Homegrown success story: Kate Macdonald of Davaar
Kate Macdonald is the female face ushering in a new age of appreciation for strong wool jerseys. From farm to fashion, the founder and creative director of Davaar & Co., now Davaar, chats with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. “Wool was all we wore,” Kate says of a childhood surrounded by it with sister […]
Richard Aindow: Courting the arts in Christchurch
Music, theatre, dance and visual art have all played a significant role in Richard Aindow’s life. The incoming chief executive of The Court Theatre, Richard explains to Metropol writer Lynda Papesch how culture has shaped his life and career. On 23 June 2025, Richard will take over the reins of The Court Theatre […]
Renowned filmmaker: Turning failure into success
Among the University of Canterbury honorary autumn graduates was internationally acclaimed filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch looks into the story behind the university’s new Doctor of Letters. Gaining a degree at age 77 adds another episode to Dame Gaylene’s successes, although it is not her final chapter. She’s already under […]
Designing with purpose: Jenny Joblin
Jenny Joblin, founder and creative director of urban streetwear label Federation, was 17 when she lost her mother to breast cancer. Today, it’s what drives her to support research funding through fashion, writes Metropol Editor Nina Tucker. “I have no words for the ramifications of losing our mum as teenagers,” Jenny says, her […]
Jeweller Sophie Divett: An artist’s evolution
Stepping out as a Christchurch entrepreneur and artist, Sophie Divett’s journey into jewellery wasn’t planned – it evolved. Metropol writer Hannah Brown finds what started as a side hustle to fine arts studies became a full-time business, Sophie’s collections now synonymous with timeless elegance and conscientious design. Looking back, Sophie’s path into jewellery […]
Catch him if you can: Andy Ellis
Moving Houses host and former All Black Andy Ellis doesn’t like to sit still. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker discovers what he does instead. Andy Ellis’ life is like chaos in a wonderful way. Fresh from a stint in Bali at an All Blacks High Performance Lab, and thrilled to be taking off […]
Netball’s favourite name: Anna Galvan
Without Kiwi female sporting legends to admire on the world stage, a young Anna Veronese may have never become a Silver Fern. Now, as Anna Galvan, she’s an icon of New Zealand netball, dedicated to ensuring young wāhine in sport always have role models, discovers Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Fostering passion and […]
Blankets for better: a local mission
Studies suggest one-third of New Zealand homes drop below the minimum healthy indoor temperature in winter. Bundling up in blankets and bedding is a quick solution, and Christchurch Methodist Mission’s Fionna Chapman tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker she’s gearing up again for the cooler months with one goal: Every Child Warm This […]
Editor’s Note: Dance like no one’s watching
As Tom Cochrane once sang, “Life is a highway” and to my way of thinking life may be likened to just that. Speed bumps along the way make us slow down, stop, or take a different direction. The journey is usually enjoyable for those who believe in themselves, and have the confidence to […]
Barbara Dreaver: fighting injustices
News correspondent Barbara Dreaver has spent years in journalistic trenches – fighting against injustices across the Pacific. She’s earned her “veteran journalist” title, and the respect of countless communities, writes Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. A veteran journalist? “That can’t be me,” TVNZ’s Barbara says. “Then when I think about it, I realise […]
