Supermarket superman Craig Grant
What does it take to create Christchurch’s most aesthetic (and award-winning) supermarket? Award-winning businessman Craig Grant of FreshChoice Merivale reveals the stories of success he’s always been too humble to tell with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. FreshChoice Merivale is the first-class plane flight equivalent to grocery shopping. Each piece of fruit and vegetable […]
The fight against homelessness: Christchurch leaders swap warm beds for cardboard
On one of winter’s coldest nights, 13 August 2026, more than 40 leaders and key figures in the Christchurch community will swap warm beds for cardboard at an inaugural sleepout inside One New Zealand Stadium, in a bid for public donations and to raise awareness for Ōtautahi’s alarming homelessness figures. The Big Sleepout […]
Escaping corporate beige: Editor Nina Tucker
When Christchurch’s striking architectural and historic settings form the backdrop for every local conference and event, our city’s people become the beating heart. Shaped by a playful phrase I heard in conversation – “escaping corporate beige” – this issue welcomes a world where events can look however you want them to and be […]
Canterbury’s winning homes
Located in Cashmere and Loburn, two of Canterbury’s finest home builds have been honoured in this year’s Master Builders House of the Year awards. The results are in for the winners of the Master Builders House of the Year 2026 Awards, a prestigious competition that celebrates building excellence in Aotearoa. While many Canterbury […]
Provincial heartbeat: James Gough
Historic red and black pride for Canterbury Rugby has a new place to call gather and call home. Last weekend’s Canterbury Rugby housewarming against Auckland felt like more than a first match in our new home. With Shapeshifter electrifying the occasion and red and black pulsing through the city, Canterbury Rugby brought something […]
Leafy revival
Curated by Nina Tucker How did the humble cabbage end up in a Burberry campaign? Why is it the centrepiece of every elegant dinner party (edible or decorative) and the hero of a Michelin-star restaurant? Introducing CabbageCore, the vegetable-inspired homewares trend bringing the rest of the garden with it. A leafy revival from […]
Pottery pastimes: Ruffshuffler Ceramics
As the colder months encourage us indoors, finding a fun and creative activity to enjoy with friends has never been easier. The Addington studio of Ruffshuffler Ceramics is a hive of activity, offering a range of experiences for anyone keen to try their hand at working with clay. Best of all, there’s no […]
Strength, measured: Muscle People
Once reserved for elite sport, objective performance-testing technology is now helping everyday people recover with greater precision, see their progress and return confidently to the activities that matter. How strong is your recovering arm or leg compared with the other side? Has an injured shoulder or elbow regained the capacity needed for lifting, […]
Anxiety hacks
Feeling anxious? Here are 10 quick and easy science-backed hacks to dial it down. Chew gum: Studies show it reduces cortisol and increases blood flow to the brain. Go outside and look at something far away: Anxiety literally narrows your vision, it’s part of the stress response. Forcing your eyes wide on a […]
Historic charm for your event: The Old Vicarage
Whether you’re planning an intimate family celebration or a successful business event, the right venue is somewhere that offers exceptional service in a stunning location. Locally owned and operated, The Old Vicarage in Halswell combines historic charm with modern hospitality. Its character-filled rooms feature period fireplaces and bookcase-lined walls, while beautifully maintained gardens […]
