New Zealand Fashion Week, wrapped!

From her base out of Auckland’s Shed 10, the main stage for New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, Head Dresser and Metropol’s correspondent Mima Lewis Gourdie wraps her favourite moments from the six-day schedule.

Love stories made in Canterbury

Architecture excellence

For the house-lovers, a look at some of the Canterbury homes awarded for architectural excellence. More than 20 Canterbury architectural designers were recognised for outstanding design at the recent 2026 Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) awards. For the full list of all local winners, see page 79, meanwhile here’s a look at some […]

Smug marrieds: Deputy Editor

I was a late-comer to the marriage party. I didn’t sign up for my matrimonial loyalty card till I was 45. Strictly speaking, I had a brief dalliance with it in my mid twenties but I don’t really count that one. It was more of a green card situation with my boyfriend of […]

Queens of the stone age

One of the noticeable trends in recent award-winning Canterbury homes is the beautiful use of stonework. From solid stone walls giving strength to the heart of a home to extending exterior schist into indoor living spaces or turning a river-worn boulder into an interior feature, contemporary use of stonework in architecture is shaping […]

Local fashion student a triple threat

Ara’s Alex O’Hagan won three major awards at this year’s Hokonui Fashion Design Awards in Gore, where amateur fashion designers showcase their work to industry leaders. In conversation with Metropol editor Nina Tucker, the third-year student talks about exploring control and spontaneity, and working with velvet to honour his grandma. Tell me about […]