Cartoonist’s slice of heaven

Farmer, rugby player, and much-loved cartoonist, Murray Ball has been brought to life in a new book by his son Mason. Murray Ball: A Cartoonist’s Life, written by Mason Ball is a warm and humorous first biography of Murray. It tells the story of how Murray became the leading cartoonist of his generation, how his […]

Crowning glory Susi Meares

Susi Meares’ passion for hats and headpieces has taken her into the captivating realm of high-fashion headwear, even without a background in fashion or millinery. Metropol’s deputy editor Daniella Judge unravels Susi’s story. One of New Zealand’s most prominent headwear designers and owner of Seventh & Figg,  Susi’s career began with her love for fashion […]

Resilience expert Dr Lucy Hone

Director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience, Dr Lucy Hone is also an academic researcher, author, and contributor to Psychology Today. Metropol deputy editor Daniella Judge chats to her about why she chose resilience psychology, and her top tips for coping with challenge, change, and loss. Originally from London, Lucy found herself […]

Showing up with Tracy Ahern

Everyone loves a show, and Tracy Ahern is no exception. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch caught up with her ahead of The New Zealand Agricultural Show, for which she is general manager. Tracy Ahern loves animals and shows, and it is just as well. Tracy spends her mornings, afternoons, and sometimes weekends, planning around numerous farm […]

Magazine maestro Trevor Laplanche

Businessman, entrepreneur, and latterly a keen retiree, Trevor Laplanche is also the founder of Metropol magazine. Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him, amid the magazine’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Once upon a time, Trevor Laplanche’s days were filled with selling, printing, and business. Now family and friends, travel, golf, boating, cars, art, and photography, have […]

A theatrical Swiss Army Knife, Sarah Buchanan

Sarah Buchanan, current president of Showbiz, is a pillar of the musical theatre scene in Christchurch. deputy editor Daniella Judge chats to her about her exciting dual careers and the places her talents have jetted her off to. Sarah started her journey in musical theatre growing up in Invercargill. From the age of five she […]