Christchurch earthquakes 15 year anniversary: then & now photos
February 2026 marks 15 years since the magnitude 6.3 Christchurch earthquake shook the city, took 185 lives, injured thousands, and left tens of thousands with emotional scars. It’s impossible to overstate the profound impact this tragedy had on our city – so in commemoration of its anniversary, we reflect on how far we’ve […]
Sky high shade
Pantone’s 2026 colour of the year asks the question (colour lovers, brace yourselves): is minimalism here to stay? P antone’s 2026 colour of the year, Cloud Dancer is “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection”. Following its 2025 predecessor Mocha […]
Mental capacity and the law
If someone you loved lost their mental capacity, is there someone close who is legally entitled to make critical decisions on their behalf? For many of us, the thought of future planning is a daunting prospect. Yet the reality is that none of us can predict what might happen to our health or […]
Landscape to living space
Canterbury’s iconic landscapes inspire the latest in summer colour trends. Light, fresh, and easy to live with – that’s the brief for summer colour according to Dulux colour forecasters. Romantic tones and airy pastels represent a shift from bold statements to softer hues that work with natural light and bring a sense of […]
Renovation revolution
Staying put could be your best move in a sluggish property market. Here’s a guide to taking on that nagging renovation project. With the local housing market in something of a slow period, more people are choosing to stay put and channel their efforts into renovation rather than selling up. There are two […]
Timeless style: Maree Hynes
The history and garden tours at Harlau House add an intriguing new angle to a visit to the innovative interiors showroom on the outskirts of Timaru. Just two minutes south of Timaru lies a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. As you turn down the drive toward Harlau House Café and Maree Hynes […]
Bonjour, broderie
Broderie anglaise, French for English embroidery, is the answer to your summer fashion woes. Airy, lightweight, dreamy, and effortless (very Cloud Dancer-esque), broderie brings wearability and femininity to the summer wardrobe rotation, perfect for looming Valentine’s and ‘Galentine’s’ Day dates – and warm weather in general. A timeless needlework technique dating back to […]
Famous faces, festive places: Local celebs on holiday
As Christmas lights twinkle across the Garden City, some of Canterbury’s brightest stars step into the spotlight once more to share their season’s magic. Mark Rocket, New Zealand entrepreneur, aerospace executive, and the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace “This year I’m aiming to celebrate with a big Christmas family dinner here in […]
Mayor Phil’s summer uncovered
Once a year, Christchurch City re-elect mayor Phil Mauger trades his sixth-floor office and stretched social calendar for something much simpler – a few weeks by the sea with family. Metropol editor Nina Tucker uncovers the little things that make Ōtautahi’s humble leader truly happy. Come late December, mayor Phil Mauger will be […]
Finding the magic between the mayhem – Dr Libby
While Christmas can bring so much joy, love and connection, it’s just as easy to lose sight of the small, simple pleasures that make the season special. Instead of savouring the twinkling lights or enjoying the laughter around the dinner table, we can find ourselves obsessing over whether the house is spotless, the […]
