Latest Articles
For the paint-hearted
The finalists for the 40th annual Dulux Colour Awards have been announced, including two stand-out properties from Christchurch. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the prestigious Dulux Colour Awards, which is New Zealand and Australia’s premier showcase of inspirational colour application in interior and exterior residential, commercial or industrial builds. The awards […]
Merivale’s most exclusive address: The Mansfield
A sophisticated collection of 38 apartments and penthouses, The Mansfield invites a new way to live in Merivale. The first of its kind in the destination suburb, 24 Mansfield Avenue is an address that will earn its reputation in residential living from day one, and, like fine wine, only get better with time. […]
Blue-chip postcodes: Trade Me Property Customer Director Gavin Lloyd
Christchurch is outperforming the national narrative. As we move into the cooler months, the Christchurch property market continues to prove its resilience. Recent year-on-year figures show the average asking price for properties in the Canterbury region is sitting two per cent ahead of the same time last year, with Ōtautahi’s performance perfectly in […]
A race of resilience at Hanmer Half marathon
On Saturday 2 May, Dave Wilmott lined up for the 2026 Four Square Hanmer Half Marathon, after being told he wouldn’t walk again. His story is what the iconic race stands for – resilience. When Christchurch runner Dave Willmott traced the trail that weaves through some of Hanmer’s most iconic landscapes, he was […]
Unstoppable in menopause: Simply Nourish
Christchurch is set to host Unstoppable – a live event focused on building strength in the peri and menopausal years. Christchurch women are being invited to step into their strength this winter with Unstoppable, an empowering evening dedicated to building healthier, more resilient bodies through menopause and beyond. Taking place on 17 June […]
What’s next for local fashion?
How does the New Zealand fashion industry hope to secure a successful, sustainable future? Leaders across the $7.8 billion dollar industry hope to find out at the Threads of Tomorrow Summit in Auckland on 16 June. This industry contributes billions to New Zealand’s economy and employs tens of thousands of people, yet it […]
Timeless elegance: One World Collection
Introducing the brass and glass palladium range, where timeless craft meets contemporary sophistication, curated by your design experts Heather and David Fine. Elevate your space with this collection of understated luxury at OneWorld. “The palladium range elevates any home to create a sleek, sophisticated and edgy style. The range features a coffee table, […]
When the world wobbles: Chris Korako of Inspire Me Women
Connection is the new certainty, writes Chris Korako of Inspire Me Women. It’s hard to ignore the complexity of the world right now. I can’t control it but I can control how I respond to it. We are living through a time when economies are shifting in real time; strategic rivalry between major […]
Heath the hospice cat
Words by Vera Spurr RN | Photos supplied by Hospice SC He has his own Facebook page and regularly gets fan mail and thank you cards. To mark Hospice Awareness Week this month, meet emotional support worker Heath from Hospice South Canterbury. Heath arrived at Hospice South Canterbury in 2022 after being adopted […]
Stress, hormones and women’s hair loss: Hair Mantra
More younger women and girls are seeking answers to an issue once associated with later life – hair loss. “I’m seeing young women, even in puberty, experiencing noticeable hair loss,” says Dr Padmaja Redekar, certified trichologist and owner of Hairmantra in Christchurch. “Increasingly, it’s appearing much earlier. Hair is a reflection of what’s […]
Christchurch designer wins on the world stage
Inside the residence that won Christchurch interior design team Detail by Davinia Sutton a coveted international award. Set against the striking alpine landscape of Wānaka, Christchurch interior designer Detail by Davinia Sutton’s Lakeside Residence has taken out the International Design Award at the Designerati Awards in London, an accolade that recognises exceptional design […]
Lest we forget: Mayor Phil Mauger
Christchurch has been through a time of remembrance and gratitude but also celebration, and joy. On 25 April, we paused to honour those who gave everything so we might live freely. Anzac Day is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that we carry an obligation to those who served. Our Draft […]
Gateway to the world: Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson
Summer visitors contributed $861 million to the South Island economy. This summer has been one to remember for us at Christchurch Airport. The energy and the number of people coming through our doors have been something special, and it’s great to see what that means for our city and the South Island. We […]
Tackling lipoedema: Hands on Clinic
About 11 per cent of Kiwi women are living with lipoedema, a chronic condition that is still widely misunderstood, and in many cases, undiagnosed. Lipoedema, also known as Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT) disorder, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the fatty tissue beneath the skin. It is characterised by a disproportionate buildup […]
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Cuisine
Auditing experts: Hill Labs
After a successful first year of operation, and as compliance requirements underpin the food sector, a Christchurch joint-venture auditing and inspection services company works to meet demand. “As New Zealand exports grow, the need for independent verification grows with them. Market access requirements are becoming more complex, and producers need reliable and responsive […]
Pickled with love: Gordons Pickles
A family-owned Canterbury business marks 20 years of crafting premium pickles, celebrating the milestone with a bold new product and a continued commitment to quality and community. Gordon’s Pickles is proud to celebrate 20 years in business, a New Zealand, family-owned business manufacturing high-quality pickles since July 2006. “The strength of the business […]
Dine, drink, enjoy: Fiddlesticks
Your premier destination for fine dining and event hosting in the heart of Christchurch city. Combining their contemporary setting with a relaxed pub-like atmosphere, Fiddlesticks on Worcester Boulevard is the sophisticated dining experience that you’ll want to share. From intimate drinks served with oysters and champagne to an ice-cold beer and fries, it […]
Finding authentic flavour: Tanoshi
For those in the know, this is the city’s best kept secret for Japanese cuisine. “In Christchurch, we knew we were up against a vibrant city with a big population, and we had to match that energy,” recalls Tanoshi owner Matty Yates three years on from the opening. With their biggest team and […]
Fashion & Beauty
Trend report
Having marked her brand’s 20th anniversary in March, STORM founder and creative director Deb Caldwell has pioneered New Zealand fashion long enough to see fads come and go and core trends cycle back around. “Trends often return after roughly 20 years because of nostalgia,” Deb says. “Right now, international fashion trends for autumn […]
The Crossing – Instant style: What to Wear. Where to Buy it.
Editor’s picks: Welcome to your wardrobe for inner-city life. Whether you’re more of an early dinner at Bar Franco before your first trip to the stadium kind of girl, or prefer simple Sunday shopping, this guide to getting dressed is for wherever the city takes you. I’m no cool-as-ice city slicker (I hail […]
Wear the season: Darcy Boutique
Whether you have a winter wedding coming up or you need to update your jeans and knitwear, Darcy Boutique offers pieces to keep you warm this winter – while still looking super stylish of course. With the cooler months of winter fast approaching, Darcy Boutique in Merivale has everything you need to be […]
No more denture pain: Village Denture Studio
Gone are the days when dentures were ill-fitting, outdated and worst of all, painful. Advanced digital technology means that dentures today are a world away from the dentures of old. Back in the day, traditional denture-making involved uncomfortable, messy impression material in the mouth. Today, though, all that is gone, says clinical dental […]
Health
Stop teeth shifting: OrthodontiX
When teeth are always moving, even after orthodontic treatment, how do you protect your investment? Teeth still shift when braces come off. The process, called relapse, commonly occurs in the first three to six months after treatment. Teeth are at their most unstable and retention is at its most important. Daily movement between […]
Resilient bodies for Christchurch lives: Muscle People Physiotherapy
Christchurch is a city that moves. We walk the hills. We paddle, cycle, garden, renovate, rebuild, and work long hours. We juggle family life with sport and community. “Increasingly, we’re seeing the physical impact of all that movement – and sometimes lack of it,” says practice manager for Muscle People Physiotherapy, Nicholas Moore. […]
The magic window with breast cancer and lymphoedema: Hands on Clinic
For women facing breast cancer surgery, a little-known risk after treatment is lymphoedema. Thanks to early detection through new technology, there is now a powerful window of opportunity to dramatically reduce that risk before it takes hold. “I’m now getting new referrals for lymphoedema every week, most of which are due to breast […]
Pelvic restoration: iWellness
The solution for restoring the strength of your pelvic floor. I ntimate health can change over time, yet as we age it’s something many people hesitate to talk about. After childbirth, during menopause, following prostate surgery, or simply with age, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken. This may affect important aspects of sexual […]
Home & Living
Mum’s gift guide
Show mum you love her and shop local while you’re at it. Here’s our Mother’s Day collection – curated by us and found right here in Canterbury stores.
Why a wool mattress: Dreamwool
The exceptional comfort of merino wool. For a lot of us, a truly great night’s sleep can be elusive. You adjust your lighting and your sleep hygiene, reduce your screen time, maybe you even use a wearable device to track all your nightly stats, but you still wake up tired in the morning. […]
A bid for better sleep: Dreamwool
Lucky auction-goers rest easy on a winning Dreamwool bed. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” says Steve Miller of his successful auction bid for a luxury Dreamwool bed at the BrainTree Trust’s annual ball in 2024. “We’d had our previous bed for at least 10 years, and we hadn’t really discussed replacing it. But […]
The repair shop: Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture Repairs
Giving timeless pieces of furniture a second life. Whether it’s a vintage dining suite or a cherished heirloom, Seaton’s French Polishing and Furniture Repair brings tired furniture back to life. For over 30 years, owner Mike Fullen has restored everything from antique sideboards to family treasures, preserving both craftsmanship and sentimental value. In […]
One on One
Yogi bare: Renee Stewart heart & soul
Defining wellness on her own terms, dancer and yogi Renee Stewart is bringing her mindful movement teachings to Christchurch. Speaking with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen, she reveals how spirituality runs strong in her maternal line and that Saturn’s return cracked her open. As the daughter of supermodel Rachel Hunter and musician Rod […]
Famous faces, festive places: Local celebs on holiday
As Christmas lights twinkle across the Garden City, some of Canterbury’s brightest stars step into the spotlight once more to share their season’s magic. Mark Rocket, New Zealand entrepreneur, aerospace executive, and the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace “This year I’m aiming to celebrate with a big Christmas family dinner here in […]
Mayor Phil’s summer uncovered
Once a year, Christchurch City re-elect mayor Phil Mauger trades his sixth-floor office and stretched social calendar for something much simpler – a few weeks by the sea with family. Metropol editor Nina Tucker uncovers the little things that make Ōtautahi’s humble leader truly happy. Come late December, mayor Phil Mauger will be […]
The making of a Christchurch power couple – Patrick and Saima Smith
Worlds and cultures collided when Patrick Smith met Saima on a crisp July day in Canterbury. One half a standout real estate agent and the other leading a team of six in family law – together they’re a well-oiled machine each with a fiercely competitive edge. Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out how […]
ESSENCE
Transforming a Timaru home
Six years ago, Timaru locals Stephanie and Peter McConnell set out to transform the worst house on the street. Since then, the Cain Street home has become something of a Timaru ‘Sagrada Família’ – a project they keep adding to. Architectural designer Stephanie and electrician Peter were well-equipped to renovate what would become […]
Hunting for herstory
Words by Tamara Pitelen | Images by Larnya Bourdot Gleaned from archives, gravestones and ancient records, Roselyn Fauth has been unearthing and sharing the forgotten lives of South Canterbury women. “When I started the blog, I was not trying to write women’s history,” says Roselyn Fauth (née Cloake). “The blog began for a […]
Winning combination in North Canterbury: Charlie and Sarah Ballam
Between them, Charlie and Sarah Ballam have worked in medicine in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the North Island of New Zealand. Now happily settled and working in rural medical practices in North Canterbury, the pair say they’d never work anywhere else. “I’m a GP. I work at a rural practice in North […]
A hilltop haven
When Marion McKellow first drove up the secluded driveway of Pine Hill House near Cust, it was bleak midwinter. Words: Pattie Pegler | Images: Supplied The skies were grey and the garden was bare. But Marion instantly loved the peace and quiet, it was just the haven she was looking for – away […]
Build
Countdown: James Gough
The biggest show in town is nearly here. When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its first big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping […]
Discover Ōtautahi through architecture
Open Christchurch, the annual festival of architectural excellence returns from 1 to 3 May with 52 buildings to explore. Immerse yourself in the world of architecture through countless open buildings, 40-plus activities, special events and guided walks. This year’s programme shines the spotlight on unusual and unexpected gems, over 100 years of design […]
Ripple effects: Ross Steele
Navigating uncertainty, creating connection. The world is facing a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and its ripple effects are being felt well beyond headlines. For businesses, this may mean travel disruption, rising airfares, and increased supply chain costs – pressures that inevitably influence decision making and confidence. For those of us in the […]
Filled with gratitude: Mayor Phil Mauger
From sport games and concerts to further investment in the CBD, the city’s grandest project is complete. Depending on when you’re reading this, we’re only days away from the first event at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. I can’t wait to see it filled to the rafters with people getting ready […]
ArtScene
Dive into the spotlight: Isaac Theatre Royal
Think exclusive access, thrilling perks, extraordinary entertainment, and the ultimate theatre giveaway for 2025. The iconic Isaac Theatre Royal has all that and more in store for the year ahead. Rolling out the red carpet for theatre lovers across Canterbury, the launch of their new Backstage Club Membership and Patron Programmes are designed […]
Glass masterpiece
Since late last year, Cardrona Distillery has been home to a chandelier of over 1000 handcrafted glass feathers. The award-winning Crystal Chain Gang, Martinborough glass artists Jim Dennison and Leanne Williams, installed their largest-ever piece in terms of the number of feathers and width of the creation, in Cardrona Distillery’s restaurant in December. […]
A night to remember: Isaac Theatre Royal
Monumental, captivating, history-making. That is how you might describe the celebration that marked 10 years of standing strong once again, for one of Christchurch’s renowned arts establishments. The Isaac Theatre Royal’s Anniversary Variety Gala was an unforgettable celebration of resilience, creativity, and community, marketing and deveolopment manager Bianca Lindstrom says. Opening the evening […]
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. […]
Business
FUTURE LOCAL LEADERS
Three outstanding leaders have been awarded a prestigious academic scholarship in recognition of their community impact and leadership potential. Rachel Elsy, Maree Lucas and Warren Poh have been named as 2025 recipients of the Gough MBA Leaders Scholarship, an award supported by Ben and Penny Gough, trustees of the Gough Family Foundation. The […]
Economic turn: Don’t pull the handbrake
Confidence has turned. Businesses that stay on the sidelines risk being left behind. After a long, cold stretch, the business community is finally seeing daylight. This time the shift is backed by hard data, not hope. The latest business surveys point to a dramatic surge in confidence. Sentiment is now at levels not […]
A call for elegant leadership
Effective leadership is built in the micro-moments and requires intentional self-reflection, writes leadership educator Kris Cooper. Leading is rewarding, but it’s also a tough gig. How often have you, or others, lamented a lack of leadership? Or worse, witnessed or complained about poor leadership? A lot? Because criticism is common, those with the […]
Events and tourism: Vanessa Weenink
Successful bids in Christchurch against a backdrop of Kiwi legends. The first round of the government’s major events funding showcases many exciting international and homegrown music acts, sports matches, arts, and cultural events kicking off this year, and I’m looking forward to more being added in the coming months. New Zealand’s economy is […]
