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 […]
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 […]
