Winning wineries
In a historic moment for North Canterbury, Bell Hill Vineyard in Weka Pass has been named Winery of the Year 2026 by The Real Review, writes Metropol’s Lucy Brewer. The Real Review, one of Australasia’s most trusted authorities on wine, has announced its 2026 ranking of the Top Wineries of New Zealand. After […]
Blush is back
All the hottest cheeks are wearing blush this winter – the big beauty trend of the season and must-have make-up. Metropol’s Lucy Brewer reports. Blush is back, baby. Thanks in part to Justin Bieber’s other half Hailey, and her viral pocket-sized blush sticks, warm cheeks are brightening up winter faces. Since Hailey’s Rhode, […]
Comfort, care and community: Rosebank Village
A peaceful and supportive environment where you and your loved ones can feel safe, secure, and genuinely cared for? Priceless. For many people, retirement is about having freedom to spend more time doing the things they enjoy, without the ongoing responsibilities that come with maintaining a larger home. At Rosebank Village in Ashburton, […]
Going above and beyond: Beyond Radiology
As more Cantabrians seek high-quality, affordable medical imaging, one local provider stands out for its commitment to service, accessibility, and patient care. “Trust in healthcare is built through expertise, consistency, and a genuine commitment to people. At Beyond Radiology, that commitment has seen increasing numbers of patients travel from throughout Canterbury to the […]
Moving for men’s mental health
June in Aotearoa is the month of both Men’s Health Week and Men’s Mental Health Month. It’s a timely reminder of the challenges we continue to face in New Zealand. Recent figures show that one in seven adults experiences high or very high psychological distress. For men, the challenge is particularly concerning. Around […]
Will you lend a paw? PAWGUST
This ‘Pawgust’, hit the pavement and help raise money for the next generation of life-changing guide dogs for Kiwis with sight loss. Sally was born prematurely with retinopathy and total blindness in one eye. Later in life, she had multiple retina detachments, developed cataracts, glaucoma and macular atrophy, leaving her with about 10 […]
Mānawatia a Matariki
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rises in midwinter, also known as Pleiades. For many Māori, it heralds the start of the new year. In 2026, the Matariki period runs from 8 to 14 July, with the official national public holiday falling on Friday 10 July. This year’s […]
Where imagination takes flight: Minnies Preschool and Nursery
Somewhere in the heart of Merivale, brush strokes tell stories, playgrounds become castles, and Canterbury kids are given every opportunity to imagine. Play is the best way for young children to learn,” says Cathy Smits, centre manager at Minnies Preschool and Nursery, where imagination runs wild. “We know children are naturally curious, so […]
Ready Player Hanmer: Pixel Planet
A space-age adventure has found its home in Hanmer Springs, introducing a range of attractions the village has never seen before. A virtual reality rollercoaster might seem an unlikely addition to an alpine village better known for mountain views and thermal pools. But for Hanmer Springs, the future has arrived in the form […]
Puddle queens
Curated by Nina Tucker Caught in a shower? Here’s how to dress for winter weather in style. A chic raincoat, sustainably-made umbrella, and the perfect pair of wellies. The famously Glastonbury-esque accessory, gumboots are showing up in the styling of new-season Sylvester, Trelise Cooper and Karen Walker, and it’s undeniably cute. Well, it’s […]
