Deadly design duo: Deadly Ponies
You’ve gotta hand (bag) it to them. Deadly Ponies’ founders Liam Bowden and Steven Boyd have fast become powerhouses in Aotearoa fashion with their internationally renowned luxury leather accessories brand. With Steven’s South Canterbury roots, Metropol editor Nina Tucker learns how vegetables from his parents’ garden inspired a spring collection, and which Geraldine […]
For the young & young at heart: Chipmunks Playland Rangiora
Keeping the little ones entertained is easy when you take them to an indoor playground designed for hours of non-stop play. But to keep you entertained, how does a nice cup of coffee sound? Whether you’re a parent planning your child’s birthday party, a grandparent looking for a fun school holiday activity, or […]
Apron strings and Path finders: Hawarden and Waikari
Preserving the history of Hawarden-Waikari in a series of autobiographical books has been a labour of love for a group of determined North Canterbury locals. For 124 years, Doc Sidey’s family has lived on their farm near Hawarden, about an hour’s drive north of Christchurch. Now aged 81 and still living on that […]
Canterbury rally
Starting in Rangiora and finishing in Christchurch on King’s Birthday weekend, the 2026 Canterbury Rally promises action-packed fun. With more than 50 years of history across Ashley Forest and North Canterbury roads, the Canterbury Rally is one of New Zealand’s most iconic motorsport events. The 2026 edition forms part of the New Zealand […]
Style your eyes: Eye-dentity Optical
Looking for a family owned, independent optometrist and some stylish new glasses? Eye-dentity Optical is a locally owned optometry practice based in Rangiora. The experienced team specialises in a range of eyecare services, catering to the key eye health problems they see in the region. “North Cantabrian’s often suffer from dry eye, as […]
Cleaning up the lagoon
Mention Washdyke and one of the things that springs to mind is the lagoon. The Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon is a shallow, coastal lagoon north of Timaru – a wildlife sanctuary and refuge for birds, plants, and fish. The rocky reef of the lagoon was made from lava flow which turned to basalt after Mt Horrible erupted about […]
Snapped! Local street style
What inspires the style of South Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? Essence’s Larnya Bourdot took to the streets and played paparazzo to locals that caught her eye. Karen Smith, Owner of STOMPZ My style is simple and sophisticated with a bit of edge. I love a good matching ensemble; Briarwood do that well. […]
Protect to prolong
In the season when investing in your health and safety is paramount – protecting belongings is no less important. Your home and garden is your haven, filled with gorgeous, often costly pieces accumulated over time – especially outside. Spas, garden art, dining furniture and the like, all benefit from proper protection and preservation […]
Destination Washdyke
Washdyke is a thriving hub of local business, industry, retail, and services. Home to a wide range of trusted businesses, the area continues to grow as a convenient destination for everything from trade and transport to shopping, food, and lifestyle needs. Ashbury Outdoors Ashbury Outdoors, a locally owned business in South Canterbury, is […]
Heath the hospice cat
Words by Vera Spurr RN | Photos supplied by Hospice SC He has his own Facebook page and regularly gets fan mail and thank you cards. To mark Hospice Awareness Week this month, meet emotional support worker Heath from Hospice South Canterbury. Heath arrived at Hospice South Canterbury in 2022 after being adopted […]
