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, […]

Crowning glory Susi Meares

Susi Meares’ passion for hats and headpieces has taken her into the captivating realm of high-fashion headwear, even without a background in fashion or millinery. Metropol’s deputy editor Daniella Judge unravels Susi’s story. One of New Zealand’s most prominent headwear designers and owner of Seventh & Figg,  Susi’s career began with her love […]

To foster or adopt

Have you been watching too many cute cat videos or The Dog House recently? Does now feel like the right time to bring a furry friend into your life? After weighing up the costs and responsibilities, it might be worth considering fostering or adopting a pet. Foster Foster homes are often sought for […]

Resilience expert Dr Lucy Hone

Director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience, Dr Lucy Hone is also an academic researcher, author, and contributor to Psychology Today. Metropol deputy editor Daniella Judge chats to her about why she chose resilience psychology, and her top tips for coping with challenge, change, and loss. Originally from London, Lucy […]

Fruity wee salads

Fruit is a welcome ingredient in many salads, and we’re not just talking desserts. Fresh, frozen, or even tinned, many fruits add extra dimensions to time-honoured savoury vegetable salads. A classic example is a Waldorf salad with apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Variations include using dried fruits, such as raisins and dates. Fresh […]

The best summer yet – in Kaikōura

This summer, write a checklist to ensure you maximise your enjoyment of the warmer weather. Kaikōura, two-and-a-half hours drive from Christchurch, is an exciting and adventure-filled destination for an outstanding summer holiday. Take a look at our Kaikōura summer checklist, and tick off all 10 items to create truly special moments with friends […]

Happening in Hanmer

A typical tourist spot, Hanmer Springs is also so much more. Between water and land, the Canterbury-favourite destination has plenty to fill your calendar and your cup. Start with a pre-Christmas weekend trip to the Alpine Marathon on 2 December. A great challenge to start your summer, it’s an energetic way to enthusiastically […]

Showing up with Tracy Ahern

Everyone loves a show, and Tracy Ahern is no exception. Metropol editor Lynda Papesch caught up with her ahead of The New Zealand Agricultural Show, for which she is general manager. Tracy Ahern loves animals and shows, and it is just as well. Tracy spends her mornings, afternoons, and sometimes weekends, planning around […]

Not your usual ride

This may look like a regular Audi Q5, except it actually isn’t.  The Q5 has been a mainstay of the Audi family for many-a-moon, being a strong seller in the uber-competitive premium mid-sized SUV sector for over a decade. As the Ingolstadt brand moves towards a more electrifying future, the Q5 is the […]

Magazine maestro Trevor Laplanche

Businessman, entrepreneur, and latterly a keen retiree, Trevor Laplanche is also the founder of Metropol magazine. Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him, amid the magazine’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Once upon a time, Trevor Laplanche’s days were filled with selling, printing, and business. Now family and friends, travel, golf, boating, cars, art, and […]