Art in motion
A sell-out crowd filled Caroline Bay Hall for Timaru’s annual exciting wearable art event. Showcasing 39 mostly local creatives – and one entry from California – Timaru’s Art in Motion show on 5 September was by all measures a resounding success. Organised by Robyn Valentine, Fiona Pierce, and Catherine Neill, the event aims […]
Summer shelter: Archgola
With the weather ahead unpredictable, it’s time to protect your outdoor lifestyle. “Beautiful shade, practical design, engineered to suit local weather conditions” is the ethos behind Archgola Mid and South Canterbury’s outdoor living experts, say owners Rachel and Hamish Norton. More than that, these pergola canopies and blinds are custom built to suit […]
Famous Phar Lap stories from the legend’s closest
This October, South Canterbury honours legendary racehorse Phar Lap on his 100th birthday, who was born in Seadown near Timaru. Ahead of the celebrations, Metropol editor Nina Tucker catches up with Wayne Hinchliffe, a dear family friend of strapper Tommy Woodcock and one of his closest confidantes. Phar Lap was one of the […]
A new pulse in travel: Travel Pulse
A fresh name and brand, backed by the same trusted expertise, Timaru travel agent Selese Rowe unveils her next adventure with a company where the world is your oyster. “Every itinerary begins with that spark of excitement, the same feeling when you step into a new city, hear a new language, or watch […]
A pleasure doing business
South Canterbury’s business community was out in force in August to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Business & Community Excellence Awards. Leading businesses, community organisations and individuals were recognised at the 2026 Gallagher and South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Excellence Awards on Friday 14 August. The evening celebrated excellence […]
Written on stone: Māori Rock Art
Ancient drawings, fragile landscapes and a 20-year labour of love: farmer and author Philippa F. Graham’s new book South Island Māori Rock Art explores the remarkable history and enduring mystery of Māori rock art in the South Island. In 1916, American anthropologist and antiquarian James Lee Elmore arrived in New Zealand to study […]
More than just a ring: The Ringmakers
Choosing an engagement ring is a huge moment in a relationship. Don’t do it alone. Decisions about engagement rings can be daunting. Should the couple choose together? Should a ring be bought to surprise? You don’t need to decide alone. Working closely with a manufacturing jeweller throughout the process means getting the benefit […]
South Canterbury food drive: Presbyterian Support South Canterbury
‘Can’ you help fill a cupboard and a tummy this South Canterbury anniversary weekend? Rising food costs, power bills, rent, and everyday expenses mean that more people are finding it difficult to put healthy meals on the table. For some South Canterbury children, hunger is a daily reality. The annual Food Drive for […]
Where little seeds blossom: Parkside Grove
A boutique early learning centre in Timaru where qualified teachers, small group learning and creative play supports children to learn and thrive. A cosy early learning centre in Timaru that feels like a home away from home, Parkside Grove has a ratio of 1:8 and 100 per cent qualified teachers. “Our philosophy of […]
Creative to her core. Waimate’s Emma Heppell
“When we care about something, we’re much more likely to protect it,” says Waimate-based artist, author, business owner and ice cream scooper Emma Heppell. Passing that passion to the next generation, Emma encourages children to nurture their creativity in a digital world with her community art studio, and hopes her new children’s book […]
