Building for better: All proceeds from Rolleston home sale go to Māia Health Foundation
A newly built home in Rolleston is being sold with all proceeds going to Māia Health Foundation’s fundraising for the redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The architecturally designed Arbor Green three-bedroom property was built by Hughes Developments, which has committed 100 percent of the sale price to Māia to support improvements to the region’s specialist […]
Loco for cocoa: Mind Your Temper
Going to the dark side isn’t a bad thing when you’re talking about chocolate. From melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffles to whipped chocolate creams, ganache, caramels, bon bons, pralines, and more, Valentine’s and Galentine’s is the perfect excuse to go chocolate crazy. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen gets the lowdown on what’s hot in local […]
Sparks fly
Live orchestra and vocals to a Valentine’s-themed soundtrack in Hagley Park on a balmy summer’s evening, finished with fireworks. Date night, anyone? We’re talking Adele, Kate Bush, The Beatles – the open air concert we’ve known and loved as Mitre10 Sparks, returns for its 43rd year. On 14 February, this dazzling entertainment extravaganza […]
Toitū Te Tiriti – Nina Tucker
Waitangi Day is a time for New Zealanders to come together and recognise the Treaty of Waitangi’s significance in our past, present and future. Yes, it’s lovely that the public holiday also means many of us snag a day off work, but what it represents is so much more central to our lives […]
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 […]











