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. […]
Rosalie Todd’s evergreen sartorial spirit
If you spot a woman riding a Penny Farthing in leg-of-mutton sleeves with frilly knickerbockers, she’s likely wearing a design by North Canterbury fashion luminary Rosalie Todd. Metropol editor Nina Tucker steps inside Rosalie’s sartorial mind in celebration of herArt in Fashion exhibition. “I am no legend in the fashion world of North […]
Where little hearts grow wings: Pegasus Nest
A thriving new preschool in North Canterbury is inviting local families to discover what makes it special during an open day on 4 July. Responding to rapid growth in Pegasus and increasing demand for quality early childhood education, a new preschool is helping local children build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning […]
Winning wineries
In a historic moment for North Canterbury, Bell Hill Vineyard in Weka Pass has been named Winery of the Year 2026 by The Real Review, writes Metropol’s Lucy Brewer. The Real Review, one of Australasia’s most trusted authorities on wine, has announced its 2026 ranking of the Top Wineries of New Zealand. After […]
