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 national treasures landed in this issue.
In my conversation with Dame Sophie, we kept returning to the same sentiment – the importance of role models.
The 19-time Paralympic medallist and New Zealand’s most decorated athlete has been instrumental in gaining international recognition for wāhine in sport. That’s not to say the race is won. Inequality for women still exists across the board – the recent uproar around the gender pay gap is just one example.
Canterbury’s current gender pay gap sits at 8.2% – on average, men earn $2.83 more per hour than women. For a city rooted in innovation, shouldn’t we be doing better? To find the silver lining, I’m glad we have so many people and communities working tirelessly to break down societal and gender barriers.
Winter has arrived and I’m learning to embrace the wet weather by making it the opportune time to invest in new season boots. In typical Canterbury style, though, the weather does confuse our daily dressing – how many layers for four seasons in one day?
This month, Pink Ribbon Breakfasts – a cherished occasion in my books – have painted our dining rooms and workspaces for such a good cause. I’m reluctantly waving goodbye to May and welcoming June, which, scarily, signifies the year’s half-way mark.
Dive into this issue with a warm beverage and some dedicated time to relax – ask yourself how you’re going to comfort yourself this season and those around you when the winter blues come knocking. You might find the solution within these pages, with a chance to win one wonderful night in the city thanks to the Crowne Plaza and The Court Theatre.
Explore the wonders of wallpaper and the white tee – a forever sartorial staple – alongside the best of the West Coast and the secret to winter wellness. Take a deserved moment of leisure with this issue.
Nina Tucker, Metropol editor
