Facing her mortality

Aged 49, Kelly Hutton is faced with the news that she only has weeks to live. She shares her thoughts on life, and ovarian cancer, along with some parting advice. I was recently sent home from the hospital with the devastating news that I only have weeks to live. For the last four […]

Top trends in construction

This year, more than ever before, construction projects ranging from residential to large-scale commercial, are incorporating sustainable initiatives and practices.   These include using renewable and recyclable materials, reducing the embodied energy in building materials, reducing on-site waste, and reducing the energy consumption on finished projects. Construction shapes our world, how it looks, […]

Greening your space

Biophilic design is a concept used within the building industry to increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment through the use of direct nature, indirect nature, and space and place conditions. Simply put, it is adding lush green plants, and letting in light and air to your environment, all of which may be […]

Challenges and choices

How do health systems in countries similar to Aotearoa stack up? I have been doing a bit of close-up research recently on how health systems in countries whose standard of living could be compared to Aotearoa, are faring. The issues are uncannily familiar. Across the board, there are shortages of clinicians, nursing personnel, […]

Wāhine in sport

In early August, Ōtautahi Christchurch and Brown Bread hosted the Changing the Game – Wāhine in sport event. Metropol deputy editor Daniella Judge was one of those who attended. A diverse group of women from local sports communities participated in ‘Wāhine in sport’, an event aimed at driving positive change for sport […]

Why not wallpaper?: Alena Designs

Wallpaper isn’t just about covering walls, it’s about infusing life into spaces. Judy Pyne, at Alena Designs, can help direct your distinct style needs. She advises adding rich textured wallpapers, and bold fabric patterns, to give your spaces a fresh and distinct look. Judy also sells a range of New Zealand-made cushions for […]

100 top home builds

The Top 100 Homes for the 2023 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Competition include 25 from Canterbury and further south. Representing the top entrants in this year’s regional competitions held throughout July and August, the Top 100 homes will now be re-judged by the national judging panel to find out who […]

Always something different: Estilo Boutique

As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s time to embrace vibrant new spring looks. The philosophy behind Suzanne Raine’s clothing boutique is “Be your own kind of beautiful”, and as new spring collections of premium labels arrive daily, women can feel excited. Estilo Boutique excels in curating something a bit different, with […]

Impressive nip and tuck

For a while, if you wanted the biggest luxury BMW, you bought a 7-series. This all changed when BMW launched the X7. Ben Selby reports. Those after the luxo-express titan of the BMW world have lapped it up in recent years, with the X7 outselling the 7-series considerably. For 2023, the X7 has […]