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 […]
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 […]
Snapped! Local street style
What inspires the style of North Canterbury’s most fashionable ladies? Metropol’s Zoe Fenton took to the streets and played paparazzo to three locals that caught her eye. Celine Graham, shop ambassador at Louis Who “My style is eclectic and affordable. A mix of new and old. My big thing is you don’t have […]












