Eat, drink, & be merry!
Before we merry make, we decorate. These key elements still leave room for personal preference and make styling your festive tablescape simple. REMEMBER: Christmas isn’t one size fits all – it’s entirely interpretive. Ignore the traditional customs and ask what Christmas could look like if it was all up to you. Utilise […]
5 great foods for gut health
From the moment we’re born, our gut microbiome’s role in the body begins. There’s still much to learn about the trillions of micro-organisms – bacteria, viruses and fungi – that exist in our gastrointestinal tract, but the science has already revealed some fascinating associations between them and the healthy functioning of just about […]
Priscilla’s new purpose
Priscilla Presley grew into womanhood in isolation and restriction. On 19 November at the Isaac Theatre Royal, ‘An Evening with Priscilla Presley: Life After Elvis’ takes back control of her own narrative – a privilege she wasn’t often afforded during her time with the King of Rock and Roll. The resilient Ms Presley […]
No bottles, no bull: Brianne West’s next big thing
From kitchen-table experiments to multi-million dollar exits, Brianne West has built a career on shaking up wasteful industries. First beauty, now beverages. The Christchurch entrepreneur, environmentalist, and reluctant rich-lister tells deputy editor Tamara Pitelen how, with her new venture Incrediballs, she’s taking on Big Soda. In 2020, Christchurch entrepreneur and environmentalist Brianne West […]
The power of resilience – Jake Bailey
At age 18, Jake Bailey was told he could be dead within two weeks from the fastest-growing cancer known to man. Days later, he delivered his end-of-year speech at Christchurch Boys’ High School. The video went viral. Today, at the 10-year anniversary of that watershed experience, he talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara […]
Baked Brie
A hot, melty wheel of brie is one of those things that will always go down well. From the ‘Seasoned’ cookbook, this recipe takes literally zero effort and everyone always goes wild for it. INGREDIENTS – Serves 4 | GF 1 wheel brie of your choice 70ml of your favourite honey and chilli […]
Rhubarb, raspberry & ginger strudel braid
A beautifully braided pastry, bursting with tart rhubarb, juicy raspberries and warming ginger, all wrapped in golden puff pastry with a sweet almond crunch. From Nadia Lim’s latest book, it’s an eye-catching dessert or morning-tea treat that’s easier to make than it looks. SERVES 6 to 8 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: […]
Adversity to elegance: Maree Hynes
Now a thriving design destination, Maree Hynes Interiors has come a long way from its beginnings in a mobile curtains van. The woman behind it all looks back on a 30-year South Canterbury legacy. From humble beginnings to building one of the South Island’s most admired interior design brands, Maree Hynes’ story is […]
Homegrown fashion
Christchurch’s inaugural Spring Fashion Festival just wrapped. It wouldn’t be a fashion week without a trend report, writes Metropol editor Nina Tucker. In its three days of glory, the festival uplevelled our city’s sartorial spirit. If not for the energised street style I witnessed on the ground, it left inspiration for the art […]
Sir Dave Dobbyn: Selected Songs
Sir Dave Dobbyn – Selected Songs At the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, 9 November 2025 Reviewed by Ian Knott. Photo credit: George Thomson / Live Nation Aotearoa – @Georgetommo / @livenationaotearoa When it comes to New Zealand music legends, few come bigger than the somewhat ironically diminutive Sir Dave Dobbyn. With a career […]
