Behind Nyree Huyser’s sound
Christchurch-based vocalist Nyree Huyser is no stranger to the stage. Her rich, soulful sound commands attention and powerhouse vocals are her signature. Behind the spotlight is a story that spans continents, careers, and a powerful reconnection with the music that first moved her, Metropol writer Hannah Brown discovers. It wasn’t until Nyree Huyser discovered the […]
Little India’s legacy
A rogan josh experiment one Friday night in 1988 Dunedin was the seed of Little India, a family-owned group of Indian restaurants that now spans the country. This isn’t just a business story though; Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen discovers a legacy built on hard work, migration, and an unshakable belief in family. In 1988, […]
Instant pick-me-up: Chocolate mug cake
Need instant indulgence? This microwave chocolate mug cake steps in to serve our sugar cravings when we need a quick lift. INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup flour 1/8 cup sugar 2 Tbsp cocoa powder 1/8 tsp baking powder 3 Tbsp milk 2 Tbsp oil (such as avocado, rice bran or coconut). 1/2 tsp vanilla 1-2 Tbsp water […]
Gingerbread cookies: Good Bitches Baking cookbook recipe
From the Good Bitches Baking cookbook, local baker Judith Varga shares her recipe for Mézeskalács – often translated as ‘gingerbread’ but directly translating to ‘honey cake’. INGREDIENTS | Makes 100 250g honey 300g butter 300g light brown sugar 3+1 eggs (keep the last egg for glazing, optional) 1kg flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 large […]
4 family-friendly snow spots
Ski, snowboard, or spectate while beautiful white peaks watch over you – discover the places Canterbury families favour when it comes to enjoying the snow. Mt Hutt Crowned New Zealand’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards for 10 consecutive years, Mt Hutt understands the importance of a family-friendly snow experience. Four freestyle terrain […]
Birds of our backyard
Birds act as backyard barometers, indicating the health of the environment surrounding us. How does Canterbury shape up? Thousands of garden birds were counted in last year’s longest running citizen science project, the New Zealand Garden Bird Survey. After months of number-crunching, Manaaki Whenua has released the findings. Across the region, a record 983 gardens […]
Surprising menopause symptoms
It’s not just weight gain and hot flushes, menopause has a host of unusual symptoms, as Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen knows only too well. Hot flushes, weight gain and mood swings may steal the spotlight (got the t-shirt, ate the cookies…), yet menopause comes with a surprising array of lesser-known symptoms that can catch […]
The snuggle is real: Protecting pets in winter
Professionals at finding the cosiest spot in the house, pets seek warmth in winter to escape the cold. Inching closer to the heat source, our pets become at risk of serious but unexpected burns or injuries – and are often completely oblivious to the danger. Cases of winter-related pet injuries are not just common but […]
Snow fever fashion
Show the snow who’s boss. Whether you shred the slopes or admire them, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be the centre of style attention. Layer with cashmere and merino to brace the chill and pair matching snow sets to stay chic.
Stalwart Chrissy Mauger
Warm, welcoming, and impeccably dressed, Christchurch’s mayoress Chrissy Mauger flies under the radar – a picture of poise supporting the city’s head honcho. Metropol editor Nina Tucker pulls back the curtain on her strength, stability and enduring smile. A radiant Chrissy Mauger guided me into her Avonhead home, a space that immediately reflected her commitment […]