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 […]
SWAN SONS
Tom, Ike and Cosmo Sylvester are the sons of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated fashion designers – Kate Sylvester. More than that, they’re a trio moulding their parents’ thirty-year-old fashion house into its contemporary future. They chat with Metropol editor Nina Tucker about imposter syndrome, a life-changing accident, and their new store in […]
The book of love: Romance author Rosie Richards
With 130 books published and 10 million copies sold in 30 countries, Canterbury romance writer Rosie Richards is Aotearoa’s most prolific author. Now based in Akaroa and contracted to produce a new book every 10 weeks, Rosie talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about fear, love and romance shaming. Rosie Richards – […]
Inject me skinny
If you’ve been struggling with stubborn excess weight for years, the new crop of injectable weight-loss drugs might seem like a gift from heaven. Is there a catch? Metropol writer Sophie Lapsley investigates. For anyone who has struggled with weight loss or become trapped in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, injectable weight‑loss drugs […]
Inspire: Paul Wright
“Practise 20 seconds of courage every day.” That’s the advice of businessman Paul Wright to conquer every challenge in life – exemplified by his own success in a leadership team taking Harcourts from 12 branches nationwide to almost 1000 across 10 countries. Metropol editor Nina Tucker talks to the man investing all his […]
Historic photo mysteries: Rangiora Museum
Can you help staff at Rangiora Museum identify any of the people in a collection of historic local photos? Words: Tamara Pitelen | Images: Courtesy of the Rangiora & Districts Early Records Society Did a ghost at the historic Rangiora Museum help solve the mystery surrounding an unknown couple in two old photographs […]
Cats and council chambers: Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon
Recently engaged to be married and newly elected for a third term, Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon is a man with plans. Words Tamara Pitelen Just when you thought life couldn’t get any busier for Dan Gordon – three-term mayor of Waimakariri, vice president of Local Government New Zealand, and a familiar face around […]
Create a kitchen garden
Convenient and lovely to look at, a kitchen garden is a great way to level-up your cooking and outside space. A kitchen garden is a dedicated, often small garden space for raised beds, planters, or a backyard plot, to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs, and edible flowers for daily cooking. Positioned close to the […]
Barely coping: Dr Jo Prendergast
Juggling too many balls? Struggling to keep on top of everything? You’re not alone. Women across Canterbury are living on the brink, caught in the #coping epidemic. “I kept hearing the same phrase from clients,” says Christchurch psychiatrist and comedian Dr Jo Prendergast. “They’d say, ‘I’m coping… but only just. Not thriving. Not […]
New year, new garden: Your Garden Genie
Transforming your outside home can be a daunting process; just knowing where to start can be the first hurdle. That’s when you need a helping hand. Or two. Transforming your garden ticks a lot of boxes, it adds value of course but most of all it makes your property a place you love […]












