A decade after disaster

It’s crazy to think that the September 2010 earthquake that rocked the nation and brought so much destruction was a decade ago. The little town of Kaiapoi seemed to receive the short end of the stick, as one of the most damaged areas in the greater Canterbury region.     Current affairs crew Frank Films […]

The Influencers: Joanna Norris

The latest retail data shows Christchurch tentatively returned to pre-COVID-19 spending levels. This is welcome news for our recovering economy, but it is sustained growth which we continue to work towards, as we know the sugar rush of post-lockdown spending may not last. Retail spending in Christchurch increased by 4 percent during June 2020, compared […]

The Influencers: Scott Thelning

In challenging times it is often the things that bring us a sense of comfort, stability and normality that we fall back to support and guide us through the ups and downs. For me it was getting back into my early morning gym routine, on my bike in the Port Hills, and supporting my kids […]

The Influencers: Antonia Riordan

  A sense of loss of control is a product of the prevailing times and can concern both our personal and professional lives, but we can take back that control and, while it might seem a tall order, the long-term gains of good wellbeing far outstrip feeling less than our best selves. It’s a straightforward […]

The Influencers: Marian Johnson

In case readers aren’t aware, Ministry of Awesome enables and supports high growth entrepreneurship and innovation in Christchurch and, increasingly, across New Zealand. Why is this important? Because our city, our country and the world are undergoing a massive period of transition, stemming from the rapid uptake of technology, globalisation and the urgent requirement to […]

John Bridgman

The Influencers: John Bridgman

It seems the recent extended stay within the confines of our own homes has led many people to consider whether the grass might be greener over by Rauora Park, where Fletcher Living is experiencing a surge in interest in its One Central homes, post-lockdown. Of the 172 homes currently on offer, ranging from one-bedroom apartments […]

The Influencers: Leeann Watson

As we head into the home straight of the general election, and given the challenges of the current COVID-19 environment, it has never been more important to be fully informed and engaged in the election process, to play a real part in shaping the future of our country for the better. General elections traditionally attract […]

Architectural winners revealed

The people spoke when the Christchurch Town Hall was mooted for demolition post-quakes, and it was saved. Now, after substantial restoration, the judges of the Canterbury Architectural Awards have also spoken – and the heritage building has been crowned an architectural winner.     The public building, built in 1972, took out one of two […]

Canterbury’s country crooner: Miranda Easten

Miranda Easten has been putting pen to paper since she was nine years old, but it wasn’t until she picked up a guitar that her poetry melded with music.     “Most of my best songs have started with a feeling,” the beautiful country singer says from the studio at SOLE Music Academy, a dedicated, […]

Little shop of wonders: Canterbury Playcentre Shop

Lockdown was the perfect time for parents and children to strengthen their bond and spend quality time together. While it may not have been smooth sailing every day, it would have been a learning curve for many. Metropol sits down with the team at Canterbury Playcentre Shop to see how their little shop of wonders […]