SWAN SONS
Tom, Ike and Cosmo Sylvester are the sons of one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated fashion designers – Kate Sylvester. More than that, they’re a trio moulding their parents’ thirty-year-old fashion house into its contemporary future. They chat with Metropol editor Nina Tucker about imposter syndrome, a life-changing accident, and their new store in […]
The book of love: Romance author Rosie Richards
With 130 books published and 10 million copies sold in 30 countries, Canterbury romance writer Rosie Richards is Aotearoa’s most prolific author. Now based in Akaroa and contracted to produce a new book every 10 weeks, Rosie talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about fear, love and romance shaming. Rosie Richards – […]
Inspire: Paul Wright
“Practise 20 seconds of courage every day.” That’s the advice of businessman Paul Wright to conquer every challenge in life – exemplified by his own success in a leadership team taking Harcourts from 12 branches nationwide to almost 1000 across 10 countries. Metropol editor Nina Tucker talks to the man investing all his […]
Barely coping: Dr Jo Prendergast
Juggling too many balls? Struggling to keep on top of everything? You’re not alone. Women across Canterbury are living on the brink, caught in the #coping epidemic. “I kept hearing the same phrase from clients,” says Christchurch psychiatrist and comedian Dr Jo Prendergast. “They’d say, ‘I’m coping… but only just. Not thriving. Not […]
Loco for cocoa: Mind Your Temper
Going to the dark side isn’t a bad thing when you’re talking about chocolate. From melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffles to whipped chocolate creams, ganache, caramels, bon bons, pralines, and more, Valentine’s and Galentine’s is the perfect excuse to go chocolate crazy. Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen gets the lowdown on what’s hot in local […]
Apricot tarte tatin
Golden, sticky and best enjoyed warm, this apricot tarte tatin captures a Canterbury summer at its sweetest – sun-ripened fruit, long evenings and just enough indulgence. INGREDIENTS 6–8 ripe apricots, halved, stones removed 1/2 cup sugar (white or light brown) 50g butter 1 tsp vanilla Optional twist (choose one): lemon zest or thyme […]
Ayrburn Classic: through the judge’s lens
Excitement doesn’t even begin to cover it, writes Metropol’s motoring expert and now Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring judge Ben Selby. After a successful first running in 2025, the Ayrburn Classic returns for another year. From 20 to 22 February in the picturesque surroundings of Central Otago’s Wakatipu Basin, Ayrburn, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle […]
Mike Pero builds a home for John Britten’s legacy
You’ll know the name, and if not that, the radio jingle. But Christchurch entrepreneur Mike Pero has moved on from high-flying business deals – instead, choosing passion over profit. His time, energy and resources are now directed into preserving the legacy of one of the city’s original innovators: engineer and motorcycle designer John […]
Yogi bare: Renee Stewart heart & soul
Defining wellness on her own terms, dancer and yogi Renee Stewart is bringing her mindful movement teachings to Christchurch. Speaking with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen, she reveals how spirituality runs strong in her maternal line and that Saturn’s return cracked her open. As the daughter of supermodel Rachel Hunter and musician Rod […]
CLOUD DANCER. Curated by Nina Tucker
A classic, wardrobe-essential hue, Pantone’s colour of the year, Cloud Dancer, materialises in boundless range for your 2026 fashion wishlist. Let it be a blank canvas – one that encourages a fresh era of self-expressive dressing.
