Flower farming for wellbeing

University-stressed and soul-searching Jaz Rule looked to nature for a spark during lockdowns. Instead, she found everything she’d ever needed to overcome anxiety and the pressures flooding her. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out why. Lost and confused, deep into a degree in human services and sociology, Jaz pondered her purpose. Online […]

A lot of Lotus

It’s the end of an era for Lotus. The coveted Hethel-based sports car brand founded by the late great Colin Chapman has made the decision to transition towards an all electric future. Ben Selby reports. That said, Lotus’ internal combustion is not going out quietly. Say hello to the Emira, the last petrol […]

Flowers for food flaunting

Edible flowers and their trimmings are a simple way to add colour and charm to any dish. Edible is the key word here. Simply plucking a posy of pretty wildflowers is not the way to go. Many flowers are naturally poisonous, some will have been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides, or encountered toxic […]

Bruce Ullrich: The man, the legacy

With the launch of his captivating, historically rich, autobiography ‘My Arena’, Bruce Ullrich, OBE, relives some of our proudest moments, such as the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Metropol writer Natalia Macrides-Pantos reports. One lives a life of limited innings, so why not go for the six? When you’re Bruce Ullrich you simply roll up […]

Easy Crayfish Bisque

Crayfish Bisque is an excellent way to get the most out of your Christmas crays, using the leftover shells for a homemade stock. Try it as an entrée, or showcase it as the main meal. Ingredients 6 Tbsp butter 6 Tbsp flour 1/2 Tsp salt 1/2 Tsp celery salt 1/4 Tsp ground black […]

Just peachy

Pantone have announced that their pick for Colour of the Year 2024 is Peach Fuzz. A hue ‘softly nestled between pink and orange’, it contrasts well with various shades of green and blue, with neutrals such as white, gray, and beige, and with metallic rose gold, silver, and pewter. Various shades of red […]

Kaylee Bell is killing it

Holding the reigning title of ‘Most Streamed Female Country Artist for Australasia,’ Kaylee Bell tells Metropol writer Daniella Judge about how she forged an electrifying career in country music. If you attended any of Ed Sheeran’s Mathematics tour shows in Aotearoa, Kaylee Bell will be no stranger, opening for the much-loved singer songwriter. […]

Next stop: North Canterbury

Small towns, beachside villages, and as many breaths of fresh air as one could want. North Canterbury is a haven escape from the city, yet close enough to still feel like home. The cafés and retail shops nestled amongst the gorgeous greenery are the cherry on top of a day spent exploring our […]

Sink in, and swing

Often, what keeps us from spending long amounts of time outside is comfort. Most of us would prefer to be curled up on a couch instead of a hard deck chair. With a hanging egg chair, you can relax in comfort outside, while enjoying fresh air and a garden view. The allure of […]

Porch plants

Spruce up a bland pergola or porch with these eye-catching plants, which are made to hang. Wisteria Wisteria will add enchantment to your outdoor space. Choose a position in full sun and protected from strong winds. They are vigorous climbers, and the added support of the pergola to twist around is vital. UPKEEP: […]