A home for global events

Discover the best Christchurch has to offer in spaces, places and services for hosting special events. Fast becoming an internationally recognised provider of world-class events and conferences, Christchurch is beating out fierce competition from cities like Auckland, Sydney and more, to bring global events here. Recently, we won the bid to host the […]

Fashion fundraiser: Harbour Couture charity gala

“Fundraising to pay for the rebuild of Governors Bay jetty has always been an innovative affair,” smiles Louisa Eades, secretary of the Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust. “We’ve done art auctions, a golf day, music festivals, Santa photos, and a board game.” Next up is Harbour Couture, a fashion gala at the Loons […]

Editor’s note: Star-struck and spaced out

Can we see our future in the stars? No, I’m not talking about astrology, horoscopes and Zodiac signs (although I’m a Leo so I do love reading about myself). I’m talking about space, the final frontier, and whether the future prosperity of Canterbury could be built on an aerospace industry. Why aerospace? Apparently, […]

Frame & fortune

Summoning nostalgia Nigel Buxton is a Christchurch based artist who is known to often explore the painting tradition of trompe l’oeil, beautifully capturing depth in his luscious oil paintings. Find this piece at PG gallery192, 192 Bealey Ave, Christchurch. Mountainous allure Jane Riley paints with flair, as illustrated in Colourful Coast – Mt […]

Selling the dream: Colliers

We chat with lifestyle property specialist Sally Hargreaves. Q. What types of property do you sell? “I sell lifestyle properties. From coastal homes and holiday baches by the river to family houses, gardens, catteries and unique lifestyle blocks across North Canterbury and Selwyn. Growing up on a Canterbury farm, I understand the deep […]

Creative Canterbury

Canterbury is the place to be if you’re seeking creative spirit and stimulation – and the spotlight is on our young artists. “Ōtautahi has so many empty windows and so many incredible artists. Projects like this show that we don’t need big budgets or permanent venues to support our artists and activate our city.” […]

Winter heat: Isaac Theatre Royal

Who says winter is for hibernation? The cooler months are sizzling with entertainment at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal. This line-up of live music and performances will warm your soul, lift your spirits, and have you dancing in your seat – or at least humming all the way home. “July and August are absolutely […]

An evening with the Cowboy Junkies: Isaac Theatre Royal

Canadian alt-country pioneers Cowboy Junkies return to Christchurch this November to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen caught up with songwriter Michael Timmins. In 1988, when Canadian alt-country legends Cowboy Junkies released their slow, haunting version of Velvet Underground’s Sweet Jane, little did they know they’d still be playing it […]

Creativity cures

One of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists offers a master class in atmospheric realism. “If I’m not being creative, I feel like I’m missing something,” says Katie Trinkle Legge, an internationally-acclaimed artist who paints from her sunlight-bathed studio on Waiheke Island. It’s here she finds a cornucopia of colourful inspiration. Citrus trees surround […]

The next generation: The Piano

It’s now more important than ever to uplift Canterbury’s creative rangatahi. Music and the arts enrich the lives of many, and contribute to a vibrant and resilient city,” says Marcus Norman, Director of The Piano. “That’s why it’s so important our young people from all walks of life have access to great music […]