Latest Articles
Clothing candy: Fashion Works Hanmer
Spring is just weeks away – a celebrated time for renewal, and preparing for the occasions of the season. From restaurant dates to the races, the calendar once again fills with fun. Dressing for each event means finding the right outfit for you and the occasion, whether you’re a wedding guest or heading […]
Provincial heartbeat: James Gough
Historic red and black pride for Canterbury Rugby has a new place to call gather and call home. Last weekend’s Canterbury Rugby housewarming against Auckland felt like more than a first match in our new home. With Shapeshifter electrifying the occasion and red and black pulsing through the city, Canterbury Rugby brought something […]
Leafy revival
Curated by Nina Tucker How did the humble cabbage end up in a Burberry campaign? Why is it the centrepiece of every elegant dinner party (edible or decorative) and the hero of a Michelin-star restaurant? Introducing CabbageCore, the vegetable-inspired homewares trend bringing the rest of the garden with it. A leafy revival from […]
Pottery pastimes: Ruffshuffler Ceramics
As the colder months encourage us indoors, finding a fun and creative activity to enjoy with friends has never been easier. The Addington studio of Ruffshuffler Ceramics is a hive of activity, offering a range of experiences for anyone keen to try their hand at working with clay. Best of all, there’s no […]
Anxiety hacks
Feeling anxious? Here are 10 quick and easy science-backed hacks to dial it down. Chew gum: Studies show it reduces cortisol and increases blood flow to the brain. Go outside and look at something far away: Anxiety literally narrows your vision, it’s part of the stress response. Forcing your eyes wide on a […]
Strength, measured: Muscle People
Once reserved for elite sport, objective performance-testing technology is now helping everyday people recover with greater precision, see their progress and return confidently to the activities that matter. How strong is your recovering arm or leg compared with the other side? Has an injured shoulder or elbow regained the capacity needed for lifting, […]
House of Huia on hidden treasures: What might be hiding in your home?
Some of the most valuable objects don’t look valuable at all. Like an unassuming silver fork from Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery expedition to Antarctica, recently discovered in a box of junk from a local deceased estate. At first glance, it was just an old silver fork. But then William Muir of House […]
Your guide to event style
Black tie, cocktail, wedding, business casual… what’s the difference between each dress code? Black tie The most formal of any event, black tie events command tuxedos and floor-length gowns or a structured pantsuit, and heels. Opt for luxurious fabrics like silk or chiffon and level up the glam with threadwork and embellishments. Cocktail […]
Tricks of the trade
What’s the secret to lush lashes and defined lips? The technology in tubing mascara, and deep, defined lips are on every beauty lover’s radar; here’s why they should be in your rotation. Goodbye, panda eyes You don’t need waterproof or water-resistant mascara to avoid smudging anymore – tubing mascara technology wraps each individual […]
Food, glorious food: Ross Steele
The strength of Canterbury’s local food ecosystem is reflected in the region’s recent Michelin success. One of the great privileges of living in Canterbury is access to an extraordinary network of growers, farmers, fishers and artisan producers. From the foothills and plains to the coastline and vineyards, our region produces ingredients recognised not […]
Wake up looking your best: The Beauty Parlour Fendalton
As we age, our lips and brows lose colour and definition. Semi-permanent cosmetic treatments such as ombré brows and lip blush help restore a more youthful appearance while simplifying your daily beauty routine. “People often worry about having eyebrows that are too dark,” says Angela McCarthy-Coffin, owner of The Beauty Parlour in Fendalton. […]
Bathing beauty: Dream Bathrooms
Picture your dream bathroom. Now, imagine really having it. What does your dream bathroom look like? Is it high glamour with plenty of marble and the latest hardware? Does it cater to a buzzing young family where easy cleaning is central to the design? Perhaps you hanker for the elegance of an era […]
Canterbury’s best catch: Riverview Lodge
On stunning Hanmer Springs land sits a boutique lodge with river views, and Tony Hawker, who is most comfortable with a fly-fishing rod in hand. High adrenaline activities, unlimited ways to unwind, and nature’s best up close, Hanmer Springs is home to many incredible moments – and one talented fisherman is putting a […]
Could grey hair be your greatest asset? V for Hair
“For years, women have been told that the first sign of grey means it’s time to reach for the hair colour,” says master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee of V for Hair Merivale. “Grey hair is no longer something to hide. With the right cut, colour, and personalised plan, it can become your greatest beauty […]
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Cuisine
Would you like fries with that? Makikihi Fries
How do you like your fries? Straight cut, steak cut, crinkle cut or jacket cut? The good news is, with Makikihi Fries, you don’t have to settle for just one favourite. Made from golden-flesh potatoes grown here in South Canterbury, Makikihi Fries have become a staple in Kiwi households, whether served alongside a […]
Red wine poached pears in puff pastry
Tracing back to medieval Europe and ancient Rome, when cooks used spiced wine poaching to soften unripened autumn cooking pears, this elegant dessert is a winner if you’re out to impress. Serves 4 Ingredients • 4 small firm pears, peeled • 750ml red wine • 1/2 cup caster sugar • 1 cinnamon stick […]
Double dining destination: The Mayor of Ale and Burj
Irish spice bags and arguably the best lamb shoulder in Christchurch stand out on the menus of this social dining duo on Riccarton Road. When lovers of local hospitality Sinead, Chris, Mark and Philippa came together to amplify The Mayor of Ale and Burj, they took a ‘double or nothing’ approach with side-by-side […]
Ginger winter tonic
A warming and healthy ginger winter tonic that’s easy to make and works well on cold days. Ingredients (serves 2) • 5cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 cups water • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for extra warmth) • 2-3 whole cloves (optional) • Juice of half a lemon • 1-2 tsp […]
Fashion & Beauty
Clothing candy: Fashion Works Hanmer
Spring is just weeks away – a celebrated time for renewal, and preparing for the occasions of the season. From restaurant dates to the races, the calendar once again fills with fun. Dressing for each event means finding the right outfit for you and the occasion, whether you’re a wedding guest or heading […]
Your guide to event style
Black tie, cocktail, wedding, business casual… what’s the difference between each dress code? Black tie The most formal of any event, black tie events command tuxedos and floor-length gowns or a structured pantsuit, and heels. Opt for luxurious fabrics like silk or chiffon and level up the glam with threadwork and embellishments. Cocktail […]
Tricks of the trade
What’s the secret to lush lashes and defined lips? The technology in tubing mascara, and deep, defined lips are on every beauty lover’s radar; here’s why they should be in your rotation. Goodbye, panda eyes You don’t need waterproof or water-resistant mascara to avoid smudging anymore – tubing mascara technology wraps each individual […]
Wake up looking your best: The Beauty Parlour Fendalton
As we age, our lips and brows lose colour and definition. Semi-permanent cosmetic treatments such as ombré brows and lip blush help restore a more youthful appearance while simplifying your daily beauty routine. “People often worry about having eyebrows that are too dark,” says Angela McCarthy-Coffin, owner of The Beauty Parlour in Fendalton. […]
Health
Anxiety hacks
Feeling anxious? Here are 10 quick and easy science-backed hacks to dial it down. Chew gum: Studies show it reduces cortisol and increases blood flow to the brain. Go outside and look at something far away: Anxiety literally narrows your vision, it’s part of the stress response. Forcing your eyes wide on a […]
Strength, measured: Muscle People
Once reserved for elite sport, objective performance-testing technology is now helping everyday people recover with greater precision, see their progress and return confidently to the activities that matter. How strong is your recovering arm or leg compared with the other side? Has an injured shoulder or elbow regained the capacity needed for lifting, […]
Feel-good mental hacks
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen shares insights from mental performance coach Paula Rule. Recently, Metropol editor Nina Tucker and I attended a women’s networking breakfast hosted by Inspire Me Women. The guest speaker was Paula Rule, a mental performance coach from The Mental Edge, who helps women – from athletes to business leaders […]
Under pressure: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Can hyperbaric therapy help with everything from ageing to anxiety, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and migraines? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen dons an oxygen mask and gets sealed in a hyperbaric chamber to find out more about this increasingly popular therapy. For about 12 years now, my husband has suffered debilitating, excruciating and regular […]
Home & Living
Leafy revival
Curated by Nina Tucker How did the humble cabbage end up in a Burberry campaign? Why is it the centrepiece of every elegant dinner party (edible or decorative) and the hero of a Michelin-star restaurant? Introducing CabbageCore, the vegetable-inspired homewares trend bringing the rest of the garden with it. A leafy revival from […]
House of Huia on hidden treasures: What might be hiding in your home?
Some of the most valuable objects don’t look valuable at all. Like an unassuming silver fork from Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Discovery expedition to Antarctica, recently discovered in a box of junk from a local deceased estate. At first glance, it was just an old silver fork. But then William Muir of House […]
Bathing beauty: Dream Bathrooms
Picture your dream bathroom. Now, imagine really having it. What does your dream bathroom look like? Is it high glamour with plenty of marble and the latest hardware? Does it cater to a buzzing young family where easy cleaning is central to the design? Perhaps you hanker for the elegance of an era […]
The latest trend: restore, don’t replace – McDonald & Hartshorne
In Christchurch’s bustling hospitality industry – where restaurants book out and tables fill up – booth seats wear out and chairs start to tatter. To keep their footprint low and standards high, local restaurateurs are choosing to restore instead of replace. Within commercial spaces, restoring furniture can update the look of a business […]
One on One
Life as Christchurch’s leading event stylist
From the foothills of Aoraki Mount Cook to the top of China’s Great Wall, Christchurch event stylist Kim Chan is a veteran of many venues. With Metropol editor Nina Tucker, Kim talks about styling, sustainability and who she can’t live without. “I’m not a minimalist.” Kim Chan darts between tables in Te Pae’s […]
Supermarket superman Craig Grant
What does it take to create Christchurch’s most aesthetic (and award-winning) supermarket? Award-winning businessman Craig Grant of FreshChoice Merivale reveals the stories of success he’s always been too humble to tell with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. FreshChoice Merivale is the first-class plane flight equivalent to grocery shopping. Each piece of fruit and vegetable […]
Finding harmony Mel Parsons
Award-winning Ōtautahi indie-folk singer-songwriter Mel Parsons has spent 17 years building a loyal following. With a seventh album on the way, four young children, and a career built on her own terms, she talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about the beautiful chaos of balancing family, creativity and life in Lyttelton prior […]
Lisa Philp on homing hounds
With the ban on greyhound racing coming into effect from 1 August, about 1600 ex-racing greyhounds are looking for homes. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen spoke to the national manager of Greyhounds As Pets Lisa Philp about rehoming Aotearoa’s great hounds. Lisa Philp has five greyhounds at home. As the national manager for […]
ESSENCE
Creative to her core. Waimate’s Emma Heppell
“When we care about something, we’re much more likely to protect it,” says Waimate-based artist, author, business owner and ice cream scooper Emma Heppell. Passing that passion to the next generation, Emma encourages children to nurture their creativity in a digital world with her community art studio, and hopes her new children’s book […]
Staying supple in winter, myphysio
Is your body is stiffening up with the cold of winter? Better movement means a better you, which is where a great physiotherapist comes in. A nagging knee makes a day on the slopes at Dobson feel exhausting. A tight lower back turns a beautiful winter walk or a weekend of kids’ winter […]
Leading the way
Be inspired and empowered at this year’s Leadership Speakers Series from the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. T he South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Speaker Series returns in September, bringing together six of the region’s most respected leaders for a professional development programme. The fortnightly, six-workshop series offers an opportunity for business […]
Feeding a community, from the ground up
On Seadown Crescent in Amberley, a once-empty green space is being transformed into something that will nourish the community for years to come. Earlier this month, the Amberley Community Garden and Food Forest celebrated a major milestone with its first community planting day. More than 70 local residents turned out to support the […]
Build
Canterbury’s winning homes
Located in Cashmere and Loburn, two of Canterbury’s finest home builds have been honoured in this year’s Master Builders House of the Year awards. The results are in for the winners of the Master Builders House of the Year 2026 Awards, a prestigious competition that celebrates building excellence in Aotearoa. While many Canterbury […]
Provincial heartbeat: James Gough
Historic red and black pride for Canterbury Rugby has a new place to call gather and call home. Last weekend’s Canterbury Rugby housewarming against Auckland felt like more than a first match in our new home. With Shapeshifter electrifying the occasion and red and black pulsing through the city, Canterbury Rugby brought something […]
Food, glorious food: Ross Steele
The strength of Canterbury’s local food ecosystem is reflected in the region’s recent Michelin success. One of the great privileges of living in Canterbury is access to an extraordinary network of growers, farmers, fishers and artisan producers. From the foothills and plains to the coastline and vineyards, our region produces ingredients recognised not […]
Bathing beauty: Dream Bathrooms
Picture your dream bathroom. Now, imagine really having it. What does your dream bathroom look like? Is it high glamour with plenty of marble and the latest hardware? Does it cater to a buzzing young family where easy cleaning is central to the design? Perhaps you hanker for the elegance of an era […]
ArtScene
Missing Robyn Kahukiwa search
The search is on for a series of missing artworks by one of New Zealand’s most influential artists, Robyn Kahukiwa, for an exhbition in 2027. Do you have a missing masterpiece sitting on your wall at home? Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is issuing a callout to track down a series […]
Andiamo al cinema! Lumiere Cinemas
Let’s go to the cinema! The Italian Film Festival is in town from 3 to 27 September, with a gala opening event to kick things off. For 11 years, the Italian Film Festival has been showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cinema and timeless masterpieces across New Zealand. This year is no different. […]
Mānawatia a Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rises in midwinter, also known as Pleiades. For many Māori, it heralds the start of the new year. In 2026, the Matariki period runs from 8 to 14 July, with the official national public holiday falling on Friday 10 July. This year’s […]
See Footloose in Ashburton!
Ashburton Variety Theatre’s production of Footloose proves you don’t need to live in a big city to discover a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre, writes Metropol’s Nancye Pitt in her review. Staged at the fabulous Ashburton Event Centre, this show bursts with heart, community spirit, and enough energy to have the audience […]
Business
Staying well at corporate events
Health and wellbeing at events is a growing focus as part of efforts to combat burnout, seek genuine human connection, and reject exhausting, over-scheduled agendas. From organic food options to chair yoga and mindfulness, the modern business conference is a far cry from the boozy corporate beige events of the past. As the […]
Ask a lawyer. Q&A with Kristy Rusher from Port Hills Law
Christchurch lawyer-of-all-trades Kristy Rusher would tell you the first step to being protected is staying informed. She takes the stand in conversation with Metropol to talk about becoming her own boss, what to look for in a lawyer, and why different cases require different tactics. Kristy, you’ve been in the industry handling cases […]
First homers: Liane Bean of Ray White
Christchurch’s property market is being driven by motivated first-home buyers. First-home buyers remain one of the most active groups in the Christchurch property market, with many well-prepared purchasers acting decisively when the right property becomes available, says licensee salesperson Liane Bean. Nationally, first-home buyers remain the largest purchaser group in New Zealand’s housing […]
The Te Pae effect
Conventions held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre have generated almost $74 million for the local economy in the last 12 months. In the year to June 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre hosted 56 conventions, including several leading international events. This supported 827 jobs in the Canterbury region, according to the impact […]
