Latest Articles
Luxe looks: Estilo Boutique
From office style to elegant evening looks, this Lincoln fashion hub has you covered. Feeling great and expressing our personal style through what we wear should be easy and fun. We all have enough on the to-do list without the added pressure of sourcing outfits for special occasions, for busy workdays, or for […]
3 knitwear essentials: Zebrano
“Knits are the pieces you reach for again and again”. They layer easily, move with your day, and work with almost any outfit,” say the team of stylists at New Zealand designer fashion retailer Zebrano. We asked for their top three knitwear essentials, and how to style them. THE JUMPER From crew necks […]
Evoquative – Range Rover Evoque review
It’s hard to imagine the current Land Rover family without the Range Rover Evoque, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby. The ‘baby’ variant of the fully fledged and iconic Range Rover has been immensely popular since its inception in 2011, by encompassing the same level of luxury and all-terrain tech but in a […]
Winter wonderland: Village Lake
The colder weather is when Hanmer Springs comes into its own as an alpine destination. Winter is fast approaching. That is actually not a bad thing when there is a place like Hanmer Springs to visit as the village is a superb winter and alpine destination. There are the thermal pools, of course, […]
Walking on wool: Carpet Binders
To create a home that feels warm, inviting, and distinctly your own, the right rug makes all the difference. Finding the perfect rug, one that is exactly the right fit for your space, both in size and style, is often easier said than done. That’s where the team at Carpet Binders come in, […]
One-stop for medicals: Christchurch Immigration Health
For immigration visa medical exams and employment medicals, ensure you get the right advice, accurate medical testing and professional service from an approved medical provider. At Christchurch Immigration Health, patients can rest assured knowing they are in the safest set of hands for approved immigration medicals, blood testing and X-ray – all delivered […]
Snapped! Local street style
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? Metropol’s Zoe Fenton took to the streets and played paparazzo to three locals that caught her eye. Celine Graham, shop ambassador at Louis Who “My style is eclectic and affordable. A mix of new and old. My big thing is you don’t have […]
Chocolate truffle martini
Is it dessert? Is it a cocktail? We’re pretty sure mum won’t quibble with the semantics when you present her with this delicious, chocolatey treat. Ingredients: 60ml vodka (vanilla or chocolate vodka) 30ml chocolate liqueur 30ml Irish cream liqueur 30ml cream Ice cubes, 2 or 3 Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, […]
High tea & hot spots North Canterbury
Want to take mum somewhere special for Mother’s Day? This is our pick of the best North Canterbury options. The Gateway Tavern afternoon tea, Hanmer Springs A special Mother’s Day event, The Gateway Tavern is taking bookings for afternoon tea designed to celebrate mum. Enjoy lemonade scones with jam and cream, lamingtons and […]
Refurbish your kitchen: MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal
Top 5 reasons to refurbish your kitchen instead of replacing it. Thinking your kitchen needs a full overhaul? A smart refurbishment can deliver the same ‘new kitchen’ feel, without the cost, stress, or waste of a replacement, says Jason Turnbull of specialist finishings business MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal. “When your kitchen is looking […]
Antique additions
Struggling to find a place for that grandfather clock? Not sure which room to put your family bureau or case furniture? Antique pieces add warmth and sentimental value to a space, but in modern homes, finding the right statement piece can be a challenge. Try our furniture tips – because yes, the inspiration […]
Creamy carrot & bacon soup recipe
Perfect for those wintry days, this heart-warming soup from the new book by Sue Heazlewood, Tangleby Everyday Recipes Book Two, is a delicious lunch when served with buttered and grilled ciabatta. Head along to the book’s launch on 21 May at North Canterbury Books. Ingredients | Serves 4 150g bacon, diced 1 tbsp […]
You wear it well: The Wool Company
Four seasons in one day is how Cantabrians describe their weather, and dressing for those rapid shifts can be a daily challenge. For Margot Riach, owner of The Wool Company, the answer is simple: merino possum. “Once people wear it, they never look back,” she says. “By blending the fibres, we create soft, […]
Look lively: Matthews Eyecare in The Tannery
Eye care is about more than just updating your prescription; it is an important part of looking after your overall health. Regular eye exams don’t just help you see clearly, they can also pick up early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and even diabetes, says Claire Randall of Matthews Eyecare in […]
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Cuisine
Charming Mayfield stopover: Cafe Mayfield
Heading out of town? Don’t miss one of Canterbury’s best-kept secrets. Just a small detour off the South Island’s main north-south routes, Cafe Mayfield is a refreshing change from the usual roadside eateries. Explore Canterbury’s inland scenic route 72 and the charming rural town of Mayfield, which is home to one of the […]
Sing it! Cheers & Karaoke Bar
Celebrating a birthday? Looking for school holiday fun? Or just craving some authentic Taiwanese food? What if we told you that you could do it all in one place? “It’s about creating a space where people can switch off from their day, connect with friends, and have fun – whether that’s through food, […]
Flavours without borders: El Faro
More than just a café, this Ferrymead haven combines Mediterranean and South American flavours in a space created for the community. Lighthouses are symbols of safe harbours, of a welcome to secure anchorage. In Spanish, a lighthouse is called ‘el faro’, a phrase that could not be more appropriate for this eatery by […]
Chocolate truffle martini
Is it dessert? Is it a cocktail? We’re pretty sure mum won’t quibble with the semantics when you present her with this delicious, chocolatey treat. Ingredients: 60ml vodka (vanilla or chocolate vodka) 30ml chocolate liqueur 30ml Irish cream liqueur 30ml cream Ice cubes, 2 or 3 Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, […]
Fashion & Beauty
Luxe looks: Estilo Boutique
From office style to elegant evening looks, this Lincoln fashion hub has you covered. Feeling great and expressing our personal style through what we wear should be easy and fun. We all have enough on the to-do list without the added pressure of sourcing outfits for special occasions, for busy workdays, or for […]
3 knitwear essentials: Zebrano
“Knits are the pieces you reach for again and again”. They layer easily, move with your day, and work with almost any outfit,” say the team of stylists at New Zealand designer fashion retailer Zebrano. We asked for their top three knitwear essentials, and how to style them. THE JUMPER From crew necks […]
You wear it well: The Wool Company
Four seasons in one day is how Cantabrians describe their weather, and dressing for those rapid shifts can be a daily challenge. For Margot Riach, owner of The Wool Company, the answer is simple: merino possum. “Once people wear it, they never look back,” she says. “By blending the fibres, we create soft, […]
Look lively: Matthews Eyecare in The Tannery
Eye care is about more than just updating your prescription; it is an important part of looking after your overall health. Regular eye exams don’t just help you see clearly, they can also pick up early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and even diabetes, says Claire Randall of Matthews Eyecare in […]
Health
One-stop for medicals: Christchurch Immigration Health
For immigration visa medical exams and employment medicals, ensure you get the right advice, accurate medical testing and professional service from an approved medical provider. At Christchurch Immigration Health, patients can rest assured knowing they are in the safest set of hands for approved immigration medicals, blood testing and X-ray – all delivered […]
Staying fit as a mum
“Motherhood is the ultimate full-body workout,” says yoga and Pilates instructor Natalie Pantos. She reflects on her fitness journey through motherhood and shares advice for mums getting back into movement. Motherhood demands a level of mental and physical fitness like no other. My children’s needs don’t pause for studio class times – they’re […]
Weight-loss drug dilemma
Exercise New Zealand is part of a world-first global call for urgent action on obesity medications. With nearly three billion adults worldwide currently overweight or living with obesity, a number that is projected to rise significantly in the coming decade, the potential of GLP-1 therapies is a significant clinical advancement, says a joint […]
The body keeps score: The Healer’s Way
When stress goes unprocessed, the emotional tension can be the root of many physical diseases. “Stress is not just a passing experience; it is something we carry in the body,” says energy healer Nina Campbell of The Healer’s Way. A certified practitioner of Reiki, acupressure, ThetaHealing technique, and regression therapy, Nina approaches healing […]
Home & Living
Walking on wool: Carpet Binders
To create a home that feels warm, inviting, and distinctly your own, the right rug makes all the difference. Finding the perfect rug, one that is exactly the right fit for your space, both in size and style, is often easier said than done. That’s where the team at Carpet Binders come in, […]
Refurbish your kitchen: MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal
Top 5 reasons to refurbish your kitchen instead of replacing it. Thinking your kitchen needs a full overhaul? A smart refurbishment can deliver the same ‘new kitchen’ feel, without the cost, stress, or waste of a replacement, says Jason Turnbull of specialist finishings business MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal. “When your kitchen is looking […]
Antique additions
Struggling to find a place for that grandfather clock? Not sure which room to put your family bureau or case furniture? Antique pieces add warmth and sentimental value to a space, but in modern homes, finding the right statement piece can be a challenge. Try our furniture tips – because yes, the inspiration […]
Setting up for sofa season: Four Peaks
As winter weather sets in, snuggle up on the sofa with all-natural, locally crafted soft furnishings. If there’s one thing that winter brings, it’s the desire to retreat to the sofa on a cold, dark evening surrounded with cushions, throws and blankets. For soft, warm and long-lasting furnishings, you can’t go past New […]
One on One
“My life is a joke” – David Correos
From Burger King ads to Celebrity Treasure Island, Christchurch boy David Correos talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about building a career in jokes. David Correos, by his own admission, is not everyone’s cup of tea. Probably most well-known from being on TVNZ’s Taskmaster New Zealand and the Burger King ads, his […]
Q&A Move it Mama
Fitness by mothers, for mothers, Christchurch entrepreneur and mum of four boys Lisa Fong turned a passion for exercise into a multi-million dollar business. Then her husband Dan was given two weeks to live. She tells her story to Metropol editor Nina Tucker. Lisa turned the weekly 20-minute workouts used to reclaim her […]
Hayden Paddon: A driving force
From small-town sponsorships to world-stage victories and electric innovation, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver Hayden Paddon is driven less by what he’s achieved than by what still lies ahead. Next on his to-do list? A New Zealand world rally team, Kiwi-built and Kiwi-run. At 38, Hayden Paddon has nothing left to prove, […]
Surviving the unsurvivable: Sheena Hemens
In the space of a few weeks, Christchurch businesswoman Sheena Hemens lost her business, her relationship, her home and, worst of all, her daughter. She sat down with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen to reveal how she endured and why she now speaks openly about grief and resilience. “Losing a child, or any […]
ESSENCE
Snapped! Local street style
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? Metropol’s Zoe Fenton took to the streets and played paparazzo to three locals that caught her eye. Celine Graham, shop ambassador at Louis Who “My style is eclectic and affordable. A mix of new and old. My big thing is you don’t have […]
High tea & hot spots North Canterbury
Want to take mum somewhere special for Mother’s Day? This is our pick of the best North Canterbury options. The Gateway Tavern afternoon tea, Hanmer Springs A special Mother’s Day event, The Gateway Tavern is taking bookings for afternoon tea designed to celebrate mum. Enjoy lemonade scones with jam and cream, lamingtons and […]
Creamy carrot & bacon soup recipe
Perfect for those wintry days, this heart-warming soup from the new book by Sue Heazlewood, Tangleby Everyday Recipes Book Two, is a delicious lunch when served with buttered and grilled ciabatta. Head along to the book’s launch on 21 May at North Canterbury Books. Ingredients | Serves 4 150g bacon, diced 1 tbsp […]
Shear joy
Words: Nina Tucker | Images: Dorothy McLennan Beverley Riverina Forrester’s award-winning wool fashion business was born from her rural North Canterbury farm and innovative, optimistic mind – a venture that took garments to New Zealand Fashion Week and international runways, and knitting kits to the world. I had to wade through sausage-making courses […]
Build
Refurbish your kitchen: MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal
Top 5 reasons to refurbish your kitchen instead of replacing it. Thinking your kitchen needs a full overhaul? A smart refurbishment can deliver the same ‘new kitchen’ feel, without the cost, stress, or waste of a replacement, says Jason Turnbull of specialist finishings business MF Turnbull Kitchen Renewal. “When your kitchen is looking […]
Shouting about timber: Bates Joinery
Winners! The VidaSpace Christchurch showroom wins the retail category at the 2025 Interior Awards, with Bates Joinery taking home the Master Joiners Award. Located at 143 Victoria Street, the VidaSpace Christchurch showroom is an ode to interior timbers from European oak to burl. Divided into three distinct zones, Entice, Excite and Educate, the […]
Architectural excellence: Johnstone Callaghan Architects
World-class architecture is alive and well here in Canterbury, as evidenced by these stunning residential spaces designed by the multi-award-winning Johnstone Callaghan Architects, all winners in the 2025 NZIA awards. An award-winning architecture and interiors studio, Johnstone Callaghan Architects is a design-led practice formed in 2019 by Prue Johnstone and Mike Callaghan. Sharing […]
Countdown: James Gough
The biggest show in town is nearly here. When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its first big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping […]
ArtScene
The Pogues still raw, still powerful, still worth it
There’s always a bit of hesitation when a band like The Pogues comes back around, especially without Shane MacGowan. For many, his voice and presence was the band. So heading into this 40th anniversary tour of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash, there was a fair question: does this still work? Short answer, absolutely […]
Steve’s scene
Your women-who-rock-roundup from global music consultant and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest. Y ou can say you were there (if you were) at Lainey Wilson’s simply fantastic show at Wolfbrook Arena in February. She is pure country rock and such a delight. Lainey loved New Zealand – she managed to check out […]
Christchurch artist Morgan Darlison designs Google’s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle
Did you know? Google‘s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle is the work of Christchurch’s own Morgan Darlison. Anchored in history and guided by stars, the Waitangi Day Doodle reflects our shared histories of migration and voyage to Aotearoa’s shores. “We all came under the same stars and across the same ocean,” explains Morgan. “This […]
Saluting rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest: Isaac Theatre Royal
Hendrix! Winehouse! Cobain! For one night only, Australian rock spectacular ‘27 Club’ salutes the music legends who burned bright and left too soon. Winner of the Adelaide Fringe’s Best Music Award 2021, this electrifying tribute celebrates the legendary members of the so-called 27 Club – Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, […]
Business
Living in the City: Cameron Bailey
The big projects coming thick and fast to the central city are transforming life in Christchurch, what does it mean for property? As construction comes to a close on the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, the spotlight is once again turning to the future of the central city and what it […]
Housing snapshot
Christchurch’s restored city centre and the opening of One New Zealand Stadium is bringing the buzz back to urban life. How much does it cost to live in the CBD? And how does this compare to past decades? 1976: Christchurch tended to sit near the national average in 1976, you could buy a […]
Healthcare decision-making moves closer to home: MP Vanessa Weenink
Local authorities to have greater say on healthcare decisions that impact Cantabrians. As a doctor who has worked on the frontlines, I know that healthcare works best when decisions are made by those who understand their communities and work directly with patients. It is incredibly promising that from 1 July, we are shifting […]
Fixing the basics for a better future: MP Vanessa Weenink
Changes coming making it easier to get ahead and get things done. National has been getting on with the job of implementing a new planning system to replace the Resource Management Act. The RMA has been broken for a long time. It makes it too hard to get things done, like building the […]
