Georgia Waddington, Miss New Zealand

Recently crowned Miss New Zealand, Georgia Waddington, talks to deputy editor Daniella Judge about her career, and what pageantry is really like in Aotearoa. When many people think of beauty pageants, their minds tend to think of the Americanised portrayals and stereotypes. Movies such as Miss Congeniality, and the broader controversies surrounding child beauty pageants, […]

A place to educate: Riccarton Bush Enhancement Project

The Riccarton Bush Trust’s Enhancement Project will further protect and enhance Pūtaringamotu/ Riccarton Bush. As well as improving the ageing infrastructure a significant focus of the project is to provide better spaces to support and enable education, learning, and connection. Last year over 2000 pupils from Years 1 to 13 and tertiary students visited Pūtaringamotu […]

Editor’s perspective: Dry July

As many Kiwis tackle Dry July, they may be vindicated in knowing that a new study ranks alcohol as the most harmful substance in New Zealand, ahead of several illegal drugs. The ‘demon’ drink topped the list after 23 drugs were scored against 17 criteria to assess their harm within both the general and 12-17 […]

Generous grants for Canterbury: Christchurch Casinos Charitable Community Trust

This year, the Christchurch Casinos Charitable Community Trust (CCCCT) is giving away $451,000 to hundreds of Canterbury and West Coast community organisations. The Trust, which has given away more than $5.5million since 1994, brought recipients together for a night of celebration at the Majestic Church in June. This year, 335 organisations (some pictured) are receiving […]

A french extravaganza: Akaroa French Festival

Immerse yourself in a captivating celebration of all things French at the Akaroa French Festival this year, from the 6-8 October 2023.   The festival, held biennially in Akaroa, pays homage to the unique beauty, culture, and heritage of the country’s sole French settlement. Prepare for a delightful extravaganza featuring vibrant markets, mesmerising entertainment, delectable […]

Destination Akaroa

Escape to Akaroa, an idyllic weekend getaway just a 90 minute drive from Christchurch. To plan an unforgettable trip, consider the following: The date Check online for any live music, events, or festivals happening during your chosen weekend to make the most of your visit. Accommodation With a wide variety of options available, from charming […]

Editor’s note: City mojo

The news is out. Christchurch is (arguably) the best city in New Zealand to live, work, and to play in, and visit. All sorts of people call the city home, and among them is television and radio presenter Jack Tame. Earlier this month he took to the airwaves, on NewstalkZB to tell the country that […]

Shower them in flowers: Victoria Florists

Life moves fast, and sometimes the loved ones we plan to spoil for a birthday, anniversary, or in a moment of spontaneity, are forgotten. The team at Victoria Florists know it all too well: rushed trips on forgotten occasions for last minute bouquets. To aid our busy lives, they have launched two flower services that […]

How to: School Holidays

Heading into the school holidays, it’s time to refresh that list of activities up your sleeve for when you need them most. Nothing is worse than trying to entertain excitable, energy-filled littlest loves at home. Metropol has you covered with these suggestions. To educate and excite, get out and about to one of Christchurch’s local […]

Get kids cookin’: International Culinary Studio

As busy parents, we don’t always look upon July school holidays with unalloyed delight. With outdoor options often ruled out, it would be wonderful to balance the inevitable screentime with something super fun, skill building, and educational. Fitting the bill entirely is the bespoke children’s holiday course at the International Culinary Studio. Director Cheryl Cordier, […]