Print and paper: facts vs fiction
Paper has proven an integral part of our lives since it was invented, sometime between 50 and 120 AD, primarily to record data and to keep knowledge safe for generations. Centuries down the track, magazines such as fortnightly lifestyle magazine Metropol are still doing just that, despite misconceptions that paper is wasteful, detrimental […]
Agritech companies attracting millions
New Zealand agritech companies are attracting millions of dollars of investment, says AgriTechNZ chief executive Brendan O’Connell. Remarkable progress is being made in new global partnerships, collaborations, investments and team growth, and this has set the scene for what he predicts will be a burst of growth in 2022 and beyond. One innovator […]
Realty rocks her world: Fernanda Hammett
In 2001, Fernanda Hammett left her home and family in Brazil for an extended visit to Christchurch, primarily to perfect her English. São Paulo, with a population in excess of 20 million was a far cry from the Garden City of Christchurch, population circa 450,000. The effusive, fun loving and adventurous 17-year-old embraced […]
A decade of sound advice: Alistair Bean & Associates
Financial advice is a necessity in today’s world, both for businesses and private individuals. Many people seek financial advice when they are at a crossroads in their life. Planning for the future, buying a house, starting a family or looking at retirement are all times when professional financial advice may be of lasting […]
Reaching resolution: Saunders & Co
Relationship separations are challenging for many different reasons. They are especially difficult emotionally, as anyone who has been through one could tell you. Amidst heightened emotions and stress, there is a lot that needs to be worked through, especially regarding the division of relationship property. Before formalising the division of assets and the […]
Safe and sound: Commonwealth Vault
Security and safety are core values in many people’s lives. Having peace of mind that your most valuable items are as safe as possible is priceless. What many people don’t understand is that home safes are simply not enough. For items to be properly secure, they need to be out of the home […]
A caring community: Elmswood Retirement Village
Retirement facilities are presented with many challenges during Covid-19 lockdowns. New care protocols have to be put in place to get residents through in the best physical and mental health. Metropol asked how Elmswood Retirement Village navigated the August 2021 lockdown. The Activities team was singled out as the superstars, organising morale-boosting outdoor, […]
Carbon Zero hospital unveiled
Forté Hospital in Christchurch has been named New Zealand’s first Toitū carbonzero certified hospital. Forté Hospital operates out of Forté Health, a health precinct built in 2013 in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. The hospital, which operates out of one of New Zealand’s most environmentally-friendly buildings, has been certified carbonzero by Toitū […]
Fencing batten breakthrough: Ricoh
Wool is just one of the ‘secret ingredients’ in a new Kiwi-made fencing batten which is also completely recyclable at the end of its life. The Styx Batten SE represents a fresh approach to fencing for farmers, along with strong reassurance that New Zealand innovation is thriving. Using a polymer blended with wool […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
Turning a corner As I write my final Metropol column of the year, the last 12 months seem to have flown by. While 2021 has not been without its challenges, it is a source of great pride that the Canterbury business community continues to be seen as one of the most connected, collaborative […]












