The making of a Muay Thai misfit: Kaitlyn ‘Misfit’ Millington

Timaru’s Kaitlyn ‘Tornado’ Tucker started Muay Thai kickboxing at 21 when she needed a new challenge. Success swiftly followed, yet after a bitter defeat for a world title earlier this year, Kaitlyn took a break from fighting to work on a new version of herself – and get married. On 6 December in […]

Shand House stands again

A building beloved to the Timaru community – and its school’s Old Girls – Shand House is in the final stages of resurrection. Words by Nina Tucker. Images supplied. “Watching a building with so much history come back to life has been a truly rewarding experience,” Craighead Diocesan School’s Chief Operations Manager Renae […]

“I’m not here to tickle spiders” – Nettles Lamont

Nettles Lamont is not afraid of speaking up or seeking change. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, trusted governance figure, mother, and past Riccarton Cup Day fashion competition judge has now added newly-elected councillor to her list of achievements – and no shocking government shake-up will stop her from smiling. Metropol editor Nina Tucker chats with […]

Soil to Soul – Angela Clifford

In a North Canterbury valley, regenerative farmers Angela Clifford and Nick Gill have spent 20 years turning 16 acres into The Food Farm. Angela tells Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how growing and cooking food can heal and connect us. As our lives get faster, more overwhelming and less connected to the natural […]

How does your property face up against a flood?

Updated flooding predictions for parts of the city are now available and searchable on Christchurch City Council’s online flood map. Search the latest data for flood events that are predicted to happen every 10, 50, and 200 years. “Anyone making decisions about a property or about flood readiness for their home or business […]

Canterbury’s local heroes

Meet Canterbury’s local heroes – each a force for good in their community. An extraordinary group of 100 Kiwis making a positive difference in their communities have been announced as the Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau. With […]

Heavenly aromas – Café Elia

Heaven smells like hot coffee and fresh baking. Coffee makes Monday good – and Tuesday, and the rest of the week too. There’s something irresistible about the aroma of freshly roasted beans that makes every day feel a little brighter. Tucked away on Ilam Road near Fendalton Village Mall, Café Elia is fast […]

Bakeware essentials

Baking is good for the soul – even if not always for our waistline. Oh, and the result? Undeniably delicious and indulgent. Try this issue’s three baking-based recipes with these elegant essentials.

Booked & busy – Haar Design

Christchurch stylist Caro Haar reflects on the year that was – one of growth, expansion, and a community of people with beautiful hair. She rounds out the year by welcoming a new senior stylist to the team, a reflection of her own fully-booked diary until 2026. Lisa Jayne Tissiman joins the team at […]