Bee a host
Our precious pollinators are facing a homelessness crisis, having lost much of their natural habitat due to urban development, change of land use, and intensive farming. You can help by putting a bee hotel in your garden. Good bee hotels mimic the natural cavities that solitary bees would use, such as holes in wood or […]
A makeup mix-up: Kasia Stanicich
Kasia Stanicich holds a lifetime of knowledge in the beauty realm. What was once promoting her makeup artistry online, has morphed into a world of tips and tricks, capsule wardrobes, and brand trips. Metropol writer Nina Tucker catches up with her about how she balances it all. When the young Kasia finished school, she planned […]
Summer sunscreen savvy
Every year, 80,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with skin cancer; the highest incidence in the world. What’s worse, our ‘she’ll be right’ attitude makes this fact unsurprising. Just last year, a new law was introduced, cracking down on the criteria that sunscreens need to meet, to be sold to the public. This means some of […]
Caring and sharing: Kate Reid
A huge field, palliative care is at the forefront of Kate Reid’s working career. She talks to Metropol writer Céline Gibson about how, and why. One of Kate Reid’s favourite pleasure pursuits is classic motoring in her MG sportscar. She can be seen, kitted out in helmet and overalls, completing laps around a race track, […]
Slip the sandals out
Time to free the toes and buy a fresh pair of sandals for the warmer months. Sandals look especially boho with a fluttery white summer dress or a fitted brown tank dress. Don’t forget to adorn your feet with an anklet, toe ring, and a bright pop of nail polish to look put together, even […]
Home truths with Kevin McCloud
BAFTA award-winning broadcaster, television host, writer, environmentalist, amateur balloonist, and storyteller, Kevin McCloud will visit Christchurch in February 2024, for an evening of insights, entertainment, and anecdotes. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch looks at what drives him. Chances are if you enjoy watching home shows, here and abroad, you will have seen British design guru Kevin […]
From sports to uni students Cate Sexton
Two years ago, Cate Sexton finished the mammoth task of helping facilitate the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Now, she’s tackling a new adventure, at the helm of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association (UCSA). Metropol writer Nina Tucker chats with her about her latest move. Jumping from the high performance sports arena to tertiary […]
Jacob Yikes painting the town
When the Christchurch earthquakes hit, our city became rubble and ruin. People rallied from far and wide to help, among them several artists. Metropol writer Nina Tucker talks to one of them. In February 2011, each broken building and empty wall became a reminder of what once was. Until it wasn’t. Jacob Yikes was one […]
Visit historic Kaiwara Homestead
An open weekend at historic Kaiwara Homestead, on 18 and 19 November, will delight gardeners and history buffs everywhere. Metropol writer Céline Gibson has a sneak peek at what’s in store. Arare opportunity to view one of Canterbury’s finest farming properties, two consecutive open days at Kaiwara Homestead in Culverden will also benefit the […]
Cartoonist’s slice of heaven
Farmer, rugby player, and much-loved cartoonist, Murray Ball has been brought to life in a new book by his son Mason. Murray Ball: A Cartoonist’s Life, written by Mason Ball is a warm and humorous first biography of Murray. It tells the story of how Murray became the leading cartoonist of his generation, how his […]