Latest Articles
Leading roller blind technology: Canterbury Window Coverings
Capture the spirit of modern living and celebrate contemporary style with Soluna Roller Blinds. The latest technology combines with timeless design and luxurious textiles. Smooth and quiet, elegant and easy to operate, Soluna Roller Blinds have a range of sophisticated yet effortless operating systems that can be tailored to fit any space. The blinds’ motorised […]
Amazing aromatics
Heavenly scented flowers, candles, room diffusers, soaps, perfumes, and even laundry powders can all help to make your home smell gorgeous. By Lynda Papesch. People’s olfactory sense adapts to the smells around them so often they are not familiar with how they and their homes smell, until a different perfume pervades their atmosphere. They can […]
Stay, relax: Clear Ridge Apartments
Thermal pools, activities for thrill-seekers and lots of shopping – Hanmer Springs has it all. It’s an opportunity to relax, unwind, and embrace the beautiful alpine backdrop. Clear Ridge Apartments offers stunning five-star boutique accommodation to enjoy that backdrop. Each apartment feels like a “home away from home” and makes the ideal place to base […]
Property trends: CoreLogic CEO Kelvin Davidson
A deep and prolonged downturn in property values is still helping buyers. The downturn since 2021 has given buyers increased pricing power. Nationally, values have fallen by nearly 18% from their post-Covid peak. Roughly three years on from that peak, the largest declines in values among the main centres have been seen in Wellington and […]
Bach break
Christmas is another 300-plus days away, and the New Year celebrations have slowed to a halt. Exhausted, drained, and overwhelmed – if these feelings are familiar, your body is yearning for a weekend away. Summer still has plenty left to give – those bach break escapes remain warranted. Sometimes you need a holiday after your […]
Radiant, silver, sexy: V for Hair
The year is new, so take the opportunity to launch a new you, too. Let the year be yours and step out with fresh, glistening silver/grey hair. Transitioning to grey is something to embrace, according to Master Stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee of V for Hair. “With personalised consultations, advanced blending methods, and premium products, we make […]
What’s in, what’s out
Staying stylish is all about following the latest fashion fads, or is it? Talk to a few fashion stylists and they will tell you it is more about mixing classics with a modern twist, especially for older women. Classics have longevity, hence the title, and incorporating trends with them will refresh your look. Bear in […]
Picking wicker: WovenVeranda
Homes citywide are adopting the ease and elegance of wicker furniture to beautify indoor and outdoor spaces. Many of those pieces originated in the WovenVeranda showroom, amongst a captivating selection of stylish, Scandinavian-designed cane furniture from Indonesia. Every aesthetic taste is catered for, “We can customise your personal style needs, and transform any living space […]
Costly regulation: Straterra Inc CEO Josie Vidal
New Zealand loves to regulate but it doesn’t always get it right and mistakes are costly. We broadly agree with the sentiment in the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill discussion document, although it sure needs improvement. We agree with the sentiment in the document that bad regulation can stifle innovation and give rise to numerous unintended […]
Editor’s Note: The essence of Metropol
We’re excited to announce that Metropol, the leading lifestyle magazine in Christchurch and Canterbury, is merging with Essence, the top lifestyle magazine for North and South Canterbury. By bringing together two strong brands, we’re creating something even better—greater reach, stronger connections, and more value for both our readers and advertisers. At Metropol, we know that […]
Excellence in exterior: Finesse Painting & Decorating
Curb appeal, resale value, and protection against the elements – a flawlessly finished exterior makes all the difference. It creates a house you love driving home to. Behind some of the most eye-catching façades in the South Island is Finesse Painting and Decorating. An entrenched adoration for his craft, owner Peter Dalman says “I am […]
Change is coming: Employment Counsel’s Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani
Several upcoming changes to New Zealand employment law may benefit both employers and employees in the long run. Probably the most hotly debated change is the introduction of an income threshold for employees claiming personal grievances for unjustified dismissal. The change means employees earning above $180,000 per annum will be unable to raise an unjustified […]
Wellness meets community: The Cove Wellness
In a busy world, a space where you can train, breathe, and recover is a gem. If you can also find connection with like-minded people, you’ve hit on the whole treasure chest. Founded by Christchurch locals Matt and Zusje, The Cove Wellness brings fitness, recovery, and connection together under one roof. “We created our premier […]
Not just coasting along
After a rough 12 months battling bowel cancer, new mum Elise Cassidy is taking on the iconic Coast to Coast multisport event on Saturday 8 February, 2025. A stage three cancer diagnosis, two rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery to remove a bowel tumour, and the birth of her third child, are not holding her back. […]
Cuisine
Pink Martini
Cheers to a bold, flirty drink just perfect for Valentine’s Day. INGREDIENTS Makes 1 • Handful ice cubes • 40ml vodka • 20ml dry vermouth • 4 dashes orange bitters • 2 Tsp grenadine • Orange peel • Lime slices METHOD 1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes. 2. Add the vodka, dry vermouth, orange […]
Fresh and best
Serving a salad with meals is a simple way to pack added nutrients and antioxidants into your diet, and eat to a feeling of satisfaction. Light on the stomach, salads are an easy option for warm evenings when after-dinner exercise remains on the radar – maybe a gentle game of tennis or walk up the […]
Unbeatable: D.O.T.I
Keeping food simple while delivering a delightful experience for your tastebuds is not always easy, but it has been an effective path to success for one North Canterbury-based eatery. That’s the motto for the team behind D.O.T.I. It’s in their name. ‘Don’t Over Think It’ is exactly what they do, producing deliciously unpretentious dishes in […]
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 […]
Fashion & Beauty
Bach break
Christmas is another 300-plus days away, and the New Year celebrations have slowed to a halt. Exhausted, drained, and overwhelmed – if these feelings are familiar, your body is yearning for a weekend away. Summer still has plenty left to give – those bach break escapes remain warranted. Sometimes you need a holiday after your […]
What’s in, what’s out
Staying stylish is all about following the latest fashion fads, or is it? Talk to a few fashion stylists and they will tell you it is more about mixing classics with a modern twist, especially for older women. Classics have longevity, hence the title, and incorporating trends with them will refresh your look. Bear in […]
Radiant, silver, sexy: V for Hair
The year is new, so take the opportunity to launch a new you, too. Let the year be yours and step out with fresh, glistening silver/grey hair. Transitioning to grey is something to embrace, according to Master Stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee of V for Hair. “With personalised consultations, advanced blending methods, and premium products, we make […]
Wellness meets community: The Cove Wellness
In a busy world, a space where you can train, breathe, and recover is a gem. If you can also find connection with like-minded people, you’ve hit on the whole treasure chest. Founded by Christchurch locals Matt and Zusje, The Cove Wellness brings fitness, recovery, and connection together under one roof. “We created our premier […]
Home & Living
Amazing aromatics
Heavenly scented flowers, candles, room diffusers, soaps, perfumes, and even laundry powders can all help to make your home smell gorgeous. By Lynda Papesch. People’s olfactory sense adapts to the smells around them so often they are not familiar with how they and their homes smell, until a different perfume pervades their atmosphere. They can […]
Picking wicker: WovenVeranda
Homes citywide are adopting the ease and elegance of wicker furniture to beautify indoor and outdoor spaces. Many of those pieces originated in the WovenVeranda showroom, amongst a captivating selection of stylish, Scandinavian-designed cane furniture from Indonesia. Every aesthetic taste is catered for, “We can customise your personal style needs, and transform any living space […]
Excellence in exterior: Finesse Painting & Decorating
Curb appeal, resale value, and protection against the elements – a flawlessly finished exterior makes all the difference. It creates a house you love driving home to. Behind some of the most eye-catching façades in the South Island is Finesse Painting and Decorating. An entrenched adoration for his craft, owner Peter Dalman says “I am […]
Classy glass
Setting the table for casual dining these days, runs the gamut from traditional to eclectic. Opt for DIY and self-serve plates and cutlery, to a more coordinated approach with a set table. By Lynda Papesch. Long gone are the days of white only plates, formal glass placements, and perfectly aligned cutlery ranks. One of the […]
Build
Leading roller blind technology: Canterbury Window Coverings
Capture the spirit of modern living and celebrate contemporary style with Soluna Roller Blinds. The latest technology combines with timeless design and luxurious textiles. Smooth and quiet, elegant and easy to operate, Soluna Roller Blinds have a range of sophisticated yet effortless operating systems that can be tailored to fit any space. The blinds’ motorised […]
Property trends: CoreLogic CEO Kelvin Davidson
A deep and prolonged downturn in property values is still helping buyers. The downturn since 2021 has given buyers increased pricing power. Nationally, values have fallen by nearly 18% from their post-Covid peak. Roughly three years on from that peak, the largest declines in values among the main centres have been seen in Wellington and […]
Costly regulation: Straterra Inc CEO Josie Vidal
New Zealand loves to regulate but it doesn’t always get it right and mistakes are costly. We broadly agree with the sentiment in the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill discussion document, although it sure needs improvement. We agree with the sentiment in the document that bad regulation can stifle innovation and give rise to numerous unintended […]
Change is coming: Employment Counsel’s Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani
Several upcoming changes to New Zealand employment law may benefit both employers and employees in the long run. Probably the most hotly debated change is the introduction of an income threshold for employees claiming personal grievances for unjustified dismissal. The change means employees earning above $180,000 per annum will be unable to raise an unjustified […]
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
Delivering fairer banking for all Kiwis: Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula
For too long, the big four Aussie-owned banks have dominated the market, leaving many Kiwis feeling like the odds are stacked against them. The good news is the big banks are on notice and the Government is stepping up to change that to deliver a banking system that works for everyone, not just the big […]
Know your numbers, the key to a thriving business: EBI Business Specialists
Understand your performance, plan for the future, and ask for help before it’s too late. Knowing your numbers is the foundation of understanding and improving your business. Accurate, timely accounts, presented in a way that you can understand, give you a clear picture of how your business is performing. Without them, it’s like coaching a […]
Cameron Bailey talks real estate
Mention real estate and chances are that most people will drop the name Cameron Bailey into the conversation. He is, after all, one of Canterbury (and New Zealand’s) top realty agents. By Lynda Papesch. Cameron has built his reputation on repeat business, outstanding client results, and on delivering exceptional levels of service. All that comes […]
Strong 2025 start for property market: NZ Mortgages
The new year has kicked off with remarkable momentum in the property market, mirroring the activity seen in late 2024. Buyers and investors are maintaining their confidence, keeping the housing market as competitive as ever. For many, the new year represents an opportunity to achieve their property goals, whether that’s securing a first home, upgrading […]
One on One
Here, there, and everywhere: Simon Barnett
Like a child heading to school on his first day, Simon Barnett couldn’t sleep the night before returning to More FM’s Breakfast Club after a six-year hiatus. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with Simon about life after the death of a dearly loved one. Open about the intense loss of his late wife Jodi […]
Darel Hall’s homecoming
Hundreds aged five to 12 visit Canterbury’s Cholmondeley Children’s Centre each year, a place of respite care for families and their children. A young Darel Hall was one of them. Late last year, the roles reversed when Darel returned as general manager, writes Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Darel Hall valued every moment of his […]
Not just coasting along
After a rough 12 months battling bowel cancer, new mum Elise Cassidy is taking on the iconic Coast to Coast multisport event on Saturday 8 February, 2025. A stage three cancer diagnosis, two rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery to remove a bowel tumour, and the birth of her third child, are not holding her back. […]
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,” […]