Latest Articles

Winter warmers: Total Food Equipment

On each cold day that does not seem to let up, we look to food for comfort, to find that cosy feeling in flavour form. Well, warm up in style. Total Food Equipment’s range stretches across every need and nuance when it comes to making delicious food without sacrificing on function or beauty. Think warming […]

The snail trail

Snail mucin is considered a wonder beauty treatment by many who have embraced its use, backed by various laboratory studies. Because snail mucin is packed with hyaluronic acid, research has shown its use can benefit cell cultures, possibly enhancing collagen and elastin production. Claims include that its antioxidants help to reduce signs of aging such […]

A love of natural fibres: OFI Linen

A wish to embrace the beauty of natural fibres sparked the invention of one unique boutique, which is renowned for its colour palettes, styles, and a classic, timeless look. As an interior designer, Wendy Giltrap always knew the importance of colour and natural fibres. “We love living with them, why are we not wearing them.” […]

Framed to perfection: Windsor Gallery

The perfect artwork can breathe life into a space like nothing else. The right combination of colours, shapes, and textures can create a sense of energy and life, or comfort and serenity. For over a century, Windsor Gallery has been helping customers to discover these kinds of invigorating art solutions. Windsor Gallery exhibits works by […]

Adding WOW to family treasures: McDonald & Hartshorne

Sustainability is uppermost in many people’s minds these days, and furniture is one area when it can be put to good use. I nstead of buying new, think about refurbishing instead. Many older pieces of furniture have good bones and/or sentimental value, they just need freshening up to add a “wow” factor. Christchurch resident Danielle […]

Discover your perfect spring getaway: Maruia Resort

Hit pause on that busy life and treat yourself to a luxury wellness escape. Nestled in stunning wilderness, Maruia River Retreat offers an exclusive sanctuary designed for smart, driven women seeking a break from the hustle. Picture waking up to the soothing sounds of the Maruia River, surrounded by vibrant spring blooms and lush native […]

Charred broccolini with parmesan and pine nuts

Take the humble broccoli and cheese sauce side plate up a notch with this quick, easy, and full-of-flavour dish. Just four main ingredients bring it together. Mouthwatering parmesan cheese and the buttery distinct notes of pine nuts, paired with the sharp aromas of garlic is a delicious combination. Add to that the chargrilled, savoury taste […]

Open your eyes: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic

Maintaining a youthful appearance that can fit in with a busy work and social calendar is a hard task. Dr Brigid Lee and Denise Prosser from the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic are always being asked what the latest and most effective treatments are to help. Dr Brigid says one of the most common requests they get […]

The Supper Club

The Piano Events Centre is set to come alive with ‘The Supper Club’, a mesmerising show with a unique blend of music, storytelling, and theatrical flair. Starring the extraordinary entertainer Ali Harper and the Jazz Hot Supper Club Band. Ali Harper’s career is marked by versatility and a relentless pursuit of new challenges. She has […]

Steering to satisfaction

Consumer NZ’s survey of New Zealand’s best and worst cars revealed our favourite brands, and those we don’t love so much. Earlier this year, results were released from the over 8000 Kiwis surveyed and 72 models reported on. Brands such as Honda, BYD, and Tesla have won the hearts of New Zealanders, winning People’s Choice. […]

Metropol Inspire: The pleasure of a compliment

Not everyone enjoys receiving a compliment. Often that is because they’re shy, embarrassed, want to downplay it, or just unsure how to gracefully receive it. Researchers have found several awkward ways in which people typically react to compliments. One of these is rejecting it by directly contradicting the compliment giver. An example is being complimented […]

Nailing necklines

BY NINA TUCKER The work of a neckline is to showcase, or not, your neck, shoulders, and collarbones. Different necklines drop in and out of fashion each year, and many move in parallel with the seasons. Each one does a different job of flattery. Taking neckline into consideration when buying a garment does not feel […]

Used vehicle imports up

The removal of the Clean Car legislation at the end of 2023 is one probable cause for increased imports of used vehicles. Registrations of these jumped 25% year-on-year in January 2024 to 8915 units from 7135 in the previous corresponding period. Toyota led the used import market with 3316 registrations, followed by Mazda (1329), Nissan […]

Dancing with the waves

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Abarth introduced its new “Offshore” model at the prestigious Top Marques Monaco 2024 event in June. Presented by Car Off Shore, this zippy wee car/boat (pictured in action) captures Abarth’s signature traits with a striking metallic-green body and powerful performance boasting 230Hp and Riva racing exhausts. Based on the iconic Fiat […]

Cuisine

Dreaming of Mykonos: Mykonos Cafe

Dream of the Greek island of Mykonos and you will have visions of whitewashed streets lined with bright bougainvilleas. Add in great ethnic food and this is truly an Aegean gem. How could something like that possibly be re-imagined in Christchurch? Enter Panos Bougos. He and his family have created a little slice of the […]

Wonderful winter veges

Hearty vegetable soups take over from spring/summer salads during the colder months, and they’re a wonderful way to add beneficial vitamins and minerals to household menus. Just as restaurants change their menus seasonally, so too can you, making the most of those vegetables that are plentiful at the time. A bonus is that produce is […]

Podium plates

For your guests, create eats worthy of a medal. Easy nibbles Organise five ceramic bowls on a platter as the Olympic rings. Fill them with dips and spreads such as guacamole, cheese sauce, hummus, salsa, and the classic Kiwi onion dip. Surround the bowls with a mix of healthy and indulgent eats. These could be […]

Immigration medical needs: Christchurch Immigration Health

Immigration involves numerous boxes being ticked, including various medical requirements. C hristchurch Immigration Health is a purpose-developed clinic, specifically designed to meet the needs of its clients and of Immigration New Zealand. “We are a one-stop shop for all immigration medical needs,” says Dr Lisa Amin. “Everything needed can be performed on the day in […]

Fashion & Beauty

The snail trail

Snail mucin is considered a wonder beauty treatment by many who have embraced its use, backed by various laboratory studies. Because snail mucin is packed with hyaluronic acid, research has shown its use can benefit cell cultures, possibly enhancing collagen and elastin production. Claims include that its antioxidants help to reduce signs of aging such […]

A love of natural fibres: OFI Linen

A wish to embrace the beauty of natural fibres sparked the invention of one unique boutique, which is renowned for its colour palettes, styles, and a classic, timeless look. As an interior designer, Wendy Giltrap always knew the importance of colour and natural fibres. “We love living with them, why are we not wearing them.” […]

Discover your perfect spring getaway: Maruia Resort

Hit pause on that busy life and treat yourself to a luxury wellness escape. Nestled in stunning wilderness, Maruia River Retreat offers an exclusive sanctuary designed for smart, driven women seeking a break from the hustle. Picture waking up to the soothing sounds of the Maruia River, surrounded by vibrant spring blooms and lush native […]

Open your eyes: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic

Maintaining a youthful appearance that can fit in with a busy work and social calendar is a hard task. Dr Brigid Lee and Denise Prosser from the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic are always being asked what the latest and most effective treatments are to help. Dr Brigid says one of the most common requests they get […]

Home & Living

Winter warmers: Total Food Equipment

On each cold day that does not seem to let up, we look to food for comfort, to find that cosy feeling in flavour form. Well, warm up in style. Total Food Equipment’s range stretches across every need and nuance when it comes to making delicious food without sacrificing on function or beauty. Think warming […]

Framed to perfection: Windsor Gallery

The perfect artwork can breathe life into a space like nothing else. The right combination of colours, shapes, and textures can create a sense of energy and life, or comfort and serenity. For over a century, Windsor Gallery has been helping customers to discover these kinds of invigorating art solutions. Windsor Gallery exhibits works by […]

Adding WOW to family treasures: McDonald & Hartshorne

Sustainability is uppermost in many people’s minds these days, and furniture is one area when it can be put to good use. I nstead of buying new, think about refurbishing instead. Many older pieces of furniture have good bones and/or sentimental value, they just need freshening up to add a “wow” factor. Christchurch resident Danielle […]

Gold medal-worthy interiors

CURATED BY LYNDA PAPESCH Millions of eyes are on Europe, and the Olympic Games in Paris, as the world’s top athletes compete for gold, silver and bronze glory. Metallics are also prominent in European design trends currently, especially gold, as accents, and stunning focal pieces. One of Europe’s top breeding grounds for design ideas and […]

Build

A happy city: Te Papa Hauora Health Precinct Chair Peter Townsend

It is reassuring to see Christchurch City recently identified as the happiest city in New Zealand, by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life. The index used in making the assessment focuses on cities that prioritise happiness and wellbeing.While I struggle a little with a city being “happy”, I can certainly relate to the concept […]

Swivelling wood burner: Envirosolve

With winter in full swing, wood, pellet, and gas fires come into their own. If you’re looking for something a bit different, how about a wood fire that swivels so you can enjoy its warmth from anywhere in a room. Envirosolve has exactly that in the form of the Bionic Wood Fire (pictured), by Rais. […]

Shutter style for your home: Canterbury Window Coverings

There’s more to shutters than meets the eye. They’re the only statement piece with the ability to increase the energy efficiency and comfort of your house, while elegantly improving your privacy. They can enhance even the top high-performance and passive house. Interior and exterior shutters are an elegant solution to make your home more energy […]

Live in warmth: Team Green Architects

Passive houses are becoming more popular, and for good reason. They are low-energy builds that require little power for heating or cooling. Living in a passive house is healthier and more efficient, especially as we battle these cold winter months. Siân Taylor, co-owner and architect at Team Green Architects, explains that the temperature in these […]

ArtScene

Framed to perfection: Windsor Gallery

The perfect artwork can breathe life into a space like nothing else. The right combination of colours, shapes, and textures can create a sense of energy and life, or comfort and serenity. For over a century, Windsor Gallery has been helping customers to discover these kinds of invigorating art solutions. Windsor Gallery exhibits works by […]

Spirit and passion light up the theatre: Isaac Theatre Royal

Audiences are set to be dazzled with an exciting line-up of shows at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal in the coming months. Lighting up the iconic venue, these shows celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of performing arts. This season, Showbiz Christchurch brings the beloved musical Mamma Mia! to life, featuring the best local talent in a […]

Where the wild things are

In its 59th year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year event has again served up some of the best ‘up close and personal’ animal shots of all time. Entries come in from people of all locations, ages, and skill levels, this time seeing 49,957 entries. Judged on creativity, orginality, and technical excellence, see Metropol’s favourites […]

Art with purpose: Art Metro

One local gallery has established itself as a cornerstone of Canterbury’s community arts scene. As well as offering professional and individualised fine arts tuition, Art Metro is currently displaying a series of stunning works by two of their tutors, Malene Laugesen and Veronique Lambert. Danish-born Malene’s work draws on her background as an animator and […]

Business

New director at Te Pae Christchurch

Large venues and infrastructure expert, Troy Williams has joined Te Pae Christchurch from his former role as Asset and Compliance Manager for Dunedin Venues Management. Troy Williams started his new role on 1 July 2024, joining the organisation’s executive team as Director of Building Services. He was previously responsible for asset management, sustainability and safety […]

Home lending advice: Mylend

Whether it is your first home or your fourth, it’s your money, your home, and your needs that should be considered. I will help you find out if what the bank is offering is right for you, or whether something else would work better. We are working with clients to help them budget and understand […]

5 Major Changes that will affect the New Zealand Property Market: NZ Mortgages

2024 is a crucial year for the property market here in NZ. With May bringing a lot of announcements from the Government and the Reserve Bank, here are the NZ Mortgages’ top 5 changes to keep an eye on. It’s been a busy end to the month of May for the NZ property and economic […]

Beware of solicitor approval clauses: White Fox & Jones

There are risks in relying on solicitor approval clauses, it is essential to get legal advice early. A“solicitor’s approval” clause has become commonplace in property contracts, but the actual nature of the clause is not widely understood. It’s not an “escape” clause. An approval clause typically has restrictions on what aspects of the contract can […]

One on One

Success in the slow life: Anna Gibbs

Questioning her own sense of self convinced realism painter Anna Gibbs to escape London life and settle in Banks Peninsula. The rising star shares her story of success, motherhood, and creating captivating artworks to promote native birdlife conservation with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Anna was born in London and grew up in various places […]

Hats off to chef Simon Levy

Chef Simon Levy is not only a long way from home, he is a long way from the 13-year-old boy who worked London’s Harringay market stall with his father. Metropol writer Céline Gibson recently caught up with the 2024 Hospitality Awards finalist. Now founder and executive chef of Christchurch’s Inati restaurant, Simon is a finalist […]

Editor’s note: More than a feeling

Among the simple pleasures in life, being tactile is high on my list. It costs nothing, yet brings pleasure in so many ways. I’m talking about giving someone a hug,  or a pat on the back, wrapping your hand around a cold glass of bubbly, and trying on clothes in a local boutique. Researchers have […]

Becoming her own boss: Wilhelmina Shrimpton

Two redundancies, a separation, the launch of her business, yet multimedia master Wilhelmina Shrimpton is thriving, writes Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. “Hectic” is normal programming for Wilhelmina. When she lists the number of things she’s working on daily, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. Broadcasting and reporting, fill-in hosting at various newsrooms, media trainings […]