Road to Olympia – Leah Reuben
When the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) Pro Show takes place in Hawaii on 18 November, Leah Reuben from Christchurch will be amongst the international competitors. Metropol writer Céline Gibson looks into the world of bodybuilding. Posing before a panel of rigorous and exacting bodybuilding judges is a far cry from Leah […]
A pageant’s impact – Tessa Nicholas
Glamour, poise, outer beauty. There’s more to those who take the pageantry stage than meets the eye. Metropol writer Nina Tucker talks with Christchurch’s 2023 Mrs Aotearoa candidate, Tessa Nicholas. Recently crowned Charity Queen at the Mrs Aotearoa 2023 grand finale in August, for her work in making the country a better place, […]
Knit one, purl one: The art of yarn bombing unravelled
What drives someone to cover a tree with an intricately knitted creation? Metropol writer Cheryl Colley spoke with Lynne Lawson, a Christchurch devotee of yarn bombing. When street benches turn into couches with soft knitted coverings, trees and public statues sprout colourful woollen coverings, it’s all to do with yarn bombing. Using knitted […]
Zed and beyond
New Zealand pop rock band Zed and Christchurch’s iconic brunch spot Addington Coffee Co-op have one thing in common, and that’s drummer Adrian Palmer. Metropol’s deputy editor Daniella Judge chats to him about his past, present, and future. K iwi band Zed became a pop rock sensation when it burst on to […]
Flip Grater a slice of Paris
Musician, songwriter, foodie, and entrepreneur somewhat describe Flip Grater. Metropol writer Neville Idour discovers she is so much more. With multiple international tours and five albums under her belt, musician, singer, and songwriter Flip Grater has a dedicated following. Add on vegan foodie, Grater Goods Café/restaurant owner, food manufacturer and wholesaler, astute business […]
Sky high with Laura McGoldrick
Christchurch-born and bred, Sky Sports presenter Laura McGoldrick’s bubbly personality beams at us from thousands of television screens. Metropol writer Neville Idour chats with her about sport, growing up, and life. L aura McGoldrick views herself as a good Canterbury girl and also as a good sport. She’s always been involved in sport, […]
Catching up with Gemma McCaw
Juggling family life, work, and “me time” keeps Gemma McCaw busy. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch asks how she successfully balances being a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. The best way to describe Gemma McCaw’s life right now is, to quote her, “in the thick of parenting”. These days the former Black Sticks wonder woman, […]
Tammy Wells, a stellar career
For 35 years, Tammy Wells has been the voice and the face behind one of New Zealand’s most endearing and enduring characters. Metropol’s Céline Gibson catches up with her at home in Darfield. The Briscoes Lady is so deeply embedded into Kiwi culture that she has already achieved icon status, popping into the […]
New black fern on the field Rosie Kelly
Rosie Kelly began playing rugby at four years old. Twenty years on, she has a Black Ferns contract. Metropol’s Nina Tucker follows the emerging rugby star from high school fields to the national stage. Rosie Kelly played for the winning side, Matatū, in last year’s inaugural season of Super Rugby Aupiki, but now […]
Talking cricket and golf with Stephen Fleming
Popular New Zealand sportsman Stephen Fleming talks to Neville Idour about golf, cricket, and life. Stephen Fleming forged his name in New Zealand history as one of the country’s best cricket captains and batsmen, and post retirement has proven to be one of the top coaches in the T20 Indian Premier League. The […]











