Rhapsody in blueberry
At their peak, and in subsequent abundance, you might have noticed blueberries adorning the many fruit stalls of Canterbury this season. Small but mighty, blueberries offer powerful health benefits. Antioxidant-rich, and filled with vitamins and fibre, they’re a healthy fruit to add to your five-plus-a-day diet. The versatility of blueberries means now is a great […]
Productive propagation
From hobby gardening, to cottage industry, propagating your own plants comes with the satisfaction of creating new life. Growing up, my mother’s hobby propagating orchids for export fascinated me. Hers was a world of petri dishes, test tubes, flasks and agar whereas when my time came, I stuck with cuttings in potting mix, and in […]
Becoming a cushion curator
An interior trifecta, cushions combine comfort, style, and character. Distributed about your living and bedroom spaces evenly, cushions become the icing on the cake in interior design. If you like changing the style of your spaces from time to time, they’re relatively low-cost and so, a sustainable financial option to redesign without renovating an entire […]
Luxurious linens
Crisp and luxurious, hotel sheets have a reputation for being particularly top quality, yet anyone can have the same opulent feel at home with a bit of care about sheet selection. Cotton, linen, polyester, silk, bamboo, and in winter, flannel, microfibre and even more options are available. What is important to know when choosing sheets […]
Getting to know Gilbert Enoka
A young Gilbert Enoka stared out to the world, a challenging childhood and an ‘other.’ Later, he would become the man behind the minds of successful international sporting team, the All Blacks. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker dives into his world. The Game Gilbert’s tenure as a mental skills coach spans 23 years, 304 tests, […]
Sail away: SailGP
Exciting, action-packed SailGP returns to Ōtautahi, Christchurch, this March. Live, close-up, on the water racing, SailGP has to be seen to be believed. Following its Season 3 debut in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will return to the spectacular Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour on 23-24 March 2024. Back and bigger than ever, […]
Recipe for retail: Becky Dennison
Few people pursue opening their own retail store, and even fewer do so during a pandemic. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker chats with thriving fashion retailer Becky Dennison to discover how she fulfilled her childhood dream. Picture a young Becky standing behind her roadside flower shop, filled with blooms from her parent’s garden. Or, foraging […]
Short cut
Denim, linen, and the odd pop of colour work a treat for a day out on a boat or yacht. To keep cool, style your shorts overtop your swimsuit. Layer as you please. Channel the waves with hues of blue, and crisp white or black for elegance. Accessorise with sandals, sunglasses, and gold jewellery. Pack […]
Oriental influence
Take inspiration from 2024’s Lunar Year mythical creature, the dragon. A traditional Chinese festival, commonly known as “Guo Nian”, the festival heralds the start of spring in China, and the arrival of the new year. Celebratory customs include sticking Spring Festival couplets, buying New Year’s goods, and family dinners. Here are some ideas to incorporate […]
Flower farming for wellbeing
University-stressed and soul-searching Jaz Rule looked to nature for a spark during lockdowns. Instead, she found everything she’d ever needed to overcome anxiety and the pressures flooding her. Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker finds out why. Lost and confused, deep into a degree in human services and sociology, Jaz pondered her purpose. Online flower arranging […]