Latest Articles
Textures do the talking: Made in the shade fashions
Velvet, corduroy and oh-so-cosy wool – textures take centre stage at this Colombo St store. Winter fabric favourites fill the shelves and racks at Made in the Shade in a seasonal collection curated by owner Alison Donn. Striking, on-trend hues materialise through the likes of beautiful Italian woollen jackets and Australian-designed outerwear. Toorallie’s […]
Your personalised holiday holy grail: Discover Travel
“We’ve seen it all, and so can you,” – the team behind this boutique travel agency have explored every destination worth visiting to become experts in sending you to your dream destination. Discover Travel is more than just a travel agency – this team of six is dedicated to their community of discerning […]
Winter wellness starts with sleep
Sleeping on it is the overlooked key to achieving exercise goals. As the colder months settle in across Aotearoa, ExerciseNZ is encouraging Kiwis to take stock of their winter wellness – with a special focus on a crucial yet often overlooked pillar of health: sleep. Just three consecutive nights of restricted sleep (about […]
Christchurch City Mayor Phil Mauger: Te Kaha countdown
A big highlight for me over the last month was the ‘one year to go’ milestone until One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens its doors to the public in April 2026. It was great to host so many local media to mark the milestone, and the vibe was extremely positive and […]
Master Builders CEO Ankit Sharma: The building sector’s turning point
As we move deeper into 2025, we are seeing small signs that could indicate the tide might be starting to slowly turn for the building and construction sector. The journey out of the downturn has been long, but we are beginning to see glimmers of recovery – in the numbers, in the policy […]
This season’s celebrity-approved shoe: ECCO
The hunt for the perfect wet weather boot has ended. The timeless ankle boot blends practicality, elegance and versatility with the celebrity street style tick of approval. Observing footwear worn by the famous, it’s clear ECCO is a favourite – and their ankle boots have become top contenders. Fashion’s most stylish it-girls, including […]
Wired for success: Barclay Electrical
When it comes to electrics, it pays to get it done right. Finding the right electrician for the job can be a challenge, and it’s not something you want to get wrong. You want someone reliable for a reasonable price who is going to complete the job to the highest possible standard. Barclay […]
Destination West Coast: Golden Days on the Coast
Winter is a great time of year for a visit to the West Coast, and what would a trip to the Coast be without digging into the history of the gold fields? Six hundred kilometres top to toe, and barely eighty across at the widest bits, the Coast’s dramatic landscape holds a large […]
ChristchurchNZ CEO Alison Adams: A stage for our stories
Ōtautahi Christchurch is known for innovation, bold ideas and a deep love of sport… our arts scene, though, is also worth shouting about. Yes we love our sport here in Canterbury but alongside the stadiums and startups, our arts scene is stepping back into the spotlight. The return of The Court Theatre to […]
Embracing change: V for Hair
Master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee encourages clients to embrace change one beautiful transformation at a time. One of the most important (and often overlooked) elements in a great colour transformation is understanding your unique undertone,” says Vicki, owner of V for Hair in Merivale. Without that crucial first step, the result can fall flat, […]
Downtown: The development set to redefine Christchurch Central
‘Downtown Christchurch’ could be your ticket to New York city-style living. If you have always fantasised about the life of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, Mr. Big and their glamorous Fifth Avenue penthouse apartment, this might be your chance to live it. When Richard Peebles and Ben Owen of leading property development […]
The secret to younger-looking skin: Skin Rejuvenation Clinic
A 1992 invention, 30 years of proven safety and efficacy culminates in the form of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Popularly referred to as IPL, this treatment is exactly that: popular. “Nowadays it is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures worldwide. However, there are far too many people still not benefiting […]
Editor’s note: What it means to be a Cantab
Some people truly radiate the spirit and tenacity of a Cantabrian. Others, we collectively cherish as a country. I’d argue both Dame Sophie Pascoe and Tiki Taane fall into those categories. Metropol, at its core, exists to champion our region and those within it, so you can imagine my delight when these two […]
Restoring memories: McDonald & Hartshorne
From the refresh of an important family heirloom to the complete rebuild of furniture passed down through generations, restoring such pieces preserves special memories. Even better, it’s a commitment to sustainability, reducing waste by returning beautiful pieces to their former glory. The bones of most antiques are solid and sturdy, so it makes […]
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Cuisine
Cheers: Legends Bar at Hornby Club
Where everyone knows your name and they’re always glad you came. Agood old-fashioned sports bar can be hard to find. You know the one. A place where sport is on the big screen day and night, where the pints are pulled fresh and aren’t overpriced and where everyone knows your name. It might […]
Currying flavour: Bolina Indian Sweets
Calling all lovers of traditional Indian fare… Indian cuisine can be found in every corner of the globe. Traditional Indian is renowned for its skilful use of exotic herbs and spices. Delicate and diverse flavours have been honed over a history spanning 5000 years; enriched over centuries by the fusion of various cultures […]
Flavours to be savoured: The Rabbit
… or devoured? Authentic and undeniably fun, add this to your taste-test list. Hailed for its fresh food, beautiful desserts, decadent cocktails and glamorous atmosphere, The Rabbit brings a new vibe to Canterbury’s restaurant scene. Located in Ashburton, guests come to enjoy luxe food and flavour and stay for the delectable desserts and […]
Cutting-edge and delicious: Mifan restaurant
Traditional Chinese cuisine is uplevelled with a modern twist. At the popular Ravenswood Chinese restaurant Mifan, the innovative young team are always looking to uplevel their food and create exciting new dishes. ‘Mifan’ means ‘cooked rice’ in Mandarin Chinese, and the restaurant’s deliciously authentic yet contemporary menu is as reliable as the much-loved […]
Fashion & Beauty
Charmer
Decoration, customisation – Jane Birkin forever cemented the concept that your handbag should be an expressive extension of your personality. Curated by Nina Tucker. The actress, model, singer, and muse’s bag was a metaphor for a life well lived, overflowing with daily essentials and practical accessories. With waves made and bags dutifully decorated […]
10 years for a beloved boutique: Coco Boutique
Becoming a long-standing gift boutique in our local shopping landscape comes down to an eye for beautiful things, sensational service, and optimistic resilience for owner Liz Bloomfield. Every purchase resplendently gift-wrapped from Coco Gifts is more than something that makes you smile – it represents years of devotion from owner Liz Bloomfield. A […]
Eye on the prize: Matthews Eyecare
You can literally see the difference when it comes to expert care for your hard-working eyes. Your eyes and vision are extremely precious, so when it comes to looking after them, expertise matters. That’s why the team at Matthews Eyecare goes beyond routine check-ups. Their experienced optometrists bring a wealth of knowledge across […]
Warmer in wool: The Wool Company
As the Christchurch chill sets in, it’s time to layer up, and there’s no better choice than premium New Zealand-made merino. The Wool Company was founded in the late 1950s by Janet and Gordon Riach, when it began as a wool buying and processing business. Now run by their daughter Margot, the company […]
Health
The beauty of ageing: Sol Spa
“Ageing is an honour,” says beauty therapist Natalie Gibson who is helping the industry shift to promoting self-love over fear. “We live in a world that isn’t used to seeing true skin and that beautiful expression of emotion. There is so much beauty that comes with the ageing process – we shouldn’t be […]
Feeling the burn
Acid reflux can make life a misery but there is a way out. Most of us know that unpleasant burning sensation in the chest. While it’s commonly called heartburn (acid reflux or mate taratarawai), the problem is actually in your oesophagus. According to the Healthify New Zealand, it’s caused by acid leaking up […]
Seek help from the experts: Reform Radiology
If you experience a sports-related injury, imaging diagnostics can provide critical information and help with effective treatment and recovery. Sports medical imaging uses specialised imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and x-rays to diagnose and assess sports-related injuries. This can provide detailed insights into the type and extent of the injury, […]
Switch off
New research has revealed many Kiwis are checking notifications on their devices up to 50 times an hour, contributing to a whopping 88% feeling stressed by bedtime. The pressure to stay connected is constant, with at least a quarter (27%) of Kiwis receiving notifications until the moment they go to sleep, according to new research. […]
Home & Living
Quilty pleasure: MickeyRaes
Make it a crafting winter break at Hanmer Springs. There’s something magical about a winter escape to Hanmer Springs – cosy cabins, fireside chats, and that crisp mountain air. When the weather turns chilly, locals and visitors alike find comfort and creativity inside MickeyRaes, the village’s beloved craft haven. “We’ve created a space […]
Blooming colour
Architecturally designed to embrace the rhythms and colours of nature, this stunning Heathcote Valley house is a finalist in the 39th annual Dulux Colour Awards. Heathcote Valley House is the only Christchurch home to become a finalist in this year’s Dulux Colour Awards, which aim to “celebrate the most innovative and inspiring uses […]
Wool underfoot: The Flooring Warehouse
As winter approaches, selecting the right flooring becomes essential for a warm and comfortable home. Wool carpet, particularly when crafted from 100% New Zealand wool, offers unparalleled benefits during the colder months. “Natural thermal properties effectively trap warm air, creating an insulating barrier that enhances indoor comfort,” Lily Lloyd of The Flooring Warehouse […]
Keeping interiors on trend: Anna Margaret Interiors
Lasting style or passing fad? How to keep your home on trend without regretting it in five years. Like them or not, trends are a way of life. In architecture and interiors, trends help keep design aesthetic fresh and interesting but trends change, some faster than others. New Zealand trends are influenced by […]
One on One
Darel Hall’s homecoming
Hundreds aged five to 12 visit Canterbury’s Cholmondeley Children’s Centre each year, a place of respite care for families and their children. A young Darel Hall was one of them. Late last year, the roles reversed when Darel returned as general manager, writes Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker. Darel Hall valued every moment […]
Not just coasting along
After a rough 12 months battling bowel cancer, new mum Elise Cassidy is taking on the iconic Kathmandu Coast to Coast multisport event on Saturday 8 February, 2025. A stage three cancer diagnosis, two rounds of chemotherapy, major surgery to remove a bowel tumour, and the birth of her third child, are not […]
Leadership with purpose: Bridget Williams
Christchurch Bead & Proceed founder Bridget Williams explains to Metropol writer Hannah Brown how a moment of frustration sparked a creative global movement in sustainability and leadership. From courtrooms to creativity workshops, lawyer turned social enterprise founder Bridget has redefined what it means to lead with purpose. “It started with a bad day […]
On the Guest list: Steve Guest
Steve Guest has an impressive career as an international music publicist and consultant, which is why his daughter Gracie calls Dolly Parton ‘Aunty Dolly’. It begs the question: is he the coolest father ever? Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out. He laughs, sharing more stories of how his work means Gracie has […]
Build
Brace against the elements
A crucial factor in any build – weathertightness and insulation can make or break how comfortable you are at home this season. At the core of building and living in homes is a desire for protection and shelter against the weather. Alongside quality insulation, ensuring an all-season weatherproof building envelope should be a […]
Homes for everyone drives prosperity for all
Just as the ocean lifts all boats when the tide comes in, everyone benefits when housing is affordable for all. By Israel Cooper, co-founder and trustee, Home Foundation Group Over the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of attending the opening of several innovative housing developments completed by the Home Foundation Group, […]
Clever Coast conversions: Jim the Builder
A surge in demand for long-term residential accommodation on the West Coast is reshaping how buildings are used in town centres like Greymouth. Instead of new builds on the fringe, developers are increasingly turning to smart repurposing of existing structures to meet the market. One standout example comes from local firm Jim the […]
Small build market is growing: Lockwood
Granny flats, holiday cabins, tiny homes, garden offices… it’s all about to get easier. Big changes are afoot with the Government’s announced changes to their Building Consent Simplification Plan, most notably increasing the home size that will be permitted under the programme, from 60m2 to 70m2. The Government has also confirmed that the […]
ArtScene
Kintsugi Muse
The latest series by emerging artist Cosette Calder, “encapsulates the perfectly imperfect and finds beauty in the broken,” she says. Ōtautahi-based artist Cosette finds inspiration from a 400-year-old Japanese art form known as Kintsugi. It means to “join with gold.” This ancient art form is a method of repairing objects, usually ceramic pottery […]
Celebrating creativity and community: Isaac Theatre Royal
As we cross the threshold into mid-2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal team reflects on a decade of resilience and renewal since the rebuild in the heart of Ōtautahi. The past year and a half have been radiant, with the historic stage echoing vibrant creativity and the deep connections that bind our community.Central to […]
Christchurch choir boy takes on the opera
Cathedral choir director Nicholas Forbes has a lifetime dedication to choir. He tells Metropol writer Daniella Judge about his involvement in the upcoming New Zealand Opera show Le comte Ory. Nicholas’ exuberant personality and excitement over Le comte Ory are infectious. It’s easy to imagine him happily leading a team of opera singers, […]
From Here on the Ground: Christchurch Art Gallery
At Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu now, From Here on the Ground is a fascinating collection of art from 20th century Aotearoa artists exploring urban, suburban, and industrial landscapes. From Here on the Ground features works from Christchurch Art Gallery’s collection supplemented by loans from lenders around the country, including paintings […]
Business
Adding value for home sellers: Keith Macdonald
Selling your property comes with an important early decision: Which real estate company and sales consultant can you trust to guide you through the journey? Every seller deserves the confidence that their property will be handled with care and professionalism, while also achieving the best possible outcome, whether that means meeting personal needs […]
Autumn finances: Mylend
It’s March and the weather certainly shows that it is already autumn, an ideal time to start looking over your finances. Get a head start before all those heating bills start creeping in again for the winter. We have lots of tips in this area to help you with all of the fluctuations. […]
Te Pae wins award
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has won The Building Sustainability through People Award at the 2025 NZ HR Awards. Marking its 26th year with the highest-ever number of entries, the HRNZ Awards celebrate exceptional organisations and individuals driving change and promoting best practice. Te Pae won its award for “embedding sustainability into its […]
Helping build better futures: Cambridge Partners
Looking to the future, no matter your age, is important, as is gaining sound financial advice. Financial advice and wealth management is what the team at Cambridge Partners specialise in. From retirement planning to investment advice, understanding current situations, future goals and what’s important to clients is a valued part of the service. […]