The art of organising

Beck Wadworth knows about organising. The businesswoman, who went to school in Christchurch, has built a successful brand from helping people make their lives easier. Metropol catches up with Beck about her stylish stationery, and the art of organising in a chaotic world.     Tell us about your love of organising – did this […]

Comedy’s universal appeal

He’s behind some of the most significant television comedy writing of the 21st century, and now Ben Elton is bringing his stand-up to Christchurch. Metropol catches up with the talented Brit behind Blackadder, We Will Rock You and so much more.     To take a look at Ben Elton’s multi-award winning body of work […]

Dealing to dyslexia

The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand estimates 70,000 schoolchildren in Aotearoa are affected by dyslexia; that equates to one in 10 of us. Beth Beamish is the mother of one such child, and recently she published a book on the subject, Dyslexia: Wrestling with an Octopus.     Q. Beth, when you began your research […]

Cash-free coffee: Ricoh Pandemic Pivot

One Christchurch café is putting the “e” in coffee, making a post Covid-19 decision to use only electronic payment. Allpress Espresso has made the call to accept no notes or coins at its Montreal Street café.     Roastery and café manager James Nightingale says the cashless system has been largely well received, with staff […]

Crazy for catnip: Ourvets

Drooling, purring, vocalising, zooming or even dozing are all signs cats can show after exposure to catnip. Ourvets Halswell Practice Manager Lauren Harvey gives Metropol the lowdown on the perennial herb, which can be a handy tool for cat owners.     Catnip (Nepeta Cataria), a perennial herb, is known to produce euphoria for cats […]

Book in to break out: Escape Artists

You are locked in a room with an hour on the clock where the only way out is through a series of codes and puzzles. Whether you’re a team leader or clock watcher, Isaac Neeley manager of Escape Artists Christchurch says everyone plays a role within the team no matter how small they think their […]

It’s show time!

Livestock, equestrian, a Jack Russell race, wearable arts show, veggie growing competition, rides, live music, kid’s entertainment and delicious food are all on the agenda for this year’s Wanaka A&P Show.     This month the town will come alive for one of the South Island’s largest and most popular agricultural and pastoral shows set […]

Have you signed up yet? Wellbeing Challenge

The Wellbeing Challenge starts on March 15 and is a great way to feel happier, healthier and less stressed.   Stress, if not dealt with, can cause havoc with our bodies and minds. Many of us have symptoms of stress but don’t realise that’s what it is. Tiredness, tension headaches, aches and pains, being more […]

new sport takes off in the red zone

A new and novel sport is taking off in Christchurch’s red zone. Drone racing – where competitors navigate the remote-controlled flying devices through a series of obstacles at speeds of up to 160km/h – is drawing crowds to the land left vacant after the Canterbury earthquakes.     Racing drones are custom-built and contain small […]

Autumn garden

As the leaves begin to turn, we welcome in the new season of autumn with its chillier temperatures and spectacular showing of red, oranges and yellows. Perhaps you’ll be wrapping up warmer as you head out to enjoy the colour show, but when it comes to your garden – it’s time to get planting!   […]