Latest Articles
A bid for better sleep: Dreamwool
Lucky auction-goers rest easy on a winning Dreamwool bed. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” says Steve Miller of his successful auction bid for a luxury Dreamwool bed at the BrainTree Trust’s annual ball in 2024. “We’d had our previous bed for at least 10 years, and we hadn’t really discussed replacing it. But […]
Shouting about timber
Winners! The VidaSpace Christchurch showroom wins the retail category at the 2025 Interior Awards, with Bates Joinery taking home the Master Joiners Award. Located at 143 Victoria Street, the VidaSpace Christchurch showroom is an ode to interior timbers from European oak to burl. Divided into three distinct zones, Entice, Excite and Educate, the […]
Architectural excellence
World-class architecture is alive and well here in Canterbury, as evidenced by these stunning residential spaces designed by the multi-award-winning Johnstone Callaghan Architects, all winners in the 2025 NZIA awards. An award-winning architecture and interiors studio, Johnstone Callaghan Architects is a design-led practice formed in 2019 by Prue Johnstone and Mike Callaghan. Sharing […]
Dressing naturally: Linens & Treasures
An appreciation for elegant, sustainable fashion begins here. Complete your linen love story with a curated collection of natural fibres, jewellery, and accessories – your one-stop style destination at Barrington Mall. “Linen is the ultimate for women going through menopause and beyond – or for any age group, really. It’s simply so much […]
Countdown: James Gough
The biggest show in town is nearly here. When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its forst big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping […]
Trend report
Having marked her brand’s 20th anniversary in March, STORM founder and creative director Deb Caldwell has pioneered New Zealand fashion long enough to see fads come and go and core trends cycle back around. “Trends often return after roughly 20 years because of nostalgia,” Deb says. “Right now, international fashion trends for autumn […]
City icons: Christchurch Attractions
What does a Christchurch attraction have to do to become iconic? “We’ve been delivering iconic experiences in the heart of Christchurch for 40 years,” says Emma Storie, Christchurch Attractions’ marketing manager. Between the Christchurch Tram, Punting on the Avon, and beloved Botanic Gardens Tours, this stable of attractions is what makes every Christchurch […]
The Crossing – Instant style: What to Wear. Where to Buy it.
Editor’s picks: Welcome to your wardrobe for inner-city life. Whether you’re more of an early dinner at Bar Franco before your first trip to the stadium kind of girl, or prefer simple Sunday shopping, this guide to getting dressed is for wherever the city takes you. I’m no cool-as-ice city slicker (I hail […]
Ripple effects: Ross Steele
Navigating uncertainty, creating connection. The world is facing a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and its ripple effects are being felt well beyond headlines. For businesses, this may mean travel disruption, rising airfares, and increased supply chain costs – pressures that inevitably influence decision making and confidence. For those of us in the […]
The repair shop
Giving timeless pieces of furniture a second life. Whether it’s a vintage dining suite or a cherished heirloom, Seaton’s French Polishing and Furniture Repair brings tired furniture back to life. For over 30 years, owner Mike Fullen has restored everything from antique sideboards to family treasures, preserving both craftsmanship and sentimental value. In […]
City apartment suites: Quest on Kilmore
Apartment accommodation just a short walk from the inner city’s biggest attractions. There’s a palpable excitement in the air of Christchurch city. A long-awaited missing piece of the rebuild puzzle, One New Zealand Stadium, is about to open, bringing with it a host of world-class events and activities, including a performance by British […]
Every child warm this winter
“Children are freezing. Every day and every night.” Metropol editor Nina Tucker discovers the cold truth about winter’s chill on Christchurch families. One female trio, backed by an overarching organisation grounded in generosity, are bundling up our tamariki one blanket at a time. “Everyone wants the best for their tamariki, and when you […]
Finding authentic flavour: Tanoshi
For those in the know, this is the city’s best kept secret for Japanese cuisine. “In Christchurch, we knew we were up against a vibrant city with a big population, and we had to match that energy,” recalls Tanoshi owner Matty Yates three years on from the opening. With their biggest team and […]
Growing panes: Empire Glass
If you’ve driven around Canterbury, chances are you’ve spotted them, the silver vans with unmistakable orange frails… but do you know the story behind them? “Are those your vans?” people often ask Empire Glass owner, Nathan Cadman. “The ones with the orange frails?” He always laughs. “Yep, that’s us.” Now, he says, it’s […]
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Cuisine
Auditing experts: Hill Labs
After a successful first year of operation, and as compliance requirements underpin the food sector, a Christchurch joint-venture auditing and inspection services company works to meet demand. “As New Zealand exports grow, the need for independent verification grows with them. Market access requirements are becoming more complex, and producers need reliable and responsive […]
Pickled with love: Gordons Pickles
A family-owned Canterbury business marks 20 years of crafting premium pickles, celebrating the milestone with a bold new product and a continued commitment to quality and community. Gordon’s Pickles is proud to celebrate 20 years in business, a New Zealand, family-owned business manufacturing high-quality pickles since July 2006. “The strength of the business […]
Dine, drink, enjoy: Fiddlesticks
Your premier destination for fine dining and event hosting in the heart of Christchurch city. Combining their contemporary setting with a relaxed pub-like atmosphere, Fiddlesticks on Worcester Boulevard is the sophisticated dining experience that you’ll want to share. From intimate drinks served with oysters and champagne to an ice-cold beer and fries, it […]
Finding authentic flavour: Tanoshi
For those in the know, this is the city’s best kept secret for Japanese cuisine. “In Christchurch, we knew we were up against a vibrant city with a big population, and we had to match that energy,” recalls Tanoshi owner Matty Yates three years on from the opening. With their biggest team and […]
Fashion & Beauty
Dressing naturally: Linens & Treasures
An appreciation for elegant, sustainable fashion begins here. Complete your linen love story with a curated collection of natural fibres, jewellery, and accessories – your one-stop style destination at Barrington Mall. “Linen is the ultimate for women going through menopause and beyond – or for any age group, really. It’s simply so much […]
Trend report
Having marked her brand’s 20th anniversary in March, STORM founder and creative director Deb Caldwell has pioneered New Zealand fashion long enough to see fads come and go and core trends cycle back around. “Trends often return after roughly 20 years because of nostalgia,” Deb says. “Right now, international fashion trends for autumn […]
The Crossing – Instant style: What to Wear. Where to Buy it.
Editor’s picks: Welcome to your wardrobe for inner-city life. Whether you’re more of an early dinner at Bar Franco before your first trip to the stadium kind of girl, or prefer simple Sunday shopping, this guide to getting dressed is for wherever the city takes you. I’m no cool-as-ice city slicker (I hail […]
Wear the season: Darcy Boutique
Whether you have a winter wedding coming up or you need to update your jeans and knitwear, Darcy Boutique offers pieces to keep you warm this winter – while still looking super stylish of course. With the cooler months of winter fast approaching, Darcy Boutique in Merivale has everything you need to be […]
Health
The body keeps score: The Healer’s Way
When stress goes unprocessed, the emotional tension can be the root of many physical diseases. “Stress is not just a passing experience; it is something we carry in the body,” says energy healer Nina Campbell of The Healer’s Way. A certified practitioner of Reiki, acupressure, ThetaHealing technique, and regression therapy, Nina approaches healing […]
Step back into comfort: Footprints Podiatry
Whether you spend your day at standing at work or chasing after grandchildren, life becomes much harder with sore feet. According to senior podiatrist Howard Nicholas from Footprints Podiatry, the key to healthy feet is regular maintenance. “Addressing foot problems as early as possible is the key,” Howard says. “The longer people leave […]
Your guide to nuclear medicine and treatment: Reform Radiology
If your doctor or specialist has referred you for nuclear medicine imaging or treatment, you may have questions about what this involves. These specialised imaging techniques offer accurate diagnosis, and treatment of a range of conditions, and is available from Reform Radiology’s state-of-the-art facility in central Christchurch. To provide you with peace of […]
From stuck to starting again: I Get It
Work or study no longer feels fulfilling? Relationships feel strained, or there’s a sense that something needs to change but the next step isn’t clear? That’s where life coaching can make a difference. For life coach Dianne Heslop, her website messaging is ‘I get it’ because she does. She understands what it’s like […]
Home & Living
A bid for better sleep: Dreamwool
Lucky auction-goers rest easy on a winning Dreamwool bed. “It was a spur-of-the-moment decision,” says Steve Miller of his successful auction bid for a luxury Dreamwool bed at the BrainTree Trust’s annual ball in 2024. “We’d had our previous bed for at least 10 years, and we hadn’t really discussed replacing it. But […]
The repair shop
Giving timeless pieces of furniture a second life. Whether it’s a vintage dining suite or a cherished heirloom, Seaton’s French Polishing and Furniture Repair brings tired furniture back to life. For over 30 years, owner Mike Fullen has restored everything from antique sideboards to family treasures, preserving both craftsmanship and sentimental value. In […]
Growing panes: Empire Glass
If you’ve driven around Canterbury, chances are you’ve spotted them, the silver vans with unmistakable orange frails… but do you know the story behind them? “Are those your vans?” people often ask Empire Glass owner, Nathan Cadman. “The ones with the orange frails?” He always laughs. “Yep, that’s us.” Now, he says, it’s […]
Light me up
Autumn’s about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea under ambient lighting. What sets the tone and looks stylish? Well, when globally-acclaimed interior designer and Christchurch local Ben Lewis says marble, alabaster and brushed metal finishes are trending, you listen.
One on One
Hayden Paddon: A driving force
From small-town sponsorships to world-stage victories and electric innovation, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver Hayden Paddon is driven less by what he’s achieved than by what still lies ahead. Next on his to-do list? A New Zealand world rally team, Kiwi-built and Kiwi-run. At 38, Hayden Paddon has nothing left to prove, […]
Surviving the unsurvivable: Sheena Hemens
In the space of a few weeks, Christchurch businesswoman Sheena Hemens lost her business, her relationship, her home and, worst of all, her daughter. She sat down with Metropol deputy editor Tamara Pitelen to reveal how she endured and why she now speaks openly about grief and resilience. “Losing a child, or any […]
Behind Andrea Biani
Andrea and Vern Bailey are the powerhouse duo at the helm of Christchurch’s leading legacy footwear brand Andrea Biani. In 2026 they celebrate 30 years of business and a modern chapter ahead. Metropol editor Nina Tucker catches up with the solemates over coffee. Andrea and Vern Bailey’s invisible string was perhaps instead a […]
When there’s a Will, there’s a way: Will Jordan
You could argue that the 400-year-old proverb was made for Will Jordan. Each try he scores for the Crusaders plants a seed for change. Each dive over the try line is a $1000 donation to Youth Hub Christchurch, a local ‘safe haven’ for rangatahi in need. The rugby star tells Metropol editor Nina […]
Build
Shouting about timber
Winners! The VidaSpace Christchurch showroom wins the retail category at the 2025 Interior Awards, with Bates Joinery taking home the Master Joiners Award. Located at 143 Victoria Street, the VidaSpace Christchurch showroom is an ode to interior timbers from European oak to burl. Divided into three distinct zones, Entice, Excite and Educate, the […]
Architectural excellence
World-class architecture is alive and well here in Canterbury, as evidenced by these stunning residential spaces designed by the multi-award-winning Johnstone Callaghan Architects, all winners in the 2025 NZIA awards. An award-winning architecture and interiors studio, Johnstone Callaghan Architects is a design-led practice formed in 2019 by Prue Johnstone and Mike Callaghan. Sharing […]
Countdown: James Gough
The biggest show in town is nearly here. When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its forst big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping […]
Discover Ōtautahi through architecture
Open Christchurch, the annual festival of architectural excellence returns from 1 to 3 May with 52 buildings to explore. Immerse yourself in the world of architecture through countless open buildings, 40-plus activities, special events and guided walks. This year’s programme shines the spotlight on unusual and unexpected gems, over 100 years of design […]
ArtScene
The Pogues still raw, still powerful, still worth it
There’s always a bit of hesitation when a band like The Pogues comes back around, especially without Shane MacGowan. For many, his voice and presence was the band. So heading into this 40th anniversary tour of Rum, Sodomy & the Lash, there was a fair question: does this still work? Short answer, absolutely […]
Steve’s scene
Your women-who-rock-roundup from global music consultant and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest. Y ou can say you were there (if you were) at Lainey Wilson’s simply fantastic show at Wolfbrook Arena in February. She is pure country rock and such a delight. Lainey loved New Zealand – she managed to check out […]
Christchurch artist Morgan Darlison designs Google’s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle
Did you know? Google‘s Waitangi Day 2026 Doodle is the work of Christchurch’s own Morgan Darlison. Anchored in history and guided by stars, the Waitangi Day Doodle reflects our shared histories of migration and voyage to Aotearoa’s shores. “We all came under the same stars and across the same ocean,” explains Morgan. “This […]
Saluting rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest: Isaac Theatre Royal
Hendrix! Winehouse! Cobain! For one night only, Australian rock spectacular ‘27 Club’ salutes the music legends who burned bright and left too soon. Winner of the Adelaide Fringe’s Best Music Award 2021, this electrifying tribute celebrates the legendary members of the so-called 27 Club – Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, […]
Business
Living in the City: Cameron Bailey
The big projects coming thick and fast to the central city are transforming life in Christchurch, what does it mean for property? As construction comes to a close on the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, the spotlight is once again turning to the future of the central city and what it […]
Housing snapshot
Christchurch’s restored city centre and the opening of One New Zealand Stadium is bringing the buzz back to urban life. How much does it cost to live in the CBD? And how does this compare to past decades? 1976: Christchurch tended to sit near the national average in 1976, you could buy a […]
Healthcare decision-making moves closer to home: MP Vanessa Weenink
Local authorities to have greater say on healthcare decisions that impact Cantabrians. As a doctor who has worked on the frontlines, I know that healthcare works best when decisions are made by those who understand their communities and work directly with patients. It is incredibly promising that from 1 July, we are shifting […]
Fixing the basics for a better future: MP Vanessa Weenink
Changes coming making it easier to get ahead and get things done. National has been getting on with the job of implementing a new planning system to replace the Resource Management Act. The RMA has been broken for a long time. It makes it too hard to get things done, like building the […]
