Latest Articles
Mood-boosting spring/summer style: Mikko Shoes
Long, sweeping days and balmy, defined evenings – celebrate the warmer season with the latest in spring/summer style. Direct from Europe, Mikko Shoes’ spring/summer 2025 range introduces a reflective season that balances playful optimism and wistful sophistication. The collection embraces energising colour and tactile texture, with a fresh take on iconic shapes. The […]
Explore the Garden City: Christchurch Attractions
When the city comes alive and events pull you in every direction, trust one mode of transport to get you there on time – without the parking nightmare. With 18 stops covering the city’s hot spots and busiest venues, the tram and its ‘hop on, hop off’ service is a saviour. Stop 4 […]
Your grey tranformation: V for hair
Master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee and her team are renowned nationwide as specialists in silver and grey hair transformations. “Transitioning to grey is no longer about ‘letting yourself go’, it’s about embracing style, individuality, and confidence at every stage of life,” Vicki says. “Grey doesn’t need to be flat or ageing – with the […]
Celebrate Cup Week: Addington Raceway
Christchurch, our favourite time of the year is almost here. Turn your emails off and your energy on for the best week on the Canterbury calendar. Addington Raceway IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day draws thousands to witness Australasia’s greatest harness race. As the jewel in the crown of Addington Cup Week, expect […]
Visual vivace: Tait Gallery
Hanmer Springs is a centre for adventure and indulgence. Tait Gallery prides itself on being a place where the imagination can run wild. Owner William Taylor invites you to call in next time you’re in the alpine village, and explore all the beautiful creations on display. “We believe that a visit to Tait […]
Chicken fajitas recipe
Tequila? I don’t even know her! If there’s a cuisine that lends itself to a fun family get-together or an evening of entertaining, think Tex-Mex. These chicken fajitas, followed by the dessert nachos overleaf, make for a memorable yet super easy dinner. Ingredients Serves 2 – preparation 15 minutes – cooking 12 minutes […]
Luxury vegan beauty: Dear Heart
Gentle on you and gentle on the planet, a local company is handcrafting solid soap and shampoo bars ideal for sensitive skin. Labels like ‘vegan’, ‘cruelty-free’, and ‘natural’ aren’t interchangeable buzzwords. Vegan beauty products exclude all animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, milk or honey, while cruelty-free products aren’t tested on animals. Founder […]
Fight for flight: Canterbury’s Westpac Rescue
Canterbury’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter is a lifeline for rural and remote Canterbury communities, where access is limited and every second counts. In late November, you can soak under the stars at Hanmer Springs and support this lifesaving cause. O n Friday, 28 November, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa will host a […]
Selwyn’s spring escape: Thirsty Acres
As the excitement of Cup and Show Week takes over Christchurch, consider a serene escape just 30 minutes away in the beautiful Selwyn district. Set against the backdrop of rolling rural landscapes, Thirsty Acres provides the perfect mix of modern hospitality and charm, offering a peaceful retreat from the city buzz. The scenic […]
Finishing touches: Whistle & Pop
Accessories work wonders in constructing your Cup & Show week style – and you won’t find a range that suits the theme more than Whistle & Pop’s pieces. Inspired by rural living and equestrian elements, let your look invite the essence of the country to the city. whistleandpop.co.nz
Your spring sneaker: Ecco Shoes
Meet your soon-to-be favourite sneaker. Easy to style whatever your aesthetic, the new BIOM 2.2 from leading footwear brand ECCO is the ultimate in everyday versatility. Known for their skilful application of innovative technology, the team of specialists continue to create a perfect synergy of supreme comfort and chic styling in every step. […]
See & be seen at Cup and Show Week: Matthews Eyewear
Cup and Show Week is all about making an entrance. While dresses, suits and accessories take centre stage, one of the easiest ways to refresh your look is often overlooked: updating your eyewear. A beautifully designed pair of spectacles isn’t just practical, it’s a statement that frames your whole outfit. Opening their new […]
Editor’s note: Inside our Cup Week shoot
Welcome to my love letter for our 2025 Cup Week shoot with The Crossing. We shot on a rain-turned-to-shine day in the city’s retail playground. As always, this was a labour of love between countless local creatives with one goal: to showcase and celebrate the most anticipated week on Canterbury’s calendar. This year, […]
Encourage your young Picasso: The Playcentre Shop
With the festive season fast approaching, parents and grandparents are on the hunt for thoughtful gifts. When it comes to gifts that boost a child’s development in the best way, The Playcentre Shop has plenty of ideas. “Painting offers so many developmental benefits,” says shop co-manager Jessamy. “It boosts hand–eye coordination, dexterity, creativity […]
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Cuisine
High teas and sunset sessions: Chateau on the Park
As the weather gets warmer, a luxurious and leisurely high tea makes for a magical afternoon. Offering one of Christchurch’s most beautiful outdoor seating areas, High Tea at the Chateau on the Park, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is a ritual of refinement. Picture delicate savouries like cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, brie and […]
Move over Martha – The Hungry Cook
Want to give hosting queen Martha Stewart a run for her money? This recipe for a buttercup squash and brown rice salad from The Hungry Cook by Olivia Galletly is sure to impress. The generous amount of fresh herbs enhance the flavour of the sweet baked squash and the mild spices mean the […]
Barbecued skirt steak with jalapeño salsa verde
A great summer barbecue dish, skirt steak is quick, easy to cook, and relatively cheap. It’s particularly tasty topped with this spicy, tangy green sauce. This recipe, from The Hungry Cook by Olivia Galletly, suggests serving the steak with roast baby potatoes, but it works well with a range of sides and salads. […]
Festive feast: Crowne Plaza
Take the stress out of the festive season with an all-the-trimmings, indulgent buffet experience on Christmas Day. If you want all the joy of Christmas without the pressure, cooking, and mountains of dishes, mix things up this year and celebrate your Christmas Day with a decadent buffet experience at Market Place Restaurant in […]
Fashion & Beauty
Natural. Fresh. New: The Crossing’s Tholsie & Co
This year, trade fascinators for natural florals. Made from real plants and flowers, The Crossing’s Tholsie & Co ushers in a new era in raceday style – where floristry becomes fashion. Each delicate orchid earring, divine piece of headwear or elegant boutonnière is handcrafted with beautiful elements of nature. “Our wearable florals are […]
Heart-skipping style: TAD Design
Whether you like classic clothing or to push the boundaries with print and silhouette, you’ll find a store with spring style to adore in Rangiora. Find Cup Week and events season favourites at TAD Design, 166 High Street, Rangiora. taddesign.co.nz
Powerful, playful, pink: APT Collections
On top colour trends for Cup Week this spring, embrace the romantic energy of pink with this curation of party-ready dresses perfect for any occasion. Find all at Apt Collections in Barrington Shopping Centre.
The fashion destination: Off the Rac
In the heart of Bishopdale Mall, you’ll find a one-stop destination for Cup and Show week fashion. From stunning dresses to perfectly paired accessories, Off the RAC has everything you need to complete your Cup Week look.
Health
The secret to staying young
Research has confirmed what we’ve suspected for years, regular exercise doesn’t just make us feel better, it also slows, or even reverses, the process of ageing. As the pursuit of healthy ageing gains momentum, the global longevity and wellness market has already surpassed $2.5 trillion. Yet the latest research shows that the foundation […]
The truth about collagen
Collagen is everywhere – beauty powders, supplements, bars, and drinks – and New Zealand might be about to change the game with the world’s first most complete collagen, thanks to sheepskin. First, what is all the hype about collagen? Why is it suddenly in everything from snack bars to skin cream? Collagen is […]
Reboot for men in midlife
Creating community is the answer for helping men in midlife reclaim health and purpose. Midlife is supposed to be the time when years of effort has paid off and the wheels of life are nicely oiled and spinning smoothly. For many men, though, it feels more like the wheels are falling off. Between […]
Raising eyebrows: Face to Face Aesthetics
Want effortlessly beautiful brows that enhance your features? Think ombré eyebrows. Tired of battling with your brow pencil every morning to get just the right shape? Or finding that the years have thinned out and faded your brows? Ombré eyebrows might be the beauty game-changer you’ve been waiting for. A semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo, […]
Home & Living
3 trending interior styles
According to the Pinterest trend report, the rest of 2025 is all about “elevating the everyday, making every corner an inspiring, unique escape – no matter your square footage or budget.” Here are three trends shaping our interiors: Statement tiles Bold ceramics are being used to inject joy and personality into walls and […]
Clean that carpet: ChemDry
Imagine a cosy evening on the couch with snacks, drinks and children or pets romping around the living room. In an instant, food, drink and stains find their way onto furniture, upholstery, and carpet. It’s one of life’s biggest frustrations – and can be an even bigger risk. A build-up of dirt, dust, […]
Zebra crossing
Step aside, leopard print – the zebra is stealing your spotlight. Black and white stripes are certainly timeless, and overseas trend reports show that both fashion and homewares have gone wild for zebra print. Before you ask, yes, it’s a neutral – with maximalist energy. Here’s our edit.
The repair shop: Seaton’s French Polishing and Furniture Repair
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
Little India’s legacy
A rogan josh experiment one Friday night in 1988 Dunedin was the seed of Little India, a family-owned group of Indian restaurants that now spans the country. This isn’t just a business story though; Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers a legacy built on hard work, migration, and an unshakable belief in family. […]
Stalwart Chrissy Mauger
Warm, welcoming, and impeccably dressed, Christchurch’s mayoress Chrissy Mauger flies under the radar – a picture of poise supporting the city’s head honcho. Metropol editor Nina Tucker pulls back the curtain on her strength, stability and enduring smile. A radiant Chrissy Mauger guided me into her Avonhead home, a space that immediately reflected […]
The power of 3
For three Christchurch mums, a chance meeting at the gate of Farleigh Kindergarten in Merivale sparked a creative partnership that birthed a business. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen meets the founders of the luxury scarf brand known for its craftsmanship, stories, and heart. Some of the best things in life come in threes […]
Passing the baton at Theo’s Fisheries
The fourth generation at Theo’s Fisheries is now taking the reins of this iconic, 75-year-old Christchurch business on Riccarton Rd. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen finds out what drives this dynamic, passionate family. “I feel him here with me every day, so does my brother, Yanni,” says Yotti Ioannou, one half of the […]
Build
Houses on the move: Heartland Homes
Building material prices and transport costs are up, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the dream of your new home or holiday house. Some of the smartest and most experienced brains in the business have been thinking outside the square and working hard to deliver their clients’ ideal build […]
Opt-out from housing intensification
Christchurch City Council is seeking to opt-out from more medium-density housing intensification. Christchurch City Council will ask the Minister responsible for Resource Management Act (RMA) reform to let it opt out of some upcoming housing intensification rules under its Housing and Business Choice Plan Change (Plan Change 14). At its meeting on 3 […]
Keeping things fresh: Affordable Concrete and Paving
From driveway repairs to a new patio, the arrival of warmer weather is the time to tackle those concreting jobs. The season brings with it so much that is new and fresh from beautiful blossoms to delightful little animals and gives us the impetus to freshen up the environs of our homes as […]
Bedrooms bring big gains
A new real estate study has revealed that Kiwis are prepared to pay for extra bedrooms. New data from realestate.co.nz highlights the additional value that extra bedrooms can add to a property’s asking price, showing that the number of bedrooms is one of the clearest indicators of price difference in New Zealand’s property […]
ArtScene
Spirit and passion light up the theatre: Isaac Theatre Royal
Audiences are set to be dazzled with an exciting line-up of shows at Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal in the coming months. Lighting up the iconic venue, these shows celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of performing arts. This season, Showbiz Christchurch brings the beloved musical Mamma Mia! to life, featuring the best local talent […]
Where the wild things are
In its 59th year, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year event has again served up some of the best ‘up close and personal’ animal shots of all time. Entries come in from people of all locations, ages, and skill levels, this time seeing 49,957 entries. Judged on creativity, orginality, and technical excellence, see […]
Art with purpose: Art Metro
One local gallery has established itself as a cornerstone of Canterbury’s community arts scene. As well as offering professional and individualised fine arts tuition, Art Metro is currently displaying a series of stunning works by two of their tutors, Malene Laugesen and Veronique Lambert. Danish-born Malene’s work draws on her background as an […]
Marilynn Webb: Folded in the Hills, Christchurch Art Gallery
A masterful collection of landscapes all about connection is currently exhibited at Christchurch Art Gallery. Late Māori artist Marilynn Webb (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Kahu) is known for her unique form and passion for feminism and environmental and political issues. Over five decades, Marilynn dedicated herself to creating art that explores the relationships […]
Business
What’s your number? EBI Business
The one KPI that drives everything. Murray Dempsey In business, data is everywhere. Only one number, though, truly rules your world. That’s your number: the single KPI that, if you nail it, almost everything else falls into place. Revenue, profit, customer satisfaction? They’re all by-products of this one critical metric. Your number might […]
Canterbury’s gender pay gap
How does Canterbury compare to the rest of New Zealand regarding pay parity for women? Recent controversy around the government’s proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act has put a spotlight on a distinct lack of progress in achieving gender pay parity across New Zealand. Expressed as a percentage, the gender pay gap […]
Family legacy meets fresh perspective: Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers
A well-known local financial advising firm is keeping it in the family. There’s a new face stepping into the spotlight at Christchurch firm Alistair Bean & Associates – Financial Advisers. Alistair’s daughter, Jordan Bean, who has been an integral part of the firm since its beginnings in 2013, has now officially joined the […]
Execute with focus: EBI Business Improvement Specialists
Why the Top 5 approach is the ruthless focus your business needs. In today’s noisy, over-complicated business landscape, the biggest threat to success isn’t failure – it’s distraction. Endless to-do lists, unclear or ineffective strategies, and ‘urgent’ tasks kill momentum. If you want focus, clarity, impact, and real progress, it’s time to embrace […]