Creative to her core. Waimate’s Emma Heppell

“When we care about something, we’re much more likely to protect it,” says Waimate-based artist, author, business owner and ice cream scooper Emma Heppell. Passing that passion to the next generation, Emma encourages children to nurture their creativity in a digital world with her community art studio, and hopes her new children’s book […]

Staying supple in winter, myphysio

Is your body is stiffening up with the cold of winter? Better movement means a better you, which is where a great physiotherapist comes in. A nagging knee makes a day on the slopes at Dobson feel exhausting. A tight lower back turns a beautiful winter walk or a weekend of kids’ winter […]

Leading the way

Be inspired and empowered at this year’s Leadership Speakers Series from the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. T he South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Speaker Series returns in September, bringing together six of the region’s most respected leaders for a professional development programme. The fortnightly, six-workshop series offers an opportunity for business […]

Feeding a community, from the ground up

On Seadown Crescent in Amberley, a once-empty green space is being transformed into something that will nourish the community for years to come. Earlier this month, the Amberley Community Garden and Food Forest celebrated a major milestone with its first community planting day. More than 70 local residents turned out to support the […]

Tour the North Canterbury pie trail

Fresh from the oven, the North Canterbury pie trail is your taste of the region’s best bakeries, pastry crumbs and all. Buttery, comforting, and a beloved staple across New Zealand, who doesn’t want to travel a pie trail? Until 31 July, locals and visitors are invited to taste their way around 18 participating […]

Truffle snuffle. The Waipara labradors hunting for a prized global delicacy

When winter moves in, the truffle dogs of North Canterbury get to work. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen talks to truffle dog handler Jax Lee-May about the benefits of using dogs over pigs for truffle hunting (hint: finger count) and what she learnt from police drug dogs. On a frosty winter morning in […]

Tree spirit: Daniel Holland

Forgetting to buy a Christmas present for his wife led to Daniel Holland becoming South Canterbury’s most talked-about chainsaw artist. WORDS: TAMARA PITELEN | IMAGES SUPPLIED Becoming a chainsaw sculptor was never part of the plan for Geraldine artist, nurse and hammerhand Daniel Holland. It all began with a stereotypical husband fail. “I […]

Winter walks: South Canterbury

From coastal to sub-alpine, short walks to multi-day hikes, South Canterbury offers a rich variety of tracks and trails to explore on foot or by bike. Walking trails to suit every age and fitness level are dotted across all three districts of Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate. Enjoy tracks along riverways or the South […]

North Canterbury Women in Business

Our region is brimming with brilliant and innovative businesses – some of the most successful are run by the 11 women in this special feature showcasing the skills and talents of local wāhine toa.   Deb Riach, co-owner, Coffee Worx The idea to start a coffee business quite literally came to Deb Riach […]

Snapped! Local street style in North Canterbury

What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? We took to the streets and played paparazzo to locals that caught our eye. Natalia Baker, business owner Busy mum of five, Natalia Baker’s style is comfortable and chic. She’s owned Rangiora’s Gather + You for three years, and loves to support local. […]