BOSS LADY: Abbey Dickson
Abbey Dickson is the brains behind Christchurch’s Fashion Society boutiques. She shares the pivotal moment in becoming her own boss and the journey she has embarked on with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Returning from a fleeting Sydney work trip just the day before, Abbey was wearing a chic Onte vest, straight-cut jeans, […]
On a mission with Corinne Haines
Christchurch’s City Mission CEO Corinne Haines knows all about giving, spending most of her waking moments helping those less fortunate. She talks to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch about her role, and why. Retirement didn’t last long for Corinne Haines. After 45 years in finance and management, mostly in the IT sector, Corinne did […]
Choice over chance: Karen Hattaway
Karen Hattaway was the visionary behind Queenstown hospitality establishments Blue Kanu, Pier, and Captains, and is now at the helm of one of Christchurch’s top-rated restaurants just three months in: Manu. She tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker about the force of choice and a movement powered by personal trauma. Not long ago, […]
Running with Jo Ryder
“Children are our future,” sang Whitney Houston. “Teach them well, and let them lead the way…” Among those helping teach Christchurch’s young people so they can look forward to a better future is Police Youth Services officer Jo Ryder, as Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch explains. Mother, mentor, and enthusiastic runner all describe Jo […]
Style, smile: Becks Mason
Becks Mason isn’t in it for the colour or beautiful clothes her life as a stylist allows her. It’s the women she works with and their fear she helps conquer. The founder of Style4U presented at Apt Collections’ VIP Shopping Night in early November, and Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds her […]
Paddy Gower: vulnerability and positivity
Paddy Gower has been in the (news) game for 25 years. He’s done a lot, lived through a lot, and dropped many F-bombs along the way. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker catches up with the journalist and now author-on-life, bringing a positive lens to news. Paddy started his career on the graveyard […]
MAMMA MIA: Sophie Harris
Sophie Harris was born with a passion to perform. Christchurch’s favourite rising theatre chameleon, who landed the lead of Sophie Sheridan in Showbiz’s MAMMA MIA! and Charlie’s love interest Lauren in Kinky Boots, shares stories of the stage with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Every childhood dream placed Sophie in front of an […]
Making music with Andrew Penman
Formed in Christchurch in 1992, mainland brass pioneer Salmonella Dub is still touring extensively, releasing new music, and enjoying being on the road. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with co-originator Andrew Penman, aka DJ Rudeboy, ahead of two Lyttelton performances in November. Times, music and technology have changed much during the last […]
Sarah Cotterall on success
Sarah Cotterall is the brains behind one of the iconic New Zealand jewellery brands you will find on the shelves of fashion stores nationwide – Silk & Steel. She tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker about the 15-year ride. Ideas simmer in my mind until I reach the point where I need to […]
Fashionable apparel with Jane Coleman
Balancing fashion, international travel, and an active lifestyle are what makes Jane Coleman, General Manager of Apt Collections tick, as Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch discovers. An unfamiliar name to many in Christchurch, the tides are changing with Apt Collections opening its Christchurch store in September this year. Born from Longbeach Apparel, a New […]












