Latest Articles
How to workout better this winter: Body Fit Training BFT
When wellness surveys say around 80% of people struggle to stay physically motivated during winter, one gym begs to differ. Perhaps it’s the science-backed program and community environment, or the fact its founder was Princess Diana’s former personal trainer. Either way, it works. Structured, coach-led indoor group training sessions produce personalised results in […]
Euro style: Christchurch European
Is it time for new (European) wheels? If you don’t want to visit multiple dealerships, you don’t have to. Christchurch European is home to the best of all of Europe, unlike a sole standalone dealership. In one location on Blenheim Road, Christchurch European holds all the major European brands. Test drive a Land […]
Celebration of cinema: Four film festivals come to town
For your watching pleasure, four international film festivals are coming to Canterbury. 28 May to 21 June, French Film Festival One of New Zealand’s most celebrated international film festivals, the French Film Festival offers a curated programme of feature films spanning drama, comedy, romance, thriller, and historical genres. Aiming to introduce New Zealand […]
Fun favourite: Serve Social
What does it take to build one of Christchurch’s most successful entertainment venues? Serve Social’s Logan McMillan knows a thing or two. He sits down with Metropol to talk about his latest escape room, game inspiration, and why he trusts his creative instincts. Q. Tell us about your new escape room, Conspiracy? A. […]
For the young & young at heart: Chipmunks Playland Rangiora
Keeping the little ones entertained is easy when you take them to an indoor playground designed for hours of non-stop play. But to keep you entertained, how does a nice cup of coffee sound? Whether you’re a parent planning your child’s birthday party, a grandparent looking for a fun school holiday activity, or […]
Here’s looking at you, Christchurch
At a time when government funding for the creative sector is plunging, Ōtautahi multi-disciplinary artist Jessie Rawcliffe’s murals confront such challenges eyes on. Her series, Gazer, brings life to overlooked spaces across ‘eye-conic’ spots in Christchurch’s CBD. Each piece informed by the surrounding area, colour palettes are inspired by the urban environment, from […]
10 day silent meditation
Could you stop talking for 10 days while also spending 10 hours a day in cross-legged meditation? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers first-hand why the Vipassana 10-day silent meditation retreat is not to be taken lightly. What’s it like not speaking for 10 days while meditating all day, every day from 4.30am? […]
Couch be tamed
Unleash your interior’s wild side with safari-inspired interiors. Sleek, chic styles lend themslves to a wintry palette, with a pinch of whimsy.
New season, new hair: Haar Design
Catch the light with a fresh brunette colour or sport a brand new bob this season. Master stylist Caro Haar offers up her expertise on bringing the latest trends to your locks. Glossy and gorgeous, brunette hair has become a big trend in Caro’s St Albans-based salon Haar Design. “Rich brunette tones add […]
PACKING a PUNCH
It’s easy to appreciate the appeal of a Mini, writes Metropol’s Ben Selby. While the current model has evolved considerably from the original design by Alec Issigonis introduced nearly 70 years ago, the qualities that define a Mini – its enjoyable driving dynamics, vibrant personality, and engaging experience – remain evident. In terms […]
Elevated home décor: Urbano Interiors
How do you bring timeless style into your home? A curated mix of artisanal pieces, bespoke furniture, and hand-picked heritage brands. For more than a decade, Urbano Interiors has been the home of upscale home design, furniture and décor. Showcasing ranges that celebrate style, high quality, and timeless New Zealand and International design, […]
Choose a trusted kitchen: Kitchen Studio
Building a house or renovating your kitchen? Why not partner with a kitchen designer voted most trusted in New Zealand for the 10th year? With over 40 years spent perfecting kitchen design and installation, Kitchen Studio creates bespoke kitchens crafted specifically for how you live. “Our process is highly customer-focused,” says Christchurch store […]
Canterbury’s finest flavours
Fourteen Canterbury food businesses have been named medal winners in this year’s Outstanding Food Producers Awards (OFPA). No matter which way you slice it, Canterbury food businesses have taken home a haul of medals from the latest Outstanding Food Producers Awards (OFPA). Now in its 10th year, this year’s head judge, internationally renowned […]
Winter warmth
The search is on for smarter home heating in Canterbury. Now that we are feeling the fingers of winter creep across Canterbury, thoughts turn to how we can best keep our homes warm, dry, and energy-efficient as the colder nights set in. This year, especially, as global oil shocks hit home, rising energy […]
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Cuisine
Taste & aroma to delight: Bolina Sweets
Indian food is famous for its intensity of flavour, aromatic spice blends and the incredible variety from start to finish. At Bolina Sweets, the rich tastes of north and south India will transport your taste buds to exotic lands. Bolina Sweet’s rich regional diversity showcases the best of India, while ingredients like garlic, […]
What makes a pub famous? – The Famous Grouse Hotel
Lincoln has only ever been home to one pub. It’s stood in the same place for more than 140 years thanks to its feel-good nature. “We are country hospitality,” says Shaughn McNabb, co-owner of The Famous Grouse Hotel. “We are just good people doing the job and doing it with a smile on […]
When wine left the bottle behind: Vino Wines
At last! Premium wine in lightweight packaging for your on-the-go pleasure. Neil Pattinson loves a good bottle of wine. He also knows the bottle has a few flaws. After years in wine, research and biotech, Neil, managing director of Whistling Buoy Winery, could see the category shifting. People still wanted quality, but they […]
Coffee and ocean views: Barista Binks
Superb coffee, a warm welcome and stunning ocean views make this Mt Pleasant community café a place you’ll love coming back to. In September 2024, Barista Binks opened its doors in the community centre of Mount Pleasant. It was the realisation of a long-held dream for owner Talen Hignett and in those first […]
Fashion & Beauty
New season, new hair: Haar Design
Catch the light with a fresh brunette colour or sport a brand new bob this season. Master stylist Caro Haar offers up her expertise on bringing the latest trends to your locks. Glossy and gorgeous, brunette hair has become a big trend in Caro’s St Albans-based salon Haar Design. “Rich brunette tones add […]
Mary Outram’s winter edit at The Crossing
The coat stays on I’m excited to be back with another seasonal feature for Metropol and The Crossing… this time built around winter dressing and the art of layering properly. Winter style always feels a little more intentional to me. You can’t rely on just one great piece when it’s freezing outside… the […]
Wardrobe wonders: TAD Design
Fashion is a world of possibility, and inside Rangiora’s TAD Design is where owner Katie Medley brings that world to life. Shop a collection of top local and international labels from Trelise Cooper to Zoe Kratzmann, and find the confidence that great style unlocks. taddesign.co.nz
Chic winter layers: Made In The Shade
Winter warmth comes in every layer at this enduring store in the Christchurch fashion scene. “New season stock has arrived, from iconic labels like Vassalli and Lisette, and beloved local brands Bittermoon, Blackstone and Royal Merino,” says Made in the Shade owner Ali Donn. She’s the woman behind the beautiful collection you’ll find […]
Health
How to workout better this winter: Body Fit Training BFT
When wellness surveys say around 80% of people struggle to stay physically motivated during winter, one gym begs to differ. Perhaps it’s the science-backed program and community environment, or the fact its founder was Princess Diana’s former personal trainer. Either way, it works. Structured, coach-led indoor group training sessions produce personalised results in […]
10 day silent meditation
Could you stop talking for 10 days while also spending 10 hours a day in cross-legged meditation? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers first-hand why the Vipassana 10-day silent meditation retreat is not to be taken lightly. What’s it like not speaking for 10 days while meditating all day, every day from 4.30am? […]
Natural gut support: Immunity Fuel
As winter rolls around, keep yourself well with natural probiotics and superfoods. If you’re looking for a genuine health boost with no hidden nasties, Immunity Fuel is the certified organic, high-quality probiotic superfood that nurtures gut health and restores balance from the inside out. This isn’t just another supplement; it’s a 100% plant-based, […]
Bathing in sound
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen comes clean about trying out a sound bath. Let’s get one thing out of the way. A gong bath, also called a sound bath, doesn’t involve water. You may laugh, but that was my initial concern when I first heard the term ‘gong bath’ a few years ago. […]
Home & Living
Couch be tamed
Unleash your interior’s wild side with safari-inspired interiors. Sleek, chic styles lend themslves to a wintry palette, with a pinch of whimsy.
Elevated home décor: Urbano Interiors
How do you bring timeless style into your home? A curated mix of artisanal pieces, bespoke furniture, and hand-picked heritage brands. For more than a decade, Urbano Interiors has been the home of upscale home design, furniture and décor. Showcasing ranges that celebrate style, high quality, and timeless New Zealand and International design, […]
Choose a trusted kitchen: Kitchen Studio
Building a house or renovating your kitchen? Why not partner with a kitchen designer voted most trusted in New Zealand for the 10th year? With over 40 years spent perfecting kitchen design and installation, Kitchen Studio creates bespoke kitchens crafted specifically for how you live. “Our process is highly customer-focused,” says Christchurch store […]
Winter warmth
The search is on for smarter home heating in Canterbury. Now that we are feeling the fingers of winter creep across Canterbury, thoughts turn to how we can best keep our homes warm, dry, and energy-efficient as the colder nights set in. This year, especially, as global oil shocks hit home, rising energy […]
One on One
La vie en rosé: Kim Schofield
In 2017, with zero wine-making experience, the owner of North Canterbury’s Dancing Water Winery Kim Schofield decided to make the best wine in the world. Just under a decade later, she had. Kim tells Metropol editor Nina Tucker about her vie en rosé. In a Trelise Cooper coat and pointy stilettos, Kim Schofield […]
Artful business: Ellie Compton
Christchurch architect-turned-artist Ellie Compton has built a business that most creatives dream about. Commercially successful, with months of forward bookings, she manages her own hours and spends her days making art. Ellie spoke to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about life, art, faith, and hot chips. “I kind of had a moment where […]
National treasure Gavin Bishop
Multi-award-winning children’s book writer and illustrator Gavin Bishop is a man who enjoys Zumba and can trace his whakapapa back to Māori royalty. On the cusp of his 80th birthday, he spoke to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about life, art, and cheese scones. “It is a very strange experience, turning 80 and […]
SIX60 music and mana
Six60’s Matiu Walters and Marlon Gerbes would tell you that the coolest thing they could be doing right now is opening Christchurch’s brand new stadium. That’s what they told Metropol editor Nina Tucker, just two weeks before the concert – their latest in a string of sold-out stadium shows. “You have to set […]
ESSENCE
For the young & young at heart: Chipmunks Playland Rangiora
Keeping the little ones entertained is easy when you take them to an indoor playground designed for hours of non-stop play. But to keep you entertained, how does a nice cup of coffee sound? Whether you’re a parent planning your child’s birthday party, a grandparent looking for a fun school holiday activity, or […]
Apron strings and Path finders: Hawarden and Waikari
Preserving the history of Hawarden-Waikari in a series of autobiographical books has been a labour of love for a group of determined North Canterbury locals. For 124 years, Doc Sidey’s family has lived on their farm near Hawarden, about an hour’s drive north of Christchurch. Now aged 81 and still living on that […]
Canterbury rally
Starting in Rangiora and finishing in Christchurch on King’s Birthday weekend, the 2026 Canterbury Rally promises action-packed fun. With more than 50 years of history across Ashley Forest and North Canterbury roads, the Canterbury Rally is one of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport events. The 2026 edition forms part of the New Zealand […]
Style your eyes: Eye-dentity Optical
Looking for a family owned, independent optometrist and some stylish new glasses? Eye-dentity Optical is a locally owned optometry practice based in Rangiora. The experienced team specialises in a range of eyecare services, catering to the key eye health problems they see in the region. “North Cantabrian’s often suffer from dry eye, as […]
Build
Choose a trusted kitchen: Kitchen Studio
Building a house or renovating your kitchen? Why not partner with a kitchen designer voted most trusted in New Zealand for the 10th year? With over 40 years spent perfecting kitchen design and installation, Kitchen Studio creates bespoke kitchens crafted specifically for how you live. “Our process is highly customer-focused,” says Christchurch store […]
Driveway wins: Affordable Concrete
From brand-new builds to upgrading tired surfaces, a well-designed driveway elevates street appeal, improves functionality, and delivers lasting value to any property. Asmooth, well-crafted driveway can quietly transform a property. In a new build, it completes the vision, turning a house into a home with a polished first impression. On existing properties, replacing […]
Build a kitset home: Heartland Homes
A loyal following tells the tale better than any publicity material ever could. Stylish and practical homes constructed with ease mean the build process itself becomes part of the happily ever after story. In their quest to provide fantastic homes at a great price with minimum fuss, the team at Heartland Homes have […]
Harnessing opportunity: ChristchurchNZ CEO Alison Adams
Why global challenge is Christchurch’s opportunity. In a world defined by uncertainty, standing still is the biggest risk. Geopolitical tension, rising costs and rapid technological change are forcing cities everywhere to think seriously about resilience. For New Zealand, longstanding productivity challenges only sharpen that focus. For Christchurch, they create an opportunity. Ōtautahi is […]
ArtScene
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 […]
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 […]
Business
Can AI replace your lawyer? Pier Law
Are you using AI to write legal contracts for your business? Be aware of the risks. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the legal sector, enabling rapid drafting of contracts, letters, and policies. “While this offers cost and time savings, it introduces significant risks around accuracy, judgment, confidentiality, and accountability,” says Christopher Connell, associate […]
Kiwi eco brand expansion
Christchurch-based Forsana is scaling up production and retail reach as demand surges for non-toxic household cleaners, plant care and water treatment solutions across New Zealand and Australia. Christchurch eco-friendly manufacturer Forsana is accelerating its growth, announcing new retail partnerships and a push into the Australian market as demand rises for safer, sustainable cleaning […]
Good as gold: Commonwealth Vault
“It’s not for nothing that people use the phrase, ‘good as gold’.” We sat down with Myles Chandler, general manager behind Commonwealth Vault – the ‘buy, store and protect’ bullion facility that has earned the country’s confidence. Is buying bullion a good idea to preserve the value of your savings in the 2026 […]
Merivale’s most exclusive address: The Mansfield
A sophisticated collection of 38 apartments and penthouses, The Mansfield invites a new way to live in Merivale. The first of its kind in the destination suburb, 24 Mansfield Avenue is an address that will earn its reputation in residential living from day one, and, like fine wine, only get better with time. […]