All that Jazz: The Isaac Theatre

Christchurch, you’re in for a razzle-dazzle treat. Get ready to paint the town rouge. The sexiest, sassiest, most scandalous musical of all time, Chicago, is strutting its way onto the Isaac Theatre Royal stage this August. Set in the smoky underworld of 1920s Chicago, this Broadway and West End juggernaut has it all: […]

Bowls of comfort: Tanoshi

Finding an inner-city sanctuary that offers a cosy, homey feeling is a great way to press pause on the hustle and find your zen again. Located in Christchurch’s city centre, Tanoshi is a Japanese restaurant offering an authentic Osaka-style dining experience. The range of traditional meals includes donburi and ramen to bento boxes […]

Behind Nyree Huyser’s sound

Christchurch-based vocalist Nyree Huyser is no stranger to the stage. Her rich, soulful sound commands attention and powerhouse vocals are her signature. Behind the spotlight is a story that spans continents, careers, and a powerful reconnection with the music that first moved her, Metropol writer Hannah Brown discovers. It wasn’t until Nyree Huyser […]

Little India’s legacy

A rogan josh experiment one Friday night in 1988 Dunedin was the seed of Little India, a family-owned group of Indian restaurants that now spans the country. This isn’t just a business story though; Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers a legacy built on hard work, migration, and an unshakable belief in family. […]

Instant pick-me-up: Chocolate mug cake

Need instant indulgence? This microwave chocolate mug cake steps in to serve our sugar cravings when we need a quick lift. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup flour 1/8 cup sugar 2 Tbsp cocoa powder 1/8 tsp baking powder 3 Tbsp milk 2 Tbsp oil (such as avocado, rice bran or coconut). 1/2 tsp vanilla 1-2 […]

Gingerbread cookies: Good Bitches Baking cookbook recipe

From the Good Bitches Baking cookbook, local baker Judith Varga shares her recipe for Mézeskalács – often translated as ‘gingerbread’ but directly translating to ‘honey cake’. INGREDIENTS | Makes 100 250g honey 300g butter 300g light brown sugar 3+1 eggs (keep the last egg for glazing, optional) 1kg flour 2 tsp baking soda […]

Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Local election countdown

This will be my last Metropol column for the current mayoral term as we head into the local body election period. Ihave thoroughly enjoyed my last three years in the role of Mayor. It seems fitting that we are currently celebrating Matariki – a chance to connect with the past, celebrate the present […]

Building the future: Tao Homes

Imagine a home with it all: the lifestyle, location, landscaping, and luxury. Tao Meng has been building that dream in Christchurch for five years. His latest developments exude just the charm and versatility expected from Tao Homes. Prioritising thoughtful design and ample storage, the team works with top architects to build homes with […]

Your woolly winter wardrobe

With the winter solstice behind us and the worst of the weather ahead, it’s time to invest in extra layers to keep warm. There is no better comfort from Mother Nature’s temperature chaos than cosying up in quality wool garments. The Wool Company have all the layers you need to keep warm this […]

Snow happy

Our best winter memories and cherished family photos often come from moments spent in the snow, so make the most of it before the spring nor’ westers arrive. In Canterbury, we’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and snow-laden spaces perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. Trust us, treat your children to the ultimate […]