Instant style – The Crossing: What to wear. Where to buy it.
Editor’s picks: Cosy meets cool Striking that balance between ultra comfort and super cool is a superpower this time of year. It’s something I’m confident I could do every single day if I had the clothing budget of a billionaire (though my family might argue I act like it anyway). Find classic pieces […]
Inside the eye of an interior designer. Ōtautahi interior designer Olivia Kennedy talks texture, styling small, and statement décor.
After building two homes in modern subdivisions, interior designer Olivia Kennedy was ready for something different. She found her answer amongst the leafy suburb of St Albans; a charming, previously renovated three-bedroom bungalow oozing classic old-home character. A young Olivia Kennedy was always found immersed in the idea of creating beautiful spaces. Before […]
Feel-good mental hacks
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen shares insights from mental performance coach Paula Rule. Recently, Metropol editor Nina Tucker and I attended a women’s networking breakfast hosted by Inspire Me Women. The guest speaker was Paula Rule, a mental performance coach from The Mental Edge, who helps women – from athletes to business leaders […]
A spectacular winter wonderland: Tekapo
When Lake Tekapo’s crisp air cuts through glimmers of sunshine while you sit surrounded by snow-capped mountains, you’ll know it’s the perfect winter escape. The alpine village’s perfect ambience is thanks to its striking glacial lake, warm hospitality, and range of activities. Spend a weekend or longer, make it your base for day […]
Double dining destination: The Mayor of Ale and Burj
Irish spice bags and arguably the best lamb shoulder in Christchurch stand out on the menus of this social dining duo on Riccarton Road. When lovers of local hospitality Sinead, Chris, Mark and Philippa came together to amplify The Mayor of Ale and Burj, they took a ‘double or nothing’ approach with side-by-side […]
Under pressure: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Can hyperbaric therapy help with everything from ageing to anxiety, diabetes, erectile dysfunction and migraines? Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen dons an oxygen mask and gets sealed in a hyperbaric chamber to find out more about this increasingly popular therapy. For about 12 years now, my husband has suffered debilitating, excruciating and regular […]
Feeding a community, from the ground up
On Seadown Crescent in Amberley, a once-empty green space is being transformed into something that will nourish the community for years to come. Earlier this month, the Amberley Community Garden and Food Forest celebrated a major milestone with its first community planting day. More than 70 local residents turned out to support the […]
Tour the North Canterbury pie trail
Fresh from the oven, the North Canterbury pie trail is your taste of the region’s best bakeries, pastry crumbs and all. Buttery, comforting, and a beloved staple across New Zealand, who doesn’t want to travel a pie trail? Until 31 July, locals and visitors are invited to taste their way around 18 participating […]
Winter hair health hacks: Haar Design
In Christchurch’s cold climate, your home maintenance hair rituals have never been more important. Award-winning local hairstylist Caro Haar offers her advice and tricks. Between winter’s chill and moisture-sapping heatpumps, the focus turns from fashionable cuts to haircare routines – and if there’s any hair trend to jump on, it’s this one. “People […]
Ginger winter tonic
A warming and healthy ginger winter tonic that’s easy to make and works well on cold days. Ingredients (serves 2) • 5cm piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced • 2 cups water • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for extra warmth) • 2-3 whole cloves (optional) • Juice of half a lemon • 1-2 tsp […]












