A hotel-like guest room
When beloved friends or family make the effort to visit and stay a few days, why not make their stay as luxurious as possible? Cosy comforter, decent bed, and silky-smooth sheets Start by ensuring your guests will have a comfortable sleep, and don’t skimp on getting a luxury comforter, high thread count Egyptian […]
An Encore for Kirstin Carlin, Neil Dawson, and Michel Tuffery
By Warren Feeney A recent group exhibition of 14 of The Central Art Gallery’s artists, appropriately titled Encore, noted that they are worthy of a round of applause. The response to the exhibition in this review has been to encompass something of its personality through three artists, highlighting the diversity of experiences they […]
Under the mistletoe
Christmas crackers, tinsel everywhere, swapping secret Santa gifts, and Michael Bublé singing in the background are all things that set the scene for a fun end-of-year-office party or pre-Christmas dinner with friends. A mod outfit that gives off a touch of the Christmas spirit is worth the hunt to blend in with all […]
Pickled grapes
Plump, juicy green and red imported grapes are available now in plentiful supply, ideal for entertainment platters, and great for pickling. They’re easy to do, and will be done in time for Christmas if you start now. Crisp and spicy, they’re a wonderful accompaniment with cheeses, pâtés, and on charcuterie boards, reminiscent of […]
Creamy asparagus rolls
METHOD – serves 4 – time: 40 mins Variations: For those are gluten intolerant you can simply forgo the puff pastry and have the ham as the outer layer or upgrade the dish by wrapping the asparagus spears and cream cheese with prosciutto or smoked salmon slices. 1. Preheat the oven to 200 […]
Shop in comfortable luxury: Merivale Mall
Gather your summer essentials at Merivale Mall, a destination that offers contemporary boutique fashion, homewares, and a convenient shopping experience. Visit Merivale Mall at 189 Papanui Road. merivalemall.co.nz
Success with self-sufficiency: Terra Viva Home & Garden
The move to growing one’s own fruit and vegetables is stronger than ever. It’s easy, satisfying, convenient, fun, and with the current cost of living, it’s also imperative. Of course, our parents and grandparents knew this all along, and it’s not a mystery for a select few. The bonus is knowing where produce […]
Pergola paradise
With summer a hint away, and the festive season upon us, many will be thinking freshly squeezed lemons, salt-rimmed margarita glasses, and any good reason for an outdoor fiesta catch up. With hot days predicted, a pergola could add a touch of cool sophistication to your outdoor entertainment area, whether it’s an independent […]
Magazine maestro Trevor Laplanche
Businessman, entrepreneur, and latterly a keen retiree, Trevor Laplanche is also the founder of Metropol magazine. Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him, amid the magazine’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Once upon a time, Trevor Laplanche’s days were filled with selling, printing, and business. Now family and friends, travel, golf, boating, cars, art, and […]
Traditional English treats: Good Buy Pork Pie
Artisan, traditional English cold pork pies, pasties, and sausage rolls – it doesn’t get much better than that. Hand-crafted, delicious, pork pies are quite the delicacy, but not easy to find and they’re not always quite right. Enter Good Buy Pork Pie. If there’s one things these guys know, it’s how to craft […]












