One of the best things you can do this year is support our local businesses: Buy NZ Made
“We’re cautiously optimistic about 2026. The resilience of Kiwi businesses is remarkable, but they need our support now more than ever. Every local purchase is a vote of confidence in New Zealand’s future.” Dane Ambler, Executive Director of Buy NZ Made
Insight on eyesight: Anstice
How early vision insight can make your little one’s learning easier. Pre-school vision screening assesses what a child can or can’t see, yet reading and scholastic development requires the eyes working together for effective reading, says optometrist Nicola Boyce of Anstice Optometrists. “Difficulties with close-range focus can lead to fatigue, decreased reading speed, […]
Out of office: off!
“After more than a decade of tragedy, Christchurch emerges as New Zealand’s most vibrant city,” read an article last month in UK newspaper The Guardian. I kept returning to that story over the summer holidays – and it takes a lot to pull me away from the blissful pages of Vogue or cuddles […]
Christchurch’s cycling crown
It’s official. Christchurch is now globally recognised as a great place to get on your bike, giving us another point of attraction for visitors. The Copenhagenize Index, published every two years, is the most comprehensive and holistic ranking of bicycle-friendly cities in the world. It provides an evidence-based benchmark that tracks how cities […]
One year on: A celebration of past, present and future – Isaac Theatre Royal
The heart of Ōtautahi keeps beating. One year ago, on 17 November 2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal opened its doors for a once-in-a-lifetime night. “Glittering under the chandeliers, we gathered to celebrate a decade since the Grand Old Lady’s post-earthquake reopening – ten years of healing, artistry, and the unwavering aroha of Ōtautahi,” […]
Bowled over: Lawn bowls
Christchurch is set to host the Summerset Bowls New Zealand Singles and Pairs Competition from 2 to 9 January 2026. Head along and see what lawn bowls is about, while supporting some of Canterbury’s own bowlers. “It is an honour that bowling clubs within Canterbury have the opportunity to host the Bowls New […]
Play local: Lawn bowls
In New Zealand, 43,000 registered members and 126,000 casual participants across more than 450 clubs enjoy a game of lawn bowls – and you could be one of them. O riginating in ancient Egypt, and played in England since the 13th century, bowls has been a popular sport in New Zealand since 1861 […]
Steve’s scene: Is Christchurch the coolest city?
Internationally renowned music publicist and consultant, and Dolly Parton’s publicist across New Zealand and Australia, Metropol columnist Steve Guest shares the latest in our creative industry. Christchurch has been labelled the coolest city in New Zealand, and I think we can all agree. Lewis Capaldi just wowed fans at the sold out Wolfbrook […]
A social summer: Serve Social
Friendly competition – or maybe not so much – it’s what the Kiwi summer is made of. Think ping pong, darts, escape rooms, Serve Social is the home of eat, drink, and play this summer. Their interactive darts is perfect for groups of two to 32 players, complete with software to run a […]
Holiday shenanigans: Fun for all the family
There’s no reason why the holidays can’t be fun for everyone in the family – here are six activities that adults will love as much as the kids. Swimming off the Wānaka Wharf The Wānaka Wharf located on the lakefront in the centre of town, is a popular swimming spot and a family […]
