Fabrics that feel like home: Fabric House
The right fabrics and soft furnishings have the power to transform your space into a sanctuary. There’s a moment when a house stops feeling ordinary and starts feeling like a sanctuary. More often than not, that shift begins with fabric – curtains that warm a room, textured cushions that invite you to sink […]
Keep your home cool this summer
We look forward to summer all year round. Family barbecues. Beach days. Backyard cricket. But keeping the house cool during the warmer months can be a challenge. Here are five ways to make your home that little bit cooler this summer: Open windows in the evening and early morning When it’s 30-odd degrees […]
That’s a wrap!
Summer will forever be my favourite season. Not just because it welcomes the Christmas holidays and seemingly never-ending celebrations, but because it’s the blueprint for what life in Canterbury is all about. Sunshine and ocean swims sprinkled between special moments with loved ones – this is the ‘Kiwi summer’ we so fiercely protect. […]
Shand House stands again
A building beloved to the Timaru community – and its school’s Old Girls – Shand House is in the final stages of resurrection. Words by Nina Tucker. Images supplied. “Watching a building with so much history come back to life has been a truly rewarding experience,” Craighead Diocesan School’s Chief Operations Manager Renae […]
“I’m not here to tickle spiders” – Nettles Lamont
Nettles Lamont is not afraid of speaking up or seeking change. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, trusted governance figure, mother, and past Riccarton Cup Day fashion competition judge has now added newly-elected councillor to her list of achievements – and no shocking government shake-up will stop her from smiling. Metropol editor Nina Tucker chats with […]
Soil to Soul – Angela Clifford
In a North Canterbury valley, regenerative farmers Angela Clifford and Nick Gill have spent 20 years turning 16 acres into The Food Farm. Angela tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how growing and cooking food can heal and connect us. As our lives get faster, more overwhelming and less connected to the natural […]
How does your property face up against a flood?
Updated flooding predictions for parts of the city are now available and searchable on Christchurch City Council’s online flood map. Search the latest data for flood events that are predicted to happen every 10, 50, and 200 years. “Anyone making decisions about a property or about flood readiness for their home or business […]
Canterbury’s local heroes
Meet Canterbury’s local heroes – each a force for good in their community. An extraordinary group of 100 Kiwis making a positive difference in their communities have been announced as the Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau. With […]
Heavenly aromas – Café Elia
Heaven smells like hot coffee and fresh baking. Coffee makes Monday good – and Tuesday, and the rest of the week too. There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly roasted beans that makes every day feel a little brighter. Tucked away on Ilam Road near Fendalton Village Mall, Café Elia is fast […]
Booked & busy – Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar reflects on the year that was – one of growth, expansion, and a community of people with beautiful hair. She rounds out the year by welcoming a new senior stylist to the team, a reflection of her own fully-booked diary until 2026. Lisa Jayne Tissiman joins the team at […]
