Englebert Humperdinck, the man of love going strong at 90

Sunday 28 June was a cold evening in Christchurch, so leaving the warmth of a fire to head out wasn’t an easy decision. Added to that was some uncertainty about what to expect from an Engelbert Humperdinck concert. After all, he had just turned 90, and while I knew many of his […]

North Canterbury Women in Business

Our region is brimming with brilliant and innovative businesses – some of the most successful are run by the 11 women in this special feature showcasing the skills and talents of local wāhine toa.   Deb Riach, co-owner, Coffee Worx The idea to start a coffee business quite literally came to Deb Riach […]

Star power fashion

Curated by Nina Tucker Designer, artist, and visionary, Elsa Schiaparelli’s cosmic fascination, inspired by her astronomer uncle, was the launchpad for stars and celestial style, a now mainstream motif in fashion. And the famously superstitious Christian Dior took stumbling on a metal star on the street as a sign of destiny; he was […]

Worth the wait – Honda Prelude 2026

One of Honda’s most iconic coupes is back in production after a 25-year hiatus. Metropol writer Ben Selby discovers what’s different. While the nostalgia is real, this sixth generation Honda Prelude is a bit of a departure from its predecessors, especially underneath. Power comes from a 2.0L e:HEV Dual Motor Hybrid Four Cylinder […]

Girl in a Savage World – Theia

She grew up riding her bike around the streets of Hoon Hay, but now this Ōtautahi-born alt-pop-rock powerhouse is hanging out in Beverly Hills. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen chats with Theia (Ngāti Tīpā, Waikato-Tainui) about music, Māori rights, and walking barefoot in liquefaction. Long before she was touring the world, releasing critically […]

Hāngi time

June is a month for hāngi as we celebrate Matariki, says Angela Clifford of The Food Farm in North Canterbury. Many schools and organisations are embracing hāngi as we start to celebrate Matariki. A Māori method of cooking food, hāngi uses heated rocks buried in the ground. Despite being an Australian, my husband […]

Mel Robbins’ 5 Second Rule

Five, four, three, two, one… go! Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen delves into the 5 Second Rule made famous by motivational podcast sensation Mel Robbins. Never heard of Mel Robbins? You’re increasingly in a minority, but if you’re not familiar with the podcasting powerhouse, or you need a reminder, let me bring you […]

Instant style: The Crossing

Editor’s picks: Why I’m loving the winter palette Grass to forest greens, burgundy hues to excite you for a weekend wine, rich cocoa tones, and a chic sprinkling of silver… winter’s colour palette is what dreams are made of. There’s something so satisfying – sartorially, of course – when the fashion industry unites […]

Carry winter well

What’s more frustrating than when a slippery tote won’t stop falling off your shoulder in winter? Sometimes you need a sturdy carryall, yet winter dressing is about mastering the art of essentialism – what you need, and what you don’t. When you leave the house with just the essentials (keys, phone, coat and […]

Skincare. Local products with social purpose.

Award-winning cosmetic alchemist Stacey Fraser is the mind behind skincare heavyweights like Trilogy, but it’s projects with purpose she finds most empowering. Metropol editor Nina Tucker takes a day trip to North Canterbury and meets the makers behind Stacey’s pride and joy, homemade skincare brand Beauty & Bloom. Tucked amongst Rangiora’s busy town […]