Latest Articles
Lover’s retreat
Romance in the West Coast is right at your fingertips. Bursting with creative finesse, painted from a palette of emerald tree canopies and sapphire coastline, Hokitika is the small town that captures people’s hearts. Stay For a cosy, romantic séjour, stay by the sea at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika. Choose from modern ocean […]
Cycle the wild – West Coast
Why ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail? Why not. Tumbling rivers, fresh rainforest, unspoiled open waters backdropped by the Southern Alps – the Wilderness Trail offers the best of New Zealand bundled up into one great experience. Divided into sections, it’s one of New Zealand’s most accessible trails with the option to tackle […]
Wild Food Fest – Hokitika
Celebrate all things wild, weird and wonderful when Hokitika comes alive on Saturday 14 March, 2026, with the legendary Wildfoods Festival. This iconic West Coast event continues to draw thousands of adventurous foodies, music lovers, and partygoers from across Aotearoa and beyond. Whether you’re brave enough to try a huhu grub or mountain […]
Preserve your sight: Anstice
Sunglasses are far more than a fashion accessory. They’re an essential investment in long term eye health. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (often called surfer’s eye), all of which can affect vision and comfort over time. “Possibly one of the most important […]
Built to last: McDonald and Hartshorne
In a world of evolving norms and everchanging trends, one thing remains… furniture. Whether buying new or digging around second-hand stores, buying high quality furniture is essential. At McDonald and Hartshorne, the team value quality, New Zealand made furniture. “Furniture should be an investment,” says administration manager Neke McDonald. “The bones of a […]
Feel-good fashion: Made in the Shade
Christchurch loves colour – no one knows that better than Ali Donn. Her Colombo Street store champions every shade of the rainbow for fashion that shines during the summer season. M ade in the Shade is a kaleidoscope of colour – and has set that standard for decades under Ali’s expert direction. Think […]
Plan today, swim tomorrow: NOVAspace Pools
Now is the perfect time to plan your new pool and be ready to enjoy summer – splashing, swimming, and socialising in your own backyard oasis. NOVAspace Pools, led by owner and designer Chris Thelin, specialises in the design, planning, and installation of high-quality fibreglass pools. With a full-service approach, Chris and his […]
Destination West Coast
The West Coast’s slogan is ‘untamed natural wilderness’, and for good reason. It’s a playground of coastal landscapes, spectacular views, iconic landforms and curious wildlife – and a region which enjoyed record temperatures last summer. Stay a while this season and soak up the sun. Start with your own two feet and make […]
Springing forward: Gavin Lloyd
Canterbury property has seen a strong start to spring. The spring selling season is well underway and Trade Me Property has seen a surge in new listings. In September, national listings were up close to six per cent year-on-year and nearly 19 per cent from August. We also saw property searches by prospective […]
Ice, ice, baby: Alison Adams
Our $328 million link to the ice of Antarctica. The weather might be warming up, but I’d like to talk about ice. The start of a new Antarctic season is a great time to reflect on our role as a Gateway City to Antarctica. Each year, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosts a number of international […]
Doors & Windows: First Windows & Doors Christchurch
From entrance doors to windows, sliders, bi-folds and more, it’s a new era for home solutions with windows and doors designed and built for our challenging climate. Contemporary windows and doors have the power to transform a home. Make sure the ones you choose not only look incredible but are built to stand […]
Biscoff bash
Biscoff seems to be the trend that won’t go away, so foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe decided she may as well lean into it. This Biscoff mousse recipe from her latest cookbook Seasoned invites all the party energy in glassware to suit the season. INGREDIENTS 315g white chocolate 5 egg yolks 100g Biscoff […]
Chocolate Rum Balls
Sue Heazlewood of Tangleby Gardens introduces a family Christmas favourite, these delightful chocolate rum balls from her latest cookbook, ‘Beautiful Baking’. INGREDIENTS – makes 20 balls 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/3 cup rum 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 […]
The buzz is building: Mayor Phil Mauger
Christchurch is the capital of cool and Show Week is all set to go off with a bang. It’s been great to hit the ground running in the new Council term. We’re cracking straight into work on the Annual Plan, looking for as many ways as we can to get the rates down. […]
Read the latest issue
Cuisine
Biscoff bash
Biscoff seems to be the trend that won’t go away, so foodie and chef Cherie Metcalfe decided she may as well lean into it. This Biscoff mousse recipe from her latest cookbook Seasoned invites all the party energy in glassware to suit the season. INGREDIENTS 315g white chocolate 5 egg yolks 100g Biscoff […]
Chocolate Rum Balls
Sue Heazlewood of Tangleby Gardens introduces a family Christmas favourite, these delightful chocolate rum balls from her latest cookbook, ‘Beautiful Baking’. INGREDIENTS – makes 20 balls 395g can sweetened condensed milk 250g plain sweet biscuits, crushed 1/2 cup desiccated coconut 1/2 cup dry milk powder 1/3 cup rum 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 […]
White Christmas slice
We’ll all be dreaming of a white Christmas with this mouth-watering festive treat. INGREDIENTS 500g quality white chocolate 1 1/2 cups rice bubbles 1/2 cup red glacé cherries 1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered 3/4 cup unsalted shelled pistachio nuts 1/4 cup sultanas and/or golden raisins 1 cup desiccated coconut For the topping: 1 […]
Roasted fresh: Coffee Worx
There’s a good reason why coffee lovers choose freshly roasted beans, the difference in taste is undeniable. When coffee is roasted, hundreds of unique flavour and aroma compounds are created, giving each cup its signature note –caramel, chocolate, berry, spice. However, these energetic compounds degrade over time. Exposure to air, moisture, and light […]
Fashion & Beauty
Preserve your sight: Anstice
Sunglasses are far more than a fashion accessory. They’re an essential investment in long term eye health. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (often called surfer’s eye), all of which can affect vision and comfort over time. “Possibly one of the most important […]
Feel-good fashion: Made in the Shade
Christchurch loves colour – no one knows that better than Ali Donn. Her Colombo Street store champions every shade of the rainbow for fashion that shines during the summer season. M ade in the Shade is a kaleidoscope of colour – and has set that standard for decades under Ali’s expert direction. Think […]
Easy, Breezy: Belleza Boutique
When building your spring and summer wardrobe, one local boutique is a beacon of style – leading the way with diverse and inclusive clothing. At Belleza Boutique in The Crossing, owner Anna Green finds beautiful, functional fashion to take you from relaxed workdays and weekends to garden parties and evening soirées.
Cut and colour to compliment you: V for Hair
“Your hairstyle should enhance your natural features, suit your lifestyle, and make you feel confident every day,” says master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. Her team of expert stylists and precision cutters at V for Hair Merivale specialise in creating personalised looks to harmonise with your skin tone, eye colour, and individual style. Renowned nationwide […]
Health
Hear the joy this festive season: Bellbird Hearing
As the year draws to a close, social calendars fill with festive gatherings. For many, though, hearing loss can turn these joyful occasions into moments of awkwardness and isolation. Help is close at hand. “People are surprised to discover how modern and discreet today’s hearing aids are,” says Bellbird Hearing clinic manager and […]
Invisible orthodontics: Orthodontix
Wearing braces doesn’t mean hiding your smile. More than five million smiles have been created with clear aligner treatment – why not make yours next? Thousands of New Zealanders are insecure about their smile. Are you one of them? Thanks to The Invisible Orthodonist, a global network of like-minded orthodontists committed to offering […]
Our heroes live on: by Chris Korako – Inspire Me Women
At a recent Inspire Me Women breakfast – a fun morning of eggs Benedict, laughter and great discussion – we put a question to the group: Who is your hero? Heroes varied yet the theme remained – people who impacted our lives with unconditional love, who left their fingerprint on our soul, or […]
Tip top toes: Footprints Podiatry
Fungal toenail infections? Verrucae? Make them a thing of the past with laser technology that lets you step into summer with confidence. If the thought of baring your feet this summer makes you hesitate, help is at hand. Senior podiatrist Howard Nicholas from Footprints Podiatry recommends taking early action if possible. “The trick […]
Home & Living
Inside a Christmas house
Christchurch florist Millie MacAlpine found a way to lean into her festive obsession after designing a home with sweeping staircases and eight-metre-high ceilings set on six acres of rustic gardens. A self-proclaimed ‘Chris-a-holic’ (which you will come to endorse), Millie MacAlpine has always adored Christmas time. Designing and building the aforementioned property on […]
Built to last: McDonald and Hartshorne
In a world of evolving norms and everchanging trends, one thing remains… furniture. Whether buying new or digging around second-hand stores, buying high quality furniture is essential. At McDonald and Hartshorne, the team value quality, New Zealand made furniture. “Furniture should be an investment,” says administration manager Neke McDonald. “The bones of a […]
Plan today, swim tomorrow: NOVAspace Pools
Now is the perfect time to plan your new pool and be ready to enjoy summer – splashing, swimming, and socialising in your own backyard oasis. NOVAspace Pools, led by owner and designer Chris Thelin, specialises in the design, planning, and installation of high-quality fibreglass pools. With a full-service approach, Chris and his […]
Love your louvre: Louvre Solutions
Imagine having the luxury of continuing your outdoor summer soirées even after the sun goes down. Canterbury-based Louvre Solutions are experts in extending your indoor outdoor flow so you can extend your gatherings long into the evening. Whether entertaining, relaxing, or simply expanding your indoor area, the team can create a custom space […]
One on One
No bottles, no bull: Brianne West’s next big thing
From kitchen-table experiments to multi-million dollar exits, Brianne West has built a career on shaking up wasteful industries. First beauty, now beverages. The Christchurch entrepreneur, environmentalist, and reluctant rich-lister tells deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how, with her new venture Incrediballs, she’s taking on Big Soda. In 2020, Christchurch entrepreneur and environmentalist Brianne West […]
The power of resilience – Jake Bailey
At age 18, Jake Bailey was told he could be dead within two weeks from the fastest-growing cancer known to man. Days later, he delivered his end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys’ High School. The video went viral. Today, at the 10-year anniversary of that watershed experience, he talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara […]
Matilda’s mental health movement
On 29 November at Rolleston’s Foster Park, Matilda Green will be one of thousands attempting to break the world record for the largest high intensity interval training (HIIT) class ever – raising awareness and funds for mental health. The media personality talks to Metropol editor Nina Tucker about HIIT for Hope, motherhood, and […]
Afterlife hotline. Inside the life of a Kiwi psychic medium.
With a two-year waiting list, Rangiora-based Jacqueline Mitchell is one of New Zealand’s most in-demand psychic mediums. She talks to deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about life with dead people. I have a ghost in my house. This didn’t come as a big shock, to be honest. Weird things have been happening since we […]
Build
New museum underway
Construction has started on the Canterbury Museum’s new basement and building. Earlier this month, an overnight concrete pour marked the official start of construction on the new base-isolated basement and building at the Canterbury Museum redevelopment site on Rolleston Avenue in central Christchurch. Leighs Construction contractors poured the first slab for the outer […]
Te Kaha countdown
Construction of the city’s new stadium remains on budget and on track to open in April 2026. With six months until the city’s new stadium opens its doors, the roof is finished, and the landscaping works are coming along in leaps and bounds. Christchurch City Council project director Kent Summerfield says the last […]
CBD apartment appeal: TAO Homes
Christchurch’s continued population growth is making apartments an attractive prospect for property investment. The South Island’s biggest city is experiencing population growth, and with that comes demand for high-quality housing, says Tao Homes director Tao Meng. The opportunity, he says, is that there is not enough supply, which makes it the perfect time […]
Our actions tell a story
A Christchurch business is helping companies elevate their impact through its sustainability reporting platform. In 2021, Mitch Shaw, a former youth worker turned social entrepreneur, found himself at a pivotal moment. His social enterprise, Upstream, was successfully helping businesses make socially responsible procurement choices as well as enabling consumers to donate to charity […]
ArtScene
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.” […]
Steve’s scene
Internationally renowned music publicist and consultant, not to mention Dolly Parton’s publicist across New Zealand and Australia, Steve Guest shares the latest in our creative industry. Canterbury, it’s getting chilly outside. Just ask the recent Crusaders crowd huddled within Apollo Projects Stadium watching them bring the championship home. We’ve been entertained by an […]
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 […]
The curation of a legendary career
The work of esteemed contemporary Māori sculptor, the late Fred Graham, is being showcased in Toi Whakaata / Reflections, an exhibition coming to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū in late May. A touring exhibition provides a rare opportunity for Ōtautahi to see wood, stone and steel sculpture works made by a […]
Business
New rules for societies: Pier Law
Calling all committee members of incorporated societies: are you ready for April 2026? Under the new Incorporated Societies Act, every incorporated society in New Zealand, which are the most common form of organisation in the not-for-profit sector, must re-register by 5 April 2026 to continue operating. This requirement isn’t just a formality – […]
How New Zealand businesses are improving staff well-being with new tools
Modern employees are interested in more than just good compensation. Sure, a nice salary, bonuses, and equity are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. However, if your organisation does not take the necessary steps to support employee wellness and deliver a good work-life balance, chances are you’ll struggle to maintain your […]
Bringing your unique lifestyle property to market: Liane Bean
It is a big decision to bring your precious home to the market. The emotions vary with the sales situation, but they are always there and a great real estate agent has to have more than the hard commercial skills. They must also bring empathy and a passion for your property and its […]
The future of healthcare: MP Dr Vanessa Weenink
Kiwis have been waiting too long for medical tests. As a former GP, I know the stress Kiwis face when waiting for a medical test. For too many, that wait has been far too long. This year, nearly 75,000 additional diagnostic procedures will be delivered to tackle those delays, including 64,000 radiology procedures, […]