Latest Articles
One year on: A celebration of past, present and future – Isaac Theatre Royal
The heart of Ōtautahi keeps beating. One year ago, on 17 November 2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal opened its doors for a once-in-a-lifetime night. “Glittering under the chandeliers, we gathered to celebrate a decade since the Grand Old Lady’s post-earthquake reopening – ten years of healing, artistry, and the unwavering aroha of Ōtautahi,” […]
Bowled over: Lawn bowls
Christchurch is set to host the Summerset Bowls New Zealand Singles and Pairs Competition from 2 to 9 January 2026. Head along and see what lawn bowls is about, while supporting some of Canterbury’s own bowlers. “It is an honour that bowling clubs within Canterbury have the opportunity to host the Bowls New […]
Golden agers: Transition Navigators
Older life brings major changes, and one Christchurch company is on hand to help make these transitions as smooth as possible. F rom making the decision to downsize and sell the family home to suddenly finding yourself single after decades with the same person, older age introduces several major life events. To navigate […]
Play local: Lawn bowls
In New Zealand, 43,000 registered members and 126,000 casual participants across more than 450 clubs enjoy a game of lawn bowls – and you could be one of them. O riginating in ancient Egypt, and played in England since the 13th century, bowls has been a popular sport in New Zealand since 1861 […]
Understanding SPF
Warm weather means the topic of sunscreen loops back into everyday life. Contributor Ellie Lovegrove breaks it down – slip, slop, slap and wrap just got simpler. Yes, we should be applying SPF 365 days a year, but selecting the right one can be an overwhelming experience amidst a sea of options. Staring […]
Steve’s scene: Is Christchurch the coolest city?
Internationally renowned music publicist and consultant, and Dolly Parton’s publicist across New Zealand and Australia, Metropol columnist Steve Guest shares the latest in our creative industry. Christchurch has been labelled the coolest city in New Zealand, and I think we can all agree. Lewis Capaldi just wowed fans at the sold out Wolfbrook […]
What defined fashion in 2025
Metropol editor Nina Tucker recaps the year that was, sartorially of course. I t’s been penned the ‘year of musical chairs’ – 2025 has been hard to keep up with for those designing at luxury fashion houses. With more than 20 leading brands changing creative hands, some directorships lasting just one season (think […]
Collector’s edition – Aston Martin Vanquish
The first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish stands out in the back catalogue of one of the most coveted brands in motoring, writes Ben Selby. This is one luxurious drive. The Vanquish marks a transition period for Astons of old, teasing where the company would be headed with the dawn of the 21st century. Adding […]
A social summer: Serve Social
Friendly competition – or maybe not so much – it’s what the Kiwi summer is made of. Think ping pong, darts, escape rooms, Serve Social is the home of eat, drink, and play this summer. Their interactive darts is perfect for groups of two to 32 players, complete with software to run a […]
BEACH BABE – by Nina Tucker
Who needs a Euro summer when you can dress the part? These breezy seaside staples will have you feeling beach-babe-beautiful for days on the boat, at the bach, in the sand or on the sea. SHORE-BOUND STYLE Don’t sleep on accessories this summer – from sandals, sarongs, straw hats and sunscreen to a […]
Blue space: The healing power of water
Metropol contributor Cosette Calder dives into blue space and its emergence as a powerful, practical tool for mental health. While ‘green space’ signifies natural environments like parks, forests and gardens, a blue space refers to any natural or manmade water body, such as oceans, estuaries lakes, rivers, dams, canals and even smaller bodies […]
Simplicity at its best: Fraemohs Homes
Clean lines, natural timber, and homes built to last never go out of style – and when we talk about style, Scandinavians do it best. For sixty years, one Scandinavian name has been synonymous with blending craftsmanship and innovation to create spaces that both inspire and endure. We can thank Monni Fraemohs who […]
Holiday shenanigans: Fun for all the family
There’s no reason why the holidays can’t be fun for everyone in the family – here are six activities that adults will love as much as the kids. Swimming off the Wānaka Wharf The Wānaka Wharf located on the lakefront in the centre of town, is a popular swimming spot and a family […]
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Cuisine
Popular pastry: Gorgeous Food
How do you spot a popular bakery? Find one with a door constantly opening and closing as a steady unstoppable stream of customers enters. T hat is certainly the case at Gorgeous Food, the family-run specialty bakery on Springs Road. Home to the same tried and tested home recipes for nearly 20 years, […]
The bees nees: Colony at the Crossing
Close your eyes and imagine a honey crème liqueur with the maltiness of West Coast’s native forests. Drooling yet? Summer calls for socialising and charcuterie board platters. Show your foodie skills with New Zealand-made products that make a scrumptious addition to alfresco dining, as well as the perfect gifts for those hard to […]
Hanoi joy: Hanoi 90s
Keen for a taste of Vietnamese without having to leave the country? Ethnic restaurants bring us the opportunity to enjoy the culture and cuisine of different countries from the comfort of our city. Take Vietnam for example. The taste of its vibrant street food culture is now available in Rolleston with Hanoi 90s, […]
Pairing wine & seafood
You’ve probably heard the old saying, ‘white wine with white meat, and red wine with red meat’ but what kind of wine should you pair with fish or shellfish? Summer is the perfect time for seafood, and in New Zealand, we enjoy an incredible bounty of kaimoana from cod to crab and everything […]
Fashion & Beauty
Understanding SPF
Warm weather means the topic of sunscreen loops back into everyday life. Contributor Ellie Lovegrove breaks it down – slip, slop, slap and wrap just got simpler. Yes, we should be applying SPF 365 days a year, but selecting the right one can be an overwhelming experience amidst a sea of options. Staring […]
What defined fashion in 2025
Metropol editor Nina Tucker recaps the year that was, sartorially of course. I t’s been penned the ‘year of musical chairs’ – 2025 has been hard to keep up with for those designing at luxury fashion houses. With more than 20 leading brands changing creative hands, some directorships lasting just one season (think […]
BEACH BABE – by Nina Tucker
Who needs a Euro summer when you can dress the part? These breezy seaside staples will have you feeling beach-babe-beautiful for days on the boat, at the bach, in the sand or on the sea. SHORE-BOUND STYLE Don’t sleep on accessories this summer – from sandals, sarongs, straw hats and sunscreen to a […]
Health
Golden agers: Transition Navigators
Older life brings major changes, and one Christchurch company is on hand to help make these transitions as smooth as possible. F rom making the decision to downsize and sell the family home to suddenly finding yourself single after decades with the same person, older age introduces several major life events. To navigate […]
Blue space: The healing power of water
Metropol contributor Cosette Calder dives into blue space and its emergence as a powerful, practical tool for mental health. While ‘green space’ signifies natural environments like parks, forests and gardens, a blue space refers to any natural or manmade water body, such as oceans, estuaries lakes, rivers, dams, canals and even smaller bodies […]
Tackling Christmas angst
From comparing ourselves to the carefully curated Christmas perfection of Instagram influencers to navigating the extra financial pressures of the festive season, this time of year can be a stress minefield. Festive fretting has become an epidemic. While the Christmas and New Year break can be a wonderful time of connection and celebration, […]
Restore your smile, renew your confidence – Merivale Denture Clinic
Essential to a great smile are good teeth and dentures, and most people understand the value of the dental technician who makes that possible. The team at Merivale Denture Clinic expertly create lovely smiles and aesthetic, well-fitting dentures. Their precision-fit oral prosthesis restores facial structure and function and is tailored to each individual’s […]
Home & Living
Simplicity at its best: Fraemohs Homes
Clean lines, natural timber, and homes built to last never go out of style – and when we talk about style, Scandinavians do it best. For sixty years, one Scandinavian name has been synonymous with blending craftsmanship and innovation to create spaces that both inspire and endure. We can thank Monni Fraemohs who […]
Hot kitchens: M F Turnbull
Giving your kitchen a complete facelift will elevate your whole house – and it doesn’t have to cost the Earth. A new kitchen sharpens up the whole house, but the investment involved in buying a new one doesn’t always make good sense. The better option is a cabinet surface refresh. It is much […]
Home away from home: Last minute local getaways
Didn’t get around to booking a holiday home? Or have you only just decided you need a change of scene over the holidays? No problem… It’s the ‘avocado conundrum’ of holiday planning. For months, you have loads of time to book somewhere to stay over the Christmas break, until suddenly it’s all too […]
Keep it in the family: Holliday and Sons
Six generations of knowledge and hands-on experience is an instant tick of approval. Founded in the United Kingdom, Holliday and Sons has been restoring, repairing and selling furniture since 1848. Jason Holliday is the sixth generation to run the workshop, moving the business into a brand new contemporary space. “The workshop is now […]
One on One
Famous faces, festive places: Local celebs on holiday
As Christmas lights twinkle across the Garden City, some of Canterbury’s brightest stars step into the spotlight once more to share their season’s magic. Mark Rocket, New Zealand entrepreneur, aerospace executive, and the founder and CEO of Kea Aerospace “This year I’m aiming to celebrate with a big Christmas family dinner here in […]
Mayor Phil’s summer uncovered
Once a year, Christchurch City re-elect mayor Phil Mauger trades his sixth-floor office and stretched social calendar for something much simpler – a few weeks by the sea with family. Metropol editor Nina Tucker uncovers the little things that make Ōtautahi’s humble leader truly happy. Come late December, mayor Phil Mauger will be […]
The making of a Christchurch power couple – Patrick and Saima Smith
Worlds and cultures collided when Patrick Smith met Saima on a crisp July day in Canterbury. One half a standout real estate agent and the other leading a team of six in family law – together they’re a well-oiled machine each with a fiercely competitive edge. Metropol editor Nina Tucker finds out how […]
“I’m not here to tickle spiders” – Nettles Lamont
Nettles Lamont is not afraid of speaking up or seeking change. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, trusted governance figure, mother, and past Riccarton Cup Day fashion competition judge has now added newly-elected councillor to her list of achievements – and no shocking government shake-up will stop her from smiling. Metropol editor Nina Tucker chats with […]
Build
Hot kitchens: M F Turnbull
Giving your kitchen a complete facelift will elevate your whole house – and it doesn’t have to cost the Earth. A new kitchen sharpens up the whole house, but the investment involved in buying a new one doesn’t always make good sense. The better option is a cabinet surface refresh. It is much […]
How does your property face up against a flood?
Updated flooding predictions for parts of the city are now available and searchable on Christchurch City Council’s online flood map. Search the latest data for flood events that are predicted to happen every 10, 50, and 200 years. “Anyone making decisions about a property or about flood readiness for their home or business […]
Bakeware essentials
Baking is good for the soul – even if not always for our waistline. Oh, and the result? Undeniably delicious and indulgent. Try this issue’s three baking-based recipes with these elegant essentials.
Earthquake-damaged home honoured
Would you believe us if we told you an earthquake-damaged Somerfield home has been crowned the best house in New Zealand? With a budget of just over $600,000, Mitchell Coll of Fabric worked with design and cost restraints to refresh Red Pine Villa in Somerfield – a project that would beat the best […]
ArtScene
The sparkle of festive season: Isaac Theatre Royal
As Gloucester Street glows with festive lights, it homes one historic, storied stage which becomes a vibrant canvas for music, dance, and storytelling that captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas. The Isaac Theatre Royal welcomes audiences into a season of live performance and holiday enchantment. It all begins with TINA – The […]
Sir Dave Dobbyn: Selected Songs
Sir Dave Dobbyn – Selected Songs At the Christchurch Town Hall Auditorium, 9 November 2025 Reviewed by Ian Knott. Photo credit: George Thomson / Live Nation Aotearoa – @Georgetommo / @livenationaotearoa When it comes to New Zealand music legends, few come bigger than the somewhat ironically diminutive Sir Dave Dobbyn. With a career […]
Life’s biggest questions: Isaac Theatre Royal
How did we get here? Is there life beyond Earth? Can you actually lick your own elbow? Introducing Creation Creation, a deeply thought-provoking journey of life’s biggest questions answered (sort of). At Isaac Theatre Royal’s Creation Creation on Sunday 12 November, two wildly inventive performers set out to tackle these very questions, and […]
The musical Christchurch never forgot: Blood Brothers at Isaac Theatre Royal
In the 1990s, a touring production of Blood Brothers, starring David Soul as the narrator, came to Christchurch and left a lasting impression. This September, it returns with renewed energy and local heart. Those who saw it the first time around still speak of the experience – the laughter, heartbreak, and the final […]
Business
$72.5 million property market slash
Who runs the property market right now? Buyers. New data indicates that buyers in New Zealand continue to hold negotiation power, judging by the multi-million dollar slash from asking prices in the third quarter of 2025. Collectively, people selling their homes cut $72.5 million from their original asking prices, as reported by New […]
Turning your vision into 2026’s game plan
As the year winds down, it’s tempting to just limp over the finish line and “see how things go” next year. With the New Zealand economy slowly emerging from a deep recession, and growth for 2026 expected to be modest rather than spectacular, a clear business plan is no longer optional – it’s […]
Better business
Canterbury innovators stand out in this year’s sustainable business awards. Canterbury is making its mark in Aotearoa’s sustainability landscape, with a strong showing among the finalists for the 2025 Sustainable Business Awards. From schools to construction firms, and manufacturing to legal and social enterprises, the region is demonstrating practical approaches to environmental and […]
Renewable energy – Vanessa Weenink
This fast-track renewable energy project has been given the green light. In April 2025, Genesis Energy Limited lodged an application to continue operating and maintaining the Tekapo power scheme, which includes Tekapo A and B power stations and substations, and the canal system. National have welcomed this project as the first renewable energy […]
