Leading the way with Maria O’Halloran
Running a department store in this day and age isn’t easy, yet chief executive of Ballantynes Maria O’Halloran is leading the way with new ideas, and expansion. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with her after the recent opening of the company’s new Invercargill store. Since the age of 22, Maria O’Halloran has […]
On screen with Dea Doglione
Authenticity is at the heart of what local actress Dea Doglione brings to Neon’s new Christchurch-based crime drama. Metropol writer Alicia Carr caught up with Dea to find out more about her journey to our television screens. Dea’s character Sally Galletly and lead character Joe, a seemingly innocent cleaner by day and vicious […]
Editor’s Note: Edmund who?
I recently overheard a conversation revolving around a notable piece of street art in the Christchurch CBD. “Who is that,” the young woman asked her sister, pointing to an artistic rendition of mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. “No idea,” came the reply. Their mother chimed in with, “Isn’t that the hill man on the […]
Editor’s Note: Mothers and music
May is a memorable month for several celebrations, not least of which is Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. Most of us have a maternal figure or two in our lives, and on this day often also fondly remember those who have passed. Mother doesn’t just mean the woman who gave birth to […]
Guitar great Tommy Emmanuel
Legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel played Christchurch in April this year. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to talk life, music, and inspiration. On his first tour to New Zealand in six years, world-renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel left audiences in no doubt that he is a master. A living legend in […]
Launching love with Emily Heazlewood
Changing the dating scene with her matchmaking application, Christchurch entrepreneur Emily Heazlewood has a knack for turning ideas into reality – or apps. She catches up with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker on sacrifice, self-teaching, and saying yes. People are talking about love. Relationship dynamics and meaningful connections are hot topics. The Japanese […]
Happily evolving with Judy Bailey
From mother of the nation to doting grandmother and author has been a rewarding transition for former television newsreader/journalist Judy Bailey. Along the way she has returned to her first love of writing, as she explains to Metropol Editor, Lynda Papesch. Almost 20 years have passed since TVNZ broadcaster Judy Bailey signed off […]
A new beginning with Gretchen La Roche
What do books, theatre, Indian food and indulgent cakes have in common? The answer is The Court Theatre’s new executive director Gretchen La Roche, who spoke with Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch recently. Described as well-respected and a seasoned arts executive, Gretchen La Roche is multi-layered, like a well-written play. Returning to Christchurch to […]
Radical acceptance with Kirsten Ellis
Moving forward is an impossibly heavy task after losing a partner. For Kirsten Ellis, it became the only way out of losing herself to grief. Soon, she would become a business scholarship award-winner and triple her business’ revenue, all while navigating parenthood alone. She tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker how. Losing her […]
Comedic cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast
Lyttelton psychiatrist, comedian, author and cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast explains her special brand of “tumour humour” to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch. Witty, a bit silly, and fairly dead pan are apt descriptives for Jo Prendergast’s special brand of humour. Known as a ‘clean’ comedian, Jo explains that her comedy seems to be […]
