Featured Articles

The Crowne Plaza

Jewel in the city’s ‘Crowne’: Weir Architecture’s glam transformation of a 1980’s office block into The Crowne Plaza

Transforming a 1980’s office block into a code-compliant, sophisticated hotel contains hidden complexities that the lay-person would struggle to comprehend. However, Weir Architecture Director Robert Weir achieved this feat of design, consenting, construction and ingenuity within two years, converting the Forsythe Barr building into the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Together with a total reconfiguration, […]

Bryce Gallery: Min Kim Kingfisher

Great galleries: Four Christchurch art galleries you have to check out

Ladies and gentlemen, forget Paris, London and New York. The best in art is right here in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. For your viewing pleasure, we’ve gone in search of some of the latest and greatest. When it comes to art, these four favourites are exhibitionists in all the right ways. ART METRO: With more […]

Pegasus Bay Law Team

The legal liaisons: Pegasus Bay Law is here to keep you covered

The team’s focus at Pegasus Bay Law is having the passion to listen to its clients, and ensuring they are genuinely looked after. The firm was established four years ago by two directors, community-minded born and bred Cantabrians Pam Wheeler and Robyn Loversidge. The Christchurch and Kaiapoi offices merged with Thompson and Morgan […]

Alanna and Pete Chapman

A charitable tipple: how 27Seconds combines a love of wine with a desire to help people

A collaboration between two North Canterbury wineries, a grape harvesting company and several other generous donors is producing wine with a difference and the couple behind the project-turned-wine-label are still reeling from its early success. Alanna and Pete Chapman initially started 27Seconds as a one-off fundraiser for Hagar – an international NGO that helps […]

Styling bookshelves

Who doesn’t love a cosy reading nook or a wall of well-loved books? Thoughtfully styled shelves add warmth and character, turning everyday storage into a design feature. There’s something instantly comforting about shelves lined with stories, spines softened by time, and objects collected along the way. Books have a quiet magic in the […]

Fit it out fresh: Agnew Bros

You can’t beat gazing inside a classic or modern car, greeted by a spotless and high-quality interior. No rips in the driver’s seat and no tatty roof lining, just comfort, style and quality throughout. This is something Agnew Brothers know very well. As specialists in automotive and marine upholstery – and a whole […]

Apricot tarte tatin

Golden, sticky and best enjoyed warm, this apricot tarte tatin captures a Canterbury summer at its sweetest – sun-ripened fruit, long evenings and just enough indulgence. INGREDIENTS 6–8 ripe apricots, halved, stones removed 1/2 cup sugar (white or light brown) 50g butter 1 tsp vanilla Optional twist (choose one): lemon zest or thyme […]

The power of presentation: Anthony Deyn

Looking to sell your house in 2026? Getting the best price is about preparation, not luck. It’s widely known that, overall, real estate in Canterbury is currently a buyer’s market. However, plenty of buyers are looking for their dream property, and a little strategic spending will add many thousands to the sale price. […]

Sparks fly

Live orchestra and vocals to a Valentine’s-themed soundtrack in Hagley Park on a balmy summer’s evening, finished with fireworks. Date night, anyone? We’re talking Adele, Kate Bush, The Beatles – the open air concert we’ve known and loved as Mitre10 Sparks, returns for its 43rd year. On 14 February, this dazzling entertainment extravaganza […]

Pearl jam

From sea to style, the pearl has emerged as one of summer’s hottest accessories. TASTEMAKER Bridging tradition with timelessness, the pearl and its elegant, refined luminosity make it an effortlessly luxe look. Stack a pearl bangle with a tennis bracelet.