From the editor: 14 October 2021
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘it will be happier’…” – Alfred, Lord Tennyson We all need hope, especially when times are tough. Hope comes in different guises. As the days become warmer, many hope that they can head out and enjoy some of the exciting events on […]
Justine Smith
Comedienne Justine Smith has fond memories of growing up in Christchurch as she explains to Metropol editor Lynda Papesch, ahead of a return to the city as part of the 7 Days Live tour. Recognisable for her appearances and humour on shows such as the Comedy Gala, AotearoHA, TV3’s After Hours, and Funny […]
A city in full BLOOM
A key part of BLOOM is the ‘bouquet’ of fun spring activities for young and old, including: Explore spring flowers – you can’t help but trip over daffodils, cherry blossoms and a host of other beautiful flowers as you travel around Christchurch. Head to Hagley Park or the Kurashiki Gardens in Halswell to […]
Family fun in Otautahi Christchurch
Explore the great outdoors with giant swings, playgrounds, shipwrecks, and wildlife. Here are the top seven family activities for spring in Christchurch. 1. Breakfast at Margaret Mahy Playground Pack a picnic breakfast the night before and surprise the kids with breakfast at the Margaret Mahy Playground. Make use of the free electric BBQs […]
Big band bash
Just in time for warmer weather, The Christchurch Big Band Festival is celebrating its 15th year in Ōtautahi this October. The festival brings fresh, musical vibrancy to Christchurch streets and venues in spring, attracting thousands of listeners to exciting, toe-tapping entertainment all around the city. Most of the performances are free events and […]
Prevent pet post lockdown blues: Ourvets
Shifting down the lockdown levels can be challenging for our furry friends. The current pandemic poses stressors for our much loved furry members of the family, our puppies and dogs. One of the largely positive aspects of Covid-19 lockdowns is that we are fortunate to be at home spending quality time with our […]
Stoddart exhibition opens
A special exhibition is now on, marking the anniversary of women winning the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand in September 1893. University of Canterbury art collections curator Lydia Baxendell has curated a special exhibition of watercolours by Margaret Stoddart, shown at the former home of her fellow student at the University’s […]
At home movie feast
Going to the movies used to be the only option to see the newest film releases, however a popular option now is to stay home and go online to see some of the latest and greatest. Film festivals are one way to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy cutting edge and […]
Embracing realty technology: Simon Herbert
The saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” is one that can be applied to the real estate industry in 2021. Nationwide Covid-19 lockdowns have forced vendors and purchasers to look at doing things differently, although they still want the same outcomes. Simon Herbert of Harcourts Grenadier Avonhead says […]
Home-based business boom
Many successful businesses have started in the home or garage and some of them have flourished. Jeff Bezos initially sold books out of his garage, and went on to create Amazon in 1995. Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook in his Harvard dorm. Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded their company in a […]












