Break out the secateurs

Autumn in New Zealand gardens is often a time to start bringing out the loppers, secateurs, and shredders, and start the big prune. A s temperatures drop, so too do the leaves of many deciduous and seasonal plants, shrubs, and trees. Avid gardeners deadhead flowering species regularly, gaining up to three flowerings during spring and […]

Turn on the sun

As at December 2022, almost 46,000 solar power systems had been installed in New Zealand. For new installations added in December 2022, the average residential system size was 5.7 kW and the average commercial system was 38.4 kW The benefits of using solar energy are constantly extolled, and many new builds are set up for […]

Vinnies to open housing project

The Society of St Vincent de Paul, Christchurch (Vinnies), in collaboration with St John of God Hauora Trust, will officially open its first social housing facility on Pavitt Street on 3 March. Spokesperson Mike Daly says the opening is the conclusion of a four year project to fund raise and construct the seven apartments that […]

The making of a legend – Janine Morrell-Gunn

Christchurch television producer, businesswoman and philanthropist Janine Morrell-Gunn is officially a Kiwi legend, and an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Lynda Papesch finds them well-deserved honours. “What’s it like being a legend,” I asked Janine Morrell-Gunn. She laughs. “Old,” she says, quickly qualifying that she usually equates the legend concept to history, […]

Traverse Taranaki

Taranaki has played a foundational role throughout Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. Located halfway between Auckland and Wellington, Taranaki is a diverse region that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors. The coastal city of New Plymouth is the largest in the region and boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with galleries, museums, […]

Fall into style

Autumn fashion is all about embracing cosy and comfortable clothing that will keep you warm during the season’s cool, crisp days. As the leaves change colour and the temperature drops, it’s time to swap out your summer dresses and sandals for cosy sweaters, boots, and scarves. Popular autumn colours include burgundy, olive green, and plumy […]

Time for a tramp

Looking for new ways to stay active that don’t feel like a chore? Metropol has the rundown on two of Canterbury’s best walking tracks. Washpen Falls 590 Washpen Road, Windwhistle 7572. Washpen Falls encompasses the aura of Abel Tasman tracks without the hassle of travel. Situated on a working farm, this loop walk takes you […]

Strawberry tart recipe

Impress your loved ones with a gorgeous strawberry tart, perfect as a centrepiece dessert for home dining. This delectable treat is crafted from a buttery pastry base and topped with luscious crème pâtissière. Ingredients 125g softened unsalted butter 85g icing sugar 1 egg 200g plain flour 100g strawberry jam 500g strawberries 2 Tbsp apricot jam […]

Luxurious haven

Your bedroom is a sanctuary for your peace of mind (and sleep). Having a luxurious space to wind down in every night is one way to achieve this. Here are a few ways to turn up the luxury. Linen Beautiful bed linen not only looks great but feels great too. The relaxed, undone look of […]

Changing the game

Winning the Rugby World Cup was the end goal for the Black Ferns in 2022’s competition, but taking the victory together is something Alana and Chelsea Bremner will never forget. Metropol’s Nina Tucker catches up with the Little River rugby stars about what the win means for women’s rugby, how life is looking following the […]