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, […]
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 […]
