Radical acceptance with Kirsten Ellis

Moving forward is an impossibly heavy task after losing a partner. For Kirsten Ellis, it became the only way out of losing herself to grief. Soon, she would become a business scholarship award-winner and triple her business’ revenue, all while navigating parenthood alone. She tells Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker how. Losing her husband Austin […]

Healthy skin with skinimalism

Just a few years ago, having hundreds of different products and targeting every possible skin issue was all the rage. Now, ‘skinimalism’ is in. Rooted in the idea that ‘less is more’, skinimalism strips away the unnecessary steps in your skincare routine in favour of products that are more effective and efficient. It’s like applying […]

Hanmer for the holidays

If you are in desperate need of a spot that fosters relaxation while stimulating adventure, Hanmer Springs has it all. For a week, a weekend, or just a day, it is a quintessential Canterbury holiday location, one we will never get sick of. Serenity and leisure make up the atmosphere in Hanmer, while the thrill […]

Warm for winter

While their warm coats help to keep the chill at bay, pets still feel the cold when the temperatures plummet. Especially true for older, thinner, or short-haired pets, the cold weather increases the risk of illness and sore joints, and an unsettled, unhappy pet. Even if they are kept primarily inside, heat rises, and if […]

Cosy colours

Decorating to add a cosy feel to home interiors during winter doesn’t necessarily mean splashing hot colours around. Red may add the illusion of heat, yet so too will darker blues, greens, browns, and even purples will add a feeling of warmth, and help to create a more intimate atmosphere. Think deep, rich jewel colours […]

Outerwear for him and her

Head out in complementing colours and coats, making use of the deep, cocooning hues that emerge in both women’s and men’s fashion as the weather cools. Embrace dark palettes with chestnut browns, metallic golds, and deep greens, opting for colours that prove versatile year-round. Pair with moments of glossy black for that chic New York […]

Break out the bowls

Warming, nourishing, and comforting, soup might almost be the perfect meal. At home, work, and even exploring Canterbury’s great outdoors, soup is a highly versatile meal, making it great for any weather, and particularly welcoming during autumn and winter. Soup makes excellent use of leftovers, and can be cooked in large batches and frozen for […]

Comedic cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast

Lyttelton psychiatrist, comedian, author and cancer survivor, Dr Jo Prendergast explains her special brand of “tumour humour” to Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch. Witty, a bit silly, and fairly dead pan are apt descriptives for Jo Prendergast’s special brand of humour. Known as a ‘clean’ comedian, Jo explains that her comedy seems to be relatable to […]

People, places, photos

Freeze in time one of the best days of your life, all with a fabulous photographer. To remember the people, the places, and the intimate moments that you shared throughout your day. Capturing their memories, many just-married Cantabrians have called on the expertise of local photographers to forever remember their weddings. Between the planned shots […]

Kitchen things

Setting up a tablescape to entertain friends is as exhilarating as exercising in new workout gear, when you have updated utensils and décor to accessorise with. Utilising the kitchen colours of the season, sage greens, calming neutrals, and natural woods, you can bring together a beautifully styled kitchen just like you would a new wardrobe. […]