Famous Phar Lap stories from the legend’s closest
This October, South Canterbury honours legendary racehorse Phar Lap on his 100th birthday, who was born in Seadown near Timaru. Ahead of the celebrations, Metropol editor Nina Tucker catches up with Wayne Hinchliffe, a dear family friend of strapper Tommy Woodcock and one of his closest confidantes. Phar Lap was one of the […]
Prune, walnut + ginger slice
“This is a totally yum, yum, yum combo,” write the Two Raw Sisters in their latest cookbook, How We Cook. Make a big batch, store it in the freezer, and pull it out when friends come over for coffee. Or enjoy a little moment to yourself with an extra-large chunk. It also makes […]
Invest in the home you have
Like many Cantabrians, you love where you live and can’t imagine moving, but perhaps you’re running out of storage, the kids need more room to play, or some spaces could do with a refresh. Here’s three tips to make the most of the home you already have. 1. Get clever with storage It’s […]
National gardening month
Grow a piece of paradise this national gardening month. Gardening is getting a little more room to grow, with New Zealand’s long-running National Gardening Week expanding into National Gardening Month this October. The month-long celebration reflects the growing role gardening plays in New Zealanders’ lives – from growing fresh food and creating havens […]
Tomatoes to try
After the final frost, tomato plants are ready to go into soil. Mix up your variety with these four favourites. Early girl Producing medium-sized, tasty red fruit, early girl tomatoes are ideal for fresh slices in sandwiches, salads, and general cooking. Roma With egg-shaped fruit, roma tomatoes are less watery and meatier, making […]
Belonging matters: Mental Health Awareness Week
A sense of belonging isn’t just a nice feeling, it is foundational to our mental wellbeing, which is why the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week from 12 to 18 October is Belonging Matters. With loneliness on the rise, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) has announced that this […]
Charging ahead
Fuelled by record growth in sales of electric vehicles, Canterbury business Evnex hits 20,000 chargers. Australasia’s largest manufacturer of smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers, local company Evnex has passed 20,000 chargers installed across New Zealand and Australia. The Addington-based company shipped its first charger in 2017. The first 10,000 sales took eight years […]
Tea-rific spring escape: Penny Black Victorian Tearoom
Step back in time for high tea dining worthy of Queen Victoria. This spring season, wind the clock to 1897 at Penny Black Victorian Tearoom for a dining experience steeped in etiquette, style, and bite-size delicacies. Situated in The Tannery, the atrium provides an enchanting backdrop reminiscent of days gone by. Entering the […]
The secret to a snatched jawline: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic
Have you ever wondered how certain A-listers seem to age in reverse? Their jawlines sharper, skin tighter, yet nothing looks ‘done’? Chances are, you’ve spotted the Ultherapy effect, says Christchurch cosmetic doctor Brigid Lee. Dubbed the ‘lunchtime lift’ by beauty insiders, this non-invasive treatment has become the industry’s worst-kept secret. “Using high-intensity focused […]
Small grandeur: T Dunn Builders
North Canterbury firm T Dunn Builders has won Supreme House of the Year under $1 million for a remarkable home in Loburn, Rangiora. Inspired by the shape of a stealth bomber, this 163sqm build in Loburn named ‘Interest Bearing’ proves that small can still be grand. Featured in the 2025 Grand Designs New […]
