Becoming Cassie Henderson

The first concert at One New Zealand Stadium, aptly named ‘Once in a Lifetime’, will be just that for Christchurch born singer-songwriter and 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards’ Best Pop Artist Cassie Henderson. The velvety vocalist and The Voice Australia finalist sat down with Metropol editor Nina Tucker after a whirlwind 12 months and […]

Sway my way: Bic Runga

On the release of her latest album and upcoming tour, Ōtautahi’s own Bic Runga chats with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about empty nesting pains, AI and the future of Kiwi music. “Bloody technology queens, that’s what we are,” Bic Runga [Ngāti Kahungunu] laughs, as our interview begins, drops out, resumes, and then […]

Potatoes au gratin dauphinoise

For quintessential potatoes au gratin, who better than French cuisine maven Julia Child. This is an adaptation of her recipe for the classic French dish, also known as Dauphinoise potatoes. Before Martha Stewart, Jo Seagar and Alison Holst, there was Julia Child. A ground-breaking gourmet chef, author and television personality Julia was the […]

Comfort cuisine: Mifan Chinese Restaurant

Classic Chinese favourites for dining-in or comfort food delivered to your door. With dine-in seating for up to 92 people, plus takeaway and delivery, the restaurant caters to everything from casual weeknight meals to bigger celebrations. Mifan Chinese Restaurant in Woodend specialises in authentic, house-made Chinese dishes, with favourites including egg fried noodles […]

Baked potato, by Nina Tucker

A satisfying staple with freshly dug summer spuds – this is my go-to meal for the bigger potatoes of the crop. Lathered in butter and salt with a fluffy inside and versatile toppings, these crispy baked potatoes balance nutritious with naughty. INGREDIENTS • 4 large potatoes • 1/2 cup butter, softened (substitute olive […]

Winning combination in North Canterbury: Charlie and Sarah Ballam

Between them, Charlie and Sarah Ballam have worked in medicine in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the North Island of New Zealand. Now happily settled and working in rural medical practices in North Canterbury, the pair say they’d never work anywhere else. “I’m a GP. I work at a rural practice in North […]

Dolly Parton’s decadent mashed potatoes

Whether it’s her hair, music or the Dollywood theme park, Dolly Parton is known for doing everything bigger and better. She brings the same energy to her food. Like many of us, Dolly loves a spud. In an interview with AllRecipes, she says, “I’ve always been a potato person, even if it’s a […]

Where plans come to life: the Canterbury Home Show

From Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March, the Canterbury Home Show brings more than 150 local building and home improvement businesses to Addington’s Wolfbrook Arena for a showcase of what’s new and what’s next. As the first hints of autumn settle over Christchurch, conversations at home begin to shift. That tired kitchen. The […]

A hilltop haven

When Marion McKellow first drove up the secluded driveway of Pine Hill House near Cust, it was bleak midwinter. Words: Pattie Pegler | Images: Supplied The skies were grey and the garden was bare. But Marion instantly loved the peace and quiet, it was just the haven she was looking for – away […]

Denim destination: curated by Nina Tucker

From stage to street, denim endures. Reinterpreted a million times over in different styles and washes, denim is something you can wear every day, every way. For me, the baggier the jean the more I’ll love them (can’t say I’m not nervous about the skinny jean comeback). I can always count on a […]