Man with a plan: Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger

Summer might be winding down, but we’re gearing up for a big year ahead. We’ve just adopted the draft Annual Plan, which you’ll be able to give your feedback on. It sets out what the Council intends to do over the next 12 months, and how we will pay for it. These decisions […]

Wall styling: Perfect Patterns

Harness the timeless style of wallpaper to transform your home and express your personality. “Many people love the idea of wallpaper but just don’t know where to start. That’s the problem I’m here to fix,” says wall stylist Janis McDonald and founder of Perfect Patterns. Formerly of Hubbers Furnishings and with more than […]

Investing in the next generation

For youth development organisation the Y Central South Island, the fate of tomorrow lies in the tamariki and rangatahi of today. Their January expansion into their new building in Ōtautahi marks the success of their support services – success they’ve seen in young adults across Ōamaru, Twizel, Timaru and Ashburton for years. “A […]

Summer spark: Ross Steele – Te Pae Christchurch General Manager

New venues and hotel developments are a sign that Christchurch is shining. Christchurch is buzzing with summer energy. A lively events calendar continues to attract visitors and from cultural experiences to major events, Christchurch is truly coming into its own. It’s been wonderful to see the influx of cruise ship passengers and other […]

Take the reins

The Year of the Horse is bold, a show pony, if you will. Stallion style at home can be just as striking, with a few chic pieces or classic equestrian notes to speak for your trend-setting self.    

Prawn toast with chilli crisp mayo

Author of Lucky Dragon Supper Club Stephanie Feher shares this recipe for her delicious prawn toast. I love a prawn toast that’s made with buttery-sweet brioche slices, light on the sesame seeds and generously filled. I use peeled and deveined frozen prawns or shrimp to save time, but fresh prawns work just as […]

Soak it in: Dream Bathrooms

A beautiful bathroom tailored to you – that’s what dreams are made of. Cantabrian Adrian Kay is behind the best of local bathroom renovations, streamlining them to your specifications. “We are experts in bathroom facelifts and full renovations – we deliver beautiful and functional bathrooms, on time and on budget,” says Adrian, founder […]

Saddle up: By Chris Korako, Inspire Me Women

This Year of the Horse arrives at full gallop. Late December left me with great sadness with the passing of a loved family member, then swept me away to sea-blue horizons. January followed with white-sand beaches and forests where the noise of the world faded to a hum. By late January, I had […]

Off the leash

Got a dog with some energy to burn? Here’s our pick of the 10 best places in Christchurch to take your dog for a good untethered, free run-around. Christchurch and Canterbury offer great dog spots, with Bottle Lake Forest Park being a top pick for off-leash running (on trails), while The Groynes has […]

Laura Frankenschmidt behind Lyttelton Lights

Meet Lyttelton Lights founder Laura Frankenschmidt. In 2026, the mother of three (plus a brand you could liken to a fourth child) marks 10 years of business and a whole hoard of hurdles jumped. Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out how Laura’s first candle crafted over the stove in her cosy Lyttelton cottage […]