Latest Articles
Host like a pro
Entertaining at home is an art – and we’re right in the thick of mid-winter’s party season. Follow this guide and your guests will think you were born with serveware in hand. Make it earlier, make it easier Avoid unnecessary stress, the fear that a meal won’t turn out how you hoped by […]
Lunchtime facelift: Mojo Beauty
Minimise the signs of ageing in the same time it takes you to eat your sandwiches at midday. It happens to everyone at some point. That morning when you wake up and the mirror reflects evolving wrinkles and saggy skin back at you… the good news is that an anti-ageing miracle is on […]
Peached pears with salted caramel drizzle
A divine dessert in winter weather, poached pears are as elegant as they are effortless. Sweet salted caramel balances out the fruit’s healthy edge to become your favourite thing to serve at mid-winter Christmas parties and beyond. Ingredients 6 large pears 1L water 2-3 Tbsp honey or golden syrup, depending on preferred sweetness […]
Rad lads
Street style or dinner date – these local picks marry luxury and versatility for winter warmth with an edge.
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 […]
All that Jazz: The Isaac Theatre
Christchurch, you’re in for a razzle-dazzle treat. Get ready to paint the town rouge. The sexiest, sassiest, most scandalous musical of all time, Chicago, is strutting its way onto the Isaac Theatre Royal stage this August. Set in the smoky underworld of 1920s Chicago, this Broadway and West End juggernaut has it all: […]
Building the future: Tao Homes
Imagine a home with it all: the lifestyle, location, landscaping, and luxury. Tao Meng has been building that dream in Christchurch for five years. His latest developments exude just the charm and versatility expected from Tao Homes. Prioritising thoughtful design and ample storage, the team works with top architects to build homes with […]
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Local election countdown
This will be my last Metropol column for the current mayoral term as we head into the local body election period. Ihave thoroughly enjoyed my last three years in the role of Mayor. It seems fitting that we are currently celebrating Matariki – a chance to connect with the past, celebrate the present […]
Your woolly winter wardrobe
With the winter solstice behind us and the worst of the weather ahead, it’s time to invest in extra layers to keep warm. There is no better comfort from Mother Nature’s temperature chaos than cosying up in quality wool garments. The Wool Company have all the layers you need to keep warm this […]
Snow happy
Our best winter memories and cherished family photos often come from moments spent in the snow, so make the most of it before the spring nor’ westers arrive. In Canterbury, we’re surrounded by snow-capped mountains and snow-laden spaces perfect for day trips or weekend getaways. Trust us, treat your children to the ultimate […]
Supporting our community: Ross Steele, Te Pae General Manager
Te Pae marks three years of success since first opening its doors. T e Pae Christchurch is more than just a venue. It’s a gathering place where our community can come together to support one another. In recent months, our team have proudly supported and hosted several fundraising banquet events, helping to raise […]
Heat-conscious hair styling
Heatless hair styling methods continue their stratospheric social media climb – yet how often do they fail to live up to the results we see online? An inability to master a heatless hack can counteract its great benefit to hair health. Heat-conscious hair styling is next in the line of defence to minimising […]
Editor’s note: Snow’s the limit
Before Sukhi and Joanna Gill had Little India, one of New Zealand’s favourite spots for Indian cuisine, they had Sukhi’s mother’s recipes and familial passion for food. Betting on themselves, the pair built a legacy – one that still honours their founding values and faith in family. In her conversation with the Gills, […]
Sanctuary at home
Create your own calm at home with spaces that speak to serenity. Understated neutrals complement more striking colours of nature – both can join your décor as objects you actually reach for – like a teapot or hot water bottle cover. Curated by Nina Tucker.
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Cuisine
Nourish your body and soul: Saket Indian Restaurant
Indian cuisine is a firm favourite here in Christchurch. The popularity of Indian restaurants and takeaways shows no signs of slowing down, with standout restaurants going from strength to strength. A case in point is the popular Saket Indian Restaurant. A well-known name in Christchurch’s culinary scene, Saket recently opened its third location […]
Yotti’s easy oven-baked poached fish
The secret to a great fish dish is simplicity, so says Yotti Ioannou, co-owner of Theo’s Fisheries, a Christchurch favourite for quality fish. How does Yotti like his fish? Fresh fish doesn’t need a load of bells and whistles, he says. The most important thing is to buy the best. Here he shares […]
Mid-winter dining: Thirsty Acres
Mid-winter Christmas has arrived in Kirwee to brighten up the cold months ahead. Starting Monday 16 June and running through to Sunday 13 July, Thirsty Acres in Kirwee will be full of Christmas cheer and delicious traditional fare, for their mid-winter Christmas promotion. Just 25 minutes from Christchurch, the large bar and restaurant […]
Classic rural cuisine: Cafe Mayfield
Expansive, eye-catching views stretch between Christchurch and Geraldine along the scenic route 72. Nestled within, a delightful little country town awaits. Mayfield sits an hour and a half from Christchurch – a drive well worth a day trip. Find true country hospitality at Cafe Mayfield. With a story to tell, the family-owned premises […]
Fashion & Beauty
Home of the winter wardrobe: Merivale Mall
Browse the best of the local fashion landscape in luxury. From head to toe, winter wear truly comes into its own within Merivale Mall – find all your favourites with friends, and finish with a warming, indulgent treat. Curated by Nina Tucker.
Serious about skin: The Villa Retreat
Step into true serenity with a beauty therapy moment, designed just for you. Winter weather toys with our skin – making personalised treatments even more pertinent. At The Villa Retreat in Spreydon, owner Leeanne Whiting has created a welcoming and relaxing space for her growing clientele, who often tell her that they leave […]
Fine fibres: Wild Earth Yarns
After a flirtation with artificial materials, the world is returning to nature’s finest fibres. A Christchurch-based and family-owned operation sources wool and possum from the scenic South Island, crafting a beautiful range of yarns. Wild Earth Yarns stocks its own label alongside Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a mohair and silk blend on Lincoln Rd, […]
Aligning growing smiles: OrthodontiX
Take advantage of your child’s growing years by addressing misalignment and setting their teeth and smile on the right track. Guiding correct teeth alignment and facial growth, new technology from Invisalign redefines how malocclusion, the imperfect alignment of teeth, is treated. Reducing the need for multiple dental appliances, the Invisalign System with mandibular […]
Health
Beating digital eye strain: Anstice Optometrists
Three out of four employees struggle with digital eye strain, research shows, 59% say it affects productivity. Screen time is on the rise, yet our eye biology remains the same. The impact is an increase in the prevalence of issues including blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes, and eye fatigue. In line with […]
First-class radiology: Beyond Radiology
As technology advances, it’s crucial your medical imaging practice of choice does too. Luckily, the best possible care is available in Merivale. New Zealand-owned and clinician-led Beyond Radiology prides itself on its latest state-of-the-art imaging. “We offer the best image quality available, with a complete suite of modalities including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and […]
Stay bright in winter with Vitamin D
As winter settles over Canterbury, shorter days, limited sunlight, and more time indoors increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, immune support, and mood regulation. The sun’s UVB rays, needed for vitamin D production, are weaker in winter and often absent […]
Invest in a youthful smile: Oral Design
State-of-the-art materials and contemporary techniques are the solution to restore a youthful smile. Nothing stands between you and the ultimate in luxury aesthetic dentistry. Richard Greenlees swears against cutting corners. A holistic approach, his handcrafted dentures restore youthful appearances and rebuild beautiful smiles – reviving facial structure lost with age or through a […]
Home & Living
Fine fibres: Wild Earth Yarns
After a flirtation with artificial materials, the world is returning to nature’s finest fibres. A Christchurch-based and family-owned operation sources wool and possum from the scenic South Island, crafting a beautiful range of yarns. Wild Earth Yarns stocks its own label alongside Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a mohair and silk blend on Lincoln Rd, […]
Spaces to soothe the soul
As our homes continue to serve as sanctuaries from an increasingly fast-paced world, design choices are shifting beyond aesthetics to enhancing mental wellness. Creating a calming environment doesn’t require a full renovation; it begins with thoughtful use of layout, lighting, colour, and materials that support emotional ease and daily balance. Layout plays a […]
Canterbury’s wondrous award-winning architecture
Dreaming of what the best of the best in local architecture might look like? We have the scoop. Across Canterbury, 31 projects were deemed winners in the 2025 Canterbury Architecture Awards – an endless cascade of luxury living inspiration. In judging projects this year, we observed a recurring pattern of strong collaboration between […]
Building tomorrow
Welcome to the future of home design in Christchurch. From modular construction to wellness-focused interiors, tomorrow’s homes are already taking form – reflecting a deeper connection to place, purpose, and sustainability. One trend is the rise of sustainable modular housing. No longer just practical or cost-effective, today’s modular homes are architecturally refined, efficient, […]
One on One
Clothing speaks with Morghan Bradshaw
Morghan Ariki Bradshaw creates a ‘second skin’ for people who wear her clothes. With a newly-launched space in the heart of the city, the Ōtautahi designer catches up with Metropol editor Nina Tucker ahead of her fashion show at Majestic on Durham come 24 May. Morghan Bradshaw’s favourite thing about Ōtautahi is the […]
Racewear reign: Interview with Danni Alfeld
Danni Alfeld attended her first Cup Day at three weeks old. Was becoming New Zealand’s most fashionable racegoer her destiny all along? Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out. New Zealand’s best is Canterbury’s own – Danni Alfeld took out The Ned Prix de Fashion at Ellerslie in March. Her winning look was a […]
Homegrown success story: Kate Macdonald of Davaar
Kate Macdonald is the female face ushering in a new age of appreciation for strong wool jerseys. From farm to fashion, the founder and creative director of Davaar & Co., now Davaar, chats with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. “Wool was all we wore,” Kate says of a childhood surrounded by it with sister […]
Richard Aindow: Courting the arts in Christchurch
Music, theatre, dance and visual art have all played a significant role in Richard Aindow’s life. The incoming chief executive of The Court Theatre, Richard explains to Metropol writer Lynda Papesch how culture has shaped his life and career. On 23 June 2025, Richard will take over the reins of The Court Theatre […]
Build
Beautiful bathrooms by design: Dream Bathrooms
Impeccable custom bathrooms paired with the latest products and expert craftsmanship all under one roof? No, you are not dreaming. Filling a gap in the bathroom design and installation market, Adrian Kay was inspired to start Dream Bathroom Solutions; an end-to-end bathroom service offering design, product supply and installation. Adrian and his experienced […]
Reviving Arrowtown’s gold rush heritage: Priority Projects
Restoring an 1880s schist stone cottage from Arrowtown’s gold mining history has been fraught with challenges. Located at 8 Villiers St in Arrowtown, a significant piece of New Zealand’s early Chinese settler history has been structurally restored and preserved, thanks to a meticulous eight-month renovation led by Priority Projects’ Donna Gillatt. Believed to […]
Safety first: Easy installs for a safer home in winter
How would your exterior square up to the safety risks winter weather presents? Three easy install features lead the way to a safer season. LIGHTING Come the dark, gloomy nights of winter, outdoor lighting does more than enhance exterior aesthetics. Improving visibility, built-in and additional lights placed around your property make it easier […]
The artistry of plaster: Proudfoot Plastering
Meet the team bringing Japanese-style elegance to Christchurch interiors. In a recent Christchurch home project, plain white GIB walls were turned into a series of beautifully textured surfaces using Otsumagaki, (Otsu for short), a Japanese-style compressed clay that delivers a luxurious, natural finish. The project was a collaboration between Proudfoot Plastering and Sam […]
ArtScene
Young creative talent on the rise: Art Metro
Josef Robertson (pictured) may only be in Year 7 at Cobham Intermediate, yet he’s already laying the groundwork for a future in the arts. Inspired by a friend’s involvement, Josef asked his parents if he, too, could join Art Metro’s after-school classes. “I wasn’t in the same group as my friend,” Josef explains. […]
The magic of Christmas: Isaac Theatre Royal
Spoiler alert: A Christmas Royal giveaway is hiding in this story. Christmas in New Zealand is all about sunshine, sand, and days at the beach. Even amidst the barbecues and beach trips, there’s something special about stepping into the Isaac Theatre Royal for a dose of festive magic. In the heart of Christchurch, […]
Write songs that make the whole world sing
For all those budding songwriters out there, an exciting new music scholarship is available, in conjunction with a national songwriting competition. Christchurch-based SOLE Music Academy’s competition is now open to solo songwriters of any genre, aged 15 years and up, from across New Zealand. Academy founder Sacha Vee says the competition is […]
Giving life to stone: York Street Gallery
Debbie Templeton-Page’s sculptures seem to have a wairua that yearns to reach out from their solid foundations. Serene faces that could be dreaming death-masks, abstract geometric forms that fluidly shift and turn; and long, elongated figures stretching to the heavens. The Tasmanian-born artist has established herself as a master-sculptor, honing her craft in […]
Business
Navigating an evolving financial landscape: Nathan Miglan, Squirrel
Small cheers from homeowners and buyers as mortgage lending rates look set to continue a slow downward trend. Great news for homebuyers and mortgage borrowers: the Reserve Bank has reduced the Official Cash Rate from 3.75% down to 3.5%, a move that while it was widely anticipated by economists and financial institutions alike, […]
Leading with optimism
For the first time in five years, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) feel optimistic about the year ahead. Confidence has entered positive territory according to MYOB’s 2025 Business Monitor, backed by revenue improvements across a range of local industries. The proportion of SMEs predicting the economy to improve within 12 months is at […]
Stimulating senses, growing minds: Baby Sensory
Sensory play is the smartest start for little learners. Science tells us that a baby’s brain develops faster in their first year than at any other time in life. With every sound, texture, and sparkle of light, new neural connections form – laying the groundwork for everything from movement to language. That’s why […]
The house wins!
Property activity lifts in early 2025. New Zealand’s housing market continues to show signs of recovery, with national sales activity and dwelling values both lifting in March, supported by easing mortgage rates and renewed buyer confidence, according to CoreLogic NZ’s April Housing Chart Pack. Sales volumes were 11% higher in March compared to […]