Latest Articles
Feature-packed powerhouse with a catch
Got an avid gamer in the family? Metropol’s gadget guru Ian Knott puts Logitech’s Astro A50 X Gaming Headset through its paces. The Astro A50 X is the latest iteration in the Logitech G line of high-end gaming headsets. It boasts a feature list unlike any other, including HDMI switching between PC, PS5 and Xbox […]
Saving face: Lovebite
For a lot of people losing confidence in their grin, the move to dentures is a saving grace, or more appropriately, saving face. Metropol catches up with Richard Greenlees from Lovebite, to get the downlow on dentures. Do dentures need to look false? Absolutely not! I work closely with each patient to reclaim their smile. […]
A homestead with heart: Ilam Homestead
We have a secret to share with you; it’s a gem of a venue – Ilam Homestead. Tucked away at 87 Ilam Road, it’s a venue with sweeping lawns to the river, stunning rhododendron gardens to walk through, and old-style charm from the early 1900s. There’s room for every type of function: cocktails for 20-30 […]
Top Marques with Niki Mills: Ice speed record
Back in 2007, four-time World Rally Champion, the original “Flying Finn” Juha Kankkunen attempted to break the World Ice Speed record in his privately owned, stock-standard, Bentley Continental GT on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea. He succeeded with a blistering 1km average of 321kph, an astonishing result from a road-legal vehicle on ice. […]
Editor’s note: Happily ever after
Twice a year, Metropol publishes its popular wedding supplement, featuring many of the local retailers who support this lucrative industry. Bringing bridal parties and wedding suppliers together is a marriage made in heaven for many parties. Ten years ago, the wedding industry in New Zealand was estimated to be worth $58 million annually. Now, a […]
Wedding-wear ready: Darcy Boutique
If the happy couple has nominated a dress code, whether it be the newly trending monotone and dark edit or classic floral patterns and bright hues, the quintessential look will be waiting for you at Darcy Boutique. Main image: Drama the Label Eden summer garden dress darcyboutique.co.nz
Gowns as unique as you: Brides of Merivale
When asked what sets ‘Brides of Merivale’ apart from other bridal stores, the dedicated team say, “We’re a one-stop bridal destination, offering leading bridal labels, accessories (including veils and jewellery), and a full in-house made-to-measure and alteration service of our own gowns”. Team members feel incredibly proud to guide each bride through the entire process, […]
Where privacy meets beauty: Mt Vernon Lodge
Are you on the lookout for the perfect venue for your wedding? Perhaps you’re looking for a conference space, or a location for a family gathering. Astunning backdrop, quaint boutique accommodation, and a space big enough for whatever activities your heart may desire is on offer at Mt Vernon Lodge in the hills of Akaroa. […]
A special intimate setting: Rose Historic Chapel
Secluded central city rose gardens, and a beautiful circular stained glass window, sets the scene for small intimate weddings at one of Christchurch’s beloved historic gems. A picturesque Victorian stone building with high ceilings and a treasure-trove of stained glass windows creates a stunning setting hard to beat; a picture-perfect backdrop for special wedding memories […]
Dance the night away: Encore Entertainment
Several talented local musicians have united to create two cover bands, offering more than the typical pub classics. Having studied and taught music, and entertained the Ōtautahi music scene, these talented musicians bring their music to special events. Each event is unique, and Encore Entertainment works with the client to customise the entertainment to suit […]
The right rug people: Carpet Binders
When it comes to rugs in your home, you can’t go past wool. It’s durable, high-quality, looks great, and is affordable when you know where to shop. Finding a rug that’s the right size for your space can be challenging, enter Rugs For All, a division of Carpet Binders. Experts in edging carpets into rugs, […]
Good times brewing: Wigram Brewing Co
A party in a brewery with a brewery tour, craft beer tastings and pub-grub style food – that sounds like a dream come true for a groom and his friends for a pre-wedding shindig or a bridal party looking to make memories. There is such a place in Wigram – Hangar 57, the social space […]
Personalised catering: G&T Catering
A couple’s foodie personality is the top ingredient when planning their wedding feast. If they usually party around the barbeque, a seated dinner may feel too formal, whereas fine diners will relish the traditional elegance. G&T Catering is the beautiful Larcomb Vineyard’s sole caterer and matchmaker of wedding menus to personal tastes. They also cater […]
Where it all began: Amuri Estate
Ask any couple to name their most precious life memories and often the wedding day comes first. The recalling of weather, food, and guest list may vary slightly, but the venue is clearly remembered as the place where married life began. A mere 10 minutes’ drive from Hanmer Springs is the glorious Amuri Estate. Panoramic […]
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Cuisine
Rich and indulgent: Japanz Bakery
It doesn’t get much better than fresh quality-baked eats. From sweet treats to savoury snacks and everything in between, bakeries deliver the goods to get your tastebuds excited. As far as amazing bakeries go, you can’t go past Japanz Bakery at South City Shopping Centre. Operating in Christchurch for almost 20 years, they have mastered […]
Something fun, something new: Riverside Kitchen
A wedding is often not simply about the marriage ceremony itself. Many events before and after the big day contribute to creating the memories couples talk about for years to come. Everything needs to be just right. The hen party is one such event. Bridesmaids can experience stress when planning and thinking of something different […]
Coffee on each corner: Cocoa Black
In a perfect world, our daily coffee would come from our favourite shop each time. The one where they make it just right because they know how we like it, the staff are friendly, and there is a fabulous range of fresh food choices to have in house or take away. Christchurch’s Yong Ren is […]
A sip of Europe: Sala Coffee
Since the first recorded sip of this aromatic brown liquid, through to today’s coffee shop culture, coffee has become a staple. For some even, a necessity, and takes prime placement in many pantries around the world, New Zealand being no exception. Indeed, coffee is a way of life in this country. One joint in Christchurch […]
Fashion & Beauty
Saving face: Lovebite
For a lot of people losing confidence in their grin, the move to dentures is a saving grace, or more appropriately, saving face. Metropol catches up with Richard Greenlees from Lovebite, to get the downlow on dentures. Do dentures need to look false? Absolutely not! I work closely with each patient to reclaim their smile. […]
Wedding-wear ready: Darcy Boutique
If the happy couple has nominated a dress code, whether it be the newly trending monotone and dark edit or classic floral patterns and bright hues, the quintessential look will be waiting for you at Darcy Boutique. Main image: Drama the Label Eden summer garden dress darcyboutique.co.nz
Refresh your skin: KM Surgical
Lines, wrinkles, sun damage? The colder months are an ideal time to combat the signs of aging. Less sun and UV rays during autumn and winter mean it is an excellent time to care for your skin. One option is Alma Hybrid™ Laser treatment, a safe, minimally invasive, laser process which produces natural-looking results that […]
Wide-awake surgery: Dudley Creek Health
The world of surgery has experienced a paradigm shift with the wide-awake surgery procedure called ‘WALANT’ (Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet). Since the Covid pandemic, wide-awake surgery has become increasingly popular across the world. For this procedure, local anaesthetic and adrenaline are administered to patients undergoing surgery without the requirement of conventional general anaesthesia. […]
Home & Living
Kitchen things
Setting up a tablescape to entertain friends is as exhilarating as exercising in new workout gear, when you have updated utensils and décor to accessorise with. Utilising the kitchen colours of the season, sage greens, calming neutrals, and natural woods, you can bring together a beautifully styled kitchen just like you would a new wardrobe. […]
The right rug people: Carpet Binders
When it comes to rugs in your home, you can’t go past wool. It’s durable, high-quality, looks great, and is affordable when you know where to shop. Finding a rug that’s the right size for your space can be challenging, enter Rugs For All, a division of Carpet Binders. Experts in edging carpets into rugs, […]
Something special: Coco Gifts
If the thought of negotiating busy shopping centres in search of a gift puts you off before you even begin, it’s time to shop smart. The easiest place to start is the renowned destination boutique in St Albans that has everything under one roof, where browsing is a joy. Since opening in 2012, Coco Gifts […]
Throw it on
As the days get shorter, and the autumn chill sets in, it’s time to bring out cosy throws, blankets, and cushions to combat the cold. They make wonderful accessories, and are a quick way to change the vibe of a room, whether it is a bedroom or living room. Piled in a handy basket (indoors […]
Build
Courting the theatre
Channeling “Kiwi-Scandi chic”, Christchurch’s new Court Theatre is already drawing an appreciative audience without having opened its doors yet. On the corner of Colombo and Gloucester Streets, the exposed timber beams set the scene for a state-of-the-art theatre, due for completion in late 2024. The concept, for the $56 million build, a collaboration between Athfield […]
Te Pae net carbon zero
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has been recognised as Toitū net carbonzero certified, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to leading the industry in world class sustainable operations. Ayear after committing to the milestone – and almost two years in operation – Te Pae has met Toitū Envirocare’s internationally-recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing lifecycle […]
Bridging culture and beauty: Art Fetiche
There’s a knack in creating artworks that captivate, to capture meaning in a way that empowers and educates. From the 420sqm ‘Man Cave’ so impressive it left mouths agape, to Kauawhi, the two-koru heart-shaped sculpture in support of the Māia Health Foundation, Art Fetiche has proved countless times their commitment to their craft and communities. […]
Complete design inside and out: Foley Group Architecture
Good design starts with context, whether for a house, an office building or a civic project. Site selection is critical, although the reasons for choosing one are personal and varied, says design director Rob d’Auvergne, of Foley Group Architecture. They have been designing residential and commercial buildings, interiors, and landscapes for over 35 years. “We […]
ArtScene
ZAFAA award winner
Marie Porter tells Metropol writer Daniella Judge about her artistic background and the meaning behind her award-winning work, The Rocks. In its eighth year, the ZAFAA Awards (Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards) were held on 1 March at the Ashburton Art Gallery. Marie Porter, for her work The Rocks, was announced as the winner of […]
Cora-Allan: Encountering Aotearoa
Coming this month to Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is a major body of new work that reflects on histories of Pacific, Māori, and European exploration and navigation. In this touring exhibition, artist Cora-Allan (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tumutumu, Niue – Liku, Alofi) uses whenua (earth) pigment, hiapo (barkcloth from Niue) and other media to […]
A decade of drama: Isaac Theatre Royal
In the heart of Christchurch stands a testament to resilience and artistry, and this year, we celebrate the past, present, and future of this historical masterpiece. Thirteen years ago, the Issac Theatre Royal (ITR) fell to its knees. Today it shines brighter than ever, beckoning both seasoned theatregoers and newcomers alike to experience its magic. […]
Long live the art industry
Art is a creative medium, reflected in numerous ways, throughout the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. Paintings or prints, weaving, sculpture, pottery, and much more come to life thanks to the artistic endeavours of Kiwis. Many people, while not actively involved in the arts, support the industry in other ways such as […]