Latest Articles
Mother’s Day gifting made easy: Total Food Equipment
Buy for yourself, your mother, or just because. Adding gorgeous equipment to your kitchen and dining spaces never needs a reason. Think appliances, such as a beautiful blue KitchenAid mixer that will make life that much easier, or gorgeous tableware for the next time guests come around. Total Food Equipment has mastered the specialty of […]
The ultimate motorhome & caravan showroom: Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show
If you are dreaming of life on the road, then make a start at the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May. Returning to Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, the South Island’s biggest outdoor lifestyle show is a two-day event, showcasing a variety of exhibitors, including this year more than […]
A bumpy ride: Torque Talk
Speedbumps. Believe it or not, they do come in handy, providing the context is relatively sound. Ben Selby reports. For example, if you have a quiet and long suburban street and there has been a history of excessive speed by some lead-footed motorists down it, no doubt a handful of evenly spaced speed humps will […]
Editor’s Note: Mothers and music
May is a memorable month for several celebrations, not least of which is Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. Most of us have a maternal figure or two in our lives, and on this day often also fondly remember those who have passed. Mother doesn’t just mean the woman who gave birth to you; it relates […]
A veritable car feast
Have you ever seen the film Ronin? Superb acting and plot aside, the highlights for me are the raw car chase scenes, one of which features a BMW M5 E34’s daring getaway through crowded Parisian streets. It’s a great film and if it was re-made, I’d wager the BMW used would be the i5 M60 […]
Combatting heart disease
Eight women die every day in New Zealand from heart disease. This staggering death toll has prompted the Heart Foundation to highlight heart attacks, deeming them a “a critical issue affecting women’s health”. Foundation statistics show that heart disease is the single biggest cause of death among women in New Zealand, claiming the lives of […]
Guitar great Tommy Emmanuel
Legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel played Christchurch in April this year. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to talk life, music, and inspiration. On his first tour to New Zealand in six years, world-renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel left audiences in no doubt that he is a master. A living legend in the world […]
Welcome to our cabins: Loburn Sawmill
Some of us are active relaxers, while for others a comfortable chair and a book is their idea of heaven. Wherever you fit on the activity spectrum, you want a base, somewhere to drop anchor, somewhere to watch the sun go down. If you have sadly accepted that a holiday home of your own is […]
The milky way
Most adults drink milk in one form or another, in their tea or coffee, on their cereal, by the glass, enjoying a wide variety of cow, goat, nut, and plant-based options. Consuming the correct foods after a workout can be an incredibly beneficial tool in your exercise routine. For hydration, muscle protein increases, and to […]
From Here on the Ground: Christchurch Art Gallery
Coming to Christchurch Art Gallery this May, From Here on the Ground is a fascinating collection of art from 20th century Aotearoa artists exploring urban, suburban, and industrial landscapes. From Here on the Ground features works from Christchurch Art Gallery’s collection supplemented by pieces on loan from throughout New Zealand, including some of the country’s […]
Gallic charm and exuberance: Armstrong’s Christchurch
Something really quirky and fun shines through in the French attitude to making cars. Rather than just adhere to simplistic form and function, the French ethos behind creating a vehicle ensures character, eccentric style, plus a sense of enjoyment. Ben Selby reports. This brings us to the new Peugeot 2008 GT, which certainly sports plenty […]
Adding winter warmth with rugs: Carpet Binders, Rugs For All
Days are shorter and colder, and it’s out with the winter woollies. Just as you wrap up to face the cold, so too can you prep your home to add warmth. A simple means of beating the chill is by adding a beautiful area rug or carpet mat into your living areas, workspaces, and bedrooms. […]
PHEV road user charges reduced
The thousands who use them have welcomed the Government’s about-turn on road user charges (RUCs) for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In March, after rigorous complaints about the rates, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced a reduced road user charge of $38 per 1000km, which is half the full RUC rate. Pending regulations had proposed that […]
Let the light in
Mood lighting and ambience go hand in hand when it comes to cold weather. In homes that do not have log burners, lamps can become the focal alternative for recreating that warm, cosy atmosphere that feels like a rainy day and a cup of hot chocolate. Play with lengths and proportions in your home, with […]
Read the latest issue
PAST ISSUE ARCHIVE
Cuisine
Taste & trust: Aroy Thai
Opening a restaurant in difficult times might seem a risky undertaking. With a proven formula, loyal following, and a well-known brand, that risk is considerably reduced. This is the case for Rolleston’s latest eatery, Aroy Thai. The branch becomes the 13th in the chain across the country, in Wellington, Auckland, Napier, and Christchurch. In food, […]
Delicious dining in a natural setting: Gatehouse Café
Much can happen in 18 months, and so it has at one Templeton café where new owners took over in late 2022. Set among mature trees, with spacious outdoor decking, the Gatehouse Café is a delightful discovery, where coffee, meals, and birdsong blend harmoniously in a special urban environment. On the menu are specialties such […]
Supreme winning chocolate
A locally made plant-based chocolate so delicious that it doesn’t taste vegan is New Zealand’s supreme champion outstanding food product. Mind Your Temper’s vegan Black Forest Bonbon, described by judges as ‘faultless’, was named Leefield Station Supreme Champion and Bonbon Champion at this year’s Outstanding Food Producer Awards earlier this month. Crafted from plant-based chocolate […]
Venison Wellington
For colder nights, try this classic Venison Wellington, using a seared tenderloin covered with a mushroom mix, wrapped in prosciutto and pastry and baked to perfection. Cook time: 75 minutes, Serves 6 Ingredients 1kg farm raised venison tenderloin 1 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 10–12 slices prosciutto 4 sheets puff […]
Fashion & Beauty
Combatting heart disease
Eight women die every day in New Zealand from heart disease. This staggering death toll has prompted the Heart Foundation to highlight heart attacks, deeming them a “a critical issue affecting women’s health”. Foundation statistics show that heart disease is the single biggest cause of death among women in New Zealand, claiming the lives of […]
The milky way
Most adults drink milk in one form or another, in their tea or coffee, on their cereal, by the glass, enjoying a wide variety of cow, goat, nut, and plant-based options. Consuming the correct foods after a workout can be an incredibly beneficial tool in your exercise routine. For hydration, muscle protein increases, and to […]
An awesome autumn: Made in the Shade
Autumn fashion for 2024 boasts a pageant of colours guaranteed to turn heads and dispel gloom. This is the season in which women can embrace and express their individuality through their clothes and how they wear them. Made in the Shade excels in helping women find their look, and owner Alison Donn ensures every quality label […]
Hidden oasis in Bishopdale: Acacia Skin Health & Beauty
Imagine escaping to a place where your wellbeing is the only thing that matters; floating weightless in space, with nothing but the stars surrounding you, or just in a peaceful room with soothing music, completely relaxed and carefree. That’s what you can experience at Acacia Beauty, built on the dream of vivacious sisters Azita and […]
Home & Living
Mother’s Day gifting made easy: Total Food Equipment
Buy for yourself, your mother, or just because. Adding gorgeous equipment to your kitchen and dining spaces never needs a reason. Think appliances, such as a beautiful blue KitchenAid mixer that will make life that much easier, or gorgeous tableware for the next time guests come around. Total Food Equipment has mastered the specialty of […]
Make Mother’s Day
Sunday 12 May is Mother’s Day, a time to show mum you care with special treats. Here are some ideas:
Welcome to our cabins: Loburn Sawmill
Some of us are active relaxers, while for others a comfortable chair and a book is their idea of heaven. Wherever you fit on the activity spectrum, you want a base, somewhere to drop anchor, somewhere to watch the sun go down. If you have sadly accepted that a holiday home of your own is […]
Adding winter warmth with rugs: Carpet Binders, Rugs For All
Days are shorter and colder, and it’s out with the winter woollies. Just as you wrap up to face the cold, so too can you prep your home to add warmth. A simple means of beating the chill is by adding a beautiful area rug or carpet mat into your living areas, workspaces, and bedrooms. […]
Build
Creating metal magic
Buildings come in all shapes, sizes, designs, and materials, including an increasing number comprising various types of metal. Copper, roofing iron, and corrugated iron are all popular choices in modern architecture. Contemporary corrugated iron is extremely weatherproof, so it offers an excellent, cost-effective solution in areas exposed to wind, rain, snow, and hot, dry conditions. […]
Stylish townhouses near Riccarton Bush
Ever since the Deans family first settled the historic Riccarton Bush area, it has been a sought-after precinct in which to live. Properties don’t often come on the market there, so they’re quickly snapped up when they do. Even more rare is the opportunity to acquire a lovely new-build home in an older, established area. […]
Amazing architectural fittings: NH Design
Ah, the house hanker phenomenon. On a voyage through the socials, a flip through a gorgeous glossy, or down the rabbit hole of interior design on the internet, we can find ourselves admiring fabulous architectural fittings that just aren’t available in New Zealand. If you have been unable to replicate stunning windows and doors that […]
Solve your warmth problems: Envirosolve
For bringing warmth and ambience to a home, you can’t beat a bionic fire. The elemental nature of fire links us across the millennia. We find a depth of meaning and connection in sitting beside a fire that is just not available from any other heat source. The complexities arise when we need an Ultra […]
ArtScene
The people’s choice
For the second consecutive year, Hazel Rae has won the Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards “People’s Choice”, this year for her work Voyage, a clear favourite among the 350 votes that were cast. A portrait of Hazel’s friend’s grandparents, Voyage tells a story. Rather than following the conventions of traditional portraiture, Hazel embellished the paintings […]
Coming of age: York Street Gallery
Timaru Art Gallery celebrates its 18 year milestone with a fitting exhibition. Yellow gates that lead to a pumpkin orange cottage is what you will see upon visiting the York Street Gallery of Fine Art. Owned and established by sculpture artist Debbie Templeton-Page, it is an eclectic space home to an ever changing collection of […]
The brush and the benefits: Art Metro
Taking time out for your hobbies has mental health benefits and offers a sense of purpose. Art Metro student Sue Shannons is reaping the rewards at her weekly classes. Having always dabbled in art, the classes offered at the local art school sparked Sue’s interest. “I signed up with Art Metro in 2020. I was, […]
Embracing community: Isaac Theatre Royal
The Christchurch arts industry is evolving in leaps and bounds. Entering a new era is the iconic Isaac Theatre Royal. Arenowned venue steeped in history and grandeur, the locally-loved building on 145 Gloucester St is undergoing a transformative shift. No longer merely a space for hire, it is poised to become a vibrant hub of […]
Business
A flood of visitors
Large international conferences are being attracted to Christchurch for its world-acclaimed new infrastructure, appealing setting and local expertise. With a series of high-profile conferences back-to-back, May is set to be high-paced for many local businesses in what is traditionally a quiet, off-peak tourism month. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is hosting 8255 delegates during May, […]
Life’s essentials: White Fox & Jones
Now is the time to review your will and enduring power of attorney. It’s not something that we like to think about, but having an up-to-date will is as important as renewing your home insurance policy. We cannot predict when the worst might happen, and without a will the Administration Act 1969 dictates asset distribution […]
Businesses optimistic
The results of MYOB’s Annual Business Monitor for 2024 show that Canterbury-based businesses are feeling more optimistic and expecting a stronger performance in the year ahead. The nationwide survey of 1000+ SME business owners and leaders revealed that New Zealand SME confidence has improved markedly on this time last year. More than a third (36%) […]
Here to help you: NZ Mortgages
Well, the property market never sits still. The past few weeks have brought significant changes, with the OCR holding at 5.5% as of 10 April, providing more stability to the market. As the rates hold, we can expect them to come down towards the end of the year. Other changes include notably the Bright-line test […]
One on One
Editor’s Note: Mothers and music
May is a memorable month for several celebrations, not least of which is Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. Most of us have a maternal figure or two in our lives, and on this day often also fondly remember those who have passed. Mother doesn’t just mean the woman who gave birth to you; it relates […]
Guitar great Tommy Emmanuel
Legendary guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel played Christchurch in April this year. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with him to talk life, music, and inspiration. On his first tour to New Zealand in six years, world-renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel left audiences in no doubt that he is a master. A living legend in the world […]
Launching love with Emily Heazlewood
Changing the dating scene with her matchmaking application, Christchurch entrepreneur Emily Heazlewood has a knack for turning ideas into reality – or apps. She catches up with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker on sacrifice, self-teaching, and saying yes. People are talking about love. Relationship dynamics and meaningful connections are hot topics. The Japanese government even […]
Happily evolving with Judy Bailey
From mother of the nation to doting grandmother and author has been a rewarding transition for former television newsreader/journalist Judy Bailey. Along the way she has returned to her first love of writing, as she explains to Metropol Editor, Lynda Papesch. Almost 20 years have passed since TVNZ broadcaster Judy Bailey signed off her final […]