Toitū Te Tiriti – Nina Tucker
by Metropol | February 4, 2026 8:33 am
Waitangi Day is a time for New Zealanders to come together and recognise the Treaty of Waitangi’s significance in our past, present and future.
Yes, it’s lovely that the public holiday also means many of us snag a day off work, but what it represents is so much more central to our lives in Aotearoa. So, if you’re reading this in time to enjoy and celebrate the weekend, head along to the free events at Okains Bay and Kate Sheppard House.
What follows it on the calendar is the global day of love: Valentine’s Day (and the best time of year to shop, and gift, gourmet chocolate). Whether you lean into and love-bomb your Valentine with romance, or treat it like any other day, Canterbury is home to lovers in all shapes or forms – and did you know we have a local romance writer who’s sold over 10 million copies? (See page 12).
For me, Valentine’s Day cheesiness materialises in the form of homemade heart-shaped pizza. You’ll find my recipe on page 50. For the sweet tooth, award-winning local chocolatier (and the artisan behind our front cover), Nel Vincencio shares his super easy square truffle recipe (page 39).
If you’re looking for a romantic, yet equally platonic day out in the city, Flare Street Art’s beloved festival returns again from 8 to 18 February. This year, the initiative is called Sea Signals, to unite the power of creativity and ocean conservation. Watch Christchurch become a canvas of change where artists transform blank walls into murals and messages of moana, climate resilience, and kaitiakitanga.
Farther afield (pun intended), we’ve listed a few of Canterbury’s flower farms, where you can escape the busy city and immerse yourself in beautiful blooms. Fill your bucket and take them home. Beyond that, this issue bundles up your dinner spot, date night dress, and the perfect gift all in one fell swoop.
If that hasn’t sweetened you up, it might be iconic New Zealand fashion designer Kate Sylvester’s trailblazing sons that do it for you. Or, local businessman Paul Wright who’s spent 15 years giving back to Christchurch’s youth with his charity, Inspire Foundation. All around us exists such humble success stories – Kiwis with courage, tenacity, and desire to make a difference. I’m inspired by them, and I hope you will be too.
Finally, I hope you love our gorgeous new look, we’ve gone glossy. New year, new us!
Happy Waitangi Day, and happy Valentine’s.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/toitu-te-tiriti-nina-tucker/