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 […]
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, […]
Fashion that works: Sally Mac’s
Customer loyalty, friendly advice and enthusiastic staff have helped this ‘world-famous in Amberley’ institution of style thrive for the past 30 years. “I started Sally Mac’s because I was frustrated with trying to find clothes,” says Sally MacDonald, owner of Sally Mac’s a women’s clothing store in Amberley. “I felt that women over […]
What’s brewing
With about 100,000 beer cans and counting, North Canterbury man Stu Reed has one of the world’s biggest collections of beer cans and breweriana. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen went along for a look. “I’m a busy relaxer; I can’t sit still although I’ve got to because my body is buggered. Collecting beer […]
For the love of beer
Feeling inspired by breweriana collector Stu Reed on page 70? Test some of the region’s best craft breweries… Brew Moon Brewing Company A craft beer taproom and online shop in Amberley, Brew Moon is focused on one goal: bringing good beer, good food and good people together. Drop in at 12 Markham Street, […]
