Editorial: Lots to enjoy about living in our Bay

The Magpies will face Wellington in the final of the ITM Cup.

There certainly is a lot on at the moment and just like the flowers and trees, our province seems to blossoming at present.

Too often Hawke's Bay is mentioned in conjunction with bad news or poor statistics, but apart from some recent very sad exceptions, things are looking up for Hawke's Bay.

The Magpies have done very well to once again reach the final of the ITM Cup, where they will face Wellington at McLean Park on Friday night.

Although there have been some worrying injuries, our team could make it third time lucky and pick up the cup.

Also riding high at the moment are our own Henry and Monique Heke, who are representing the Bay on the New Zealand version of My Kitchen Rules, currently on TV.

It was their turn to step up to the (hot) plate last night and they certainly left the viewers in no doubt of their pride to be from Hawke's Bay and, after that performance, we certainly are proud of them. They produced a three-course meal that propelled them to second on the list and safe from elimination at this stage.

Also on the culinary front, it was great to see the annual Travellers' Choice Awards staged by the US-based site, Trip Advisor choosing Mission Restaurant in Greenmeadows for its top 10 list of restaurants.

This is even before we mention all the national and international awards our wines win. This evening, it is our own 15th Hawke's Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards, where there will be lots of celebrating.

We also have the Royal New Zealand Show starting tomorrow and before we know it the Food and Wine Classic Summer Series will be upon us.

It really is good living in the Bay, isn't it?