From the editor: 22 July 2021

Welcome to another issue of Metropol. Spring is a month away with occasional glimpses of warmer days ahead, yet for many the best of winter has yet to come.

Regular snow dumps mean hitting the slopes, and for destinations such as Queenstown, a much-needed boost to income. As a newbie to the region, I haven’t found it too cold and was excited to have snow, albeit a small amount, at New Brighton. Spare a thought for those elsewhere battling the worst effects of winter, with high tides causing flooding, snow bringing power blackouts, and icy conditions leading to accidents. The message is take care and don’t take risks.

This issue is chokka full of good reading, including our monthly build section which keeps you in touch with some of Christchurch’s major developments. Yet again Ōtautahi is leading the way with civic centres for sports and recreation, and much-needed housing developments.

Both sport and recreation are important for a work/life balance, as is culture. In this issue Metropol catches up with Christchurch-trained dancer Malia Johnson, now creative director for WOW which many of you will be going to see. We also talk to Tactix head coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek, check out the latest fashions, and look at some upcoming commercial developments.

All this and more in our latest issue so sit back, relax and enjoy the read.