Editor’s note: What it means to be a Cantab
Some people truly radiate the spirit and tenacity of a Cantabrian. Others, we collectively cherish as a country. I’d argue both Dame Sophie Pascoe and Tiki Taane fall into those categories. Metropol, at its core, exists to champion our region and those within it, so you can imagine my delight when these two […]
Canines in conservation
Detecting, monitoring and conserving – meet the canines protecting our native ecosystems. Certified conservation dogs are some of New Zealand’s greatest guardians when it comes to preserving protected species and uncovering unwanted pests. More than 120 dog and handler teams work tirelessly nationwide to support conservation goals. Alongside their handlers, they: Locate protected […]
A season to celebrate: Chateau on the Park
Warm up winter with indulgent dining and great company by the park in the heart of the city. When the days are short and the nights are crisp, there’s no better time to gather the people you love. Mid-winter is the perfect excuse to press pause, reconnect, and celebrate at Chateau on the […]
A night to remember: Luxury, style, and purpose with Karen Walker
Breast Cancer Cure is back with an extraordinary experience at the luxury Flockhill Lodge, raising funds for breast cancer research. Tucked deep in the Southern Alps, beneath starlit skies and craggy peaks, lies one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking luxury escapes: Flockhill. Aat the end of May, it becomes the backdrop for a […]
What to do in Wellington
World of WearableArt (WOW) An adored reason to travel to the capital, WOW is a renowned fashion and wearable art extravaganza. Explore the outdoors From Zealandia to the Botanic Gardens, serene walks and bush reserves, Wellington is home to nature galore, city-wide and beyond. Shop local Wellington’s iconic shopping district, ‘The Golden Mile’ […]
Editor’s note: Winning ways
We have much to celebrate in this issue that, if it isn’t blatantly obvious, is serving up comfort. I am thrilled to announce the winner of our two-night stay at Elysian du Regent, the new boutique apartment accommodation on New Regent St. Drawn from a lengthy list of entrants, the lucky winners are […]
The soundtrack to memory, magic, & mayhem: Isaac Theatre Royal
Nothing catapults you through time quite like music. few chords, a familiar lyric, and suddenly you’re back in a moment: a dance floor, a road trip, a heartbreak, a first kiss, your favourite artist playing on the Isaac Theatre Royal (ITR) stage. Music connects us to people, places, and memories in a way […]
A purr-fect show: CATS – Young Actors Edition
This May, one of the world’s most beloved musicals will prowl onto an iconic Christchurch stage – and it’s bringing over 140 bright young stars with it. A jellicle celebration of youth, talent, and timeless theatre, mark your calendars. For the first time ever, the National Youth Theatre brings CATS to the Isaac […]
Court Theatre comes of age
The Court Theatre will take its long-awaited permanent place in Christchurch’s arts landscape after entertaining the public in a temporary space for 14 years. Metropol writer Cheryl Colley dives into the development. After years of planning and building, the lights in the Court Theatre’s auditorium will be dimmed. The actors for the first […]
Richard Aindow: Courting the arts in Christchurch
Music, theatre, dance and visual art have all played a significant role in Richard Aindow’s life. The incoming chief executive of The Court Theatre, Richard explains to Metropol writer Lynda Papesch how culture has shaped his life and career. On 23 June 2025, Richard will take over the reins of The Court Theatre […]











