch for five years. His latest developments exude just the charm and versatility expected from Tao Homes. Prioritising thoughtful design and ample storage, the team works with top architects to build homes with […]
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Local election countdown
Print this storyThis will be my last Metropol column for the current mayoral term as we head into the local body election period. Ihave thoroughly enjoyed my last three years in the role of Mayor. It seems fitting that we are currently celebrating Matariki – a chance to connect with the past, celebrate the present […]
Supporting our community: Ross Steele, Te Pae General Manager
Print this storyTe Pae marks three years of success since first opening its doors. T e Pae Christchurch is more than just a venue. It’s a gathering place where our community can come together to support one another. In recent months, our team have proudly supported and hosted several fundraising banquet events, helping to raise […]
Beautiful bathrooms by design: Dream Bathrooms
Print this storyImpeccable custom bathrooms paired with the latest products and expert craftsmanship all under one roof? No, you are not dreaming. Filling a gap in the bathroom design and installation market, Adrian Kay was inspired to start Dream Bathroom Solutions; an end-to-end bathroom service offering design, product supply and installation. Adrian and his experienced […]
ArtScene
Creative Canterbury
Print this storyCanterbury is the place to be if you’re seeking creative spirit and stimulation – and the spotlight is on our young artists. “Ōtautahi has so many empty windows and so many incredible artists. Projects like this show that we don’t need big budgets or permanent venues to support our artists and activate our city.” […]
Steve’s scene
Print this storyInternationally renowned music publicist and consultant, not to mention Dolly Parton’s publicist across New Zealand and Australia, Steve Guest shares the latest in our creative industry. Canterbury, it’s getting chilly outside. Just ask the recent Crusaders crowd huddled within Apollo Projects Stadium watching them bring the championship home. We’ve been entertained by an […]
An evening with the Cowboy Junkies: Isaac Theatre Royal
Print this storyCanadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies return to Christchurch this November to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen caught up with songwriter Michael Timmins. In 1988, when Canadian alt-country legends Cowboy Junkies released their slow, haunting version of Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane, little did they know they’d still be playing it […]
The curation of a legendary career
Print this storyThe 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 […]
Business
Dropping like it’s hot: The fall and fall of the OCR
Print this storyThe fall and fall of the Official Cash Rate – what does it all mean? Metropol’s Tamara Pitelen investigates. Did the economy get a boost from the Official Cash Rate (OCR) cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) last month? That is the million-dollar question and opinions vary amongst the people […]
What’s your number? EBI Business
Print this storyThe one KPI that drives everything. Murray Dempsey In business, data is everywhere. Only one number, though, truly rules your world. That’s your number: the single KPI that, if you nail it, almost everything else falls into place. Revenue, profit, customer satisfaction? They’re all by-products of this one critical metric. Your number might […]
Canterbury’s gender pay gap
Print this storyHow does Canterbury compare to the rest of New Zealand regarding pay parity for women? Recent controversy around the government’s proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act has put a spotlight on a distinct lack of progress in achieving gender pay parity across New Zealand. Expressed as a percentage, the gender pay gap […]
Family legacy meets fresh perspective: Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers
Print this storyA well-known local financial advising firm is keeping it in the family. There’s a new face stepping into the spotlight at Christchurch firm Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers. Alistair’s daughter, Jordan Bean, who has been an integral part of the firm since its beginnings in 2013, has now officially joined the […]
