Latest Articles
Leadership with purpose: Bridget Williams
Christchurch Bead & Proceed founder Bridget Williams explains to Metropol writer Hannah Brown how a moment of frustration sparked a creative global movement in sustainability and leadership. From courtrooms to creativity workshops, lawyer turned social enterprise founder Bridget has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. “It started with a bad day in court,” […]
The beauty behind the bargain
If you have seen Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, you will know of the battles that can ensue over counterfeit products. Now on the agenda, is a dupe – a duplicate of a popular product, yet not a direct copy. These products mimic cult beauty formulas, such as a Dior lip oil or a Nars […]
On the Guest list: Steve Guest
Steve Guest has an impressive career as an international music publicist and consultant, which is why his daughter Gracie calls Dolly Parton ‘Aunty Dolly’. It begs the question: is he the coolest father ever? Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out. He laughs, sharing more stories of how his work means Gracie has a signed […]
New Zealand’s future of fitness: Technogym
This year, take the smarter approach. Let technology guide you to a healthier, stronger you. The future of fitness is here, and it’s powered by Technogym. This AI equipment is gaining widespread attention for its groundbreaking technology at a time when longevity dominates the conversation. “Technology is here to help us train smarter, not harder. […]
Gateway to learning: Anstice Optometrists
The “back to school” checklist covers many areas of your child’s requirements to be first-day-ready. In the flurry of new drink bottles, lunch boxes, shoes and uniform, one main contender in the upcoming learning environment is often overlooked. Eyes are not only the window to the soul, they are also 80% of the gateway to […]
Keeping ahead of heart disease: Pacific Radiology
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is New Zealand’s number one killer, with one Kiwi dying every 90 minutes. In recent years, the number of people affected by cardiovascular disease has been on the rise globally. Early detection plays a critical role in preventing serious outcomes, and Pacific Radiology in Christchurch offers a valuable tool for this purpose […]
From fractured to functional, fast: Dudley Creek Health
Prompt patient treatment with optimal recovery is a key part of the service model at a leading Christchurch specialist treatment centre. Treating semi-acute fractures in collaboration with other medical specialists is all part of the service. Specialising in adult hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, the team at Dudley Creek Health (DCH) includes a hand therapist, […]
Crankworx Summer Series: ChristchurchNZ
Crankworx Summer Series Christchurch Adventure Park 13 – 16 February 2025 Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. The highly anticipated Crankworx Summer Series is coming to Ōtautahi Christchurch from 13-16 February. Christchurch Adventure Park will host this action-packed festival, where local and international riders will take on world-class courses. For the first time ever in […]
Putting the lens on UV rays
Slip, slop, slap, and wrap. We all know what to do to protect our body from ultraviolet (UV) rays, but what about our eyes? The sun’s harsh rays can cause damage to eyes and the sensitive skin around them, and Statistics New Zealand reports the country’s UV levels are high enough to wear daytime protection […]
A new vision experience: ILS
In the summer sun, polarised lenses to combat intense light and glare are essential, yet often not considered until it is too late. As technology advances, photochromic lenses become the benchmark. When UV hits, these lenses react: in sunlight, they darken, and become polarised outdoors, and in softer light, lighten. The Transitions XTRActive Polarised lenses […]
Pilates in the park: The Breeze & Sweaty Betty
Join Canterbury’s Breeze and the team from Sweaty Betty on Saturday 1 February to kickstart your morning with a free Pilates class in Hagley Park. After the success of Pilates on the Pier in 2024, The Breeze with Sweaty Betty are hosting a relaxing morning of mat Pilates for all to enjoy. This is a […]
Editor’s Note: Here we go, once again
Happy New Year. Most people are back at work now, and probably already thinking ahead to their next holiday. I arrived back in Christchurch after three weeks away to find many bemoaning the lack of hot summer days, and lots of them wondering if we are going to have a more temperate season. On the […]
Styled two ways
Rules often go out the door when it comes to decorating your home. By Zoe Fenton. Go bold with maximalist décor, colours and patterns galore, or stay humble with a minimalist, neutral style. One whispers simplicity, the other shouts extravagance. You certainly can be one or the other – or the rooms in your home […]
The year of the snake
Following the 2024 Year of the Dragon, on 29 January, the Chinese Horoscope Year of the Snake comes into being. By Lynda Papesch. Already, fashion houses and other industries are incorporating serpents of all shapes and forms into jewellery, emblems on clothing, textiles, and even enamel souvenir badges. Snakeskin boots, belts, and bags have been […]
Cuisine
Fine food to feast on: Elmwood Fine Foods
To walk into a café and immediately see a huge cabinet brimming with beautifully displayed and tempting goodies is a feast for the eyes and titillation for the taste buds. At the heart of every café are the treasures that lie inside its food cabinets. Treasures are indeed at Elmwood Fine Foods, a little gem […]
Embrace alfresco
Summer is the season when alfresco dining comes into its own. Nice weather and long hot days mean eating outside, usually in a casual setting, is an enjoyable option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The term comes from the Italian phrase al fresco, which means “in the fresh air”, and as a nation Kiwis love […]
The sweet taste of summer
Peaches, apricots, nectarines, berries, watermelons, and a whole cornucopia of fruits are in plentiful supply, and ready to be enjoyed. From biting into them fresh, to desserts, smoothies, cocktails, and baking, there are numerous ways to make the most of the season’s plentiful harvest. Growing your own is one way to ensure sweet, juicy treats, […]
In a glaze phase
Barbecues receive a powerful workout over summer, serving up champion cuts of meat and various vegetables – made even tastier with a sweet or savoury glaze. A classic glaze heroes two components – some form of sugar syrup and a punchy, flavour-packing element. To please Easy, customisable, and with a classic flavour profile, keep this […]
Fashion & Beauty
The beauty behind the bargain
If you have seen Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, you will know of the battles that can ensue over counterfeit products. Now on the agenda, is a dupe – a duplicate of a popular product, yet not a direct copy. These products mimic cult beauty formulas, such as a Dior lip oil or a Nars […]
New Zealand’s future of fitness: Technogym
This year, take the smarter approach. Let technology guide you to a healthier, stronger you. The future of fitness is here, and it’s powered by Technogym. This AI equipment is gaining widespread attention for its groundbreaking technology at a time when longevity dominates the conversation. “Technology is here to help us train smarter, not harder. […]
Keeping ahead of heart disease: Pacific Radiology
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is New Zealand’s number one killer, with one Kiwi dying every 90 minutes. In recent years, the number of people affected by cardiovascular disease has been on the rise globally. Early detection plays a critical role in preventing serious outcomes, and Pacific Radiology in Christchurch offers a valuable tool for this purpose […]
From fractured to functional, fast: Dudley Creek Health
Prompt patient treatment with optimal recovery is a key part of the service model at a leading Christchurch specialist treatment centre. Treating semi-acute fractures in collaboration with other medical specialists is all part of the service. Specialising in adult hand, wrist, and elbow injuries, the team at Dudley Creek Health (DCH) includes a hand therapist, […]
Home & Living
Bathroom trends
Creative lighting and floating vanities will be key features in 2025 bathroom designs, says the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association of New Zealand (NKBA). In recent years, the bathroom has become a statement piece of any home. No longer an afterthought, homeowners across New Zealand are utilising interior designers to create functional and brilliantly appointed […]
Introducing Mocha Mousse
For 2025, the Pantone Colour Institute has named Mocha Mousse as its Colour of the Year. The colour palette ranges from rich dark browns to creamy hues reminiscent of flat white, latte, and long black coffees, with accents of off-white, vanilla, gold, and black. Bring on the browns in 2025 Described as a rich, warming […]
Styled two ways
Rules often go out the door when it comes to decorating your home. By Zoe Fenton. Go bold with maximalist décor, colours and patterns galore, or stay humble with a minimalist, neutral style. One whispers simplicity, the other shouts extravagance. You certainly can be one or the other – or the rooms in your home […]
Post-holiday refresh
Our homes and baches deserve some pampering post-holiday season, just as we do. Tapping into the senses through colour, scent, or memories, is an easy way to refresh and bring a new mood to a space. New Zealanders spend almost 70% of their day inside their homes, and whether at your bach or permanent residence, […]
Build
National architecture winners
The 2024 ADNZ Resene Architectural Design Awards recognised two Canterbury projects amongst the winners, identifying the best of the best architectural design in New Zealand. A Fendalton residence by Sam Connell of Figure & Ground, featured in the 12 December issue of Metropol, won the award for the best New Home over 300m2, while an […]
Te Pae General Manager Ross Steele: A regenerated city
In just under three years since opening, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has become a shining example of the successful regeneration of our city. Hosting a diverse range of national and international conventions, exhibitions, banquets, meetings, and live entertainment, Te Pae is helping to firmly establish Christchurch as a unique destination for global business events. […]
5-star realty excellence: Raine & Horne
Putting clients’ interests first, even before their own, has produced consistent five-star reviews for one Canterbury real estate duo. Natarsha Crawford and Susan Mullink (pictured) are the team behind Raine & Horne Northwood (formerly Mike Pero Northwood). The dynamic pair bought the franchise in January this year, continuing when it was acquired by, and rebranded […]
Style & functionality for modern Kiwi homes: Canterbury Window Coverings
Interior shutters have long been celebrated as the perfect blend of beauty and practicality, seamlessly fitting both timeless and modern homes. Beyond aesthetics, they enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and privacy, making them a true lifestyle upgrade for the modern Kiwi. Shutters offer an elegant solution for maintaining a comfortable living environment all year round. Their […]
ArtScene
Dive into the spotlight: Isaac Theatre Royal
Think exclusive access, thrilling perks, extraordinary entertainment, and the ultimate theatre giveaway for 2025. The iconic Isaac Theatre Royal has all that and more in store for the year ahead. Rolling out the red carpet for theatre lovers across Canterbury, the launch of their new Backstage Club Membership and Patron Programmes are designed to ensure […]
Glass masterpiece
Since late last year, Cardrona Distillery has been home to a chandelier of over 1000 handcrafted glass feathers. The award-winning Crystal Chain Gang, Martinborough glass artists Jim Dennison and Leanne Williams, installed their largest-ever piece in terms of the number of feathers and width of the creation, in Cardrona Distillery’s restaurant in December. At 200 […]
A night to remember: Isaac Theatre Royal
Monumental, captivating, history-making. That is how you might describe the celebration that marked 10 years of standing strong once again, for one of Christchurch’s renowned arts establishments. The Isaac Theatre Royal’s Anniversary Variety Gala was an unforgettable celebration of resilience, creativity, and community, marketing and deveolopment manager Bianca Lindstrom says. Opening the evening was none […]
Young creative talent on the rise: Art Metro
Josef Robertson (pictured) may only be in Year 7 at Cobham Intermediate, yet he’s already laying the groundwork for a future in the arts. Inspired by a friend’s involvement, Josef asked his parents if he, too, could join Art Metro’s after-school classes. “I wasn’t in the same group as my friend,” Josef explains. “It didn’t […]
Business
Tackling loneliness at work
An international study found one in five employees report feeling lonely at work. Being in the office isn’t the key solution, according to researchers from Canterbury University (UC) and the Institute for Life at Work. University Associate Professor Sarah Wright and Chief Scientist at the Institute for Life at Work Dr Constance Noonan Hadley surveyed […]
New Year, new home: Rent Wise Property Management
“If this was my property, would I be happy?” is a question Shona Saunders often asks herself, when considering rental properties for other people. Property and people are two of REINZ accredited Shona’s passions. Combining them, she works with rental property owners and tenants to find an ideal solution for both. Working in the rental […]
Realty contrast in 2024
Despite a challenging year for New Zealand’s property market, moments of resilience and divergence emerged, with multi-million-dollar prestige sales, double-digit gains and declines, and properties selling in as little as seven days. The annual CoreLogic NZ Best of the Best 2024 report highlights the country’s top property sales, highest and lowest growth suburbs and best-performing […]
Getting your business ready for 2025: EBI
2025 is knocking at the door and the economy and customer spending is on the up. What comes next is a world of opportunities. As a business owner, now is the time to sharpen your focus, strategise smartly, and position your company for lasting success. Ready to hit the ground running? Here’s how to prepare […]
One on One
Leadership with purpose: Bridget Williams
Christchurch Bead & Proceed founder Bridget Williams explains to Metropol writer Hannah Brown how a moment of frustration sparked a creative global movement in sustainability and leadership. From courtrooms to creativity workshops, lawyer turned social enterprise founder Bridget has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. “It started with a bad day in court,” […]
On the Guest list: Steve Guest
Steve Guest has an impressive career as an international music publicist and consultant, which is why his daughter Gracie calls Dolly Parton ‘Aunty Dolly’. It begs the question: is he the coolest father ever? Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out. He laughs, sharing more stories of how his work means Gracie has a signed […]
Animal antics with Mark & Kirsty
Three generations of Cantabrians have grown up with special memories of furry and feathered friends at Willowbank. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch catches up with founding family siblings Kirsty and Mark Willis to look back on its first 50 years. Naturalist, photographer, and writer, Edwin Way Teale once wrote, “Those who wish to pet and baby […]
Sharing Christmas magic
Christmas cheer is near, and blissful holiday memory-making has begun. We asked four of our 2024 interviewees to share the way they will spend the festive season. “I absolutely love Christmas. Living much of the year in America has made me fully embrace the idea of celebrating holidays. Not in the commercial sense, but in […]