Mānawatia a Matariki
Māori New Year is a time for reflecting, reconnecting, and looking to the stars. As winter deepens in Canterbury, the rising of Matariki, which is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, marks a significant and spiritual moment in Aotearoa’s calendar. Matariki 2025 is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, […]
The art of no
How to take back control when you’re caught in a whirlwind. By Inspire Me Women’s Chris Korako. As women, most of us at some point find ourselves caught in a whirlwind. I’d like to say ‘swept up in a whirlwind romance’ but this time it’s a different kind of whirlwind. Time is one of our […]
Dining delights: Gatehouse Café
Step into a space where comfort meets charm, away from the hustle of the busy city. At Gatehouse Café, you’ll find cosy indoor seating bathed in natural light, along with a sunny outdoor deck nestled among mature trees. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind away from the city rush. “Our guests are like […]
Editor’s note: Mānawatia a Matariki
Packed with love and the latest every fortnight, each issue of Metropol is a timely reminder of the importance in reflection and celebration. Matariki, the Māori New Year, reminds us of the same. Without forgetting where we have been and acknowledging those who guided us, the appearance of the nine star cluster prompts us to […]
Textures do the talking: Made in the shade fashions
Velvet, corduroy and oh-so-cosy wool – textures take centre stage at this Colombo St store. Winter fabric favourites fill the shelves and racks at Made in the Shade in a seasonal collection curated by owner Alison Donn. Striking, on-trend hues materialise through the likes of beautiful Italian woollen jackets and Australian-designed outerwear. Toorallie’s Wool jacket […]
Your personalised holiday holy grail: Discover Travel
“We’ve seen it all, and so can you,” – the team behind this boutique travel agency have explored every destination worth visiting to become experts in sending you to your dream destination. Discover Travel is more than just a travel agency – this team of six is dedicated to their community of discerning Kiwi travellers. […]
Tiki Taane: Digital gods, deep roots, and a South Island homecoming
Since going solo from Salmonella Dub, he’s helped Rihanna get a Polynesian tattoo, gifted pounamu to The Prodigy, and released a music documentary that’s won more than 40 international awards. Now he’s coming home with his latest project, Mai Te Uira. By Tamara Pitelen. Local-boy-done-very-good Tiki Taane is bringing home his latest work in June […]
Editor’s note: What it means to be a Cantab
Some people truly radiate the spirit and tenacity of a Cantabrian. Others, we collectively cherish as a country. I’d argue both Dame Sophie Pascoe and Tiki Taane fall into those categories. Metropol, at its core, exists to champion our region and those within it, so you can imagine my delight when these two national treasures […]
Canines in conservation
Detecting, monitoring and conserving – meet the canines protecting our native ecosystems. Certified conservation dogs are some of New Zealand’s greatest guardians when it comes to preserving protected species and uncovering unwanted pests. More than 120 dog and handler teams work tirelessly nationwide to support conservation goals. Alongside their handlers, they: Locate protected species to […]
A season to celebrate: Chateau on the Park
Warm up winter with indulgent dining and great company by the park in the heart of the city. When the days are short and the nights are crisp, there’s no better time to gather the people you love. Mid-winter is the perfect excuse to press pause, reconnect, and celebrate at Chateau on the Park – […]