Latest Articles
What’s on in Hurunui
28 FEB: Hanmer Motorfest 2026 A full-throttle Saturday packed with gleaming chrome, roaring engines and nostalgic vibes, plus live entertainment, great food, and a best dressed competition. For $5 tickets per person, immerse yourself in a mesmerising array of meticulously restored classics, from iconic muscle cars to graceful cruisers and everything in between. […]
On trend: Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar offers up the latest hair trends – unveiling a renaissance inspired by the 70s and 90s. “We’re moving towards sleek, soft textures and away from overly messy styles – hair is becoming much more intentional in 2026,” says Caro, owner of Haar Design in St Albans. Long, luscious locks […]
Granny flat
Christchurch is gearing up for a granny flat boom as consent rules change. Following landmark changes to national planning and building regulations that came into effect last month, property owners can now build new standalone homes of up to 70 square metres dwellings – commonly known as granny flats – without needing formal […]
New property valuations
Christchurch’s new property valuations are set to be revealed by the end of this month. Every three years, rates revaluations are carried out across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to make sure rates are shared out fairly. Christchurch City Council staff have briefed the Mayor and councillors on the latest revaluation of properties, which […]
Lay the foundation: Affordable Concrete
A beautiful patio or welcoming driveway has the power to transform how a fresh home feels – or make it feel brand new. It’s the final touch tying architecture and external landscaping together. In Canterbury, the team at Affordable Concrete & Paving know just how important these residential spaces are. With more than […]
Embracing grey: V for Hair Merivale
The power of owning your natural beauty with master stylist and renowned grey hair transition expert Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. “There comes a moment when many women realise they’re no longer colouring their hair because they love it,” says Vicki of V for Hair Merivale. “They’re doing it out of habit, frustration, or fear of […]
Ancient balance, modern calm:
From acupuncture to herbal remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine has shaped many of today’s complementary health and wellness practices. In an era of symptom-focused solutions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a vision of health rooted in balance, prevention, and the interconnectedness of body and mind. With origins stretching back more than two millennia, TCM […]
East meets West
As Chinese New Year celebrations get underway, we consider the influence of Chinese art and culture on modern interiors and wallpaper design. Chinoiserie has long been a bridge between East and West, and its influence continues to shape modern wallpaper design in new and imaginative ways. Originating in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, Chinoiserie […]
Plaster care: Proudfoot Plastering
Chipped plaster, weathered surfaces, or dated finishes are all signs it’s time for a refresh. First impressions count. Just as a regular haircut keeps you looking sharp, scheduling maintenance on your home’s exterior plastering makes a big difference. An annual waterblast of your exterior walls, paired with a fresh coat of paint every […]
The bold and the business: Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson
The Bold Company Podcast is back to highlight Canterbury’s entrepreneurs and business owners. Canterbury is the home of opportunity, where innovation, ambition, and quality of life come together. Confidence is rising, investment and growth are gaining momentum, and new businesses are being established at twice the national rate. The region is full of […]
Enter a world of wicker: Woven Veranda
Waikuku’s Old School Collective houses the next thing you’ll add to your wishlist: wicker. Easy, elegant, and low-effort, homes citywide are adopting wicker furniture to upgrade indoor and outdoor living spaces. Where are they sourcing their beloved new pieces? The WovenVeranda showroom, of course. A captivating selection of stylish, Scandinavian-designed cane furniture from […]
Pump fiction
Landing just in time for a powerful Year of the Fire Horse (or May’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 release, perhaps), the pump is powering back through the office halls and city malls. The style is technically classified by its closed heel and toe form, but the pump has become a loose term […]
Styled seasonally: Maxwell Fashion
Summer is passing by, and the winter months are coming fast. Finding fashion that looks stylish but also keeps you warm can be a challenge. Your home for winter pieces this season, Maxwell Fashion in Halswell introduces its 2026 winter collection. Specialising in high-quality ladies’ fashion, the new season collection features premium merinos […]
Art with a heart: Selina Faimalo – Sea Signals Street art Festival Director | Flare
This month’s Ōtautahi street art festival highlights ocean conservation. Ispend a lot of time staring at walls. Not in a ‘lost my mind’ way, in a “what if this could mean something?” way. That’s how Sea Signals came to life. It’s Flare’s ocean-themed street art project popping up across Ōtautahi until 28 February, […]
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Cuisine
So cheesy. By Nina Tucker
For six years running, my better half and I have marked Valentine’s Day with easy, cheesy, homemade pizzas. We make the dough, shape it into hearts, and cover it with our preferred toppings. It’s so simple yet so special – an incredibly intimate date night activity and dinner in one. INGREDIENTS 2 tsp […]
Super easy square truffles: Mind Your Temper
Has all this talk of chocolate inspired you to try making your own at home? Mind Your Temper chocolatier Nel Vincencio says this is the easiest recipe he knows for beginners. INGREDIENTS • 250g 70% dark chocolate • 1 Tbsp coconut oil • 75ml liquid (water, cream, coconut milk, or almond milk) METHOD […]
Kiwi classics & Sunday roasts: Hoi Polloi
Classic flavours, a cosy atmosphere, and good vibes make this bar and bistro a hot spot for dining and entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Christchurch’s vibrant entertainment precinct, The Hoi Polloi Bar and Bistro in the Carnmore Hotel on Colombo Street is a firm local favourite. Open for breakfast and dinner seven […]
Tradition meets taste: The Bridge Prebbleton
One year into refining and reopening a bustling Prebbleton favourite, hospitality veterans Murray and Melissa Smith feel incredibly grateful. Sorely missed during its three-year-long closure and refurbishment, The Bridge welcomed Prebbleton locals and keen visitors when it opened its doors again. “What a year it has been,” says co-owner Melissa Smith. “From carefully […]
Fashion & Beauty
On trend: Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar offers up the latest hair trends – unveiling a renaissance inspired by the 70s and 90s. “We’re moving towards sleek, soft textures and away from overly messy styles – hair is becoming much more intentional in 2026,” says Caro, owner of Haar Design in St Albans. Long, luscious locks […]
Embracing grey: V for Hair Merivale
The power of owning your natural beauty with master stylist and renowned grey hair transition expert Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. “There comes a moment when many women realise they’re no longer colouring their hair because they love it,” says Vicki of V for Hair Merivale. “They’re doing it out of habit, frustration, or fear of […]
Pump fiction
Landing just in time for a powerful Year of the Fire Horse (or May’s The Devil Wears Prada 2 release, perhaps), the pump is powering back through the office halls and city malls. The style is technically classified by its closed heel and toe form, but the pump has become a loose term […]
Styled seasonally: Maxwell Fashion
Summer is passing by, and the winter months are coming fast. Finding fashion that looks stylish but also keeps you warm can be a challenge. Your home for winter pieces this season, Maxwell Fashion in Halswell introduces its 2026 winter collection. Specialising in high-quality ladies’ fashion, the new season collection features premium merinos […]
Health
Ancient balance, modern calm:
From acupuncture to herbal remedies, Traditional Chinese Medicine has shaped many of today’s complementary health and wellness practices. In an era of symptom-focused solutions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a vision of health rooted in balance, prevention, and the interconnectedness of body and mind. With origins stretching back more than two millennia, TCM […]
Saddle up: By Chris Korako, Inspire Me Women
This Year of the Horse arrives at full gallop. Late December left me with great sadness with the passing of a loved family member, then swept me away to sea-blue horizons. January followed with white-sand beaches and forests where the noise of the world faded to a hum. By late January, I had […]
Inject me skinny
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn excess weight for years, the new crop of injectable weight-loss drugs might seem like a gift from heaven. Is there a catch? Metropol writer Sophie Lapsley investigates. For anyone who has struggled with weight loss or become trapped in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, injectable weight‑loss drugs […]
Barely coping: Dr Jo Prendergast
Juggling too many balls? Struggling to keep on top of everything? You’re not alone. Women across Canterbury are living on the brink, caught in the #coping epidemic. “I kept hearing the same phrase from clients,” says Christchurch psychiatrist and comedian Dr Jo Prendergast. “They’d say, ‘I’m coping… but only just. Not thriving. Not […]
Home & Living
East meets West
As Chinese New Year celebrations get underway, we consider the influence of Chinese art and culture on modern interiors and wallpaper design. Chinoiserie has long been a bridge between East and West, and its influence continues to shape modern wallpaper design in new and imaginative ways. Originating in 17th- and 18th-century Europe, Chinoiserie […]
Enter a world of wicker: Woven Veranda
Waikuku’s Old School Collective houses the next thing you’ll add to your wishlist: wicker. Easy, elegant, and low-effort, homes citywide are adopting wicker furniture to upgrade indoor and outdoor living spaces. Where are they sourcing their beloved new pieces? The WovenVeranda showroom, of course. A captivating selection of stylish, Scandinavian-designed cane furniture from […]
Eastern influences
The historical presence of Chinese gold miners and the enduring popularity of Eastern aesthetics have woven several Chinese design elements into interiors in New Zealand. 1. Lacquered furniture and wedding cabinets Authentic or reproduction Chinese furniture, particularly red or black lacquered wedding cabinets, are a popular accent piece. These cabinets, often featuring ornate […]
Wall styling: Perfect Patterns
Harness the timeless style of wallpaper to transform your home and express your personality. “Many people love the idea of wallpaper but just don’t know where to start. That’s the problem I’m here to fix,” says wall stylist Janis McDonald and founder of Perfect Patterns. Formerly of Hubbers Furnishings and with more than […]
One on One
Lady of the Court: Eilish Moran
After four decades and 80 professional plays, Ōtautahi actor Eilish Moran tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about a lifetime helping shape theatre in Canterbury and her upcoming show, Divas of Theatre. Is she a diva? “Well, kind of, yes, maybe a bit… I suppose I’ve lived a lot, been around a long […]
From survive to thrive
“He lived unseen in plain sight – an over-65 kaumātua surviving on the streets of Ōtautahi, sheltering himself in a makeshift, man-made hut, with no income, no identification, and no clear pathway to help.” Metropol editor Nina Tucker uncovers the city’s harsh homelessness epidemic in conversation with local social services organisation Christchurch Methodist […]
Laura Frankenschmidt behind Lyttelton Lights
Meet Lyttelton Lights founder Laura Frankenschmidt. In 2026, the mother of three (plus a brand you could liken to a fourth child) marks 10 years of business and a whole hoard of hurdles jumped. Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out how Laura’s first candle crafted over the stove in her cosy Lyttelton cottage […]
SWAN SONS
Tom, Ike and Cosmo Sylvester are the sons of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated fashion designers – Kate Sylvester. More than that, they’re a trio moulding their parents’ thirty-year-old fashion house into its contemporary future. They chat with Metropol editor Nina Tucker about imposter syndrome, a life-changing accident, and their new store in […]
Build
Granny flat
Christchurch is gearing up for a granny flat boom as consent rules change. Following landmark changes to national planning and building regulations that came into effect last month, property owners can now build new standalone homes of up to 70 square metres dwellings – commonly known as granny flats – without needing formal […]
New property valuations
Christchurch’s new property valuations are set to be revealed by the end of this month. Every three years, rates revaluations are carried out across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to make sure rates are shared out fairly. Christchurch City Council staff have briefed the Mayor and councillors on the latest revaluation of properties, which […]
Lay the foundation: Affordable Concrete
A beautiful patio or welcoming driveway has the power to transform how a fresh home feels – or make it feel brand new. It’s the final touch tying architecture and external landscaping together. In Canterbury, the team at Affordable Concrete & Paving know just how important these residential spaces are. With more than […]
Plaster care: Proudfoot Plastering
Chipped plaster, weathered surfaces, or dated finishes are all signs it’s time for a refresh. First impressions count. Just as a regular haircut keeps you looking sharp, scheduling maintenance on your home’s exterior plastering makes a big difference. An annual waterblast of your exterior walls, paired with a fresh coat of paint every […]
ArtScene
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, […]
Steve’s scene
Your culture roundup from global music consultant, and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest. S ummer is in full swing and Christchurch’s entertainment scene is proving it. Jimmy (not for the faint-hearted) Carr sent audiences into hysterics with two sold out comedy shows at the Town Hall last month, and Ed Sheeran performed […]
Writing’s on the wall: Sea Signals Street Art Festival
A street art festival with an ocean conservation message is set to transform the city’s public spaces. Five storeys above the footpath on Manchester Street, a young woman is pictured wading through rising water. She’s the first sign that something big is happening in Christchurch this summer. The towering artwork finished in December […]
Business
Mental health a priority: Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula
Improved services for mental distress calls are on the way. Four new mental health co-response teams will soon be established to work alongside the police in responding to 111 mental health-related distress calls. This follows the Government’s $28 million investment in Budget 2025 to roll out 10 co-response teams across the country and […]
Jordan’s corner
Financial adviser Jordan Bean shares her top five habits for becoming a financially responsible woman. Hello. I’m Jordan Bean, and I’ve been with Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers since its beginning in 2013. I’ve worked hard behind the scenes for years while becoming a qualified financial adviser. Now, Alistair has asked […]
Talking rates
Some relief for Christchurch businesses as Council softens rates increases. Christchurch businesses are set to face smaller council rates increases than originally forecast, following refinements in the Christchurch City Council’s Annual Plan that aim to ease pressure on the local economy. Following public consultation and shifts in economic conditions, the adopted plan confirms […]
3 New workplace reforms
Sweeping payroll, privacy and KiwiSaver reforms are just some of the big changes facing Kiwi employers in 2026, writes employment lawyer Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani of Employment Hero, a recruitment and HR platform for businesses. From payroll reform to KiwiSaver increases and tighter privacy obligations, New Zealand employers are heading into one of the […]
