History, adventure and culture await in Oamaru

Three hours south of Christchurch, Oamaru is North Otago’s largest city with a rich history. Its origins, dating back to the gold rush era and Victorian days, are still reflected in a multitude of buildings and ongoing activities within the city and its nearby environs. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precinct, where you will […]

In the know: 90 Day Trial Periods

This is my first column, offering some advice and commentary about employment law, for small to medium-sized Canterbury employers. The recent Employment Relations Authority decision involving Olivia Farrelly and Advance Office Products highlights the need for good employment law advice. Olivia was interviewed twice, then offered a job to provide customer support, mostly by phone. […]

Winter slopes are calling

With Father’s Day the first Sunday in September, and a sparkling white layer of snow blanketing many popular destinations, why not combine the two and head for the slopes? There are plenty of picturesque slopes to hike up and down. Of course, the “dad” in your life could always do with some new gear to […]

Your Inner Winter Warrior

With the chill well and truly here for a while, sticking to your training routine or healthy eating plan, typically becomes tough, especially when the winter blues settle in. It’s no secret that comfort food cravings kick in when the mercury drops, and it’s all too easy to lose track of your fitness goals – […]

Spice it up

Nothing beats fresh, but many herbs are seasonal, and spices not readily produced in New Zealand. That’s where a spice box comes in handy. Fill it with dried and powdered herbs and spices, keep it handy to the cooktop and add a dash here and there for heat, taste and zing, especially in ethnic recipes. […]

Panna Cotta with Arpeggio Ganache

Makes 6 portions Prep time: 90 minutes Chill Overnight Courtesy of Nespresso & Ben Bayly. Arpeggio ganache 200ml cream 160ml milk 2 x 40ml Espresso extractions Arpeggio 80ml egg yolk (room temp) 40g sugar 290g dark chocolate 5g leaves gelatine (bloomed in cold water) Place cream, milk and Arpeggio into a pan and warm to […]

Soak and Relax

Spa pools, hot tubs, and jacuzzis – they have several different names, but all lead to the same relaxation. Is a spa worth getting? That depends on how often you plan on using it. For most people, it is worth the money if used regularly, and maintained properly. Unused, it may prove an expensive waste […]

It’s Electrifying

The eagerly anticipated all-electric Rolls Royce Spectre is fast heading towards completion, with the latest round of tests for the “electric super coupé” along the French Riviera. Spectre unlocks the extraordinary potential of integrating a fully electric powertrain into our architecture of luxury platform,” says the company’s director of engineering, Dr Mihiar Ayoubi. “Our testing […]

Key to our city

For three years now, Ross Steele has had the task of bringing Te Pae Christchurch to the attention of the rest of the world, especially those in the market for conferences. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch checks in to see what he’s been up to. Responsible for successfully marketing Te Pae Christchurch as an international conferences, […]

Fortune favours the bold

Whatever age or stage of life, starting up your own business is not for the faint-hearted. While the autonomy of self-employment tempts many, it takes a lot of pluck to swap job security for the unknowns of going it alone. For Kerry Jackson, founder of M.M Linen, it was a challenge she was up for. […]