Built to thrill
Streamlined meets sporty in the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby. The whole SUV-come-coupe segment was not really something I could get excited about. My attitude changed when I sampled this new offering from Mercedes-Benz. The coupe’s flowing rear section and slippery-looking accents are the most obvious cues to […]
Potato crisps
Crunchy to the bite and smothered in salt, are potato chips the most snackable thing around? You tell us – try these easy air fryer chips. INGREDIENTS | SERVES 2 • 2 large Agria potatoes • 1 sweet potato • 1 Tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil • Salt, to taste METHOD Carefully cut […]
Sustainable style: Fraemohs Homes
One New Zealand building company cuts through the currents, driving progress in sustainable building. Fraemohs Homes’ craft has always been ahead of the times. For 58 years, the team has designed and championed timber homes that are naturally warm and healthy, carbon negative, good for the economy, and able to easily handle extreme […]
On your nerves: Christchurch Chiro
Getting on your nerves in the best way possible is Christchurch chiropractor Hugh Crozier. Six years ago, chiropractor and ‘student for life’ Hugh Crozier had a life-changing experience while studying in Perth. He was introduced to a new way of working with the nervous system, DermoNeuroModulation, which better addresses and treats pain, tension […]
Bridgerton-inspired interiors
The massive Netflix hit is influencing interiors. Bridgerton-inspired home décor brings opulent 19th-century elegance to modern spaces. A lavish, vibrant, steamy Regency love story, Bridgerton has become a global phenomenon. The most-watched Netflix series of all time, 82 million households tuned in during its first 28 days, while this year’s release of season […]
What’s on in Hurunui
28 FEB: Hanmer Motorfest 2026 A full-throttle Saturday packed with gleaming chrome, roaring engines and nostalgic vibes, plus live entertainment, great food, and a best dressed competition. For $5 tickets per person, immerse yourself in a mesmerising array of meticulously restored classics, from iconic muscle cars to graceful cruisers and everything in between. […]
On trend: Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar offers up the latest hair trends – unveiling a renaissance inspired by the 70s and 90s. “We’re moving towards sleek, soft textures and away from overly messy styles – hair is becoming much more intentional in 2026,” says Caro, owner of Haar Design in St Albans. Long, luscious locks […]
Granny flat
Christchurch is gearing up for a granny flat boom as consent rules change. Following landmark changes to national planning and building regulations that came into effect last month, property owners can now build new standalone homes of up to 70 square metres dwellings – commonly known as granny flats – without needing formal […]
Mental health a priority: Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula
Improved services for mental distress calls are on the way, says Vanessa Weenink, MP for Banks Peninsula. Four new mental health co-response teams will soon be established to work alongside the police in responding to 111 mental health-related distress calls. This follows the Government’s $28 million investment in Budget 2025 to roll out […]
New property valuations
Christchurch’s new property valuations are set to be revealed by the end of this month. Every three years, rates revaluations are carried out across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula to make sure rates are shared out fairly. Christchurch City Council staff have briefed the Mayor and councillors on the latest revaluation of properties, which […]
