Shand House stands again
A building beloved to the Timaru community – and its school’s Old Girls – Shand House is in the final stages of resurrection. Words by Nina Tucker. Images supplied. “Watching a building with so much history come back to life has been a truly rewarding experience,” Craighead Diocesan School’s Chief Operations Manager Renae […]
“I’m not here to tickle spiders” – Nettles Lamont
Nettles Lamont is not afraid of speaking up or seeking change. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, trusted governance figure, mother, and past Riccarton Cup Day fashion competition judge has now added newly-elected councillor to her list of achievements – and no shocking government shake-up will stop her from smiling. Metropol editor Nina Tucker chats with […]
Soil to Soul – Angela Clifford
In a North Canterbury valley, regenerative farmers Angela Clifford and Nick Gill have spent 20 years turning 16 acres into The Food Farm. Angela tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how growing and cooking food can heal and connect us. As our lives get faster, more overwhelming and less connected to the natural […]
How does your property face up against a flood?
Updated flooding predictions for parts of the city are now available and searchable on Christchurch City Council’s online flood map. Search the latest data for flood events that are predicted to happen every 10, 50, and 200 years. “Anyone making decisions about a property or about flood readiness for their home or business […]
Canterbury’s local heroes
Meet Canterbury’s local heroes – each a force for good in their community. An extraordinary group of 100 Kiwis making a positive difference in their communities have been announced as the Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau. With […]
Heavenly aromas – Café Elia
Heaven smells like hot coffee and fresh baking. Coffee makes Monday good – and Tuesday, and the rest of the week too. There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly roasted beans that makes every day feel a little brighter. Tucked away on Ilam Road near Fendalton Village Mall, Café Elia is fast […]
Booked & busy – Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar reflects on the year that was – one of growth, expansion, and a community of people with beautiful hair. She rounds out the year by welcoming a new senior stylist to the team, a reflection of her own fully-booked diary until 2026. Lisa Jayne Tissiman joins the team at […]
A tidy Kiwi Christmas
Between 1.6 million kilograms of wrapping paper (that’s 10,000 trees), 25 million kilograms of plastic packaging waste, and one-third of Christmas food discarded, the Christmas holiday contributes to a 30% increase in waste across New Zealand. It’s a bitter pill to swallow during such a cheerful season – yet it’s our wasteful reality. […]
Fresh meals with ease – Balance by Simo
The holiday season is upon us and the last thing you need to think about is cooking dinner at the end of a busy day, or what to take for lunch next week. Fresh, healthy, and tailor-made meals come together with ease at this newly opened delicatessen in Ilam. Rather than having a […]
Earthquake-damaged home honoured
Would you believe us if we told you an earthquake-damaged Somerfield home has been crowned the best house in New Zealand? With a budget of just over $600,000, Mitchell Coll of Fabric worked with design and cost restraints to refresh Red Pine Villa in Somerfield – a project that would beat the best […]
