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 […]
Waikuku wellness: Ageless Antidotes
A self-care sanctuary in the heart of Waikuku is where beauty meets wellness. “Holistic wellbeing is at the heart of what I do,” says Donna Kaiser, owner of Ageless Antidotes, a boutique wellness and beauty therapy space in Waikuku’s Old School Collective. “It’s as much about nervous system regulation as it is about […]
From bare paddock to regenerative vineyard: The Tiki story
Tiki Wine & Vineyards in Waipara has become the first such business in New Zealand to be certified regenerative. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen spoke to co-owner Royce McKean. When Royce and Sue McKean bought their farm in North Canterbury in 2004, it was a bare paddock. The couple, who first met in […]
Tempo & tresses
Salon owner and senior hairstylist by day, dynamic musician by night. North Canterbury’s Michele Webb balances being the lead vocalist of a pop-rock band with owning a top Rangiora hair salon. How did you come to own a hair salon? I’d been hairdressing for around 14 years, working full-time on the salon floor, […]
