Latest Articles
Naturally yours: OFI Linen
Unlock your personal style with natural fibres. Quality clothing starts with quality fibres such as European-made linen, cotton, wool, and New Zealand-made merino silk. These are the fabrics that feel great against the skin and bring all the benefits unique to natural fibres. At OFI Linen, every garment starts with quality fibres. “Each piece is […]
Peppa Pig leaps from screen to stage: Isaac Theatre Royal
We are interrupting regular programming with ‘oink-tastic’ news. Hold onto your gumboots, Christchurch, everyone’s favourite cheeky little pig is bringing her snorts, snickers, and snuffles to the Isaac Theatre Royal this July. “Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out is skipping onto the stage in a live theatrical adventure packed with songs, games, giggles and muddy puddles […]
Beating digital eye strain: Anstice Optometrists
Three out of four employees struggle with digital eye strain, research shows, 59% say it affects productivity. Screen time is on the rise, yet our eye biology remains the same. The impact is an increase in the prevalence of issues including blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes, and eye fatigue. In line with digital consumption, […]
The season to glow: Encore Skin
Summer takes its toll on your skin, making winter the perfect time to address concerns like redness, acne, pigmentation, rosacea, thread veins, and wrinkles. Sciton BBL and Erbium Micro-Laser treatments not only rejuvenate the skin but also stimulate collagen production and erase discoloration like pigmentation and redness, leaving your complexion radiant and refreshed, says Rowena […]
Building tomorrow
Welcome to the future of home design in Christchurch. From modular construction to wellness-focused interiors, tomorrow’s homes are already taking form – reflecting a deeper connection to place, purpose, and sustainability. One trend is the rise of sustainable modular housing. No longer just practical or cost-effective, today’s modular homes are architecturally refined, efficient, and environmentally […]
First-class radiology: Beyond Radiology
As technology advances, it’s crucial your medical imaging practice of choice does too. Luckily, the best possible care is available in Merivale. New Zealand-owned and clinician-led Beyond Radiology prides itself on its latest state-of-the-art imaging. “We offer the best image quality available, with a complete suite of modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and x-ray equipment […]
Stay bright in winter with Vitamin D
As winter settles over Canterbury, shorter days, limited sunlight, and more time indoors increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, immune support, and mood regulation. The sun’s UVB rays, needed for vitamin D production, are weaker in winter and often absent altogether. Environmental […]
8 reasons to keep walking this winter
Christchurch might be cooling down, but that’s no reason to hit pause on your daily walk. Walking in winter is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. The temperature drop often leads to a drop in activity, but staying active is crucial to both physical and mental health in […]
Yotti’s easy oven-baked poached fish
The secret to a great fish dish is simplicity, so says Yotti Ioannou, co-owner of Theo’s Fisheries, a Christchurch favourite for quality fish. How does Yotti like his fish? Fresh fish doesn’t need a load of bells and whistles, he says. The most important thing is to buy the best. Here he shares his deliciously […]
Styling your barrel-leg jean
Ditch the intimidation of this balloon-like silhouette – these jeans will become a weapon in your wardrobe. Impossible to miss, the barrel-leg jean is defining denim in 2025, labelled the ‘go-to’ jean of the season – validated by the likes of Katie Holmes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Brands are jumping on the bandwagon designing their version […]
Mānawatia a Matariki
Māori New Year is a time for reflecting, reconnecting, and looking to the stars. As winter deepens in Canterbury, the rising of Matariki, which is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, marks a significant and spiritual moment in Aotearoa’s calendar. Matariki 2025 is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, […]
The art of no
How to take back control when you’re caught in a whirlwind. By Inspire Me Women’s Chris Korako. As women, most of us at some point find ourselves caught in a whirlwind. I’d like to say ‘swept up in a whirlwind romance’ but this time it’s a different kind of whirlwind. Time is one of our […]
Luxe-ify your car
Dial up your vehicle’s luxury level with ease. Clean and condition surfaces: Shine and wealth exude opulence and attraction. Arm yourself with a vacuum cleaner, microfibre cloth, the appropriate cleaning and conditioning agents, and get to work. Wipe, polish and shine for an immediate luxury overhaul. Elevate the accents: Consider your car’s soft furnishings – […]
5 ways to wear a scarf
Versatile, timeless and contemporary, scarves can be fun or sophisticated and everything in between. Style yours with these tips from the founders of premium local scarf brand Dark Hampton. A silk twilly as a tie Place around your neck and tie like you would a normal tie. A touch of fun for a business look […]
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Cuisine
Nourish your body and soul: Saket Indian Restaurant
Indian cuisine is a firm favourite here in Christchurch. The popularity of Indian restaurants and takeaways shows no signs of slowing down, with standout restaurants going from strength to strength. A case in point is the popular Saket Indian Restaurant. A well-known name in Christchurch’s culinary scene, Saket recently opened its third location in Opawa. […]
Yotti’s easy oven-baked poached fish
The secret to a great fish dish is simplicity, so says Yotti Ioannou, co-owner of Theo’s Fisheries, a Christchurch favourite for quality fish. How does Yotti like his fish? Fresh fish doesn’t need a load of bells and whistles, he says. The most important thing is to buy the best. Here he shares his deliciously […]
Mid-winter dining: Thirsty Acres
Mid-winter Christmas has arrived in Kirwee to brighten up the cold months ahead. Starting Monday 16 June and running through to Sunday 13 July, Thirsty Acres in Kirwee will be full of Christmas cheer and delicious traditional fare, for their mid-winter Christmas promotion. Just 25 minutes from Christchurch, the large bar and restaurant in picturesque […]
Classic rural cuisine: Cafe Mayfield
Expansive, eye-catching views stretch between Christchurch and Geraldine along the scenic route 72. Nestled within, a delightful little country town awaits. Mayfield sits an hour and a half from Christchurch – a drive well worth a day trip. Find true country hospitality at Cafe Mayfield. With a story to tell, the family-owned premises evolved from […]
Fashion & Beauty
The season to glow: Encore Skin
Summer takes its toll on your skin, making winter the perfect time to address concerns like redness, acne, pigmentation, rosacea, thread veins, and wrinkles. Sciton BBL and Erbium Micro-Laser treatments not only rejuvenate the skin but also stimulate collagen production and erase discoloration like pigmentation and redness, leaving your complexion radiant and refreshed, says Rowena […]
Styling your barrel-leg jean
Ditch the intimidation of this balloon-like silhouette – these jeans will become a weapon in your wardrobe. Impossible to miss, the barrel-leg jean is defining denim in 2025, labelled the ‘go-to’ jean of the season – validated by the likes of Katie Holmes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Brands are jumping on the bandwagon designing their version […]
5 ways to wear a scarf
Versatile, timeless and contemporary, scarves can be fun or sophisticated and everything in between. Style yours with these tips from the founders of premium local scarf brand Dark Hampton. A silk twilly as a tie Place around your neck and tie like you would a normal tie. A touch of fun for a business look […]
Warm winter tones: Haar Design
What’s on trend for winter hair? The team at one of Christchurch’s top salons reveal their predictions. Warm tones and statement hair lengths are set to take the season by storm, as seen on the salon floor and across international fashion weeks at large. Creamy golden blondes, rich chocolates and cocooning copper colours will trend […]
Health
Beating digital eye strain: Anstice Optometrists
Three out of four employees struggle with digital eye strain, research shows, 59% say it affects productivity. Screen time is on the rise, yet our eye biology remains the same. The impact is an increase in the prevalence of issues including blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes, and eye fatigue. In line with digital consumption, […]
First-class radiology: Beyond Radiology
As technology advances, it’s crucial your medical imaging practice of choice does too. Luckily, the best possible care is available in Merivale. New Zealand-owned and clinician-led Beyond Radiology prides itself on its latest state-of-the-art imaging. “We offer the best image quality available, with a complete suite of modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and x-ray equipment […]
Stay bright in winter with Vitamin D
As winter settles over Canterbury, shorter days, limited sunlight, and more time indoors increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, immune support, and mood regulation. The sun’s UVB rays, needed for vitamin D production, are weaker in winter and often absent altogether. Environmental […]
Invest in a youthful smile: Oral Design
State-of-the-art materials and contemporary techniques are the solution to restore a youthful smile. Nothing stands between you and the ultimate in luxury aesthetic dentistry. Richard Greenlees swears against cutting corners. A holistic approach, his handcrafted dentures restore youthful appearances and rebuild beautiful smiles – reviving facial structure lost with age or through a poor denture […]
Home & Living
Canterbury’s wondrous award-winning architecture
Dreaming of what the best of the best in local architecture might look like? We have the scoop. Across Canterbury, 31 projects were deemed winners in the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards – an endless cascade of luxury living inspiration. In judging projects this year, we observed a recurring pattern of strong collaboration between architects and […]
Building tomorrow
Welcome to the future of home design in Christchurch. From modular construction to wellness-focused interiors, tomorrow’s homes are already taking form – reflecting a deeper connection to place, purpose, and sustainability. One trend is the rise of sustainable modular housing. No longer just practical or cost-effective, today’s modular homes are architecturally refined, efficient, and environmentally […]
Sweet Tooth
Curated by Nina Tucker. Emotional comfort with a playful kick? Whatever the combination behind the surge in sweet treat-inspired homewares, sugary styles and scents are filling a gap with fun. Soft furnishings mimic the colours of indulgent treats, sweet scents leave your living room smelling like a chocolaterie, and your favourite corner-store candy becomes a […]
Wired for success: Barclay Electrical
When it comes to electrics, it pays to get it done right. Finding the right electrician for the job can be a challenge, and it’s not something you want to get wrong. You want someone reliable for a reasonable price who is going to complete the job to the highest possible standard. Barclay Electrical has […]
One on One
Stalwart Chrissy Mauger
Warm, welcoming, and impeccably dressed, Christchurch’s mayoress Chrissy Mauger flies under the radar – a picture of poise supporting the city’s head honcho. Metropol editor Nina Tucker pulls back the curtain on her strength, stability and enduring smile. A radiant Chrissy Mauger guided me into her Avonhead home, a space that immediately reflected her commitment […]
The power of 3
For three Christchurch mums, a chance meeting at the gate of Farleigh Kindergarten in Merivale sparked a creative partnership that birthed a business. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen meets the founders of the luxury scarf brand known for its craftsmanship, stories, and heart. Some of the best things in life come in threes – three […]
Passing the baton at Theo’s Fisheries
The fourth generation at Theo’s Fisheries is now taking the reins of this iconic, 75-year-old Christchurch business on Riccarton Rd. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen finds out what drives this dynamic, passionate family. “I feel him here with me every day, so does my brother, Yanni,” says Yotti Ioannou, one half of the latest generation […]
Tiki Taane: Digital gods, deep roots, and a South Island homecoming
Since going solo from Salmonella Dub, he’s helped Rihanna get a Polynesian tattoo, gifted pounamu to The Prodigy, and released a music documentary that’s won more than 40 international awards. Now he’s coming home with his latest project, Mai Te Uira. By Tamara Pitelen. Local-boy-done-very-good Tiki Taane is bringing home his latest work in June […]
Build
Canterbury’s wondrous award-winning architecture
Dreaming of what the best of the best in local architecture might look like? We have the scoop. Across Canterbury, 31 projects were deemed winners in the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards – an endless cascade of luxury living inspiration. In judging projects this year, we observed a recurring pattern of strong collaboration between architects and […]
Building tomorrow
Welcome to the future of home design in Christchurch. From modular construction to wellness-focused interiors, tomorrow’s homes are already taking form – reflecting a deeper connection to place, purpose, and sustainability. One trend is the rise of sustainable modular housing. No longer just practical or cost-effective, today’s modular homes are architecturally refined, efficient, and environmentally […]
Halswell’s reimagined gathering place: The Halswell
Spotting the huge untapped potential of a fading pub favourite means Halswell has a new luxury local. For years, a historic and familiar landmark on the corners of Halswell and Nicholls Roads had grown tired and in desperate need of love. It sparked an idea in Christchurch businessman Max Bremner’s mind. As Christchurch’s largest, fastest […]
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Te Kaha countdown
A big highlight for me over the last month was the ‘one year to go’ milestone until One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens its doors to the public in April 2026. It was great to host so many local media to mark the milestone, and the vibe was extremely positive and enthusiastic. This […]
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
Canterbury’s gender pay gap
How 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 is the […]
Family legacy meets fresh perspective: Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers
A 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 ranks as […]
Execute with focus: EBI Business Improvement Specialists
Why the Top 5 approach is the ruthless focus your business needs. In today’s noisy, over-complicated business landscape, the biggest threat to success isn’t failure – it’s distraction. Endless to-do lists, unclear or ineffective strategies, and ‘urgent’ tasks kill momentum. If you want focus, clarity, impact, and real progress, it’s time to embrace the Top […]
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 […]
