Review: Suzanne Vega’s Flying With Angels Tour 2026
For Metropol’s Murray Dempsey, singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega is a firm favourite. He reviews her Flying with Angels Tour at the James Hay Theatre on 9 September 2026. Suzanne Vega has been a firm favourite of mine since Solitude Standing landed in 1987. There was something different about her even then. She didn’t just sing […]
Johannes van Kan – A picture of success
For about 20 years, Johannes van Kan was a judge for the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography awards. This year, he challenged himself to enter. It paid off. He has just been named the 2026 Professional Wedding Photographer of the Year. Johannes talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about his life […]
Christine Prince – instinct and impact
From international marketing roles to leading an emergency air rescue trust in New Zealand, Christine Prince has built a career defined by purpose. Now in the role of chief executive at Cancer Society Southern, she tells Metropol writer Hannah Noordanus about the experiences that have shaped her leadership and the sense of meaning […]
New Zealand Fashion Week, wrapped!
From her base out of Auckland’s Shed 10, the main stage for New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, Head Dresser and Metropol’s correspondent Mima Lewis Gourdie wraps her favourite moments from the six-day schedule.
Architecture excellence
For the house-lovers, a look at some of the Canterbury homes awarded for architectural excellence. More than 20 Canterbury architectural designers were recognised for outstanding design at the recent 2026 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) awards. For the full list of all local winners, see page 79, meanwhile here’s a look at some […]
Smug marrieds: Deputy Editor
I was a late-comer to the marriage party. I didn’t sign up for my matrimonial loyalty card till I was 45. Strictly speaking, I had a brief dalliance with it in my mid twenties but I don’t really count that one. It was more of a green card situation with my boyfriend of […]
Queens of the stone age
One of the noticeable trends in recent award-winning Canterbury homes is the beautiful use of stonework. From solid stone walls giving strength to the heart of a home to extending exterior schist into indoor living spaces or turning a river-worn boulder into an interior feature, contemporary use of stonework in architecture is shaping […]
Local fashion student a triple threat
Ara’s Alex O’Hagan won three major awards at this year’s Hokonui Fashion Design Awards in Gore, where amateur fashion designers showcase their work to industry leaders. In conversation with Metropol editor Nina Tucker, the third-year student talks about exploring control and spontaneity, and working with velvet to honour his grandma. Tell me about […]
Crispy skin salmon with tomato and butterbean sauce
Ready in 15 minutes and serving four, this dish from chef Sam Parish using Akaroa King Salmon is the perfect segue to spring cuisine. Ingredients • 4 x 150g fresh Akaroa King Salmon portions, skin on • 1/2 cup rapeseed or vegetable oil • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 shallot, […]
