Editor’s Note: Mothers and music

May is a memorable month for several celebrations, not least of which is Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. Most of us have a maternal figure or two in our lives, and on this day often also fondly remember those who have passed. Mother doesn’t just mean the woman who gave birth to you; it relates […]

Guitar great Tommy Emmanuel

Legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel played Christchurch in April this year. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to talk life, music, and inspiration. On his first tour to New Zealand in six years, world-renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel left audiences in no doubt that he is a master. A living legend in the world […]

Launching love with Emily Heazlewood

Changing the dating scene with her matchmaking application, Christchurch entrepreneur Emily Heazlewood has a knack for turning ideas into reality – or apps. She catches up with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker on sacrifice, self-teaching, and saying yes. People are talking about love. Relationship dynamics and meaningful connections are hot topics. The Japanese government even […]

Happily evolving with Judy Bailey

From mother of the nation to doting grandmother and author has been a rewarding transition for former television newsreader/journalist Judy Bailey. Along the way she has returned to her first love of writing, as she explains to Metropol Editor, Lynda Papesch. Almost 20 years have passed since TVNZ broadcaster Judy Bailey signed off her final […]

A new beginning with Gretchen La Roche

What do books, theatre, Indian food and indulgent cakes have in common? The answer is The Court Theatre’s new executive director Gretchen La Roche, who spoke with Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch recently. Described as well-respected and a seasoned arts executive, Gretchen La Roche is multi-layered, like a well-written play. Returning to Christchurch to lead The Court […]

Radical acceptance with Kirsten Ellis

Moving forward is an impossibly heavy task after losing a partner. For Kirsten Ellis, it became the only way out of losing herself to grief. Soon, she would become a business scholarship award-winner and triple her business’ revenue, all while navigating parenthood alone. She tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker how. Losing her husband Austin […]