The great West Coast road trip
Between Haast in the south and Karamea in the north, the West Coast is one adventure after another. From ancient forests to gigantic glaciers, watch the oceanic performance at Punakaiki’s blow holes, shop for greenstone in Greymouth and Hokitika, explore old gold workings and hike over one of the massive glaciers. Duration: 7 […]
Welcome to a new era in wool
The New Zealand Merino Company has rebranded as Zentera, signalling a strategic evolution while maintaining its focus on premium, traceable wool and regenerative practices. The New Zealand Merino Company has rebranded as Zentera Wool Company, a move its leadership says reflects a natural evolution rather than a shift in direction. Chief executive Angus […]
Buy local: Yarn with a true New Zealand story – Wild Earth Yarns
While much of New Zealand’s wool is shipped offshore for processing, one Christchurch-based company is keeping the entire journey close to home. Wild Earth Yarns, owned by Graham and Jacqui McLaughlin, is committed to producing 100% locally made, fully traceable yarn. “We’re seeing a global shift away from synthetics toward natural, biodegradable fibres,” […]
Shear joy
Words: Nina Tucker | Images: Dorothy McLennan Beverley Riverina Forrester’s award-winning wool fashion business was born from her rural North Canterbury farm and innovative, optimistic mind – a venture that took garments to New Zealand Fashion Week and international runways, and knitting kits to the world. I had to wade through sausage-making courses […]
Mum’s gift guide
Show mum you love her and shop local while you’re at it. Here’s our Mother’s Day collection – curated by us and found right here in Canterbury stores.
Why a wool mattress: Dreamwool
The exceptional comfort of merino wool. For a lot of us, a truly great night’s sleep can be elusive. You adjust your lighting and your sleep hygiene, reduce your screen time, maybe you even use a wearable device to track all your nightly stats, but you still wake up tired in the morning. […]
Review: Jimmy Barnes in Christchurch
A long-time fan, Metropol’s Nancye Pitt was there to see Jimmy Barnes perform his Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Show in Christchurch on Friday 17 April, 2026. Jimmy Barnes was in fine form at his Christchurch show at Wolfbrook Arena last night. The majority of the crowd were 30 years plus. However, there were […]
10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in New Zealand (and Why We Love Them)
Dogs are firmly part of the social fabric of NZ. Whether working on farms, accompanying families on weekend walks or sharing city apartments, dogs play an integral role in everyday life. According to the Department of Internal Affairs’ National Dog Database, there were more than 578,000 registered dogs in New Zealand in […]
Hayden Paddon: A driving force
From small-town sponsorships to world-stage victories and electric innovation, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver Hayden Paddon is driven less by what he’s achieved than by what still lies ahead. Next on his to-do list? A New Zealand world rally team, Kiwi-built and Kiwi-run. At 38, Hayden Paddon has nothing left to prove, […]
