Latest Articles
The it-list – from The Crossing
Seven hotspots from within The Crossing to keep on your radar when Cup & Show rolls around, from spring style to how to spend the week’s celebrations, curated by editor Nina Tucker. Lock in your look at Juliette Hogan. The new season in-store speaks to me like I’m Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of […]
WOW winners revealed – Destination Wellington
New Zealand designers had a standout showing at the 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW) awards, taking home 15 of the 25 prizes and the competition’s top two honours. New Zealand artist and 10-time WOW finalist Kayla Christensen won the 2026 Supreme WOW award for Sacred Nightfall, an intricately hand-painted and stitched tapestry which […]
The wool difference: Dreamwool
Why would you sleep on anything else? “Wool is nature’s miracle fibre,” says Dreamwool director David Henderson. “It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally regulates your body temperature so that you’re cool in summer, warm in winter. Your run-of-the-mill synthetic mattresses, made up of plastic fillings, chemical foams, polyesters and gels, simply cannot match the […]
Peta Mathias’ tarte soleil
Translating to ‘sun tart’ in French, this pastry recipe from Peta Mathias’ latest cookbook is perfect to share between celebrations and the season’s warm rays. One day my friend and I were walking around the antiques fair in Uzes and we saw a woman walking through it carrying what looked like sunshine in […]
The electric question: EV City
With petrol over $3.30 a litre, more people than ever are choosing to go electric. For a host of reasons, prices at the petrol pump just keep climbing. Every region in New Zealand is now above $3.30 a litre, and the AA warns of little relief before Christmas. It’s got plenty of Cantabrians […]
See the game differently – Anstice Optometrists
Great sporting performance starts with more than clear eyesight. Whether tracking a fast-moving ball, judging distance, spotting a teammate in your peripheral vision or reacting in a split second, sport places unique demands on our visual system. “Our SportVision assessments analyse the visual skills that help athletes perform at their best,” says Dharshie […]
Che bello! From OFI
“A distinctive addition to your wardrobe, from us to you,” says women’s fashion founder Wendy Giltrap of OFI Linen, about this exclusive Spanish-designed collection made in Portugal. Spanish design, beautifully made in Portugal and available exclusively from OFI. Inspired by the colour, sunshine and effortless Mediterranean style, this beautiful new collection brings a […]
Summer refined – Mikko Shoes
Grounded optimism meets the season’s favourite colours in this new footwear collection. From your morning commute to a weekend escape, Mikko Shoes’ new season collection is curated for the way you actually live, says founder Michaela Longstaff. “Incorporating colours that boost your mood and shapes that won’t let you down, spring/summer is about […]
Race day thrills – Delilah and Amazonita
Bubbly, brunch and all the buzz of race day in the city’s most premium venues. Celebrate Cup Week in unforgettable style at Delilah and Amazonita, your destination for Christchurch’s best dining and entertainment. Whether you’re planning on avoiding the racecourse crowds or looking to lock-in the ultimate celebration before or after the race-day […]
Fresh chef, fresh menu – Chateau on the Park – Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
This local dining institution launches a fresh new menu in November. E quipped with two decades of expertise from across Canterbury’s top kitchens, the new executive chef at Garden Court Brasserie (GCB), Bevan Ward, brings a passionate, modern approach to the relaxed al fresco dining space located inside the iconic Chateau on the […]
Sharp style – Rembrandt
Your menswear style guide for Cup Week events thanks to Rembrandt. Suit or separates? Mix it up! Separates on Tuesday, suit on Saturday. Visit Rembrandt in-store for professional suit fittings. Shirt: Think crisp and breathable, and don’t be afraid to play with colour or pattern. Accessories: A leather belt that matches your shoes, […]
Oral care with comfort: Smooch Dental Spa
Meet the team on a mission to change the way you feel about going to the dentist. In Ravenswood, SMOOCH Dental Spa is led by co-owners George Bayley and Lisa Meredith, with Lisa also serving as clinical director. Together with dentist Ravi Gill, they share a focus on preventive dentistry and helping people feel […]
The longevity picture
Cardiovascular fitness has long been recognised as a powerful predictor of longevity. Now muscle power is attracting attention, as research shows the message for New Zealanders is simple: don’t just train to stay strong, train to stay powerful. For decades, cardiovascular fitness, commonly assessed through measures such as VO max, has been central […]
Cup Week style carousel – APT Collections
Playful details meet timeless silhouette when it comes to spring style from Christchurch-operated fashion boutique Apt Collections. From beside the track to beyond Cup Week, this sweet offering in a seasonal palette makes getting dressed a dream. Visit Apt Collections in Barrington Shopping Centre or at aptcollections.co.nz
Read the latest issue
Cuisine
Peta Mathias’ tarte soleil
Translating to ‘sun tart’ in French, this pastry recipe from Peta Mathias’ latest cookbook is perfect to share between celebrations and the season’s warm rays. One day my friend and I were walking around the antiques fair in Uzes and we saw a woman walking through it carrying what looked like sunshine in […]
Pop, fizz, clink, eat! – The Old Vicarage, Halswell.
You’ve got your outfit picked out, but where will you kick off your perfect race day? Treat yourself and your friends to the ultimate Cup and Show Week upgrade at The Old Vicarage in Halswell. Start race day with a touch of sparkle with an Instagram-worthy breakfast with bubbles. Open from 8.30am throughout […]
Halswell’s new coffee spot: Black & White
Inside this iconic Christchurch café brand’s ‘cartel’ expansion. “We are thrilled to bring the signature Black & White experience to the growing Halswell community,” says Connie Greig, franchise support at Black & White Coffee Cartel. “Our focus is always on delivering a unique, high-quality coffee experience and a welcoming space where locals feel […]
Wine, unbottled: Whistling Buoy
Cup Week, barbecues, Christmas drinks, long lunches, weekends away and suddenly one bottle is looking wildly optimistic. “Vino was made for this kind of season,” says Neil Pattinson of Whistling Buoy. “Good wine, made by our winemakers, just without the glass bottle getting in the way. It’s premium wine in a pouch: easy […]
Fashion & Beauty
The it-list – from The Crossing
Seven hotspots from within The Crossing to keep on your radar when Cup & Show rolls around, from spring style to how to spend the week’s celebrations, curated by editor Nina Tucker. Lock in your look at Juliette Hogan. The new season in-store speaks to me like I’m Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of […]
Che bello! From OFI
“A distinctive addition to your wardrobe, from us to you,” says women’s fashion founder Wendy Giltrap of OFI Linen, about this exclusive Spanish-designed collection made in Portugal. Spanish design, beautifully made in Portugal and available exclusively from OFI. Inspired by the colour, sunshine and effortless Mediterranean style, this beautiful new collection brings a […]
Summer refined – Mikko Shoes
Grounded optimism meets the season’s favourite colours in this new footwear collection. From your morning commute to a weekend escape, Mikko Shoes’ new season collection is curated for the way you actually live, says founder Michaela Longstaff. “Incorporating colours that boost your mood and shapes that won’t let you down, spring/summer is about […]
Sharp style – Rembrandt
Your menswear style guide for Cup Week events thanks to Rembrandt. Suit or separates? Mix it up! Separates on Tuesday, suit on Saturday. Visit Rembrandt in-store for professional suit fittings. Shirt: Think crisp and breathable, and don’t be afraid to play with colour or pattern. Accessories: A leather belt that matches your shoes, […]
Health
The longevity picture
Cardiovascular fitness has long been recognised as a powerful predictor of longevity. Now muscle power is attracting attention, as research shows the message for New Zealanders is simple: don’t just train to stay strong, train to stay powerful. For decades, cardiovascular fitness, commonly assessed through measures such as VO max, has been central […]
Mastectomy sports bra – LSKD
A mastectomy sports bra and 44-piece breast cancer awareness collection responds to the real experiences of women affected by the one-in-nine disease. Australian activewear brand LSKD has created a new mastectomy sports bra in collaboration with 10 members from its community who have experienced breast cancer and undergone surgery, including mastectomies. Alongside it […]
Unlock the wisdom of your spine – Portal I Am
Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen tries out spinal energetics, a healing modality that works with the spine to release stored tension and emotional patterns. Christchurch-based somatic therapist and founder of Portal I Am, Fernanda Cecchi works with energy. Your body’s energy. Once you get on her massage table, through gentle, low-force and often […]
No more verrucas: Footprints Podiatry
Say goodbye to stubborn and painful verrucas. Verrucas are painful, unsightly, and failing over-the-counter treatments make it feel like a cure is impossible. Freezing or acid treatments often fall short, leaving many people frustrated, out of pocket and still suffering. At Footprints Podiatry in Christchurch, there’s now a better option with Swift microwave […]
Home & Living
The wool difference: Dreamwool
Why would you sleep on anything else? “Wool is nature’s miracle fibre,” says Dreamwool director David Henderson. “It’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally regulates your body temperature so that you’re cool in summer, warm in winter. Your run-of-the-mill synthetic mattresses, made up of plastic fillings, chemical foams, polyesters and gels, simply cannot match the […]
BRIGHT IDEA
If you’re looking to brighten up your interiors, transform the atmosphere and move your family’s mood, let this case study of seven ADNZ award-winning homes enlighten you. Lighting, and why you need it Transforms a space: Strategic light reflection and washing is a clever trick to make small rooms feel more open and […]
The most for the host
Find the best in home and kitchenware to style the best table in town at Total Food Equipment. From Le Creuset’s latest colours and a contemporary-meets-classic curation of everything from Robert Gordon pottery to fruit-inspired tableware, plus brand new Tupperware for post-party leftovers. Shop our favourites here for events season, Cup Week and […]
Fleece to fabulous: Wool Zone Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show
From fleece to fashion, furnishings, skincare, and fireproof clothing, step inside the Wool Zone at the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show next month to find the innovators showcasing the incredible potential of wool. From raw wool straight off the farm to beautifully finished products, the Wool Zone (part of the Ravensdown Canterbury A&P Show […]
One on One
Inside Antipodes – Elizabeth Barbalich
Elizabeth Barbalich is the businesswoman with a science degree who started skincare range Antipodes because she wanted her skin to feel as good as her body did when she nourished it right. She talks about plants, plastic and being New Zealand’s pioneering natural brand, with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. Behind the big beauty […]
All about that DRUM & BASS – Lee Mvtthews
Hailing from Christchurch, he’s one half of the leading Kiwi drum & bass duo Lee Mvtthews. Metropol spoke to Tom Lee before he plays the Kirin Hyoketsu Infield, brought to you by George FM, on 10 November with his partner on the decks Graham Matthews. Thanks for your time, Tom! The internet claims […]
Wonder woman Hayley Harding on heartache and survival
In conversation with Metropol writer Sophie Lapsley, entrepreneur Hayley Harding shares a glimpse into her journey of cancer survival, finding hope after her husband’s death, and the unexpected career move shaping her future. Before cancer and the sudden loss of her husband James in early 2020, Hayley Harding’s life was defined by the […]
Spin magician Ish Sodhi
Christchurch is about to go cricket crazy. Two historic international T20 matches and a Test Match between the BLACKCAPS and India at Hagley Oval this spring will fix millions of global viewers on our city. At the heart of it is Christchurch’s own Ish Sodhi, right-arm leg-spin bowler extraordinaire. Deputy editor Tamara Pitelen […]
ESSENCE
The Spark family and Rossburn
From Scottish settlers to a four-generation Rangiora farming family, the historic Rossburn in North Canterbury is ushering in a new chapter as a community-focused residential development. For more than 80 years, the Spark family has farmed the land on the eastern edge of Rangiora. Now, as the town continues to grow around them, […]
Oral care with comfort: Smooch Dental Spa
Meet the team on a mission to change the way you feel about going to the dentist. In Ravenswood, SMOOCH Dental Spa is led by co-owners George Bayley and Lisa Meredith, with Lisa also serving as clinical director. Together with dentist Ravi Gill, they share a focus on preventive dentistry and helping people feel […]
North Canterbury’s newest venue: Bramleys
Hands-on hosting and bespoke service for every unique occasion is just a short drive from Christchurch city. Bramleys in North Canterbury is the region’s newest and most in-demand wedding and event venue. With limited 2026/2027 dates available, prospective clients should enquire now about Bramley’s modern indoor and outdoor spaces that guarantee a perfect […]
Art in motion
A sell-out crowd filled Caroline Bay Hall for Timaru’s annual exciting wearable art event. Showcasing 39 mostly local creatives – and one entry from California – Timaru’s Art in Motion show on 5 September was by all measures a resounding success. Organised by Robyn Valentine, Fiona Pierce, and Catherine Neill, the event aims […]
Build
House on the hill
An equilateral triangular retreat perched on a remote Banks Peninsula headland, this 35m2 off-grid cabin sits lightly above Lavericks Bay on a windswept coastal ridge. A simple space-efficient floor plan emerges from this playful triangular footprint, reads the citation for designer Ben Comber’s Lavericks Bay project. Award-winning in the regional New Home up […]
Supreme renovation: LM Architectural Builders
A Merivale home has won the coveted Supreme Renovation of the Year in this year’s Master Builder House of the Year Awards for LM Architectural Builders. Proving that the right extension can add much more than square metres to a home, this Merivale home, recently renovated by LM Architectural Builders, has bagged a […]
Future conversations: Ross Steele – Te Pae Christchurch | General Manager
The South Island wants a stronger voice in this election and more focus on our opportunities and challenges. Some of the most important decisions affecting our communities don’t begin in Parliament or Council Chambers. They begin when people come together to talk, challenge ideas, and build understanding. Over recent weeks, Christchurch has hosted […]
B for build
Home Construction Limited has become a Certified B Corporation, which means an independent assessor has measured how the company treats people and the planet, not just how it performs financially. New Zealand has more than 500 Certified B Corporations. Now one of them builds houses. Founded in 2011, Home Construction is a full-service […]
ArtScene
Sculpture festival 2026 – Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
From now until 26 October, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre has its seventh annual Sculpture Festival, featuring object art, contemporary jewellery, and outdoor sculpture by some of Aotearoa’s most exciting artists. Amust for serious collectors and art lovers, explore over 350 works by 73 artists at the Sculpture Festival. From intricate […]
Oh what a night! Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons review
The standing ovation at the end of the opening night performance said it all. This high-energy show about the life of the original four members of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons made for quite the night indeed, writes Metropol’s Nancye Pitt, who soaked up all the excitement at the Isaac Theatre Royal. […]
Steve’s scene
Long-time friend and publicist for the late, great Dolly Parton, Metropol culture columnist Steve Guest attempts to sum in words what the amazing lady meant to him. I still can’t quite believe I’m writing about Dolly in the past tense. How do you sum up more than 20 years of friendship, laughter, adventures […]
Greg Johnson at 60
He’s a multi-instrumentalist fluent on piano, guitar, and trumpet; he’s just played the historic Hollywood nightclub Whisky a Go Go, and he’s married to a famous stuntwoman, but as Kiwi singer-songwriter Greg Johnson prepares to tour Aotearoa, he tells deputy editor Tamara Pitelen that he is tussling with the reality of turning 60. […]
Business
How Digital Money Is Slowly Becoming Part of Everyday Life
A few years ago, cryptocurrency was mostly discussed as an investment. For plenty of people, that meant following market swings, reading Bitcoin headlines, or occasionally checking the XRP price. Today, those conversations have started to broaden. The way we use money has changed dramatically over the past decade. Paying for coffee with […]
The 2026 KiwiNet Awards finalists turning world-class research into global impact
Five Canterbury-based finalists are among those recognised at the 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards for entrepreneurship spanning health technology, climate innovation and cultivated food production. From breakthrough health technologies and lower-emissions industry to cellular horticulture and innovative consumer platforms, five Canterbury finalists were among the 18 winners of the 2026 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation […]
Charging ahead
Fuelled by record growth in sales of electric vehicles, Canterbury business Evnex hits 20,000 chargers. Australasia’s largest manufacturer of smart electric vehicle (EV) chargers, local company Evnex has passed 20,000 chargers installed across New Zealand and Australia. The Addington-based company shipped its first charger in 2017. The first 10,000 sales took eight years […]
Passing the baton – Port Hills Law
Some conversations are easy to put off. Succession planning is often one of them, writes Kristy Rusher, director of Port Hills Law. “I see it regularly with successful family businesses. The founder has spent decades building something they are proud of, and at 55, with a business operating for 40 years, retirement can […]
