Inside the eye of an interior designer. Ōtautahi interior designer Olivia Kennedy talks texture, styling small, and statement décor.
After building two homes in modern subdivisions, interior designer Olivia Kennedy was ready for something different. She found her answer amongst the leafy suburb of St Albans; a charming, previously renovated three-bedroom bungalow oozing classic old-home character. A young Olivia Kennedy was always found immersed in the idea of creating beautiful spaces. Before […]
Feel-good mental hacks
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen shares insights from mental performance coach Paula Rule. Recently, Metropol editor Nina Tucker and I attended a women’s networking breakfast hosted by Inspire Me Women. The guest speaker was Paula Rule, a mental performance coach from The Mental Edge, who helps women – from athletes to business leaders […]
A spectacular winter wonderland: Tekapo
When Lake Tekapo’s crisp air cuts through glimmers of sunshine while you sit surrounded by snow-capped mountains, you’ll know it’s the perfect winter escape. The alpine village’s perfect ambience is thanks to its striking glacial lake, warm hospitality, and range of activities. Spend a weekend or longer, make it your base for day […]
Double dining destination: The Mayor of Ale and Burj
Irish spice bags and arguably the best lamb shoulder in Christchurch stand out on the menus of this social dining duo on Riccarton Road. When lovers of local hospitality Sinead, Chris, Mark and Philippa came together to amplify The Mayor of Ale and Burj, they took a ‘double or nothing’ approach with side-by-side […]
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Tackling city’s too hard basket: how Box 112’s focus landed on the grungier side of the rebuild (and we’re so glad it did)
‘Beautiful character and heritage spaces in central Christchurch’. That’s the tagline. But in reality, Box 112’s day to day is much grittier. Think clearing out an old welder’s workshop, strengthening an abandoned heritage building and retrofitting a former grocery distribution centre. The company, which buys, fits out and leases buildings in Christchurch, is […]
Clever concreting: How KerbworxNZ and Canterbury Kerb and Concrete are making their mark on the South Island
Alan Judd is owner of two thriving Christchurch companies operating in commercial kerbing and infill concrete – KerbworxNZ, and Canterbury Kerb and Concrete. Kerbing is in Alan’s blood – he took over the business established by his father in 1965. With more than 60 collective years of experience in the current team, all […]










