Latest Articles
Winter reimagined: Mikko Shoes
Make everyday a little bit extraordinary with the latest luxury autumn/winter collection to land in Christchurch. Mikko Shoes’ new season range is rooted in confidence, depth and enduring style, where heritage hues meet modern attitude. “Rich colour, tactile finishes and purposeful silhouettes balance comfort, functionality and quiet sophistication for the cooler months,” says […]
Ladies who Porsche
Internationally renowned contemporary artist Jonny Niesche, whose talent has seen him collaborate with Gucci, graced the grand Archibalds Porsche showroom for their 2026 Ladies Night. Imagine a night of fine art, award-winning wines and bespoke canapés from Black Estate, and tastings from Mods Hair owner Julianne Liebeck’s Gin Drinkers Line. Ladies Night is […]
What’s hot in hair: Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar shares the latest hair trends, from an intentional shift to a 70s and 90s-inspired renaissance. “We’re moving towards sleek, soft textures and away from overly messy styles – hair is becoming much more intentional in 2026,” says Caro, owner of Haar Design in St Albans. Caro notes a shift […]
Rings with aroha: BLJewellery
A distinctly Kiwi take on the contemporary wedding ring. Brett Liddle, jeweller and founder of BLJewellery, created the Aroha range of wedding bands from his love of nature. “I love incorporating natural elements into jewellery, allowing the wearer to take a small piece of our country with them wherever they go. My designs […]
Take the plunge: NOVAspace
What beats the thrill of a brand new pool? For Chris Thelin, the man behind South Island’s largest merchant of leading pools, the best bit is installing it. Happy family memories are made around a pool,” says Chris Thelin, owner of NOVAspace. “I love this job because I get to bring those moments […]
Eat & meet: Urban Revival Silverstream
Where alfresco dining and local food combine. Bring your bridal party and wedding plans to this urban Kaiapoi café – discuss, debate, and make those all-important decisions over custom-blend coffee, local wine and divine eats. Urban Revival is home to functions and day-to-day dining, where the spacious setting welcomes everything from intimate get-togethers […]
Move 8 in style: Christchurch European
A large family equals more seats, but that doesn’t mean your car should be any less chic. “If you don’t want to sacrifice the look by adopting a ‘people-mover’, Land Rover has created an extra long Defender, the 130,” says Christchurch European managing director Niki Mills. “With eight seats, three each in the […]
Outdoor space design
Comfort, style and year-round use of your outdoor space doesn’t just happen by accident. To create a something gorgeous, make a plan. Here are the top tips gleaned from some of Canterbury’s outdoor design experts. Outdoor living is a way of life in New Zealand. From long summer evenings to crisp autumn mornings, […]
In the heart of the city: Rose Historical Chapel
One of the few remaining heritage buildings left within the Four Avenues, the Rose Historic Chapel is a unique, central city setting for small, intimate weddings. With a secluded rose garden and a beautiful circular stained glass window, the scene is set for unforgettable nuptials. The picturesque Victorian stone building with high ceilings […]
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 […]
DIY reception dress
When Christchurch bride Emily Shannon wasn’t sure she could convince her groom Rhys that she needed a second dress for their wedding reception, she gathered her patternmaking book and an ethereal silk fabric, and put her fashion design degree to the test. What inspired your dress? I wanted a second dress because of […]
WIN a $15,000 wedding package: Christchurch Wedding Expo
Bring your bridal dreams and burning questions to Te Pae on 14 June when the region’s best wedding vendors, and one unmissable giveaway, gather under one roof. “Your journey to ‘I do’ starts here,” says the woman making the Christchurch Wedding Expo happen, Morgan Tracy-Mines. “This is your premier opportunity to connect with […]
The perfect wedding checklist: Amuri Estate
When Laura and Sam Arnold began searching for their wedding venue, they knew exactly what they wanted and what they didn’t. We were looking for somewhere elegant but rustic,” Laura says. “It had to have a wet-weather option and some kind of view or backdrop.” There was one more non-negotiable: their dog, Maverick, […]
5 trending cake flavours: Halswell Bakery
What’s a cake flavour your wedding guests are sure to love? Family-owned and locally-loved, Halswell Bakery knows just how crucial your wedding cake is, from flavour to finish. Years of experience honing her cake-making craft, owner Ruth Buckley and her team combine skill with culinary flair for the one of your dreams. From […]
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Cuisine
Classy & cosy: The Rabbit
Café by day and cocktail bar by night, Ashburton is the place for delicious eats and magical nights. As the cooler climes of autumn turn temperatures down, Ashburton’s dining hotspot The Rabbit is turning up the heat. In its accessible midtown location, the cocktail and dessert bar’s warmth and comfort will be a […]
That takes the cake
Wedding cakes in Canterbury are no longer just dessert; they’re edible personality statements, with couples choosing designs and flavours that reflect their history, quirks, and shared obsessions. Here are some of the main trends this year on the wedding cake scene… A walk in the garden: Nature-inspired cakes are everywhere, decorated with wildflowers, […]
The Bellbird journey: Bellbird Bakery
From baking sourdough bread in a backyard oven to operating three stores across Christchurch, one local baker has transformed Canterbury’s sourdough scene. Bellbird Bakery started in 2010, when owner Jeremy MacCormack baked sourdough bread and French viennoiserie in his homemade backyard oven, first bartering loaves with neighbours, then setting up a stall at […]
5 trending cake flavours: Halswell Bakery
What’s a cake flavour your wedding guests are sure to love? Family-owned and locally-loved, Halswell Bakery knows just how crucial your wedding cake is, from flavour to finish. Years of experience honing her cake-making craft, owner Ruth Buckley and her team combine skill with culinary flair for the one of your dreams. From […]
Fashion & Beauty
Winter reimagined: Mikko Shoes
Make everyday a little bit extraordinary with the latest luxury autumn/winter collection to land in Christchurch. Mikko Shoes’ new season range is rooted in confidence, depth and enduring style, where heritage hues meet modern attitude. “Rich colour, tactile finishes and purposeful silhouettes balance comfort, functionality and quiet sophistication for the cooler months,” says […]
What’s hot in hair: Haar Design
Christchurch stylist Caro Haar shares the latest hair trends, from an intentional shift to a 70s and 90s-inspired renaissance. “We’re moving towards sleek, soft textures and away from overly messy styles – hair is becoming much more intentional in 2026,” says Caro, owner of Haar Design in St Albans. Caro notes a shift […]
Rings with aroha: BLJewellery
A distinctly Kiwi take on the contemporary wedding ring. Brett Liddle, jeweller and founder of BLJewellery, created the Aroha range of wedding bands from his love of nature. “I love incorporating natural elements into jewellery, allowing the wearer to take a small piece of our country with them wherever they go. My designs […]
DIY reception dress
When Christchurch bride Emily Shannon wasn’t sure she could convince her groom Rhys that she needed a second dress for their wedding reception, she gathered her patternmaking book and an ethereal silk fabric, and put her fashion design degree to the test. What inspired your dress? I wanted a second dress because of […]
Health
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 […]
Hard as nails: Dr Tom Nailcare
Autumn is the season to prep for healthy, beautiful nails that can stand up to winter. After a social summer, our nails have done more heavy lifting than we realise. From holidays and outdoor adventures to festivals and parties, they’ve been filed, painted, polished and often layered with gels or acrylics to look […]
Sounds right: Bellbird Hearing
As World Hearing Month shines a spotlight on ear health, one locally-owned clinic is encouraging Cantabrians to rethink their approach to hearing care. In the heart of Canterbury, Bellbird Hearing is helping locals rediscover the sounds that shape their lives. In a region where conversations connect generations, the team at Bellbird Hearing are […]
Stop teeth shifting: OrthodontiX
When teeth are always moving, even after orthodontic treatment, how do you protect your investment? Teeth still shift when braces come off. The process, called relapse, commonly occurs in the first three to six months after treatment. Teeth are at their most unstable and retention is at its most important. Daily movement between […]
Home & Living
Take the plunge: NOVAspace
What beats the thrill of a brand new pool? For Chris Thelin, the man behind South Island’s largest merchant of leading pools, the best bit is installing it. Happy family memories are made around a pool,” says Chris Thelin, owner of NOVAspace. “I love this job because I get to bring those moments […]
Outdoor space design
Comfort, style and year-round use of your outdoor space doesn’t just happen by accident. To create a something gorgeous, make a plan. Here are the top tips gleaned from some of Canterbury’s outdoor design experts. Outdoor living is a way of life in New Zealand. From long summer evenings to crisp autumn mornings, […]
Sharp thinking: Total Food Equipment
Cut to the chase in your kitchen with Total Food Equipment’s premium knife range. tfe.co.nz
Cutting edge technology: Total Food Equipment
There are few things more satisfying than a knife that effortlessly slices what you want to cut, when you want to cut it. Ian Knott tries out the HORL 3 sharpener and finds he can barely put it down. Without naming brands, it’d be fair to say our home knife set is ‘mid-range’. […]
One on One
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 […]
Becoming Cassie Henderson
The first concert at One New Zealand Stadium, aptly named ‘Once in a Lifetime’, will be just that for Christchurch born singer-songwriter and 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards’ Best Pop Artist Cassie Henderson. The velvety vocalist and The Voice Australia finalist sat down with Metropol editor Nina Tucker after a whirlwind 12 months and […]
Build
Cutting edge technology: Total Food Equipment
There are few things more satisfying than a knife that effortlessly slices what you want to cut, when you want to cut it. Ian Knott tries out the HORL 3 sharpener and finds he can barely put it down. Without naming brands, it’d be fair to say our home knife set is ‘mid-range’. […]
New look New Brighton
A wave of revitalisation is moving through New Brighton, reshaping the beachside suburb into a vibrant, people-focused destination. Things are changing over in New Brighton. Once known primarily for its windswept beach and slightly faded mall, the seaside suburb is experiencing a wave of investment that is steadily transforming it from a quiet […]
Leaps and bounds: Mayor Phil Mauger
From floods to earthquake anniversaries, resilience and spirit remain core to the future of our city. Iwant to take the opportunity to reflect on the month we’ve had – February is a short month, but one that carries real weight for Christchurch. The 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquakes reminded us […]
Love our neighbours: Alison Adams
Why Australia matters to Christchurch’s economy. Australia is now Christchurch’s largest international visitor market – and when Australians choose to holiday here, the benefits flow directly into our local community. It’s not just hotels that gain. More visitors mean busier cafés and restaurants, stronger retail sales, packed events, and more work for the […]
ArtScene
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, […]
Steve’s scene
Your culture roundup from global music consultant, and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest. S ummer is in full swing and Christchurch’s entertainment scene is proving it. Jimmy (not for the faint-hearted) Carr sent audiences into hysterics with two sold out comedy shows at the Town Hall last month, and Ed Sheeran performed […]
Business
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 […]
Food rescue entrepreneurs
Two new businesses have just launched in Christchurch, both focused on addressing food waste. “This is not just another business announcement,” says cofounder of Misfit Garden Jen Long. “It’s about sustainability, climate-scale food waste, local growers, community resilience, and rethinking how we value produce. All themes that land with everyday New Zealanders battling […]
Ready, steady, retirement: phwealth
When it comes to a comfortable retirement, planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give your future self. Turning 40 or 50 can feel a long way off. And 65? That can seem almost unimaginable for people still in early or mid-career. Yet the day you decide you’re ready to […]
Women decide what gets bought: EBI – Murray Dempsey
Metropol is where businesses earn trust. Here’s a simple truth many businesses still overlook: women run household spending. Globally, women influence around 80% of consumer spending. That’s not just groceries and clothes – it’s homes, cars, renovations, travel, healthcare, financial services and lifestyle purchases. In many households, they are the researcher, the comparator, […]
