Setting the scene: Amuri Estate

If wowing the crowd is on the conference and events cards for you, then Amuri Estate in the Hanmer countryside can help you do it.   Just 10 minutes out of the village and 90-minutes from Christchurch, Amuri Estate’s supreme views set the scene for perfection, while the luscious variety of spaces ensures events of […]

Changing Protocol: Protocol

As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. For Protocol, that meant looking at the space they had and envisaging the space it could become.   Owner Genaea Calvert says, “COVID-19 allowed us to re-visit our business and utilisation of spaces”. So, after feedback about noise travelling from the bar area, and with new […]

Cakes & catering with a twist: Twisted Flour and Sugar

Twisted Flour & Sugar Merchants are a mother and daughter team, Sally and Kate, who create magic in the kitchen, with a pinch of chaos.     The Twisted ladies specialise in creating bespoke cakes, delicious grazing platters and individualised catering for your special event. Their spectacular cakes – from dainty treats, eye-catching showstoppers, to […]

Not just a pretty place: Larcomb Vineyard

We’re not going to pretend that when planning an event your venue options are limited…in fact it’s quite the opposite.   With so many choices out there, it can be hard to find the one that’s right for you and your guests. In order to help with the decision Metropol caught up with Tom Lawson […]

A fête-full day! Hanmer Springs Fete

Lock 30 October into your diary now. That’s to be sure you don’t miss the Hanmer Springs Fête in the grounds of the historic Queen Mary Hospital.     The inaugural fête in 2019 saw 2000 people come through the gates from all over the country and even from Australia. One hundred and fifty exhibitors […]

Dried flower trend keeps blooming: Victoria Florists

Natural, rustic and romantic: The popularity of dried flowers refuses to wane in 2020. Victoria Florist’s Leanne Lovell tells us how to include the blooms at your next inspired event.     Floral arrangements can transform an event, creating character and atmosphere. Flowers add colour, fragrance and a sense of occasion – whether to a […]

Making its mark: Pegasus Bay

Pegasus Bay has long been recognised for its top drops and now the exceptional space with its breathtaking gardens, lakes, wetlands and beautiful restaurant is making its mark as a premium event venue in Waipara.     “This is a new direction for us after 30 years operating our restaurant,” says Marketing Manager Edward Donaldson, […]

Good times, food and people: Two Fat Possums

Well hello, possums! If you’ve got a party or an event on your mind, there’s no better spot to book than the function room at Two Fat Possums in West Melton village.   A favourite haven for locals and a destination for those craving great food in a relaxed and welcoming milieu, the catering team […]

Networking 101

As the adage goes, “It’s not what you know but who you know”, but how do you get to know the who? Here’s some top networking tips for breaking the ice this conference and event season.     TIME TO SHINE: Attendees generally walk out of an event with a stack of business cards, so […]

Refurbished, refit and ready: Tinwald Function Centre

Refurbished, refit and ready – the Tinwald Function Centre’s new restaurant and remodelled function room with onsite accommodation and ample parking is ready for function season.     A $1 million renovation of the centre has seen its former restaurant remodelled into a purpose-built function space for up to 120 people. The work made way […]