Latest Articles
Made to measure: Dream Doors
If you are wondering how to add value to your home and enjoy a great kitchen without paying a fortune, here’s your answer. Freshening up your kitchen can be as simple as new cupboard doors and drawer fronts on existing cabinets, and perhaps adding in a bench top, but it can also mean […]
Instant style: The Crossing
What to wear. Where to buy it. The autumn reset I’m so excited to be introducing this new seasonal feature with Metropol… a space where I’ll share the pieces I’m reaching for, the trends I’m actually wearing, and the small styling shifts that make a new season feel fresh again. Although autumn has […]
Garments return to ground
New Zealand label Kowtow secures a world-first in sustainability, transforming garments and returning them to the earth as a regenerative force rather than waste. “For two decades, Kowtow has been uncompromising in its belief that clothing should come from nature and return to it without harm,” says founder Gosia Piatek. In February, the […]
Pelvic restoration
The solution for restoring the strength of your pelvic floor. I ntimate health can change over time, yet as we age it’s something many people hesitate to talk about. After childbirth, during menopause, following prostate surgery, or simply with age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken. This may affect important aspects of sexual […]
Welcome to the Queendom
Christchurch is full of women who rock, sharing their creative talent and taking on the world. We caught up with country pop singer Steffany Beck, who just notched up a career highlight opening for Scottish rockers Deacon Blue on their New Zealand tour. Steffany, describe your style of music? Easy! Modern country sound […]
Eat, drink, serve: Serve Social
Where in Christchurch does it feel like you’re winning even when you’re not on the top of the leaderboard? Serving friendly competition, endless laughter, and even espresso martinis on tap, the interactive game destination Serve Social is a win win. Think quiz show-style competitions, ping pong, high-tech darts, escape rooms, shuffleboard, and the […]
Discover Fiordland
It’s time to explore your southern backyard. People flock to Fiordland for its famous natural icons like Piopiotahi Milford Sound and the Great Walks, but beyond is a slice of cultural, geological and scenic paradise. Milford Sound: The eighth wonder of the world Carved by glaciers during the ice ages, Piopiotahi Milford Sound […]
Rock reads
From rockers of the 60s to punk icons of the 70s and Riot grrrl bands of the 90s, this is your cheat sheet of need-to-know women who transformed the global music scene. Great for reading and for looking good on a coffee table. For our Women Who Rock theme, we’ve curated a list […]
Access advanced pain management: Beyond Radiology
For those living with persistent neck, back, or joint pain, advanced imaging and specialist pain procedures are now more easily available to people in Canterbury. In healthcare, trust is built over time, through consistency, expertise, and a genuine commitment to caring for people. By showing up for your community, day after day. For […]
Get the look of Cassie Henderson
Cover star Cassie Henderson campaigned to wear shorts at high school – she’s known her style for a long time. The singer-songwriter adopts two distinct aesthetics, each serving what she needs for where she’s going. We break down her style so you can get the look. Cassie describes her day-to-day uniform as “dad […]
Layer the look: Made in the Shade
It’s the time of year for transitional dressing, and if Christchurch weather is anything to go by, you need to be prepared for four seasons in one day. Ali Donn is welcoming everything from autumnal dresses to winter knitwear in every colour at Made in the Shade. From boxes of new season Vassalli […]
5 top tips for menopausal skin: 360 Skin Studio
Hormonal changes bring new skin challenges, but help is at hand. If you’re a woman who is entering, or well into, the menopausal years, you may have noticed changes to your skin’s texture, pigmentation and sensitivity. Founder of 360 Skin Studio and advanced skin therapist, Carol Geal, says that declining oestrogen and progesterone […]
Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden – 13th annual autumn exhibition
Spend an hour or more among more than 150 sculptures, nestled within one hectare of native bush. WHAT: A family-friendly outdoor event showcasing artworks for sale by some of New Zealand’s favourite sculptors and a stunning permanent collection of sculptures. Artists work in a variety of media, including local stone, steel, bronze, glass, […]
Style between seasons: APT Collections
Opulent romance leads the way this season with luxe layers, bohemian-inspired textures, and a return to confident power suiting. Playful patterns and rich, saturated colours add vibrancy, creating a winter wardrobe that feels intentional, expressive, and effortlessly refined. Find all at Apt Collections in Barrington Shopping Centre.
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Cuisine
Where community gathers: The Golden Mile
A warm welcome in Templeton at a restaurant designed for families, celebrations, and memorable meals at affordable prices. At the heart of the community, The Golden Mile Tavern has become a favourite gathering place for families, friends, and celebrations of all kinds. With a warm, family-friendly vibe, the restaurant welcomes everyone from young […]
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 […]
Fashion & Beauty
Instant style: The Crossing
What to wear. Where to buy it. The autumn reset I’m so excited to be introducing this new seasonal feature with Metropol… a space where I’ll share the pieces I’m reaching for, the trends I’m actually wearing, and the small styling shifts that make a new season feel fresh again. Although autumn has […]
Garments return to ground
New Zealand label Kowtow secures a world-first in sustainability, transforming garments and returning them to the earth as a regenerative force rather than waste. “For two decades, Kowtow has been uncompromising in its belief that clothing should come from nature and return to it without harm,” says founder Gosia Piatek. In February, the […]
Get the look of Cassie Henderson
Cover star Cassie Henderson campaigned to wear shorts at high school – she’s known her style for a long time. The singer-songwriter adopts two distinct aesthetics, each serving what she needs for where she’s going. We break down her style so you can get the look. Cassie describes her day-to-day uniform as “dad […]
Layer the look: Made in the Shade
It’s the time of year for transitional dressing, and if Christchurch weather is anything to go by, you need to be prepared for four seasons in one day. Ali Donn is welcoming everything from autumnal dresses to winter knitwear in every colour at Made in the Shade. From boxes of new season Vassalli […]
Health
Pelvic restoration
The solution for restoring the strength of your pelvic floor. I ntimate health can change over time, yet as we age it’s something many people hesitate to talk about. After childbirth, during menopause, following prostate surgery, or simply with age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken. This may affect important aspects of sexual […]
Access advanced pain management: Beyond Radiology
For those living with persistent neck, back, or joint pain, advanced imaging and specialist pain procedures are now more easily available to people in Canterbury. In healthcare, trust is built over time, through consistency, expertise, and a genuine commitment to caring for people. By showing up for your community, day after day. For […]
On your nerves: Christchurch Chiro
Getting on your nerves in the best way possible is Christchurch chiropractor Hugh Crozier. Six years ago, chiropractor and ‘student for life’ Hugh Crozier had a life-changing experience while studying in Perth. He was introduced to a new way of working with the nervous system, DermoNeuroModulation, which better addresses and treats pain, tension […]
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 […]
Home & Living
Made to measure: Dream Doors
If you are wondering how to add value to your home and enjoy a great kitchen without paying a fortune, here’s your answer. Freshening up your kitchen can be as simple as new cupboard doors and drawer fronts on existing cabinets, and perhaps adding in a bench top, but it can also mean […]
Rock reads
From rockers of the 60s to punk icons of the 70s and Riot grrrl bands of the 90s, this is your cheat sheet of need-to-know women who transformed the global music scene. Great for reading and for looking good on a coffee table. For our Women Who Rock theme, we’ve curated a list […]
Where plans come to life: the Canterbury Home Show
From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March, the Canterbury Home Show brings more than 150 local building and home improvement businesses to Addington’s Wolfbrook Arena for a showcase of what’s new and what’s next. As the first hints of autumn settle over Christchurch, conversations at home begin to shift. That tired kitchen. The […]
The art of outdoor warmth: Johnson & Couzins
As autumn settles across New Zealand, outdoor living doesn’t end – it evolves. Autumn weather is beautifully unpredictable. As the light softens, evenings draw closer, and our homes become places of deeper comfort and connection. For those who value beautifully designed spaces, this is the season to refine how we live outside. At […]
One on One
Becoming Cassie Henderson
The first concert at One New Zealand Stadium, aptly named ‘Once in a Lifetime’, will be just that for Christchurch born singer-songwriter and 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards’ Best Pop Artist Cassie Henderson. The velvety vocalist and The Voice Australia finalist sat down with Metropol editor Nina Tucker after a whirlwind 12 months and […]
Sway my way: Bic Runga
On the release of her latest album and upcoming tour, Ōtautahi’s own Bic Runga chats with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about empty nesting pains, AI and the future of Kiwi music. “Bloody technology queens, that’s what we are,” Bic Runga [Ngāti Kahungunu] laughs, as our interview begins, drops out, resumes, and then […]
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: Christchurch Methodist Mission
“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 […]
Build
Made to measure: Dream Doors
If you are wondering how to add value to your home and enjoy a great kitchen without paying a fortune, here’s your answer. Freshening up your kitchen can be as simple as new cupboard doors and drawer fronts on existing cabinets, and perhaps adding in a bench top, but it can also mean […]
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 […]
ArtScene
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, […]
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 […]
Business
Mental health a priority: Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula
Improved services for mental distress calls are on the way, says Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula. 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 […]
Jordan’s corner: Alistair Bean & Associates
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 […]
