Grand designs: Warren and Mahoney
Multi-award-winning architect Tobin Smith of Warren and Mahoney had two of the Christchurch homes he designed honoured in the recent NZ Institute of Architecture awards: Chapter Street and Frankie’s House. This project reimagines a 1920s villa for contemporary family life, retaining its street presence while transforming the interior. A new garden room sits […]
Akaroa King Salmon Crackle Pie
Akaroa King Salmon is a 100% Kiwi-owned local producer that has been supplying Cantabrians with the world’s best king salmon since 1985. “We are different because we’re about the slow-growing, natural production of fish,” says CEO Stewart Hawthorn. “We’re focused on sustainability and a natural product. We are also the smallest ocean-based salmon […]
Akaroa paradise: Mt Vernon Lodge
Vows spoken amongst birdsong, nuptials set above a world-famous harbour below… this lush Akaroa lodge is a wedding party’s private paradise. Described as an “oasis of calm in an increasingly hurried world,” Mt Vernon Lodge sits atop Akaroa’s serene landscapes to soothe those stressed pre-wedding nerves. “This is your balcony seat for one […]
The power in precious metals: Commonwealth Vault
How do you make smart investment moves in uncertain times? To find out, Metropol sat down with Myles Chandler from secure bullion storage facility Commonwealth Vault. What’s been happening with gold and silver lately? After a stellar price rise in February, and a fall off for the last few months, both metals have […]
Three, two, one, grow! Terra Viva
Winter came late but it certainly came with a vengeance, writes local green thumb and garden-based business owner Peter Worsp of Terra Viva. Cold rain, record frosts, Antarctic southerlies. Winter in Christchurch makes us wonder if we’ll ever feel like venturing out into the garden again. Yet three days of sunshine plus warmer, […]
On the move: Alison Adams
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city that will always feel like home. Twenty-five years ago, I left the UK expecting to be away for a short time. Instead, Ōtautahi Christchurch became home. That’s one reason why deciding to leave has been so difficult. The opportunity to join the University of Nottingham as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global […]
Books ngā pukapuka
To mark Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori from 14 to 20 September, three books that give different Māori voices and viewpoints. From the beautiful Māori wisdom of Aroha by Dr Hinemoa Elder, which was chosen for The Oprah Winfrey Book Club in 2021, to the heart-wrenching story of a young boy in […]
Flowers you’ll fall for: Victoria Florists
Combining the latest in floral artistry and design with a 90-year heritage, wedding bouquets and event decorations run in the DNA of this Fendalton-based florist. “From outrageous and gorgeous to elegant and intimate, we have made all dreams come true,”says Leanne Lovell of the cherished moments Victoria Florists has been involved in. Couples […]
Bringing love stories to life: Celebrant Justine Johansson
“Officiating wedding ceremonies truly feels like the world’s best job,” says lover-of-love Justine Johansson. The Canterbury-based celebrant shares her story and two top tips for couples preparing to say ‘I do’. “Celebrating one of life’s happiest moments,” celebrant Justine Johansson found her calling after officiating her cousin’s wedding. “It made me appreciate the […]
Waikuku’s wicker destination: Woven Veranda
From Waikuku to the world, Scandinavian-style wicker furniture from this North Canterbury boutique is a firm favourite. “You need to experience the wonders of wicker to know why it remains so popular,” WovenVeranda owner Guy Gunn explains. Think swingseats, lounge chairs, sofas, dining settings – it’s a favourite for indoor and outdoor living. […]
