Love is in the air: Sophie Divett Jewellery

Handmade and personalised ceremonial rings are a meaningful way to seal your lifelong commitment. Ceremonial jewellery will immortalise your wedding day, and Sophie Divett Jewellery has the perfect range of unique and handcrafted bands available to view and design from the Christchurch workroom. Reflecting natural beauty, Sophie Divett’s ceremonial collections are inspired by […]

Dog-gone it

New rules for people with dogs across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are now in force. On 3 November, new rules about managing dogs in public spaces came into effect, following the Christchurch City Council’s public consultation over its dog bylaw and policy across 2024 and 2025. The Council’s animal management manager Lionel Bridger […]

Age-old problem: Israel Cooper

Despite looking efficient on paper, New Zealand’s retirement housing is failing communities and seniors. My grandmother is 86. She wants to live near her 30 grandchildren, her church, her doctor, and the familiar streets she has walked for decades. Yet finding an affordable, accessible home outside a retirement village proves nearly impossible. New […]

Salon supremacy: Savvy hair

South Island’s top hairdresser Sarah McGuigan and her team received 16 finalist nominations across four categories at November’s New Zealand Hair Awards. For her 2025 collection, Sarah placed second in the editorial colour concept category – a reflection of her expertise in colour work. She secured a fourth placing for both editorial cover […]

Soak up the season: The Rusty Acre

Summer’s approaching. How are you spending it? Just 25 minutes north of Christchurch by car, you’ll find The Rusty Acre – a hidden gem where creativity and nature come together. This enchanting gift store is set within an art sculpture garden that comes alive in summer. With more than 80 handmade sculptures scattered […]

Garage door maintenance hacks: Garador Christchurch

Your garage door works harder than almost any other part of your home – opening and closing day after day, year after year. Yet it’s easily overlooked until it refuses to budge. Aaron Harvey of Garador Christchurch says regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs. “A well-maintained garage door should last […]

Fine furniture: Gavin Cox Furniture

You can’t beat quality, solid timber furniture that’s made exactly as you want it, right here in Christchurch. Handcrafting beautiful bespoke furniture from solid timbers is both an art and a science, combining artistry with a deep understanding of materials. If anyone understands this, it’s the team at Sydenham-based Gavin Cox Furniture, where […]

Treasure trove: Woolston Emporium

From antiques to eclectic accessories, curiosities and vintage clothing, discover a treasure trove of unique finds from 12 businesses under one roof. By definition, an emporium is a cornucopia of discovery and local shopping gem. The Woolston Emporium, captures this spirit beautifully. “Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated collection of vintage […]

White Christmas slice

We’ll all be dreaming of a white Christmas with this mouth-watering festive treat. INGREDIENTS 500g quality white chocolate 1 1/2 cups rice bubbles 1/2 cup red glacé cherries 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered 3/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts 1/4 cup sultanas and/or golden raisins 1 cup desiccated coconut For the topping: 1 […]

Listen up!

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to hearing loss. Did you know that Vitamin B12 deficiency could accelerate hearing loss and tinnitus? Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse vitamin that supports our nerves, DNA, red blood cell production, brain function, energy, concentration, memory, and mood. Several studies from sources including the American Journal of […]