Building warranties comparison

New Zealand building warranties differ in important ways, new analysis finds. New Zealand’s three main residential building warranties provide different forms and levels of protection, meaning homeowners should understand what is covered before relying on a warranty if defects arise. The NZ Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) has published a comparative analysis of […]

Beauty insider: Tessa Taylor

Makeup artist Tessa Taylor takes you inside the tips, tricks and trends of the wedding day trade. What should brides consider when planning their wedding day hair and makeup? My number one tip is to find a makeup artist or hairstylist whose portfolio genuinely reflects what you’re after. We all have our own […]

The rhythm of life

What if the secret to feeling better wasn’t about adding more to your day, but about doing the right things at the right time? Deputy editor Tamara Pitelen looks at the chi cycle. Before the invention of electric lights, alarm clocks, televisions, and the 9-to-5 working week, we humans lived closely aligned to […]

Behind the bridal gown: Brides of Merivale

For 30 years, wedding gown designer and boutique owner Lisa Dermott has fulfilled the dream dress fairytale for thousands of local brides. She tells Metropol the stories of her success, from learning to sew to the most special moments. Lisa, next year marks 30 years of Brides of Merivale! Describe the journey? I […]

Jessica + Phil's Hanmer Springs Wedding at Aumri Estate

Wedding wonder: Amuri Estate

Experience Hanmer Springs’ ultimate wedding venue, an idyllic setting with panoramic views of the Southern Alps. For a wedding destination that feels a world away while remaining close to home, Amuri Estate offers an idyllic setting just 10 minutes from Hanmer Springs village and about 90 minutes from Christchurch. Set across 26 acres […]

Coffee table books worth collecting

Curated by Nina Tucker A (somewhat green) collection of my favourite coffee table books you can find around the city right now – from the vivacious Iris Apfel to beautiful portraits of our home in Aotearoa.