metropol » Editor's Perspective

Tag: Editor’s Perspective

From the Editor: 24 June 2021

I thought it was going to be at least a decade before I had a chance to express my perspective to you all in this editorial spot. I was honoured when Lynda put forward the idea to put a “face to the name”. But while this is my first… it will also be my last; a Metropol swansong if you will.

 

The last 22 months have been a riveting rollercoaster, luckily, I was tall enough to ride.

I was able to live out my Carrie Bradshaw fantasy (without the terrible personality traits) and use my words for good.

Nevertheless, a new and exciting opportunity knocked on my door in the form of a position with a PR agency in Brisbane, Australia. Bring on better weather!

A big thank you to the team at Metropol who took me in with open arms, my trusty photography team, the amazing clients that I dealt with personally, and of course, our loyal readers.

Incoming sports analogy: It is now time for me to pass the baton to the talented Georgia Summerton. You can even spot some of her pieces in this issue!

I am looking forward to the transition of writer to reader – you can be sure that I’ll be flicking through each issue online across the ditch.

Moving on, it’s no surprise that within these 84 pages of our June 24 issue the very best of Canterbury is on display: be it in our Fashion, Health and Beauty, Cuisine, Home or Build sections. Happy reading!

 

 

From the Editor: 10 June 2021

Here’s another issue hot off the press for you to enjoy and there are some great stories, ideas and advertising in the following pages. Metropol is blessed to have such loyal readers and advertisers, all of whom help to ensure its future for many years to come.

 

 

Publishing any magazine is always a massive team effort and I’m lucky that we have such a dedicated and creative group putting it together, and that our advertisers trust us to spread the word about their businesses.

Feedback is always welcome, including constructive criticism. I fielded an email recently from a reader who was not particularly impressed with one of our stories yet had continued reading anyway and found a couple of advertisements that were helpful to him.

We all have different tastes, likes and dislikes and some of Metropol’s content will resonate, while some will not. If you have ideas for stories that fit our lifestyle demographic, then we would love to hear them.

This issue delves into the psychology of mental health, segues into opera, has some suggestions about where to go for a luxury getaway and spins the wheels of a couple of new vehicles. Additionally, you will find all the usual fashion, home and cuisine pages to pique your interest.

So, make yourself a cocktail, a cup of cocoa or whatever your favourite tipple is and start reading.

 

From the Editor: 15 April 2021

As we begin to descend into something resembling pre-pandemic times, all the opportunities to gather with and celebrate those we love, seem even more momentous.

 

 

Every year, Metropol publishes its bridal issue which showcases the array of local wedding vendors who can pull together your Canterbury nuptials, as well as highlighting the global trends influencing modern-day marriages.

After the highly disrupted wedding season that was, the tentative promise of normality on the horizon may bring some peace of mind to engaged couples currently planning their big days. And if you fall into this group of loved-up readers, then this issue is for you.

This issue includes everything you need to know: Venues, event styling ideas, bride and groom fashion is covered off, as are catering, cakes, rings and ways to preserve the memories.

And, because a big day is not a big day without those specially chosen guests, there is lots of reading for you, too.

Like most things in our world, the way we think about love and relationships has changed in the last unforgettable year since our previous bridal issue was published.

Covid-19 has made us think about what is most important to us, and of course – aside from our health – it is our loved ones. And what is a wedding if not a day to celebrate love, with your most loved ones?

 

From the Editor: 18 March 2021

Darker mornings, cooler temperatures and trees turning from green to gold; there’s no denying autumn’s arrival.

 

Personally, early-autumn is one of my favourite times of the year: The slightly chillier evenings makes sleeping that much snugglier, but it’s not quite time to get the puffer jacket out of hibernation.

The trees lining my street look resplendent in every gradient of red, but not enough have fallen yet to wreak havoc with the drains.

Easter is just around the corner with its promise of a long weekend, chocolate and baked goods (but the effects of over-indulging are yet to be felt).

The turn of seasons is often an apt time to reflect on the one just been and look ahead to what is to come.

So, as the sun sets on a summer marred by both see-sawing Alert Levels and a country-wide gratitude for freedom, we’re now looking to an autumn and winter of vaccinations, and the benefits that may bring.

Perhaps by the time summer comes again, life might look a little bit more how we remember it, before a pandemic came to town.

The days may be getting dark, but the near future is looking much brighter.

 

From the Editor: 04 Februrary 2021

February is a month to savour the last of the long, hot (and sporadically torrentially rainy) days of summer, and – if you haven’t already – start shifting out of holiday mode.

 

 

And as we settle into a more business-as-usual approach to life this month, I can’t help but notice topics of health and wellbeing coming to the fore.

In my conversations with colleagues, family and friends of late, there seems to be a renewed vigour for fitness, experimenting with more plant-based meals and trying out meditation and mindfulness techniques.

This of course could be for obvious, pandemic-related reasons – whether that’s a newfound appreciation for the benefits of good health or making the most of lockdown-less freedoms (touch wood).

I am sure it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact I am now safely into my 30s, where I can confirm it is much harder to mask the consequences of overindulgence and under-exercise.

Whatever your reasons for paying attention to your health in 2021, this issue of Metropol hosts an insightful interview with Kiwi actress, and now author, Claire Chitham on page 26, where she shares helpful advice for looking after your health.

There is a healthy dose of other great reads, too, including Lorde’s journey to Antarctica, and interviews with the formidable Palmer sisters, Eve and Grace, on their hilarious new series, Good Grief, and Christchurch-based circus performer Emma Phillips.

Because what better way to boost your mood than reading about the talented and interesting people and businesses who make up our wonderful communities!

 

From the Editor: 01 October 2020

In case you hadn’t noticed, it is spring. The blossoms are here (and, so too, are the associated photos), daylight saving has arrived, and the temperatures are creeping up.

 

As cliché as it may be, there really is nothing quite like the invigorating energy and possibility of spring.

It is hard not to feel motivated by the extra daylight hours and balmier weather to act on ideas which might have been brewing over the colder months.

Psychologists and philosophers alike put these feelings of seasonal inspiration down to what’s occurring in nature. What seem like such external factors actually deeply impact our internal systems: from neurotransmitters in the brain to our metabolism and hormone balances – we’re biologically built to be more energised in spring.

And it is this powerful force of change which has inspired our cover this fortnight, from Kiwi designer Mahsa Willis’ latest collection, Enduring Nature.

Her designs speak to the resilience and beauty of nature through change and catastrophe; adapting and renewing in the face of endless challenge.

Like Mahsa tells Metropol on page 16, as part of nature, we too, will endure and thrive in these extraordinary times.

So, whether that is tackling some jobs around the house, kickstarting a new exercise regime, or something much bigger; there’s no better time to make like nature and harness some spring fever to set yourself up for a satisfying summer.

 

Metropol Editor Melinda Collins

From the Editor: 06 August 2020

“You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut” – Dr Seuss

Metropol Editor Melinda Collins
Metropol Editor Melinda Collins

 

I have interviewed and written about some of this city’s most passionate and inspiring people over the past seven years working across Canterbury Rebuild and Metropol magazines. But it is perhaps the words below that are some of the most poignant – and daunting – as it will be the last time I title a blank word document with ‘Editor’s Perspective’.

I am sad to announce I am hanging up my editor’s cap and this issue will be my last in the hot seat.

It’s been an incredible ride and I’ve met some beautiful and inspiring people along the way.

I have been part of a wonderful team of people that are equally as passionate about what we create every fortnight.

I am leaving my post in very capable hands, with our new Editor, Morgan Tait taking the reins from our next issue.

Having spent the past few weeks working alongside Morgan, I know we can expect to see more of the interesting and engaging reads that Metropol has become renowned for and I look forward to tuning in every fortnight to get my Metropol fix, just as you all do.

It will be unusual experiencing this from the outside in, without seeing the heart and soul that goes into Metropol’s production, but I know that the same passion and dedication that has seen this prestigious publication thrive for 22 years will still be there.

 

Metropol Editor Melinda Collins

From the Editor: 23 July 2020

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey

 

Metropol Editor Melinda Collins
Metropol Editor Melinda Collins

 

The world is facing unprecedented challenges.

From bush fires to a global pandemic, it feels like we’ve been hit by one thing after another. But the word on the street – from Tony Robbins to Oprah – is that gratitude is key to getting through those challenges and leading a fulfilled and successful life.

When things seem dire, the hardest thing in the world seems to be focusing on the ‘good’ and yet the science is pretty adamant on the fact that gratitude is food for the soul.

Whether you focus on the big things in your life you are grateful for, such as your health and family or the small things in your everyday life like a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset, gratitude can be lifechanging.

Gratitude is said to enrich human life; it elevates, energises, inspires and transforms, and those who practice it will experience significant improvements both physically and mentally.

There really isn’t any downside, so what do we have to lose?

After all, it’s not happiness that brings us gratitude; but rather it’s gratitude that brings us happiness.

 

Editor’s Perspective: 09 July 2020

“Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower” Hans Christian Anderson

 

 

We’ve just waved goodbye to the gloomiest month of weather in more than two decades.

Yes June, we’re talking about you and since you’ve given us the least amount of recorded sunshine hours in more than two decades and thrown in a violent 11.82 metre storm wave, we’re not sorry to see you go!

But then June, in all its gloomy glory did give rise to some inspirational conversations here at Metropol headquarters.

Namely, just how much more we appreciate the sun when we’ve had a little – or a lot of – rain. Because, in the words of J Cole, I’m Coming Home, “in order to appreciate the sun, you gotta know what rain is”.

If you’re bracing yourself against the cold right now and struggling to see the positive side, New Zealand has plenty.

The Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki featured on page 12 are something special in winter.

The water forced through these limestone formations makes tiny geysers and blowholes.

Follow in the footsteps of Sir Peter Jackson and film the beautiful snow-covered peaks surrounding the Lindis Pass (home to the Misty Mountains).

And don’t forget the jewel in winter’s crown – Queenstown, where everything is exquisite in the chilly months.

Staying home? Nothing comes close however, to rugging up by the fire with a copy of Metropol and a cuppa.

 

Metropol Editor Melinda Collins

Editor’s Perspective: 25 June 2020

“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo – far more flexible than you’d ever believe at first glance.”
– Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper

 

Did you know that an event is neither positive or negative and that it is through our perception that we assign feelings to it?

It’s a powerful concept, because it is extremely easy to hear of a break-in and to make an assumption about the perpetrator.

But imagine if you knew of the extreme hardship that perpetrator came from; that they were resorting to what they thought was the only way to provide for the young children in their care or if you knew of the mental health difficulties, abuse or trauma they themselves had suffered?

What better time to choose to re-frame our narrative than a time when we’re surrounded by negativity?

Yes there are some extremely sad stories out there right now, but I like to think that things happen for a reason.

Because I’ve also heard some incredibly uplifting ones; people who have discovered their passion and created successful businesses from redundancy; those who have become aware of their health and embarked on a new fitness regime; and those who have simply become more empathetic and got to know their neighbours.

Sometimes we just need to remember that regardless of whether the glass is half full or half empty, the fact is, it’s refillable. And if you’re after some more uplifting content, the pages ahead are jam-packed!