Latest Articles
Cup Week Calendar – Riccarton Park & Addington Raceway
What’s on during Canterbury’s favourite time of year, New Zealand Cup Week. Riccarton Park starts the pre-party off with a roar of racing, fashion, food, and entertainment on Saturday 7 November, Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas Day, the after party with Sean Hill and Rollestxn Ave. Then there’s just two days to recharge […]
Garage guise
Now you see it, now you don’t: flush-finished and cladding-matched garage doors are the next big thing in new-build homes, gracing Canterbury winners in the Architectural Design Awards for 2026. Two homes in this year’s Canterbury shortlist for the Resene Architectural Design Awards show off the sleek, contemporary feel of flush-finished garage doors, […]
Where nature shapes the neighbourhood
From organic farmland to a distinctive residential neighbourhood, Bushland Park near Westmorland, at the foot of the Port Hills, reflects nearly five decades of one man’s connection to the land. In 1979, Swiss-trained architectural designer and builder Ernst Frei purchased land in Christchurch’s south-west at the entrance to Hoon Hay Valley. His plans […]
Gutsy moves
Your gut is a rainforest that determines everything from your weight to your mood, but modern life is decimating our critical gut microbes, making us all sicker. Ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to feast on some people while ignoring others? It’s your microbes. The bacteria on our skin produce chemicals that help determine […]
36 hours in Hanmer
Spend 36 hours in Hanmer Springs with Metropol editor Nina Tucker. I’m a seasoned Hanmer Springs traveller, and I always seem to find something new to do each time I visit. Here’s how my partner and I spent a weekend in the alpine village this spring. Saturday Something in my soul will always […]
Urban naturing: Director Te Putahi Centre for Architecture and City Making – Dr Jessica Halliday
Nature needs to be integral to our cities and urban lives. With Aotearoa’s magnificent national parks, we often conceive of nature as being ‘over there’. Of course, the fundamental truth is that we are nature – part of the living world. We both depend on it for basic survival as well as change […]
Under the sea
Homewares are hooked on the Mediterranean fisherman aesthetic this season. Seafood-themed tableware and coastal-inspired décor are making waves in interiors, otherwise known as ‘sardine chic’. Main image: Sardine Oval Platter and Lobster Salad Bowl from the Melamine collection at Magpie Style.
Beauty upcycled
Just days after graduating, University of Canterbury graduate Emmalee Abbott Joe landed an international role promoting ingredients made from plant-based by-products that might otherwise go to waste. University of Canterbury graduate Emmalee Abbott Joe’s new role with United Kingdom-based B Corp certified trailblazer The Upcyled Beauty Company focuses on raising awareness of upcycled […]
Your new couch is calling – McDonald & Hartshorne
From champions of New Zealand-made and reupholstered furniture specialists, a customisable corner suite joins the range just in time for the social season. Known for giving furniture a new lease on life, the latest creation from McDonald & Hartshorne was born from wanting to offer something that could fit the whole friend group […]
Pretty pikelets
Pikelets over pancakes every time. They are just so cute. Perfect to share this spring, this recipe makes 14 to 16. Ingredients • 50g milk • 50g neutral oil • 100g plain flour • 3/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 2 eggs • 40g caster sugar • 1 tsp vanilla […]
Solar success
One of the country’s largest solar farms, Kōwhai Park at Christchurch Airport is now officially open with around 300,000 solar panels. The South Island’s largest solar farm, Kōwhai Park, officially opened in Christchurch on 15 October, adding 150MWac (168MWdc) of renewable generation capacity to New Zealand’s electricity system. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was […]
Spring into action: Mayor Phil Mauger
From cricketing clashes to Cup Week capers, the energy is high and the buzz is real. It’s safe to say spring is one of the best times to be in Christchurch. The days are getting longer, the cherry blossoms and daffodils have blossomed, the city is looking fantastic, and there’s a real vibe […]
Boh’s designer bed
Singer-songwriter Boh Runga becomes the star of this designer bed campaign to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand. Each year, Sealy New Zealand supports the country’s foremost breast cancer education and awareness organisation by collaborating with iconic Aotearoa creatives through the creation of a bespoke bed. This year’s bed was designed […]
Outstanding landscape architecture: New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects awards
Three Christchurch landscape architecture projects have been shortlisted for the national Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects awards. Three sites in Ōtautahi have made it onto a nationwide shortlist of outstanding landscape architecture. They are the Dallington Bridge Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, Te Kuru wetland, and stages 1 and 2 of Te […]
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Cuisine
RE:START
Fifteen years after the RE:START temporary container mall became part of Hummingbird Coffee’s story, the coffee roaster is featuring Christchurch artist Nathan Ingram’s famous work on its packaging. Following the earthquakes in 2011, Hummingbird Coffee opened a pop-up cafe in the RE:START container mall and created its RE:START coffee blend, with 30 cents […]
Certified cuisine – Hill Labs
Running a successful food business takes passion, hard work, and a real focus on customers. Food safety verification is an important part of that, and having the right team alongside you can make the process straightforward. “We want to make verification as painless as possible for our food businesses,” says Hill Labs Inspection […]
Pretty pikelets
Pikelets over pancakes every time. They are just so cute. Perfect to share this spring, this recipe makes 14 to 16. Ingredients • 50g milk • 50g neutral oil • 100g plain flour • 3/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 2 eggs • 40g caster sugar • 1 tsp vanilla […]
Purple wekas and whitebait
From whitebait patty sandwiches to a new pantry, the inner-city Purple Weka Café and Bar has become a beacon for those seeking good, honest food in a place they feel welcomed. There is nothing complicated about a Purple Weka whitebait sandwich. The whitebait comes as a patty, tucked into soft white bread, just […]
Fashion & Beauty
Beauty upcycled
Just days after graduating, University of Canterbury graduate Emmalee Abbott Joe landed an international role promoting ingredients made from plant-based by-products that might otherwise go to waste. University of Canterbury graduate Emmalee Abbott Joe’s new role with United Kingdom-based B Corp certified trailblazer The Upcyled Beauty Company focuses on raising awareness of upcycled […]
New home for V for Hair
After nearly 20 years in Merivale, V For Hair is beginning an exciting new chapter, says master stylist Vicki Ogden-O’Fee. “We have moved to 1039 Colombo Street, St Albans, just minutes from our previous location, into a beautiful new bespoke hair salon designed to make every appointment feel like an experience,” says master […]
Savvy success – Savvy Hair
From Cashmere’s already award-winning salon Savvy Hair, all six stylists who entered the 2026 New Zealand Hair Awards have become finalists. Book your next award-winning hairstyle by calling 03 942 4179 or visit savvyhair.co.nz
Meet Mr Hoiho
At last, writes Metropol editor Nina Tucker, a fascination with fashion’s quirkiest bags has finally landed on our shores. In true New Zealand style, this bag is one that gives back. For his fall/winter 2022 collection, eclectic and craft-driven surrealist designer Jonathan Anderson designed a lifelike Pigeon Clutch (NZ $1900). For fall/winter 2025, […]
Health
Gutsy moves
Your gut is a rainforest that determines everything from your weight to your mood, but modern life is decimating our critical gut microbes, making us all sicker. Ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to feast on some people while ignoring others? It’s your microbes. The bacteria on our skin produce chemicals that help determine […]
Live well. Move well – Christchurch Wellness Centre
Christchurch Wellness Centre celebrates a decade of helping Canterbury move better, feel better and live well. Since opening on Memorial Avenue in June 2016, founder Dr Mary Patterson, chiropractor, and her team have welcomed more than 7200 new patients and delivered tens of thousands of expert chiropractic appointments. “I’m proud of what we’ve […]
Project Hauora
He Waka Tapu is launching Project Hauora, a community fundraising campaign to deliver a purpose-built health and wellbeing hub for East Christchurch, marking 30 years of supporting whānau across Canterbury. Construction has begun on a modern, integrated health and wellbeing facility that will expand access to affordable, culturally responsive healthcare for one of […]
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 […]
Home & Living
Under the sea
Homewares are hooked on the Mediterranean fisherman aesthetic this season. Seafood-themed tableware and coastal-inspired décor are making waves in interiors, otherwise known as ‘sardine chic’. Main image: Sardine Oval Platter and Lobster Salad Bowl from the Melamine collection at Magpie Style.
Your new couch is calling – McDonald & Hartshorne
From champions of New Zealand-made and reupholstered furniture specialists, a customisable corner suite joins the range just in time for the social season. Known for giving furniture a new lease on life, the latest creation from McDonald & Hartshorne was born from wanting to offer something that could fit the whole friend group […]
Boh’s designer bed
Singer-songwriter Boh Runga becomes the star of this designer bed campaign to raise funds for Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand. Each year, Sealy New Zealand supports the country’s foremost breast cancer education and awareness organisation by collaborating with iconic Aotearoa creatives through the creation of a bespoke bed. This year’s bed was designed […]
Love your louvre: Louvre Solutions
It’s a luxury to continue your outdoor summer soirées even after the sun goes down, and it’s one within reach. Entertain. Relax. Expand your indoor area. Canterbury’s Louvre Solutions, led by Craig Rogers, is known to perfect the art of an indoor-outdoor flow. These louvres can move at your command to allow full […]
One on One
Jack Tame
From a Christchurch childhood spent exploring the Port Hills on his bike to interviewing the country’s most powerful figures, broadcaster and former Cashmere High student Jack Tame talks to Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen about truth, trust and tribalism. When he was 16 years old, Jack Tame wanted to be the next Paul […]
Savage
New Zealand’s most successful rapper and Warriors superfan turned musical mascot, Demetrius Savelio, better known as Savage, sits down with Metropol editor Nina Tucker ahead of headlining Christchurch’s biggest Tuesday at Addington Raceway’s Cup Day this 10 November. “Wherever God leads, I’ll follow.” Hip hop hero Savage features names like Pitbull and Akon […]
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 […]
ESSENCE
Mat or reformer? My Physio Timaru
Pilates is for everybody. Find the type of Pilates that’s the best fit for you to build strength and mobility. Pilates is sometimes mistaken for ‘just stretching’, but its real value lies in how it builds strength, control, balance and confidence in movement. So say Pam and Myra, the sisters, physiotherapists and founders […]
Art warming – Art In Motion
Timaru creative Penni Naylor wears her heart and art on her sleeve; meet the mind behind some of Art In Motion’s most memorable pieces. Whether Penni Naylor is painting, sewing, making costumes, volunteering or experimenting with unexpected materials, she is happiest when bringing an idea to life. In last year’s inaugural Art In […]
Festivals in Geraldine
It’s festival time for Geraldine, always a great reason to spend time in this quintessential country town. 5 November, Geraldine Summer Fête Held in the sprawling gardens of Stover Farm just 10 minutes north of Geraldine, the Summer Fête features 200 high-quality artisan stalls, including homewares, art, children’s clothing, Jewellery, fashion, garden furniture […]
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, […]
Build
Garage guise
Now you see it, now you don’t: flush-finished and cladding-matched garage doors are the next big thing in new-build homes, gracing Canterbury winners in the Architectural Design Awards for 2026. Two homes in this year’s Canterbury shortlist for the Resene Architectural Design Awards show off the sleek, contemporary feel of flush-finished garage doors, […]
Where nature shapes the neighbourhood
From organic farmland to a distinctive residential neighbourhood, Bushland Park near Westmorland, at the foot of the Port Hills, reflects nearly five decades of one man’s connection to the land. In 1979, Swiss-trained architectural designer and builder Ernst Frei purchased land in Christchurch’s south-west at the entrance to Hoon Hay Valley. His plans […]
Urban naturing: Director Te Putahi Centre for Architecture and City Making – Dr Jessica Halliday
Nature needs to be integral to our cities and urban lives. With Aotearoa’s magnificent national parks, we often conceive of nature as being ‘over there’. Of course, the fundamental truth is that we are nature – part of the living world. We both depend on it for basic survival as well as change […]
Solar success
One of the country’s largest solar farms, Kōwhai Park at Christchurch Airport is now officially open with around 300,000 solar panels. The South Island’s largest solar farm, Kōwhai Park, officially opened in Christchurch on 15 October, adding 150MWac (168MWdc) of renewable generation capacity to New Zealand’s electricity system. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was […]
ArtScene
More than a trip down memory lane! Metropol’s Midge Ure review
Midge Ure – More than a trip down memory lane Catalogue: The Hits Tour | James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall | Thursday 22 October 2026 For many in the audience at Christchurch’s James Hay Theatre, Midge Ure’s concert was an opportunity to reconnect with the music of their youth. But this was […]
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 […]
Business
Unlocking homeownership: Genesis Mortgages
Buying your first home in Christchurch is an exciting milestone, but navigating finance can feel overwhelming. Having reached its two years in business anniversary this month, Genesis Mortgages specialises in turning that mortgage finance uncertainty into a clear, achievable path for first-home buyers. Searching the internet for advice might lead potential buyers to […]
Apartment and townhouse experts – Braziers
Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s leading real estate and property investment markets, driving strong demand for premium sales and management services. Meet the professionals who deliver them. “At Apartment dept, a specialised service through Braziers, we sell and manage apartments and townhouses,” says agent Treacy Ireland. “With almost 2,000 apartments in the […]
Jordan’s corner
It’s 2026 and it seems like there are so many issues, says financial adviser Jordan Bean. Where do I begin when considering what to do with my investments, KiwiSaver, and other financial decisions? It can feel daunting to make plans for your financial future when thinking about the outlook on the world. Geopolitical […]
Future unicorns
Ten new startups have entered the Founder Catalyst villa for seven months to supercharge their growth with help from the Ministry of Awesome. Headquartered in Ōtautahi, the Ministry of Awesome equips startups with essential advisory support, expert mentorship, a vibrant community, and strategic connections to accelerate their success. Founded in 2012 by Kaila […]
