Mat or reformer? My Physio Timaru
Pilates is for everybody. Find the type of Pilates that’s the best fit for you to build strength and mobility. Pilates is sometimes mistaken for ‘just stretching’, but its real value lies in how it builds strength, control, balance and confidence in movement. So say Pam and Myra, the sisters, physiotherapists and founders […]
Art warming – Art In Motion
Timaru creative Penni Naylor wears her heart and art on her sleeve; meet the mind behind some of Art In Motion’s most memorable pieces. Whether Penni Naylor is painting, sewing, making costumes, volunteering or experimenting with unexpected materials, she is happiest when bringing an idea to life. In last year’s inaugural Art In […]
Festivals in Geraldine
It’s festival time for Geraldine, always a great reason to spend time in this quintessential country town. 5 November, Geraldine Summer Fête Held in the sprawling gardens of Stover Farm just 10 minutes north of Geraldine, the Summer Fête features 200 high-quality artisan stalls, including homewares, art, children’s clothing, Jewellery, fashion, garden furniture […]
The Spark family and Rossburn
From Scottish settlers to a four-generation Rangiora farming family, the historic Rossburn in North Canterbury is ushering in a new chapter as a community-focused residential development. For more than 80 years, the Spark family has farmed the land on the eastern edge of Rangiora. Now, as the town continues to grow around them, […]
Oral care with comfort: Smooch Dental Spa
Meet the team on a mission to change the way you feel about going to the dentist. In Ravenswood, SMOOCH Dental Spa is led by co-owners George Bayley and Lisa Meredith, with Lisa also serving as clinical director. Together with dentist Ravi Gill, they share a focus on preventive dentistry and helping people feel […]
North Canterbury’s newest venue: Bramleys
Hands-on hosting and bespoke service for every unique occasion is just a short drive from Christchurch city. Bramleys in North Canterbury is the region’s newest and most in-demand wedding and event venue. With limited 2026/2027 dates available, prospective clients should enquire now about Bramley’s modern indoor and outdoor spaces that guarantee a perfect […]
Art in motion
A sell-out crowd filled Caroline Bay Hall for Timaru’s annual exciting wearable art event. Showcasing 39 mostly local creatives – and one entry from California – Timaru’s Art in Motion show on 5 September was by all measures a resounding success. Organised by Robyn Valentine, Fiona Pierce, and Catherine Neill, the event aims […]
Summer shelter: Archgola
With the weather ahead unpredictable, it’s time to protect your outdoor lifestyle. “Beautiful shade, practical design, engineered to suit local weather conditions” is the ethos behind Archgola Mid and South Canterbury’s outdoor living experts, say owners Rachel and Hamish Norton. More than that, these pergola canopies and blinds are custom built to suit […]
Famous Phar Lap stories from the legend’s closest
This October, South Canterbury honours legendary racehorse Phar Lap on his 100th birthday, who was born in Seadown near Timaru. Ahead of the celebrations, Metropol editor Nina Tucker catches up with Wayne Hinchliffe, a dear family friend of strapper Tommy Woodcock and one of his closest confidantes. Phar Lap was one of the […]
Artists unite for local kids
Three local artists share why they’re putting their work under the hammer again for The Big Art Auction Fundraiser’s second year supporting youth mentoring in North Canterbury. After raising an incredible $16,000 in its first year, The BIG Art Auction Fundraiser is returning to Rangiora on Friday 2 October. Presented by Big Brothers […]
